Further Than Passion Read Online Free Page A

Duncan."
    "Any relation to th e Doncaster Duncans?" he inquired.
     
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    "Absolutely not."
    She was appalled, horrified to have him questioning whether she had a connection to the previous earl. Why would any link need to be a secret? Had she a scandalous history? How marvelous if she did! "Well, pardon me then, Miss Duncan. I could have sworn you were a titled lady."
    As if she'd been burned, she lurched away, flashing him an angry, reproachful frown, and amazing him with her bold nature. For some reason, he hadn't anticipated it. She wasn't simpering or timid, and his intrigue spiraled.
    "Now, here is Lady Melanie," Pamela was saying, dragging him away, "and her mother and brothe r ..."
    Pamela went off, filling the awkward moment with idiotic chatter. Melanie and Regina curtsied, but their combined fury was so blatant that he had to wonder if they'd avenge the rebuff, if Miss Duncan would be punished. It had never occurred to him to think before he'd proceeded. In social situations, he cared so little for others' opinions that he never fretted over how he should comport himself.
    He endured the Lewises long enough to smooth ruffled feathers, schedule a riding date with Christopher, and allow Pamela to coerce him into a supper party the following evening.
    Out of the corner of his eye, he could detect the indomitable Miss Duncan plotting her escape, and the instant everyone had forgotten her, she faded into the crowd and sneaked out the closest exit, which led onto the verandah.
    The second he could slip away, he did so, but he
     
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    couldn't rush after her. Too many people had witnessed his prank, so he had to stroll the ballroom before he could finagle himself outside.
    He caught sight of her immediately, hiding under a tree by the rear fence. In a dither, she was pacing and assessing the house, waiting for the path to clear so she could creep in the servants' entrance without bumping into anyone.
    She hadn't seen him leave the mansion, and presuming herself alone in the yard, she made a bee l ine for the door. He skulked in the shadows, watching her approach, and as she reached for the knob, he laid his hand atop hers. She jumped and bit down on a squeal of fright.
    "Hello, Miss Duncan." He smiled like the cat that had eaten the canary. "Fancy meeting you here."
    "You!" She reeled away.
    "Is that any way to greet an earl?"
    "I'd afford you the deference due an ear l ... if you acted like one."
    "You wound me," he mocked.
    "You contemptible oaf! Have you any notion of the trouble you've caused?"
    "No. Why don't you tell me all about it?"
    "You have the manners of a goat."
    He chuckled. "This is not the first occasion where I've been so informed."
    "I'm not surprised. You're a horse's ass, a certifiable maniac."
    "As I've also been frequently apprised."
    "You knew I wasn't Lady Melanie. What was the point of embarrassing her and her mother? And me?"
    "Because I felt like it?"
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    "How old are you? Eight? Nine? You're naught but a child , and I'm certain a sound spanking could cure much of what ails you."
    "I'm not a child, as you're well aware from your nocturnal adventure." He started backing her toward the balustrade. With each forward step, she retreated, until her legs were crushed against it. "I'm a man full grown."
    "You're jabbering like a fool, and others may be required to tolerate your boorish behavior, but I'm not. Good-bye."
    She tried to skirt around him, but he wasn't ready to let her go. He leaned into her, his body making contact, and he was jolted by sensation. Sparks ignited wherever they touched, and it was so thrilling to be near her. They shared a physical affinity, the type only the luckiest of lovers ever achieved. They were compatible, attuned, and should he be reckless enough to take her as a paramour, they would have fabulous, incredible sex.
    Could she perceive it, too? Or was she an innocent? With her being so vibrant, so alluring, it was difficult to guess. She had to be twenty-five or so.