Read Online Notorious Deception by Adrienne Basso - Free Book Online Page B

watercress soup to the roast leg of lamb with tarragon sauce and the rich hazelnut cake with chocolate sauce.
    Diana had never before dined in such elegant surroundings. The table fairly sparkled with the fine cut of the crystal, heavy sterling silver flatware, and gold-edged china. Even the creamy white tablecloth was lovely, with its fine Venetian lace edge. The candles on the table and sideboard glowed romantically, casting an unreal atmosphere in the large, formal dining room. Liveried servants stood a discrete distance behind each diner, rushing forward unobtrusively to refill a wineglass or to offer up another tasty morsel of food. Although raised among considerable wealth, Diana was unaccustomed to such luxury, and she found that she enjoyed it tremendously.
    The conversation during dinner centered on harmless bits of gossip and amusing wartime escapades of Tristan and the earl, watered down, Diana had no doubt, for her and Caroline’s benefit. Diana listened mostly, relaxing amid the warmth and established comradery of the others, occasionally interjecting an astute comment or observation.
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    Diana’s quick wit and agile tongue were not lost on Derek. Why was she so damn likable? he wondered. And stunning, he thought, absently tapping his fingers on his wineglass. Surely her hair had not been so golden yesterday, nor her skin so smooth and porcelain-like, with just a pale hint of roses brushing her high cheekbones. Despite her rather plain black mourning gown, Derek could still see and admire her full breasts and slender waist. He could only imagine how lovely she would look properly dressed with her creamy shoulders and breasts rising above the bodice of a low-cut evening dress.
    â€œDon’t you agree, Derek?” Tristan said, interrupting Derek’s thoughts.
    Shifting in his chair, Derek turned toward Tristan, uncomfortable at being caught unawares.
    â€œSorry, Tris,,” Derek apologized with an artful grin. “I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch that.”
    â€œHelp me out,” Tristan said, raising his voice a bit. “Caroline is beginning another long discourse on Lord Byron’s exalted talent, and Diana is clearly being too polite to disagree.”
    â€œI am certainly not being too polite, Tristan,” Diana said, wagging her fork at him. “I find Byron’s poetry to be stimulating, a bit fanciful, yet totally engaging. I derive a great deal of pleasure from his work.”
    Caroline spoke up before the men had an opportunity to comment. “You see, Tris. Diana agrees with me. We spent a perfectly delightful afternoon together, reading Byron’s poetry.” Caroline’s eyes twinkled mischievously at Diana, who grinned directly at her.
    Derek was aware of the current of conspiracy between the two women, and when he caught Diana’s eye, she gave him a broad wink. He was momentarily caught off guard, but after a brief hesitation, he smiled at her.
    â€œI believe, Caroline,” Derek said in a soft drawl, “it is not so much your admiration for Byron’s poetry that Tris and I take exception to, but your regard for him. He continually proves he is not a man worthy of such regard.”
    â€œOh, really, Derek,” Caroline retorted hotly. “Since when have you become such a prude? Byron is merely a man who craves excitement and pleasure. He enjoys amusing women and a few fellows around the decanter. What is so wrong with that?”
    â€œNothing at all, Caroline,” Derek agreed, with a charming smile. “Except the excitement and pleasure is often perverse, the women usually married, and the decanter bought on credit.”
    â€œWell, I still find him amusing and I am proud to call him my friend,” Caroline insisted.
    â€œHe should be honored, my dear lady,” Derek responded with kindness, not wanting to upset Caroline. She had always been blind to Byron’s faults, no matter what Tristan had told her