Jenny Kidd by Egan Laury A

Jenny Kidd by Egan Laury A

Author:Egan, Laury A. [Egan, Laury A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Vagabondage Press LLC
Published: 2012-11-26T00:00:00+00:00


~

Dinner was not informal: five courses served by the cook, with Sebastiano attending to the wine, red or white, depending on what it accompanied. Cheese and fruit were offered at the end, but Jenny politely refused, accepting only another glass of wine, one she didn’t need.

Feeling the liquor’s impact, she resolved to say little and observe Keith’s classically handsome face. Wearing a wig and waistcoat, he would blend into Casanova’s time without the slightest difficulty or into Rosalba Carriera’s period, a few years before. Had he been chosen for that reason? Marlisa Aliverti’s face also gave an impression of timelessness. Could the same be said about herself? Yes, though she had never contemplated how certain faces might be compatible with certain eras that were not their own. She found the idea provocative.

After the cheeses, Sebastiano suggested they adjourn to the library. As Jenny stood, she felt the wine reverse gravity and felt a momentary dizziness magnified by the opulent candlelight. She was glad when Caterina slipped her arm through hers, either to steady her or to make physical contact. The touch, as always, surprised her. She looked at Caterina and smiled, receiving in turn, a seductive response, as Caterina’s fingers pressed upward against her breast. Jenny knew the “later” would soon be upon them. The thought filled her with heady anticipation.

Sebastiano poured a brandy for Keith and pressed a half glass on Jenny. She knew this was too much on top of wine and Campari, but there was something so charmingly persuasive about Sebastiano that she found herself with a snifter in hand. Caterina, she noticed, refused.

“If it would not be rude to leave you two, I want to show Jenny the house,” Caterina told her brother. “Will you be able to entertain Keith for the rest of the evening?”

Sebastiano chuckled and sipped his brandy. “You see, Keith? My sister is a sorceress.”

Keith looked uncomfortable. Caterina laughed merrily at her brother. “I am only giving Jenny a tour before Mother returns.” And with this, she took Jenny’s hand and led her out of the library.

Once in the dark hall, Jenny stopped, overcome with impulsive desire. She knew the alcohol was interfering with her judgment, but she couldn’t seem to lace herself up. She placed an arm around Caterina, and without a word, kissed her on the lips. The softness was luxury itself, cool and warm at the same time.

Caterina accepted the kiss but then separated them. “Ah, mia cara . You are in a hurry.”

In the dim light, Jenny saw her frown imperceptibly. Had the kiss been unwanted? “I’m sorry. Perhaps I misunderstood…”

Caterina placed a finger on Jenny’s lips. “You understand correctly. But not here where the servants might see. They are always curious about what Sebastiano and I do.” She laughed lightly. “And my brother, he is probably pouring a second brandy for that innocent man. Did you see how Keith blushes so easily? Just like you.” She laughed again and walked toward the staircase.

On the next level down, Jenny found herself in a long hall with four closed doors, two on each side.



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