Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith

Author:Barbara Dawson Smith
Language: ron
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The next morning, ready ahead of time and anxious to depart, Kate descended to the timbered hall only to stop in surprise with her hand on the newel post. Lady Stokeford and Uncle Nathaniel stood near a portly stranger and a white-wigged footman. Instead of politely taking the visitor’s hat and cloak, the manservant reached out and shook his hand. Odder still, the newcomer bowed to the footman as if he were the Prince Regent.

She frowned at that tall, muscular form in the crimson livery of the Stokefords. Her heart beat unnaturally fast, and to her confusion, she experienced a deep, unmistakable throb of attraction. She curled her fingers around the carved post. Had that one kiss turned her into such a wanton that she could hunger for every able-bodied man she encountered?

Then the footman turned and she saw his face. Despite the formal white wig, he had the chiseled features and dictatorial air of an aristocrat.

Gabriel.

Kate bit back a laugh. He was disguised for his role in the ruse. Because Sir Charles knew him by sight, Gabriel couldn’t attend the party as a guest. But with him clad as a servant, the nobility would simply overlook him. He would be another faceless menial, whose sole purpose in life was to serve his betters.

Bedeviled by humor, Kate headed toward the small party, her gown of forest-green silk swishing around her ankles. The tap of her slippers echoed in the entrance hall with its fine old tapestries decorating the oak-paneled walls. “Good morning,” she said. “Footman, you’ve neglected your duties. Won’t you take our guest’s hat and cloak?”

Gabriel scowled, his gaze roaming over her in a most un-footmanlike manner.

Lady Stokeford’s tinkling laugh filled the hall. “Kate is right, Gabriel. You would do well to practice a more humble demeanor. And for heaven’s sake, don’t glower.”

“Now, Lucy, you mustn’t tease the poor man,” Uncle Nathaniel said, though his mouth twitched in a grin. “He cuts a fine figure. The serving maids will be all atwitter.”

Gabriel took the visitors’ outer garments and tossed them on a chair. Making a mocking bow to Kate, he said, “Shall we proceed?”

As the small party headed down a corridor, she hung back to walk with him at the rear. Despite the crimson livery with its shiny gold buttons and the old-fashioned powdered wig, he had an imperious presence and a handsomeness that was almost godlike. “Servitude becomes you, my lord.”

“That gown becomes you, my lady.”

The unexpected compliment, coupled by his wolfish stare, caused a turmoil inside her. But she wouldn’t let him get the upper hand. “You realize that henceforth, you must obey my every command.”

“You’ve only to summon me, and I’ll fulfill your every pleasure.”

Soft and beguiling, yearning lurked within her. Those beautiful blue eyes held a promise that no lady should heed. How was it that he could so easily unnerve her?

They entered a large, comfortable drawing room decorated with old-fashioned wing chairs and fine walnut furniture. The ladies and Uncle Nathaniel sat down while Gabriel and the visitor remained standing.

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