Free Sweet Torture (Fated for Love) by Ella J. Quince Page B

have not seen you give your attentions to any one man, either. Perhaps you should be a spy with me.” Lydia smiled.
    “Have you not?” Olivia questioned. “I always thought I was being quite obvious, even to him, although he treats me the same as ever. It would be nice if he could at least acknowledge me, and let me down gently.” Her smile was sweet but a little sad.
    “Olivia , I had no idea.” A memory suddenly came to mind. Devon hogged all her thoughts usually, but there was a moment not too long ago when she noticed the way Olivia looked at a certain man. “Captain Colton.”
    Olivia nodded shyly. “To him , I’m still the little girl who tailed him and Devon with worship in her eyes. Sometimes I think I will die an old maid, still wanting him.”
    Lydia was stunned into silence. Never had Olivia confessed such a wonton thing , but Lydia understood what it meant to want someone now. She wanted Devon with an almost constant ache, and yet, all too soon, she would have to give him up. If Lydia could not marry for love she would make certain Olivia did. Olivia’s heart was too big to tolerate a marriage of convenience, and she deserved a man who would love her just as fiercely.
    “I don’t think he is as immune to your charms as you think. That night we were all in the conservatory together , I saw the way he looked at you. In fact, I told your brother we should not leave the two of you alone.”
    “Yes , I remember, but you did leave us alone, much to my delight. We waited for you two to join us, what kept you?” Olivia eyed her carefully.
    “I’m sure we were arguing , as usual.” Lydia fibbed.
    Olivia didn’t look convinced so Lydia quickly changed the subject back to Captain Colton. “Would your parents accept him as a suitor?”
    “Of course. He may not be a peer , but his family is very distinguished. He is the best man I have ever known. I excuse his lack of judgment in befriending my brother due to lack of options in the area at the time. He is a good influence on Devon. He is always kind and considerate, and very grounded despite growing up with the best of everything. He will take over his families shipping business one day, but until then, he captains his own ship. He would make a very handsome pirate.” Olivia giggled again.
    “I hope you catch your captain , Olivia.” Lydia smiled and wished it with all her heart.
    “I hope he catches me, preferably alone, and has his way with me!”
    “Livie!” Lydia scolded halfheartedly, but they both broke out in laughter. Lydia was feeling much better, although her situation remained the same. It was the beginning of the end for her and Devon, and she would have to make every second count.
    *~~~
    Later that evening Lydia sat fanning herself in the back row of the Lexington musicale. Three young girls were bowing to applause as the crowds stood and began to make their way to the drawing room for refreshments and dessert. She breathed a sigh of relief as she entered the much cooler hallway. She felt someone tug her hand, and as she turned, she saw a pair of broad shoulders fading into the shadows of the hall in the opposite direction of the crowd. She felt a jolt of excitement as she watched him disappear. She slowed her pace allowing guests to separate her from Olivia and Lady Ellsley. She leaned against the wall, and pretended to examine the toe of her slipper while the last of the guests filed out of the music room and down the hall. She inched back into the shadows, watching to make sure no one noticed. Turning into the shadows, she felt along the wall until her hand met a warm body. She stifled a giggle as a hand grabbed her arm and pulled her against him.
    “How did you know it was me , and not some other good for nothing rakehell?”
    “You are the only good for not hing rakehell who would dare to touch me.” Lydia replied.
    “Good, let’s keep it that way.” He opened the door behind him and pulled her into a small dark room. Moonlight