Read Online Devil Disguised by Karolyn Howard - Free Book Online Page A

excuse. Do you have a better one?”
    “A better excuse?”
    “Mmm hmm.” Her eyes danced with mischief.
    “El, what in heaven are you talking about?”
    Eleanor flung herself back on the pillows behind her. She looked at the ceiling as if for divine inspiration and muttered, “Men.” After taking a deep breath she said, “Lily, I am talking about Lily. I think you have avoided me because she has been in my company so much.”
    Duncan stood up and said, “Ridiculous. I have been busy with the running of the estate.”
    “If you say so.” Eleanor smoothed her bed covers.
    He began to pace. “All right, fine, maybe I have been giving the two of you time to get to know one another.”
    “That is still no reason to avoid her,” Eleanor replied.
    Duncan disliked that tone in his sister’s voice that reminded him so much of their mother. He knew he had to give in a little or his sister would continue to badger him, but he did not want to tell her he just had a very pleasant time with Lily.
    He tugged on his coat sleeves. “I avoid Lily because we have nothing to discuss. She prattles on and on about London, which you know annoys me. She is here temporarily because I owe a favor to Charles, nothing more. I am glad she is able to keep you company, but I have no desire to spend much time with her.”
    He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the lie he had just spoken. His stomach seemed to drop when he saw his sister pale. Eleanor opened her mouth and then closed it abruptly as she looked behind him. He turned to see Lily standing in the doorway. To his surprise, she did not turn and run away, but instead walked regally into the room.
    A forced smile spread across her lips as she looked at his sister and said, “Good morning, Eleanor.”
    Turing to face him Lily said, “I have not mentioned London to you since my first day here. I thought we had a pleasant dinner together yesterday, but apparently, I am mistaken. I am more than happy to dine alone. Just inform Simon of your preference so he can let me know. Until then, I think I will be spending time in my room today in order to send overdue responses to the many letters I received from my friends in the city I cannot speak about. Excuse me.”
    With a quick bow, she left the room.
    He turned back to Eleanor as she exclaimed, “Duncan, go after her!”
    Every instinct in his body told him to do just that, but instead he shook his head. “I am sorry, El. I will not chase after her.”
    Eleanor looked distraught. “But, Duncan.”
    He closed his eyes and held up his hand. “But, I will make sure Simon tells her to join me for dinner.”
    “Please do.”
    Duncan walked over to the bed and placed a kiss on Eleanor’s forehead. “I will.”
    He met his sister’s worried gaze and added, “I do hope she joins me.”
    Eleanor squeezed his hand and said, “Good. I hope she does too. I like her, Duncan.”
    “I know you do.” Duncan nodded at his sister and turned to leave. He could not tell his sister he liked Lily too and far more than he should.

SOFT KNOCK SOUNDED as Lily put down the book she had been reading and said, “Come in.” Simon entered and made a quick bow. “My lady, the earl requests your presence at dinner this evening. Shall I tell him you will be joining him?”
    She looked at Simon and debated about making a sarcastic remark, but Duncan’s servant was very loyal and she guessed that he did not have the sense of humor necessary to enjoy the comment. She replied, “Of course.”
    Simon nodded and left. Lily stood and began to choose something to wear for dinner. She thought about not joining Duncan for dinner, but quickly dismissed that as impractical and childish. She had already avoided him long enough. Her mother always taught her that the best way to keep people from talking about you was to meet them head on. If you ran and hid from the gossips, they would find that food for their tales. If you held your head high and showed everyone that