Read Online Behind the Mask by Elizabeth D. Michaels - Free Book Online Page A

kiss it, and his touch made her tingle. “You must meet my sisters, the Princesses du Woernig.”
    Nikolaus smiled coyly at one and then the other. “You don’t mind if I keep it simple, do you, girls? I hate formality.”
    “Of course not,” the elder one smiled up at him. “We’re all friends here.”
    “This is Lena,” Nikolaus said, indicating the one Lance had called Helena. “And Magda.” He motioned elaborately toward Madeleine. “Dear little sisters of the duke,” he said with a touch of arrogance, “I’d like you to meet Miss Abbi Albrecht.”
    “It is a pleasure.” Lena spoke first, nodding slightly.
    “A pleasure indeed,” Magda said. “And Lance,” she added, bending forward to kiss his cheek, “it’s been a long time since you’ve come here to be social. It’s only business that occupies you these days. You should not make yourself so scarce.”
    “Yes, it has been a long time,” Lance replied. “I don’t believe I’ve been in this room since Gwen died.”
    “I’m glad you’re here now,” Lena said, kissing his other cheek.
    “Don’t make such a fuss over him, girls,” Nikolaus said affectionately. “He may be my best friend, but I don’t want him moving in.”
    They all laughed together, and Abbi decided that she liked the duke’s sisters. There was a genuine kindness in their manner that was readily apparent, and they lacked their brother’s arrogance.
    “Tell us, Abbi,” Magda said, ushering Abbi away from the men, “how is it that you became acquainted with Lance?”
    “He is my great aunt’s stepson,” Abbi replied.
    “How convenient,” Lena said. “Then you must have known each other for years.”
    “Actually no,” Abbi said. “My aunt has just recently come from England, where she returned to live after her husband’s death, and I only met Lance last week.”
    “Really?” Magda said. “We’ve known him for so long, I don’t believe I can remember when we did meet him. Do you remember, Lena?”
    “No I don’t,” her sister replied. “He and Nik must have been friends before we were ever born.”
    “I believe you’re right.” Magda turned again to Abbi. “Nikolaus did say your name was Albrecht, didn’t he?”
    “That’s right.”
    “Then you must be heiress to the Albrecht estate since . . . is it your grandfather that passed away recently? I believe I heard Nikolaus mentioning it.”
    “Yes in both cases,” Abbi replied.
    “You must carry a great deal of responsibility, then,” Lena said.
    “I suppose I do, although I have very good help.”
    “You know,” Magda said impishly, “you and I will have to search for a husband together.” She giggled. “Lena’s betrothed to a Prussian prince, but I intend to choose my own husband. If Mother were alive I’m certain she’d object, but I’m not going to let my hand in marriage be dealt with politics.”
    “It’s not as bad as all that,” Lena defended. “My marriage will not be so bad, and if it will help Horstberg politically at the same time, there’s no harm in it.”
    “Just the same,” Magda said, “I shall marry for love. Don’t you agree, Abbi?”
    “I haven’t thought much about marriage,” Abbi replied, appreciating that her grandfather had not tried to find a match for her. “But I do feel that love in marriage is the most important thing.”
    “Indeed!” Nikolaus intruded upon them with a sly grin. “Abbi, my sweet, you mustn’t let my sisters bore you with their girlish talk.”
    “I was rather enjoying myself,” Abbi replied.
    “Yes, brother,” Magda said in teasing anger, “so don’t go stealing her away from us now.”
    “I’ll only bother her for a dance.” He smiled and swept Abbi into a lively step, holding her extremely close. She was grateful for Georg’s dance instructions, which she now realized had been fairly competent.
    “Have you considered my proposition?” Nikolaus asked, penetrating her with a bold gaze.
    “Perhaps you