Too Dangerous to Desire Read Online Free Page B

enthusiastic.
    “Don’t you think it sounds wildly romantic?” Georgiana dropped her voice a notch. “Apparently, some of the ladies and gentlemen come masked, so that they may sneak away into the darkened shrubbery and engage in…illicit activities.” Her pause was filled by a fluttery sigh. “Oh, how I wish Anthony were here in London, rather than galloping over the dismal hills of Dartmoor. I think it very shabby that his commanding officer did not grant him leave from the regimental maneuvers.”
    Sophie gave mental thanks to the colonel. She had enough challenges without having to keep an eagle eye on two young lovebirds. “Patience is a virtue, my dear. The two of you will be together soon enough—and without having to risk scandal for a few stolen kisses.”
    Georgiana opened her mouth to protest.
    “And besides, I highly doubt that Anthony would find shopping romantic.” The main reason for their trip to London was to purchase Georgiana’s wedding trousseau. “Think about it. Lace, gloves, muslins, mantua makers—the poor man would likely be bored to perdition.”
    “An excellent point.”
    “You see, older sisters can, on rare occasions, offer a small grain of wisdom.”
    “Oh, Sophie…” A fierce hug suddenly squeezed the air from her lungs. “You must think me a vain, selfish goose who cares for naught but her own pleasures. You have been so very good to me and Penelope, sacrificing your own happiness to be both sister and mother to us.”
    “Unhappy? How could I be unhappy with you two rattleheaded hoydens in my life?”
    “Quite easily, I imagine.” Georgiana gurgled a watery laugh through her sniffling. “We’re a sore trial, I know. But I hope you know how dearly we love you.”
    “Of course I do.” Sophie dabbed her sleeve to her sister’s cheek. “Now dry your eyes and let’s have no more tears. We are visiting a very fancy modiste first thing in the morning, and we don’t want her to see you with a splotchy face.”
    “Right.”
    In truth, Sophie wasn’t at all interested in fashion and fripperies, but she knew Georgiana, who had a good eye and excellent taste, enjoyed choosing fabrics and accessories. “And from there, we’ll be going on to the Bond Street Bazaar, and Aunt Hermione’s favorite warehouse for silks.”
    Her sister’s expression turned dreamy. “I know the exact color that I want to find for your new gown. It’s a deep sea shade, a hue somewhere between blue and green, aswirl with a hint of mystery.”
    “First of all, we are not spending any money on gowns for me .” Their uncle, a prosperous banker in the City, had insisted on gifting Georgiana with a full trousseau. But despite his kind offer to provide her with some new clothes as well, Sophie did not mean to use a penny of his generosity on herself. “Because secondly, I would have no call to wear it.”
    “Ha! If you would stop dressing in grain sacks and hiding your beauty among all of the elderly matrons, you would have plenty of suitors falling at your feet.”
    “I don’t need new gowns to attract a suitor. I have one,” said Sophie dryly. “However I do not wish to marry Neddy the blacksmith. He is a very nice fellow, but I am quite certain that we would not make each other happy.”
    “I admit, the local choices leave something to be desired.” Georgiana took a long moment to ponder the possibilities. “Perhaps you’ll meet a tall, handsome stranger at Vauxhall Gardens.”
    Sophie inhaled a silent breath as the unwilling image of a rakish Pirate, gold earring gleaming against a tangle of sin-dark hair, invaded her thoughts.
    “A gentleman of strength and substance,” went on her sister, warming to the task. “Naturally, he must clever and charming. And willing to slay dragons on your behalf.”
    “Oh, naturally. However, I doubt that such a paragon of perfection exists outside of a fairytale—except, of course, for Anthony.”
    “You can’t be sure of that. After all, you