Read Online A Matter of Sin by Jess Michaels - Free Book Online Page B

her reaction to Grace and turned to her sister with a warm smile. “Hello, dearest.”
    “I’m surprised you aren’t already seated,” her sister said with a laugh. “Lord Lyndham said they would serve in moments.”
    Isabel blinked. Was that what he had said?
    Grace smiled. “We were waiting for you,” she explained as she motioned to the table near them. “I believe this is where our small party is to be seated. After you, Lady Crestwood. And you are Miss Jocelyn, are you not?”
    Serena answered for the other young woman. “She is indeed, and don’t you think that is the most fetching dress?”
    Isabel smiled as the group took their seats. Grace was seated next to Isabel, and on the opposite side of her was the marchioness. The two younger girls were seated across from them.
    “It is lovely,” Isabel replied with a warm smile for the young woman at her sister’s side. The girl blushed and she moved her fingers across the fabric of her gown reflexively.
    Serena had always been quick to recognize a shunned or shy outsider and, to her credit, always did her best to make them welcome. It was one of the aspects Isabel loved most about her sister.
    “Th-thank you, my lady,” the younger woman stammered. “The m-marchioness was very kind to assist me this Season.”
    The marchioness smiled as the two younger girls began to chat about gowns and balls.
    Grace leaned forward. “You didn’t answer my question.”
    Isabel shot her friend a look. “Is this the appropriate time?” she whispered with a pointed look toward the girls and the marchioness.
    Grace arched a brow and Isabel sighed. She was not going to have peace until Grace heard the answer she required.
    “Very well,” Isabel whispered. “It was the best thing I’ve ever felt in my life. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
    “Oh, what is that, my dear?” the marchioness asked, turning toward the women.
    Isabel flushed. Somehow she had believed the marchioness did not have particularly good hearing, but apparently that was nothing but rumor and innuendo.
    “I—” she began, her eyes wide.
    “The sun, my lady,” Grace filled in smoothly. “Isabel and I were just commenting on its marvelous warmth today. I don’t think I’ve ever felt anything like it, especially so early in the Season.”
    Isabel smiled in relief. Grace might have put her in this awkward situation by forcing her to speak about the kiss she shared with Seth, but at least she was also willing to save her with a lie that actually sounded somewhat reasonable.
    And clearly Lady Crestwood believed that had been their topic, for she nodded with great gusto.
    “Oh, my yes. It is the loveliest early summer we have had in ages. But I believe the weather is made even more appealing by our surroundings.” She waved one plump hand around them. “This is a beautiful estate. Whomever Lord Lyndham chooses as his bride will be a lucky lady indeed.”
    The marchioness sent a pointed look first to her own charge, who shifted uncomfortably, and then toward a beaming Serena. Isabel clenched her fists under the table before she forced herself to relax. Of course the marchioness would encourage the younger women when it came to Seth. They were exactly what a man like him required in a bride.
    Serena laughed, and the light sound relaxed Isabel, if only momentarily. “My, yes, his bride will certainly want for nothing.” Serena dropped her voice conspiratorially. “And is he not a most well-favored gentleman, as well?”
    Isabel’s calmed emotions immediately elevated back to their earlier heights as she glanced sharply at her sister. The idea that Serena was looking at Seth in such a fashion troubled her.
    “There is more to a man than looks,” she scolded, her tone far more sharp than perhaps the situation warranted. Especially since she herself had been drawn in, even distracted, by Seth’s appearance.
    Beneath the table, Isabel felt Grace’s hand cover hers and give a gentle