Read Online Frovtunes’ Kiss by Lisa Manuel - Free Book Online Page B

us.”
    Letitia’s mouth closed. She stared. Blinked. Swallowed with a gulp that echoed through the room. “Isis?” she whispered. “It has a
name?
It’s a
pet?”
    â€œOf course, she’s a pet.” He smoothly deposited the creature into his coat pocket. “And I’d thank you not to terrify her in the future.”
    Letitia’s head wobbled slightly as she nodded.
    With an expression that made her spine tingle, Graham Foster’s attention returned in full measure to Moira. “Now then, Miss Hughes, perhaps you’d care to explain why you’ve rearranged my study in this most charming manner? And why you’re masquerading as a maid in my employ? Or have you, indeed, joined my staff?”
    Before Moira could answer, Miss Foster pivoted to glare at her. “Better she saves her explanations for the magistrate. I’ll have Mrs. Higgensworth send for one
immediately
. “
    â€œIf you’ll allow me, Miss Foster.” The houseguest pulled himself up with a flourish that might have made Moira laugh under different circumstances. “It would be my pleasure to be of service.”
    â€œHm.” Miss Foster regarded him down the length of her slender nose. “Yes, Mr. Paddington, thank you. Do hurry.”
    â€œThere’s no reason to summon anyone,” Graham Foster said, but too late. His friend had set off at an eager trot. He glowered at his sister, who produced a self-satisfied shrug.
    â€œLeave us, Letty,” her brother commanded. When she pouted and voiced a protest, he ignored her and turned to his brother, who had all but disappeared into the wallpaper at the far end of the room. “You, too, Freddy. Finish sobering up. Letty, did Mother accompany you home?”
    â€œMama’s still at the museum, I suppose.” The young woman tossed her curls. “I grew bored staring at all your relics, Monteith, so I begged a ride home with the Sanfords.”
    â€œSorry to have disappointed you.” His steely gaze traveled back and forth between his siblings. “Leave us, and don’t either of you get into trouble.”
    Frederick Foster pushed away from the wall and sauntered into the corridor. His sister followed, after flinging one last derisive look at Moira.
    The door closed behind the pair, leaving her quite alone with their perplexing older brother.
    Yes, most perplexing, indeed. He stood staring at her, his arms folded across his chest. His dimples taunted while an infuriating half smile played about his lips. He strolled out of Moira’s vision, and a moment later she heard the familiar creaking of the desk chair.
    â€œWell, Moira Hughes, won’t you come out from that recess?”
    She much preferred not to. The very suggestion emphasized the utter foolishness of her behavior. Her maid’s uniform didn’t help. The plain blue dress and starched apron smoothed away individuality and all the grace of femininity, leaving only the drudgery and burdens of being female. And in this instance, it lent Graham Foster one more seeming advantage over her, besides the obvious fact that she had trespassed in his home.
    But with a deep breath she raised her chin and remembered who she was. Moira Hughes, stepdaughter—no,
daughter
—of the late Everett Foster, Lord Monteith, and every bit as good as the man confronting her. She walked out from the embrasure and stood tall before the desk.
    It was a large block of carved mahogany, dark, imposing, impressive. Or so she’d always thought. Graham Foster almost dwarfed it. Even sitting, he met her eye levelly and made her feel small and defenseless and very much alone.
    Through the window behind him, slanting sunshine burnished the top of his head. He was all golden light, deep shadow, and brilliant smile as he regarded her.
    A devil in a halo. She must not forget what he’d done, how her mother had suffered loss upon loss because of this man. Estella