A Devil Named DeVere (The Devil DeVere) Read Online Free Page B
Author: Victoria Vane
"I'm going to indulge in an hour's repose, Polly, but then I shall need you to press my gown while I bathe and then redress my hair."
"Which gown shall it be?"
While not normally afflicted by excessive vanity, DeVere's abrupt dismissal of her stirred something devilish within. "The new emerald-and-gold damask in the Polonaise fashion is quite lovely, don't you think?"
"And most becoming to your eyes and figure too, my lady," the maid countered with a wink.
The latest mode from Paris, the gown had a devastatingly low, square-cut bodice accentuated with the tiniest bit of sheer, gold trim that barely concealed a hint of dusky nipple. If the viscount appreciated her well-endowed bosom, what harm in teasing from afar that which he could never touch? Deeming it naught but a bit of harmless flirtation with a charming rogue, Diana paid little heed to the fleeting notion that she might actually be playing with fire.
Chapter Three
Two hours later , another soft rap sounded upon Diana's door. "We thought you might desire our escort to supper. But how lovely you look!" Annalee exclaimed in admiration as Diana joined them in the hall. "I knew that gown would be perfect for you. I could never carry off a style so bold even if I had my slender figure back." She laid a hand on her expanded waistline with a look of dismay.
Elegantly attired in bottle-green velvet and crisp, white linen, Edward gave a formal bow over Diana's hand. "You are indeed…dashing," he said as if struggling for the right word. Noting the spots of color in his cheekbones, Diana knew a moment's regret for her daring décolletage. She fought the impulse to fetch a fichu, but remembering a certain vivid blue gaze that had fixed upon her breasts, she determined to sally forth with boldness.
"Is there still no word of Reginald?" Diana asked.
"Hew was some considerable assistance in the matter. He said Reggie arrived at Epsom several days hence."
With no further elaboration forthcoming, Diana prompted, "Where do you suppose he has been all this time?"
"I am given to understand he has been a guest at Clay Hill."
"Clay Hill? Do you suppose he was uncomfortable arriving ahead of our party and chose to stay with another acquaintance? Who owns the place? Do you know, Edward?"
Edward's color deepened. "It is the residence of a man who calls himself Colonel O'Kelly."
Diana was thoroughly befuddled. "I don't understand. Who is this man to Reggie? And why would he be there when he knew we were all expected here? "
"I only know of him, Diana, and regrettably, nothing good. He is a noted turf man and notorious blackleg. He is also the owner of Eclipse."
"Then mayhap that explains it. Reggie had entertained thoughts of breeding Cartimandua, although I hear the stud fee for Eclipse is extortionate."
"I cannot answer, but DeVere, Hew, and I shall ride over after supper and retrieve your errant spouse."
"Why do we not all go?" she asked.
"Because Clay Hill is no fit place for a lady of good repute."
"Oh?" She arched her brow with a frown. "And why is that? I would know more of this, Edward."
"Then I defer to DeVere." He offered an arm to each lady. "For now I'm famished, so let us descend to supper."
***
In their brief exchange before repairing to dine, Diana found Caroline, Duchess of Beauclerc jealous, possessive, and overweening with her own worth. Toward Annalee, she was warm, if a trifle condescending, but the moment she laid eyes on Diana, or more aptly, the instant DeVere had, her steely gaze shot daggers. Thenceforth, the duchess sought every opportunity to disparage her seeming rival.
"Do you plan another sojourn in town before your return to the country, Lady P? It seems you had little time to catch up on the latest fashions. I could recommend a number of places to you." The duchess smiled. "A friseur, perhaps?"
Diana's hand flew to her hair before she realized she had risen to the bait. While the duchess was undoubtedly more richly attired, stylishly
"Which gown shall it be?"
While not normally afflicted by excessive vanity, DeVere's abrupt dismissal of her stirred something devilish within. "The new emerald-and-gold damask in the Polonaise fashion is quite lovely, don't you think?"
"And most becoming to your eyes and figure too, my lady," the maid countered with a wink.
The latest mode from Paris, the gown had a devastatingly low, square-cut bodice accentuated with the tiniest bit of sheer, gold trim that barely concealed a hint of dusky nipple. If the viscount appreciated her well-endowed bosom, what harm in teasing from afar that which he could never touch? Deeming it naught but a bit of harmless flirtation with a charming rogue, Diana paid little heed to the fleeting notion that she might actually be playing with fire.
Chapter Three
Two hours later , another soft rap sounded upon Diana's door. "We thought you might desire our escort to supper. But how lovely you look!" Annalee exclaimed in admiration as Diana joined them in the hall. "I knew that gown would be perfect for you. I could never carry off a style so bold even if I had my slender figure back." She laid a hand on her expanded waistline with a look of dismay.
Elegantly attired in bottle-green velvet and crisp, white linen, Edward gave a formal bow over Diana's hand. "You are indeed…dashing," he said as if struggling for the right word. Noting the spots of color in his cheekbones, Diana knew a moment's regret for her daring décolletage. She fought the impulse to fetch a fichu, but remembering a certain vivid blue gaze that had fixed upon her breasts, she determined to sally forth with boldness.
"Is there still no word of Reginald?" Diana asked.
"Hew was some considerable assistance in the matter. He said Reggie arrived at Epsom several days hence."
With no further elaboration forthcoming, Diana prompted, "Where do you suppose he has been all this time?"
"I am given to understand he has been a guest at Clay Hill."
"Clay Hill? Do you suppose he was uncomfortable arriving ahead of our party and chose to stay with another acquaintance? Who owns the place? Do you know, Edward?"
Edward's color deepened. "It is the residence of a man who calls himself Colonel O'Kelly."
Diana was thoroughly befuddled. "I don't understand. Who is this man to Reggie? And why would he be there when he knew we were all expected here? "
"I only know of him, Diana, and regrettably, nothing good. He is a noted turf man and notorious blackleg. He is also the owner of Eclipse."
"Then mayhap that explains it. Reggie had entertained thoughts of breeding Cartimandua, although I hear the stud fee for Eclipse is extortionate."
"I cannot answer, but DeVere, Hew, and I shall ride over after supper and retrieve your errant spouse."
"Why do we not all go?" she asked.
"Because Clay Hill is no fit place for a lady of good repute."
"Oh?" She arched her brow with a frown. "And why is that? I would know more of this, Edward."
"Then I defer to DeVere." He offered an arm to each lady. "For now I'm famished, so let us descend to supper."
***
In their brief exchange before repairing to dine, Diana found Caroline, Duchess of Beauclerc jealous, possessive, and overweening with her own worth. Toward Annalee, she was warm, if a trifle condescending, but the moment she laid eyes on Diana, or more aptly, the instant DeVere had, her steely gaze shot daggers. Thenceforth, the duchess sought every opportunity to disparage her seeming rival.
"Do you plan another sojourn in town before your return to the country, Lady P? It seems you had little time to catch up on the latest fashions. I could recommend a number of places to you." The duchess smiled. "A friseur, perhaps?"
Diana's hand flew to her hair before she realized she had risen to the bait. While the duchess was undoubtedly more richly attired, stylishly
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