Lady Phillipa's Peril: Regency Romance Suspense Series ( Book 3) (Lords of Sussex 4) by Katy Walters

Author:Katy Walters [Walters, Katy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oakwood House Publishing
Published: 2014-06-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

Resting in between dances, Phillipa fanned herself to keep cool in the mounting heat of the ball room. She looked up, as Venetia with Horatio in tow, came across. ‘Dearest, it is just the most wonderful rout and so impromptu; the dowager excels in entertainment.’

‘I’m so glad you are enjoying it Venetia; you look stunning in that gown. The spider net over the silk is quite lustrous. And Horatio, you look as handsome as ever.’

Bowing he grinned, ‘Thank you. Aphrodite stands pale beside you m’dear.’

Laughing, she lowered her fan, ‘Hector is working hard tonight, so many ladies and you males are scarce.’

Her spirits lowered, as she saw Demetrius approach. ‘Yes and that is why I must claim you, my dear sister-in-law to be.’ Demetrius drawled, holding out a limpid hand. ‘My third dance I believe.’

Clenching her back teeth, Phillipa gave a tight smile and clicking shut her fan looped it to her dress. Giving Venetia a droll look, she stood up. At least, it was a reel and the hateful man could hardly pinch or fondle her in that.

Later, sipping an ice cold lemonade, she espied Damien dancing with a pretty young woman, who looked up at him with adoring eyes. Phillipa only had one more dance with him, why, oh why, the strict etiquette? The ruling that only two dances were allowed with the same partner was quite frustrating, why would anyone think if he had more than two, then he was offering for her? It was quite medieval. Tonight the rule was swayed only due to the scarcity of males. After finishing her drink, she decided to visit the ladies’ room. The coolness of the stone walled passageway gave some relief from the heat of the ball room yet it was deserted and quite gloomy. Startled, she jumped, as she felt a hand touch her arm, and a whispered, ‘Meet me in the library.’ It was Damien’s voice.

Turning around, she saw the curtain move. Pulling it open, she looked out onto a semi-French window. Her heart now beat rapidly in her chest, should she go? Maybe she should return to the ballroom, get immersed in the dances, stay close to Hector, but then he was also obliged to dance with the guests. Biting her lip, she stepped slowly forward then firmed her lips; yes, she determined to go through with it. She had nothing to lose; she was not going to change her mind about marrying Hector. However, she could not resist seeing him for the last time.

Crossing the threshold, she stepped inside; it was quite dark except for the moonlight filtering through the window. She felt his arms go around her, as he led her to a window seat in the far corner. ‘Tis safe here, I shall hear anyone entering.’

She saw the sculpted planes and angles of his face glowing like silver in the rays of the moon. His eyes glittered dark and mysterious. This was not her light-hearted rake, but a man deeply concerned. Taking her hands, he gazed into her eyes; she was mesmerized, unable to look away.

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