Read Online Scandal of Love by Janelle Daniels - Free Book Online Page B

incredible. He knew he was lucky before, but being with her now really drove that point home.
    He felt sorry that she wasn’t able to choose her own future, her own husband. But he was glad that he had gotten so lucky as to have her.
    His desire for her was strong, but curiously, he found his desire for her friendship to be equally as potent. This was someone he could see himself going to operas with, laughing with, having a family with. The fact that she could joke with him, find humor in such a strained situation, told him much about her character.
    He took her hand in his, low enough so that the balcony’s railing concealed it from their voracious audience. She didn’t react, didn’t look over at him. She acted like nothing had changed between them. But when she returned the squeeze, he knew she was aware of him.
    He wondered when she would cease to surprise him. He hoped she never would.
    For the first time in a long time, Quinton looked forward to his future with hope. Sera would be his wife.
    ***
    Sera was exhausted by the time Quinton dropped her off, making sure she was secure in her home before escorting Aubrey and her aunt to their townhouse. It wasn’t especially late, but most of the household had already turned in.
    She didn’t want to have to wake up Lydia, knowing the girl worked so hard during the day, but she wouldn’t be able to get out of her dress otherwise. Entering her room, she was relieved to see her maid dosing in a chair.
    Quickly undressing out of the teal dress, she got ready for sleep. Five minutes later, after taking the pins out of her hair and donning a nightgown, Lydia extinguished the candles, allowing Sera to fall dreamlessly asleep, her ears still ringing from the opera.
    Upon waking the next morning, she was surprised to find the sun shining brightly into her room. What time was it?
    Leaning to her bedside table, her mouth dropped open at the late hour. She planned on meeting Aubrey on Bond Street in two hours to shop. She would need to make haste to meet her friend there on time.
    Forty-five minutes later, after an exhausting whirlwind of clothes, ribbons, and hairpins, Sera was out the door.
    “I should make it right on time.” She looked out of the carriage window at the shiny cobblestones, recently wet from a light sprinkle. It was sunny now though, not a cloud in the sky. Perfect weather for shopping. That was the great thing about London. When it rained, it could end just as suddenly as it began. Then again, it could begin raining just as quickly.
    It didn’t matter. Sera was being optimistic. It wouldn’t rain again today. Not when she had several hours to shop with Aubrey.
    Alighting at the dress shop of Madame Devereaux, the most fashionable modiste in London, Sera walked through the doors to meet Aubrey.
    “Excellent. Right on time,” Aubrey said, greeting her with a smile. “I need your opinion. What do you think of this light orange muslin?” She held the fabric across her body. “Does the color suit me? I can’t tell.”
    Cocking her head to the side, Sera looked at how the color seemed to drain away her friend’s pearly complexion. “It isn’t the best, I think. How about that mint green over there? I think that would be a better choice.”
    “Ladies, it is lovely to see you this afternoon. Is there anything in particular you are looking for today?” Madam Devereaux asked, wandering into the room from behind a curtain. The gently aged lady looked exquisite in a blue creation that hugged her curves. Her chestnut hair was piled high atop her head, decorated with sapphire pins, which attested to the success of her shop.
    Aubrey smiled at the woman. “Yes. We are in need of a new dress or two.”
    “Oh la. You’ve come to the right place.” The modiste’s words were said in a romantic French accent. Stepping forward, she took the orange fabric away from Aubrey, shaking her head at her choice. “Lady Sera is correct. The mint would suit you much better I