Read Online A Little Bit Sinful by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online

air.”
    “Pish-posh, my lord, we are not so easily fooled. The crowds are so thick your horse can barely move along the path,” Gwendolyn said.
    Emma clicked her tongue and gave him a saucy wink. “I agree, something must be afoot. Why else would Benton be here, immaculately attired, looking so handsome, so dashing, so virile?”
    He looked down at Emma’s teasing expression and raised his eyebrows. “You wound me, Emma. As you very well know, that is my natural state.”
    “Handsome, virile, and dashing?”
    “Don’t forget immaculate,” Dorothea added.
    “He is that too. Plus, sitting so tall and graceful in the saddle shows his well-muscled legs to the best advantage,” Emma commented, turning to her sisters. “Don’t you agree?”
    They nodded and smiled.
    “I might be sitting above you, ladies, but the sound of your dainty tones travels far. I can hear every word you are saying,” Sebastian said tartly.
    The women laughed. Sebastian tried to hold a stern expression but failed. Their good-natured teasing was well-deserved, since he took every opportunity to return it in kind.
    With a sigh of resignation, Sebastian swung off his horse. He shifted the reins into his left hand,then insinuated himself into the middle of the group. The women closed ranks around him and they began walking, Sebastian’s horse following sedately behind.
    It was difficult traveling four abreast. A boisterous group of youngsters pushed their way forward, nearly knocking Lady Dorothea down. Sebastian’s arm shot out instinctively and he grabbed her around the waist to keep her from falling.
    “Goodness! Dorothea, are you all right?” Gwendolyn exclaimed.
    “I’m fine,” Dorothea replied, her voice breathless. “Thanks to Benton’s quick reflexes.”
    “I am ever at the ready to take a stunning beauty into my arms,” Sebastian quipped as he steadied Lady Dorothea firmly back on her feet. “Though we need to find a path less crowded. Atwood will have my head if anything happens to you, especially in your delicate condition.”
    A flush of red appeared on her cheeks. “You are not supposed to mention that in public.”
    Sebastian smiled. “Why ever not? Your husband speaks constantly of his impending fatherhood to all his friends. ‘Tis as though he expects us to honor him with a round of applause or toss him a shilling as a reward for being such a clever fellow.”
    “Carter is rather pleased at the news.” Dorothea lowered her head and blushed charmingly. Sebastian marveled at how her delicate blond features were enhanced by her pregnant condition. It seemed the old adage that a woman glowed while carrying a child was correct in Lady Dorothea’s case.
    “Atwood is over the moon,” Sebastian clarified, linking his arm through hers. “Though I do believehis father is even more excited. I’ve never in all my life seen the duke so animated. I swear, he would do anything to please you, move heaven and earth if you merely hinted it would bring you happiness. My advice is expand your imagination and ask for something truly extraordinary. Like a private island. Or your own country. He can easily afford it.”
    “Her own country?” Emma giggled.
    Dorothea also laughed. “Such nonsense, my lord. I believe you are attempting to distract us and avoid answering our questions regarding your appearance in the park today. Indeed, I can think of no logical reason for it. Unless …” Her voice trailed off suggestively.
    “Don’t tell me ‘tis a lady who has brought you out into the sunshine, my lord?” Gwendolyn asked, looking over at him with amazed eyes.
    “Viscount Benton brought low by a mere female? I cannot believe it.” Emma pressed the back of her wrist to her forehead and sighed theatrically.
    “I fear your normally keen minds have been affected by the sun,” he said with a grin, though inwardly he was worried at how close the women had come to the truth. He did not want his interest in the earl’s daughter