Page 27 of The Seduction of Lord Sin
“Perhaps we will simply make beautiful music together.”
Flora beamed at his words. Bann scowled and Devlin just shook his head. But the woman he wanted a reaction from said nothing at all.
As the group made their way back to the house, Sin stayed back so he could talk privately with Devlin. “I only won because Bann would have otherwise.”
“I know.”
“I shall spend my time advising her on a match with you.” Sin expected Devlin to be more grateful. Was he angry with him for denying him a chance to talk to Charlotte alone? “You could always take my place?” Sin offered.
“No. That would not be honorable. You won.”
“For a man in desperate need of a rich wife, I don’t think you are as engaged in this process as you should be.”
Devlin’s attention seemed to be elsewhere. Sin looked to see what held his interest and saw his gaze fixed on Lady Dharma. She was at the top of the terrace stairs and just then; she turned and looked back. Her target, Devlin.
“You are playing a dangerous game,” Sin whispered to his friend. “If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with neither lady.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t you? You accepted Lady Charlotte’s invitation and her step-daughter knows that. I don’t think Charlotte would like to know you’ve set your sights on her step-daughter. And Dharma does not seem to be pleased with you.”
Devlin stopped and turned to him. “I wonder what makes you stay. We all follow a path that fate dictates whether or not we planned it.”
Devlin strode off without further comment.
Sin stood looking after his friend. Sometimes Devlin could be his own worst enemy. Fate. Was it fate that brought them both here?
Devlin was forgetting one thing. Sin needed an heir more than he needed money, and a wife who had produced no offspring was a risk he could not afford to take.
* * *
It was a long hobble back to the house for Charlotte. Flora was gabbling on about how wonderful another outing with His Grace would be, while Charlotte silently cursed Bann for ruining her chance with Devlin. She understood why Lord Sinclair went in for the winning shot, because if he didn’t, Bann would win. Bann had purposely made sure Devlin didn’t win, knowing Lord Sinclair wasn’t in the game to win her hand in marriage.
“Oh, do be quiet, Flora. His Grace only won to stop Lord Bann. I shall spend my evening with Lord Sinclair, finding out more about Devlin’s situation and then tomorrow as we drive to the coast, I shall have a frank discussion with Lord Devlin. Tomorrow I will learn where I sit in regard to his plans.”
“His plans? What about yours? It’s time you thought about what you want.” Dharma asked. “Do you want to marry him?”
If Dharma had asked her that four days ago, she’d have said yes, but now she wasn’t so sure. Drat a certain irresistible, handsome duke. “I’m tired. If you’ll excuse me ladies, I’d like a rest before supper.” She needed her wits about her for her outing tonight. She had to let go of this crazy infatuation and the hope to win the attentions of a man so far out of her league.
But as she hobbled up the stairs with a freshly bathed and dried Bella at her side, she wondered if fate had sent her a man to save her from a life of—nothingness.
ChapterTen
Given her body was still coping with the injuries of her fall, and sleeping had been difficult, it was hardly surprising that Charlotte slept through supper. What she couldn’t forgive was Flora letting that occur.
Flora only woke her in time to get ready to meet Lord Sinclair in the music room.
“Don’t be cross, Lottie. He’s thought of a fabulous outing. You sing like an angel.”
“He doesn’t know that,” she responded dryly. “I wonder what his intentions are?”
While her maid did her hair, Charlotte ate something Cook had prepared for her. Flora lay on the bed, advising her maid what to do with her hair.
“Do you think Dharma has developed a tendre for Lord Sinclair? She seemed most upset at this outing.”
Flora sat up and stretched. “I think she’s just unhappy about the way you’re going about finding another husband. I thought she was relieved when Lord Devlin didn’t win.”
“The last thing I want to do is ruin Dharma’s chances of finding a match she wants. But she’s never once looked at Lord Devlin as a potential husband. He’s more like a brother to her. No, if she’s enamored of anyone, it must be Lord Sinclair.”
