The Danger in Tempting an Earl Read Online Free

once Lucien had straightened himself again. “I do hope that you will enjoy the festivities.”
    “I’m sure we shall,” Katherine said. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
    “And may I say that you look absolutely ravishing this evening, Lady Crossby,” the duke said, presenting Katherine with a slight bow. He turned his gaze on Lucien and smiled with pleasure. “I knew you’d eventually grow weary of traipsing across the Continent alone.” He held out his hand, which Lucien readily accepted in a firm shake. “It’s good to have you back.”
    After agreeing to tell the duke all about his travels at the first available opportunity, Lucien donned a black satin domino and escorted Katherine, whose face was now partially concealed behind a black-and-white mask, toward the glittering opulence of the Kingsborough ballroom, where, upon their announcement, all conversation ceased as every head in the room swiveled around to stare in their direction.

 
    Chapter 2

    “I t appears your return has caused quite the sensation,” Katherine said.
    Lucien chuckled. “I doubt very much that their stunned silence is my doing, Kate.”
    “Another compliment?” she asked as his words slipped over her. He was being every bit the gentleman, yet with the realization that all eyes were indeed upon her, she suddenly wanted nothing more than to disappear into the nearest wall.
    “If you didn’t believe me earlier when I told you that you look stunning, you have no choice but to do so now,” he whispered.
    With her heart fluttering in her chest, Katherine attempted a smile, only to feel as if her face was made of plaster. Gripping Lucien’s arm a bit tighter, she steadied herself and took a deep breath. The last thing she wanted was to make a spectacle of herself by collapsing on the floor. No, that wouldn’t do at all. Yet there was no stopping her body from trembling as they made their descent toward the ballroom.
    “Are you all right?” Lucien quietly asked, his lips close to her ear.
    Katherine nodded. “Yes. Perfectly, though I must confess that I am finding it a bit hot in here.”
    “I can lead you straight through the crowd if you wish and out onto the terrace.”
    The thought of escape was tempting, but just as she was about to agree, she caught sight of her friend, the Duke of Kingsborough’s sister, Louise, who was presently approaching along with her husband, the Earl of Huntley.
    “I’m so happy that you were able to join us this evening, Katherine,” Louise said. She looked to Lucien. “You too, Roxberry. I’m sure you must have many exciting tales to tell us from your travels.”
    “Lady Huntley,” Lucien said, offering the countess a bow, “a pleasure as always. And I see you’ve brought me someone with whom to pass the time while you and Lady Crossby share the latest gossip.” He grinned toward Huntley.
    “I shall be more than happy to save you from having to participate in such inane conversation, Roxberry,” Huntley said. His face was serious, but there was a sparkle to his eyes that betrayed him.
    “At least our discussions generally arrive at a conclusion,” Louise said as she smiled lovingly at her husband. “The same cannot be said of your political ones, where nobody ever agrees with anyone and nothing is ever solved.”
    “And here I thought you weren’t paying attention,” Huntley muttered.
    Katherine did her best not to laugh at their little exchange, which resulted in a somewhat strangled sound. Lucien glanced her way with a knowing smile, to which she responded with a shrug.
    “In case you were unaware,” Louise continued, “there is a brain behind these lovely eyes of mine.” She batted her eyelids, while Lucien appeared on the verge of dissolving into a fit of laughter. Katherine didn’t feel as if she was faring much better. The Huntleys made a lovely couple, and the banter they so openly enjoyed in the company of others was always a source of great amusement—something