Read Online The Seduction of Sara by Karen Hawkins - Free Book Online Page B

didn’t bother with her at all.
    Somehow, she hadn’t been able to bring herself to admit to Anna exactly what had happened between her and the earl. But the image of his face had stayed in Sara’s dreams and a shivery sigh flashed up her spine. For an instant, she’d had the distinct impression of his lips touching hers, his hands on her bared skin…A trace of raw desire smoothed the shiver into a whisper of heated anticipation.
    Heaven help the woman he decided to make his—he would demand her attention. All of it. Worse, Sara feared she’d want him to be demanding. Had she kissed the earl, she never would have wanted it to end. She’d have melted like a chip of ice in a hot cup, turning into a useless puddle before his astounded eyes.
    Anna suddenly sucked in her breath. “Sara! What about Viscount Hewlette? He just arrived in town last week and is not so bad looking. He’s here visiting an elderly aunt and is very agreeable. Even my grandfather has mentioned that he seems to be looking over all the available women, and Grandpapa is not the most observant of men.”
    Sara bit her lip. The viscount was a definite possibility. He was attractive enough, and polite. The only negative thing she could think of was that he had a propensity to talk about himself at every turn. But on the positive side, he already had a goodly set of children from his first marriage. It was rumored that his wife died giving birth to their fifth child and that his mother had taken over their care at that time. A man who already had family would not be wanting more. She brightened. “Anna, you mighthave something there. Hewlette might be the perfect choice.”
    â€œI hope so; I’m at a loss to think of anyone else. What is it about this place that attracts bores and elderly lechers? I’m inclined to agree with Grandpapa, who says Bath is stodgy and monotonous.”
    Sara regarded her friend curiously. “Then why do you live here?”
    â€œBecause he insists London is full of scalawags and cretins, Brighton is inhabited by nothing but scoundrels and nincompoops, and York is crawling with vermin and weak-willed naysayers. Grandpapa would rather be crushed by respectability than sullied by despicability.”
    â€œHow difficult of him.”
    Anna chuckled. “Yes, isn’t it? But being difficult is the one thing he does well.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I really can think of no other candidates. If Hewlette will not do, then we are lost.”
    Sara frowned. “Surely not. There must be some other men about.”
    â€œIf you wish to marry someone who will pander to your brothers I can think of at least a dozen men who would welcome a connection with the St. Johns. Other than that…” Anna shrugged. “If Hewlette does not come to fruition, we will have to make a second attempt at Bridgeton. He is the only other man who meets your qualifications.”
    Sara picked up one of Aunt Delphi’s embroidered pillows and absently tossed it into the air. “That’s not an option,” she said, keeping her voice carefully neutral.
    â€œYou may not have a choice.” Anna put her elbow on her knee and rested her chin in her hand. “At least Bridgeton is handsome, and he doesn’t smell of garlic like Mr. Dotley.”
    No, he smelled of maleness and danger and shivery desire. And Sara would never again allow herself to be in the position of wanting someone more than he wanted her. “Doesn’t Viscount Hewlette frequently ride in the park?”
    â€œEvery morning at nine.”
    Well. A man who was both reliable and the father to a large brood of children should be delighted to have a wife who was more interested in the gaieties of life.
    The door to the sitting room opened, and Aunt Delphi appeared, waving a folded missive as she floated into the room. “There you are, Sara! You have a letter and—” She