A Little Bit Sinful Read Online Free Page A

seems you came here to tell me something yet all you’ve done is ask me questions. Why the sudden interest in my relationship with George?”
    He shrugged. “I don’t know. Seems to me that someone important must have told you that once upon a time. I don’t think he’s a particularly good match for you so I’m curious as to why you do. Especially since it seems he hasn’t progressed your relationships beyond weekly walks in the park and an occasional dance at a ball.”
    She stopped walking and looked at him. “How do you know that?”
    “I’ve asked some questions. After he lied to you about owing me money, I made some inquires. I don’t care for people associating me in their lies. I’ve been watching Mr. Wilbanks and his behavior at Rodale’s. He still doesn’t owe me any money, Chrissy. The man is a liar.”
    She supposed she couldn’t blame him for looking into matters. In truth, George’s lie bothered her as well, but she had to give him the benefit of the doubt. Certainly George had his reasons for telling her such things. Nevertheless, she didn’t appreciate being on the other end of his lie either. “If I answer this question, will you tell me why you came looking for me tonight?”
    “Yes.”
    “It was Rebecca.”
    “Charles’s wife?”
    “I wouldn’t think you would remember her,” she said with a smile. “Yes, she was like a mother to me, and shortly before she fell ill, we were at a party. It was my first Season and she was trying to teach me all about how to find the right sort of husband. She pointed out George, said he was handsome, polite, and he stood to inherit a title.”
    “Did she point any other men out that night?”
    She considered for a moment, trying to bring that night to the front of her memory. Rebecca had always been so wise. Clarissa trusted her judgment above all others. “Well, yes, but I suspect she knew something about George. Could see it in his eyes perhaps. That’s what she used to say about Charles. That’s how she knew she would marry him. She could see it in his eyes.”
    Justin was quiet a few moments as they looked at the pair of harpsichords in front of them.
    “Are you going to answer my question now?” she asked.
    “I went to your townhome and your butler said this is where I could find you. So I came here.”
    “But why?”
    “To see you. Is that not enough?”
    She wanted to tell him that no, in fact, that was not enough, but she was too flustered to inquire further. She fell quiet again as they walked the room. They continued on until they reached the Beethoven manuscript. She stopped and stared at the parchment. The hand scrawled notes, the words beneath. The music played in her head, her hands tapped against her skirts, hitting each key perfectly. She sighed. What must it be like to have music inside of you in such a way?
    They had reached the last exhibit hall. Several people poured in behind them, one of whom was a notorious gossip, the very lady who had told everyone about Clarissa’s late night visit to Justin’s gaming hell.
    “Oh no,” Clarissa said. Even though the “scandal” had been smoothed over, Clarissa was in no mood to speak to the old bitty.
    “What?”
    “Lady Jessup.” She looked around them and saw that the end of the manuscript room was a short and darkened corridor that led to a door. She grabbed Justin’s hand and pulled him quickly into the darkness. She pressed herself against the wall and pulled him to her, effectively hiding her body.
    “Who is Lady Jessup?” he whispered.
    “Her husband is the one who saw me at Rodale’s,” Clarissa explained. “If she sees me,” she shook her head. “I panicked, I merely didn’t wish to speak to her.”
    “I believe you’ve put yourself in an even worse situation. If you’re discovered here hiding in the dark with me, you’ll certainly be ruined,” he said with a devilish grin.
    She popped him on the arm. “Stop enjoying this. It’s quite