A Sense of Sin Read Online Free

his uniform.
    Normally, Celia liked nothing better than a defining characteristic, some particular thing that helped her sort a person apart from the rest. But she had long ago classified McAlden as homo periculus x territus , a terrifyingly dangerous man, even before she knew anything of his distinguished naval service.
    “As a result of our last, successful mission.” He was explaining his promotion. “The business out at Redlap Cove.”
    “I congratulate you, Commander.”
    “I thank you, Miss Burke.”
    They took their places in the set, and spent a companionable time dancing without ever once being required to talk. As a consequence, for the first time all evening, Celia began to relax enough to almost enjoy herself.
    But Commander McAlden was not. His fierce scowl had deepened.
    “Commander McAlden, I fear you are not enjoying this.”
    “Not at all Miss Burke,” he lied politely. “It is only . . . I am not a comfortable dancer.”
    “Then you have already been kind enough by dancing with me this much. I beg you would let us retire from the field before we are completely routed by Roger de Coverly.”
    Relief cleared his face. “You are too kind.”
    “You must not think so,” Celia demurred. She had her own selfish reasons to leave the floor: escaping the regard of her mama and whoever else might be watching and looking at her with antagonism. She clasped her hands behind her back as they walked towards the terrace. The Commander would undoubtedly fare better out of doors. He was too big, even for a ballroom. “Perhaps it is only that I must save myself from being seen with a man who appears to be grimacing while he is dancing with me.” She smiled to show she meant it only in jest.
    The Commander was immune to even her best smiles. “I apologize. I am not a comfortable dancer,” he repeated. “I don’t dance often enough to be at ease.”
    “Pray don’t apologize. I know it was only out of kindness that you asked me to dance, so it is only fair that I return the favor and do you the small kindness of retiring in turn.”
    “You are too kind,” he insisted, then shook his head, rather like a frustrated, angry bear. “This will not do. I must warn you. You’ll be eaten alive.”
    She felt instantly frozen and numb, stunned by the instant return of her panic. The letter! What could he know of it? “I . . . I beg your pardon?”
    “May I have your permission to speak plainly, Miss Burke?”
    Her heart kicked up, hard and erratic inside her chest. She hardly knew what to expect. “Please do, Commander.”
    “I must tell you”—he ran his hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration and annoyance—“I fear the world may not be an entirely safe place, Miss Burke. Not even here. I would caution you to guard yourself.”
    She stepped back from him abruptly. How on earth was Commander McAlden, one of the most single-mindedly steadfast men of her acquaintance, mixed up with the blackmail?
    “What”—she swallowed—“do you know?” Her voice was nothing but a tremulous whisper.
    He shook his head again, like a big, angry bear. “Honor prevents me from . . . I can . . . only say you must be careful.”
    “Of whom?”
    “Of unworthy men.” With that he bowed and abruptly walked away—leaving her in a world turned upside down.

    Del advanced to the edge of the dance floor. His friends, Lieutenants James, Gardener, and Scott, ranged behind him like a pride of lions at the edge of the savannah, garnering all the attention. Even in a backwater like Dartmouth, his purposefully uncivilized reputation was well-known. People turned to look and speak behind their fans.
    He had worn his scarlet Marine Forces uniform in defiance of custom, even though he was no longer a serving officer. The brilliant red of his coat, alongside the deep blues of the navy men, stood out like a beacon. His presence could not be missed. And so, when James began to talk of an adjournment to the library for a glass