Read Online Sweet Enemy by Heather Snow - Free Book Online

pinched Liliana’s cheeks. “I don’t know how you did it, but you’ve definitely caught his interest, gel,” she said slyly.
     
    Liliana’s fake illness quickly became real. This was not going at all how she’d planned.
     
    In short time, she was stuffed into the full-skirted round dress. Aunt Eliza slapped a blue parasol into Liliana’s hands as she was pushed toward the door. She could see no way out.
     
    Fine.
She’d give in—for now. She needed to determine exactly why Stratford was suddenly interested in her. And when Aunt Eliza wasn’t watching, she’d do everything she could to ensure she
lost
the earl’s attentions.
     
    Only then could she resume her search.
     
    *    *    *
     
    Aunt Eliza hurried Liliana and Penelope down wide stone stairs and through a small courtyard surrounded by a living wall of hawthorn. A break in the tiny lacework flowers opened to an expanse of parkland just east of the house, where the tinkle of laughter and glassware rang on the air.
    As they breached the hedgerow, Aunt slowed their pace to a leisurely stroll. Liliana scanned the assembly. It seemed the entire household had turned out for the al fresco event, along with several new faces. Everyone smiled easily into the pleasant sunshine. Round tables covered with flowing linens and fresh flowers were scattered beneath a grove of trees.
     
    Chaises had been brought out as well, and several matrons had taken their spots in the shade, but the majority of guests milled around an open field to Liliana’s right. Ladies in their lavender and pink and pale yellow dresses stood out on the green lawn like so many Easter eggs collected in a giant’s basket. They gathered in small groups, twirling their matching lacy parasols, gossiping. They flirted coyly with passing gentlemen while angling for position to watch what appeared to be a sporting exhibition.
     
    Liliana’s steps faltered, overwhelmed as she was by the conviction that she didn’t belong in this world. She’d never wanted to be part of these impractical pursuits, this superficial society that Aunt Eliza forever pushed upon her. Her father had understood that, had encouraged her to follow where her mind would lead. Whereas Aunt Eliza had always maintained that Liliana would outgrow her silly love of medicinal science and settle into a life more appropriate for a young lady. A fierce ache pierced her for all that she’d lost.
     
    “Come along,” Aunt said, reaching back to capture Liliana’s elbow. “We’re just in time.” Aunt wove them through the crowd with the expertise of one long accustomed to navigating a crush. When they emerged fromthe pastel swarm, Liliana caught her first glimpse of Stratford since his shocking “lesson” in propriety.
     
    Discomfiting ripples of heat flowed from her middle straight through to the tips of her fingers and toes. Odd, but it was as if she could feel him against her even now. She hadn’t been surprised by the curiosity that had gripped her when she’d given in to his kisses—after all, she was nothing if not inquisitive. Any good scientist worth her sodium chloride was.
     
    But what still heightened her every nerve until she thought she’d go mad with wanting? What elemental force made her physically desire a man whom she not only did not know but could never trust?
     
    Chemistry. That’s what they called it, but chemistry unlike any
she’d
ever studied. As blood rushed to her cheeks, she drew a calming breath, trying to force the infernal blush to subside. Stratford didn’t deserve the satisfaction of knowing he unnerved her.
     
    He stood with several gentlemen, conversing casually, a half smile playing about his lips. Like a handful of other men, Stratford wore no coat and was instead dressed to compete in sport. He’d donned tawny breeches and a plain cotton shirt that opened at the throat to reveal the strong column of his neck. Liliana swallowed in time with him, her eyes fixed upon the bob