Free The Masked Heart (Sweet Deception Regency #2) by Karla Darcy Page A

offered, "and then you can eat all you want."
    "He's got the right of it, miss. Just look how much he's grown. All of eleven he is and ever so bright." The housekeeper grinned fondly at the boy as she left the room.
    Val, embarrassed to be the focus of his sister's attention, reddened to the tips of his ears and busied himself with his mug of hot chocolate.
    "Soon you'll be ready for the hunt, Val. How's Fatima?" Blaine smiled at the elegant name, ludicrous now that the pony had gained so much weight.
    "Smashing! I've taught her some new tricks. Would you like to see her after breakfast?" he asked shyly.
    "Of course I would and then perhaps you'll accompany me in a ride."
    "Good show!" The boy jumped to his feet, eager to be off to the stables. At the door, he skidded to a stop and turned back to his sister. "Thanks ever so much for the books. I found them on my nightstand and I only had time for a quick glance. The one about Stonehenge looks to be a proper smasher."
    "I thought you might like that one. We all had such a grand time last year when we visited the place." Blaine waved her hand as she picked up her cup of tea. "Run along now and leave me in peace. I'll be along shortly to see the miracle pony."
    However Blaine only had a few minutes before her quiet was interrupted by a sharp wail from the region of the hallway. Before she could rise to investigate, the door was pulled open and Fleur, her face set in a mournful mien, stumbled into the room.
    "Oh, la, Blaine," she wailed. "My life is ruined."
    Blaine rolled her eyes as her sister sighed melodramatically and threw herself into a chair, staring glumly down at the crumpled note in her hand.
    "Perhaps you'd care to share the contents of the missive," Blaine suggested, taking a bracing sip of her tea.
    "It's from our near neighbor. His brother has come from London for a visit and he wanted to call this afternoon."
    "Are you acquainted with this person?"
    "His name is Robbie and I've known him for just ages." Fleur announced breezily, hurrying into speech before Blaine could inquire further. "He owns Fairhaven which is quite near the village. I have seen him frequently but he has never been to call. Oh how I wish Aunt Haydie were here!" she wailed.
    Suddenly the girl sat up and stared across the table at Blaine. At the look of calculation in her sister's eyes, Blaine narrowed hers, as the realization of Fleur's idea dawned on her. She held up her hand in refusal.
    "Don't even consider it, my girl."
    "Oh, Blaine, it would be the perfect solution. You will be playing the part of Aunt Haydie for the solicitor anyway, so why couldn't you do it for your sister."
    "Really, Fleur. That is like comparing apples and pears. The only reason I ever agreed to masquerade as Lady Yates was for the sheer necessity of keeping the yearly allowance. You know how I hate the deception."
    "My whole life will be ruined," Fleur cried, tears welling up in her violet eyes. "Here is my one chance to stop the talk in the neighborhood and you won't make the slightest push to help me."
    Blaine was still feeling guilty over her talk with Fleur the night before. She hated to see her sister ostracized from the country society because they thought there was something irregular about the family. Perhaps if Aunt Haydie made one appearance, it would give Fleur the entree she needed.
    "What time did the gentlemen wish to call?" Blaine asked, defeated by the pitiful expression in the violet eyes across from her.
    "Oh, Blaine! You are the very best of sisters!" Fleur squealed as she launched herself out of her chair and danced around the room hugging herself. "I shall send them a note telling them to come after lunch."
    Not waiting for a change of heart, the girl dashed from the room. Blaine sighed heavily, suspecting she would live to regret this decision. Although she rode with Val and tried to show the proper enthusiasm for the display of Fatima's talents, her mind continually returned to the problem of