Read Online Elusive Passion by Kathryn Smith - Free Book Online

man she didn’t even like?
    It had to be Bella’s influence. She had heard her friend rhapsodize so often about her handsome and generous lover that it only made sense that Varya would have trouble separating Bella’s image from reality.
    Even with that thought uppermost in her mind, the knowledge that he was watching her—listening to her—sent a sharp shiver down her spine. Her rigid posture kept her audience from noticing her reaction but it couldn’t stop the hairs on the back of her neck from rising or her nipples from tightening almost painfully.
    Despite her wandering mind and bewildered body, she made it to the end of the piece without error. It was rare that she ever faltered. Her fingers knew the keyboard so well, she supposed she could play even in her sleep. She could tell from the way the audience vibrated with tension that she had passed her emotions on to them—it was a powerful feeling.
    Rising to her feet, she bowed graciously under the applause.
    Across the room, the Marquess of Wynter stared at her with eyes that seemed to burn with gold fire. Like a moth, she was drawn to their flame and found it almost impossible to look away.
    But she did.
    “My dear, you were marvelous !”
    “Oh, you simply must play at my soirée!”
    “ Please say you will come to our dear Sophie’s debut next week!”
    She made polite conversation with those who converged upon her, asking all the matrons to send her a note reminding her of their invitations. She would be delighted to accept those that her schedule permitted. Even as she gave the appearance of interest in their chatter she watched Miles from the corner of her eye.
    His actions mirrored hers. He made conversation, was polite to a fault, but all the while he seemed to bewaiting for his moment of escape. It was then that she realized he had not come to the musicale to hear her play. He had come to search for any evidence that might link Lord Pennington to Bella’s murder.
    The knowledge made her feel strangely bereft.
    How had he known about Bella and Pennington? Varya had gleaned the information from reading Bella’s journal, but she knew Bella never discussed her past lovers with her current one. Perhaps those gentlemen’s clubs were good for something after all.
    “I beg your pardon, Miss Varya?”
    Turning toward the husky voice, Varya was astonished to find Blythe Christian standing before her, an anxious expression on her striking face.
    A long hand extended toward her. “I know we have not been formally introduced. I’m Blythe Christian. I believe you know my brother, Lord Wynter.”
    Varya accepted the handshake, amazed by the gentle strength of the amazon’s grip. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
    An uncertain smile curved Blythe’s lips. “I very much enjoyed your performance.” Her gaze flitted to the now silent pianoforte.
    “Thank you.” Hoping to put the girl at ease, Varya smiled warmly. “I’m always pleased when someone finds pleasure in my music.”
    “Oh, I did! We were to attend your recital at Lady Penwick’s in April, but my brother was called away to the country and we weren’t able to go.” She licked her lips. “I wonder if you might consider playing at a small soirée my mother and I are planning for the end of the season?”
    So that was it. She had been mistaken in thinking Lady Blythe was making an overture of friendship. She simply wanted to hire her. What did she want a friend for anyway? No one could take the place of Bella.
    “I would be delighted,” Varya replied, schooling her voice. “Just send me a note detailing the time and place.”
    Blythe’s answering smile was more confident this time—one of genuine pleasure. Varya found it next to impossible to harbor any resentment.
    “Wonderful! Mama will be so pleased.”
    “Excellent.” Varya was annoyed with this sudden sense of sorrow that washed over her. “Now, if you will excuse me?”
    The younger woman looked as though Varya had stepped on her