Free A Spy Unmasked (Entangled Scandalous) by Tina Gabrielle

looked lovely in a violet gown with her blond tresses artfully arranged atop her head. Over a year had passed since Charles’s death, and Sophia was relieved that Jane had not worn one of the black mourning gowns that dominated her wardrobe.
    The orchestra began a lively, Scottish reel, and men and women whirled on the parquet dance floor. Glasses clinked, voices soared, and jewels glittered.
    Every few minutes Sophia glanced at the liveried master of ceremonies stationed beside the gilt banisters at the top of the ballroom stairs. His chest puffed with self-importance as his imposing voice announced the names of arriving guests.
    Robert had yet to arrive. After two glasses of punch from the refreshment table, she’d begun to wonder if he would come at all. Then a prickle of awareness tingled down her spine, and she looked up and caught sight of him at the top of the stairs. Dressed in simple black-and-white evening attire, he looked magnificent, like a golden Adonis. A taller, dark-haired man stood beside him.
    “Robert Ware, the sixth Earl of Kirkland. And Mr. Gareth Ramsey,” the servant said in a booming voice.
    Sophia recognized the name of the second man as one of Baron Suffolk’s sons and assumed he was friends with Kirkland.
    A hushed murmur pervaded the ballroom as the women whispered behind fluttering fans and Lord Kirkland descended the stairs with smooth grace.
    “Oh, my,” Jane whispered beside her. “He’s stunning.”
    Sophia turned to her cousin. “You said you knew him.”
    “I said I knew of him. I never met the man in person. His appearance is not a detail Charles would have passed along,” Jane said.
    Sophia seized the opportunity to convince Jane that the engagement was indeed real. “Can you understand why I am enamored of Lord Kirkland?”
    Jane’s dark eyes sharpened. “I never pegged you as the type of female to be taken in by a handsome face.”
    Sophia’s voice was laced with frustration. “You mean as you were with Charles.”
    The color drained from Jane’s face, and Sophia immediately regretted her careless words. “Forgive me, I—”
    “You’re right,” Jane said. “I should not pass judgment. I haven’t even met him.” She studied the two men as they greeted their hosts, the Earl and Countess of Cameron. “I haven’t seen Mr. Ramsey at a society function in years. The gossips said that he had a falling out with his father, Baron Suffolk. Is he friends with Lord Kirkland?”
    Sophia glanced at the second man. Gareth Ramsey also wore black-and-white evening wear, but unlike Robert’s stunning features, he had the rugged look of an unfinished sculpture. Robert was tall, but Mr. Ramsey was even taller. His broad shoulders, craggy face, and solid stance gave him the appearance of a seasoned boxer.
    She could only presume the two men were friends since they had arrived together. “I believe Mr. Ramsey is in attendance tonight to support Lord Kirkland.”
    Robert and Mr. Ramsey made their way through the ballroom where they reached a group of men who detained them. Among the gentlemen, Robert stood out—not just for his looks, but for his commanding manner and confidence, as if he was unperturbed by the society ladies staring at him.
    Sophia watched fascinated as he threw back his head and laughed at something one of his friends said. White teeth flashed in his bronzed face, and her heart thudded. He truly was spectacularly handsome. His ocean-blue eyes, chiseled nose, and the cleft in his chin would draw the attention of any female.
    She recalled their shared kiss in his chambers, and her gloved fingers brushed her lips in wicked remembrance.
    Just then he looked past his acquaintances and scanned the ballroom. Their eyes met, and his lips curled in a sensual smile.
    Her breath hitched.
    He spoke to his friend, and they excused themselves and made their way over to Sophia and Jane. Robert’s gaze swept Sophia from head to toe, and he bowed. “You look lovely this