The Spy Who Loved Her: Once Upon an Accident, Book 3 Read Online Free Page B

heart warmed at the sound. “Yes. I will say from the moment he married, your brother changed.”
    She glanced up at him sharply, studying his features. “But for the better.”
    He looked down at her and the breath tangled in her throat. She could not help it. His pretty looks were renowned in the ton. She had known even before coming to town that women were drawn to him. Thick light brown hair, those dark golden brown eyes with thick, dark lashes, not to mention his calculating wit and solid physique, attracted most women. Unfortunately, she had been one of those women and it did not seem she had freed herself of the affliction.
    “Agreed. I would never have thought it, but Sebastian definitely flourishes in the realm of married life.”
    “I assumed that is why you were made to dance attendance tonight.”
    He frowned. “What do you mean?”
    “I understood from my mother that your mother wants you to settle down.”
    He grimaced and she laughed. Her brother had worn that look more than once before meeting Colleen.
    “Yes. My mother rang peal over me again claiming I am a doddering old fool who must marry.”
    “The problem would be finding a woman who would marry you.”
    He smiled and she tried to ignore the way her heart skipped.
    “True. But my mother assures me there is any number of young ladies who would be interested.”
    Her heart squeezed at the thought of him marrying some debutant. She knew it would come to this one day. He would have to marry, being the only son. But still, there was a twinge of pain when she thought of him marrying some faceless, brainless debutant.
    “Ow.”
    She realized she was squeezing his hand. “Do forgive me.”
    “I am assuming you are here for the same reason?”
    She snorted at the suggestion. “I think not. Mother thought it important that I attend, being family. Apparently, Cicely still worries about being accepted within certain circles.”
    “I daresay she will never have a problem, especially with the title of duchess and after providing the duke with an heir.”
    Anna nodded and glanced fleetingly at her cousin. Three years earlier, the radiant beauty had been a wallflower more comfortable with her books than people. Falling in love with Douglas had changed that, although she was the same sweet woman.
    “We know that, but Cicely does not. You understand.”
    He did of course because Daniel was as close as family, closer in a lot of ways that most of the ton did not know. He knew the rumors about Cicely, knew the truth of them. She knew there was not much her brother did not share with him.
    “Your mother used that to get you out tonight?”
    She made a face. “Partially, because she knows I would do anything to help my cousins. She also thinks that my choice in activities is not good.”
    “I have to disagree.”
    That surprised her and some of what she thought must have shown on her face.
    “Why do you look so astonished?”
    “You disagree with my mother?”
    He inclined his head. “While I am not sure exactly what they are, your brother said something about the orphanage? You enjoy it. You do good work knowing you. I have to admire that.”
    A warm glow of excitement rolled through her. Most of the men of their class thought of her activity as a waste of time. Only her brother and sister-in-law seemed to think it a worthy cause.
    “Still, I can also understand your mother wanting you to get married. Can you not continue your activities and be married?”
    She shook her head. “Some men might not have a problem with it. That is not what holds me back. I decided three years ago that I would not marry. It isn’t for me.”
    The music ended. They stopped dancing but Daniel did not release her. The world fell away, the chattering debutants, the clink of glasses, even the people who stepped around them to leave the dance floor. Heat gathered in her tummy as she stared up into his eyes. Something changed, darkened the gold. She felt the need to move away