A Rose Between the Thornes Read Online Free

supper room. He steered her toward a table to one side of the room, slightly apart from the rest, while glaring at a young cub who deemed it might be permissible to join them.
    “As, according to your mama, and confirmed by your brother, you share everything, I feel ‘twould be jumping from the frying pan to the fire,” Sophia replied. “Therefore I think not; and my nails are available to remind you also.” She curtsied and walked toward her niece. Jasper realized Hermione had been watching the interchange with interest.
    He nodded toward the women. “Do you think we can expect a visit from the hands-off wardens?” he asked Nat. His twin chuckled.
    “Who knows?” Nat replied. “Is she disinterested, or playing a deep game?”
    Jasper sighed. His body tingled with arousal and he was hard pressed not to show the evidence of it. “She has an unconscious desire to be caught. Her body language was such that she was excited and eager. However, her upbringing does not allow for such emotions. The ladies of the ton would never be so vulgar to show their feelings in public. Alas, also with most, not in private either.”
    Nat grinned. “Somehow, I don’t think that applies to Rose Sophia. I’m sure she will have no problems expressing her emotions. I look forward to it.” He leaned close to Jasper. “As soon as possible I hope, before my cock decides I am neglecting it and its needs.”
    “That goes without saying, for I am in the same boat. I think we need to arrange a game of cards. Will you see that a table is vacant for us?”
    He felt Nat’s eyes on him. “We do it openly,” he continued. “In theory above board, and for penny stakes. Only the three of us will know of the wager issued to her.” He whispered something in Nat’s ear.
    Nat grinned, pure devilment showed in it and his eyes. “And will we play fair?” Nat asked.
    “All’s fair in love and war, and this is both. Of course not.”

Chapter Two
    “Have you spoken to your men?” Sophia demanded. She tried to keep her voice level as she addressed Hermione, but found it was difficult to keep her temper. Sophia’s body prickled with the intensity of her emotions. She may well be annoyed, but she was enervated. “Are they here?”
    “Not as yet. Why?” Hermione watched her closely and Sophia struggled to calm herself. Those young men may be agitating her, but she did not feel it behoove her to set the dogs on them just yet. Not until I discover just what they intend. “I had wondered,” Sophia said, “if they were to make an appearance here tonight.”
    “I think not. An alleged prior engagement at Edmund’s, no doubt hastily arranged when they realized there was to be a string quartet present.” Hermione laughed. “Cards hold more allure than violins.”
    As a scraping noise was to be heard from the back of the room, Sophia could not help but agree. She shuddered. Never a fan of string quartets, the thought of an hour or so of pretending interest was beyond her. What on earth could she do to spare herself?
    “Lord Cressley, on your right,” Hermione said in a warning tone. “I will not desert you.”
    Sophia rolled her eyes. The self-important prosy peer was the last person she wanted to see. It was unfortunate with supper now occupying so many people it would be difficult to escape the onslaught of Lord Cressley and gain respite from the music now setting her teeth on edge.
    A different onslaught came to her rescue.
    “My dear Lady Symons.” The bow was all that was proper; the look in the eyes was not. “I believe you play cards? My brother has procured us a table.” He held out his arm. To the unobservant it was impossible to discern which twin addressed her. She looked closely, ah...perhaps it was in the eyes.
    “Shall we?” he asked. He nodded politely at Hermione who grinned. “May the best woman win.”
    Sophia laid her hand on his arm and allowed herself to be led towards the card room. Behind her she heard the gasp