Free Masquerading the Marquess by Anne Mallory Page B

but there’s an aura about her. Almost of innocence. I’ve been wondering if it’s an act, perfectly devious if it is—and guaranteed to bring her fortune and fame—but a part of me thinks her innocence is genuine."
     
    James shook his head. "No, Stella, she has ulterior motives. I will discover them."
     
    She smiled, almost sadly. "Yes, James, I know you will. Now let’s eat. Afterwards you can buy me the lovely sapphire necklace I’ve been admiring as a parting gift to soothe your conscience."
     
     
     
    The festively decorated ballroom glowed in red and gold and smelled of lit cinnamon. The cheerful guests sauntered the length of the room, mingling and offering their various services. Buyers and sellers alike. It was a merry atmosphere and one was hard put not to smile at some of the antics.
     
    Calliope did just that as she mentally calculated how much cleavage the flamboyant widow on the settee displayed. Could one measure décolletage in acres?
     
    She added another caricature idea to the growing list in her head. Yes, she could do something with the widow’s ample bosom ....
     
    She felt a strong presence at her side, indicating Stephen had finally returned.
     
    "I’m glad you’re here. What term would you use for a harbor that is too tight for a ship to pass through?" she asked.
     
    "Barred shipyard? Shaven haven? Short seaport? Wrestled vessel? Overwhelmed helm? Surpassed mast? Dismayed quay?"
     
    The unexpected voice startled her and she looked up to see Angelford also contemplating the widow.
     
    "You’re not Stephen."
     
    He turned his attention to her, an amused expression on his face. "How astute you are this evening."
     
    "I had some questions concerning sailing."
     
    "I see." He lifted an eyebrow.
     
    It was as if cobwebs instantly formed on her tongue and in her brain when he moved within a few steps of her. Calliope stared unseeing at the widow, trying to determine how to salvage the conversation. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to use the caricature idea after all. Stephen popped into view next to the barely clad woman.
     
    "Stephen’s not the most ardent admirer, hmm?"
     
    Angelford had been on active attack since Newmarket the previous week. Each night brought them face-to-face in a new battle.
     
    The surprising moment’s kinship over the widow retreated, and Calliope easily fell into temper. She smiled sweetly. "He’s ardent when it counts, my lord."
     
    A wisp of a smile flitted across his face. Or maybe she imagined it.
     
    "Good to hear Stephen can hold up. Wouldn’t want his prowess to be questioned."
     
    With superhuman effort, she restrained a blush. " Stephen ’s prowess is not in doubt."
     
    The corner of his mouth lifted. "I have a pleasant solution for eliminating doubt."
     
    " Alcohol ? "
     
    "No, you strike me as the adventuresome type." At the last few gatherings he had hinted at her being worse than an adventuress. "The kind of lady who would like to try new things. Maybe play different roles?"  
     
    She gripped her dress. "Sounds interesting."  
     
    "You must find it so liberating, a woman in your position. Much easier for you to do as you please than, say, someone within the ton."
     
    Calliope plucked a morsel from a passing waiter’s tray and took a bite. "Mmm, yes, you can’t do nearly as many delicious things."
     
    "How is the devil’s cake?"
     
    "Mouth-watering."
     
    "It looks divine from here. Would you like another?"
     
    She leaned into him and traced a finger down his cravat, her lids heavy and her lips slightly apart. "Desperately."
     
    His warm hand secured hers. "Careful what you ask."
     
    The look in his eyes told her to retreat. Retreat quickly. She smiled lazily and withdrew, trying not to give him the advantage. "I’ll keep that in mind, my lord."
     
    He stared hard into her eyes and then turned and walked away. She watched him join a group. which included the new Cabinet minister, a rich merchant’s daughter and an