Eloisa James - Duchess by Night by Duchess By Night

bored.
    How she knew that, she couldnt quite say.
    I wonder who that is, Nel said sharply.
    Harriet looked up, to find that Isidore was in Stranges arms. Compared to Nel , Isidore was like a vivid flame. Nel was pretty; Isidore was beautiful. And more: Isidore had a wild intel igence about her that made watchers think she was about to throw off her clothing, do something daring, kiss the man before her.
    Harriet felt a pang of envy. She herself wouldnt have a chance interesting a man like Strange, and yet how could he resist Isidore? He couldnt. He wouldnt.
    Just look at the way shes smiling at him! Nel said. Shel discover soon enough that Strange isnt taken in by such obvious maneuvers. Hes not
    She stopped.
    Isidores hair was piled in towering curls above her head, and if Harriets face looked overpowered by that kind of hair, Isidores just looked more beautiful. It was as if a queen had entered the room and chosen her consort.
    Everyone was watching them. Al eyes saw how Strange smiled back, the way she had him laughing by a moment later.
    Harriet sighed inside. Of course, Isidore said that she meant to flirt with Strange. And Isidore had yet to meet the man whom she couldnt entice.
    It seemed Strange was just as much a man as the rest of them.
    She glanced sideways at Nel . Poor Nel her mouth had turned into a hard, glum little line.
    Shes going to take him before I even get a chance, Nel said. Its not fair. I know I could make him laugh. I was planning on sending him a letter. But I couldnt figure out how to get the letter to him. You only have to look at Mr. Povy to know that he doesnt deliver a ladys letters. But mine would be different! I could truly make him fal in love with me, not like those others, who just want him because hes so rich.
    She sniffed. I dont even care that hes rich.
    Harriet patted her arm.
    Its the way he moves, Nel said. I dont know why but I just cant stop watching him. And the way he looks amused, mocking, as if the world were happening only for his entertainment. Hes inaccessible, you know? I want to make him come to fire, wake up, look at me. I want
    Hes teaching me how to fence tomorrow, Harriet said.
    Lucky you, Nel said longingly. Id love to see him with a sword in his hand.
    Harriet thought that was a double entendre, but she wasnt sure.
    On the dance floor, Strange was bowing before Isidore. She turned away from him as if he didnt exist, straight into the arms of another man. That was pure Isidore. She never, ever let the man in her sights know that she was interested in him.
    Strange actual y stood stil for a moment. His face was unreadable.
    Look at that, Nel said, her fingers gripping Harriets arm painful y. She left. Maybe shes not interested after al .
    Perhaps, Harriet said.
    Shes dancing with Lord Winnamore now, Nel said. Hes a roué, if you know what that means. Why, I heard that he took three of the Graces to bed at the same time.
    The Graces?
    A musical troupe, Nel said, wrinkling her nose. There are eight of them. I have to admit that they sing very wel . But they spend most of their time on their backs. Youre fencing with Strange tomorrow?
    Yes, Harriet said.
    Then you could give him a letter from me.
    I

    The fingers on her arm tightened. You wil , wont you? Il stay up al night and write it, and put it under your door tomorrow morning. Wont you? Please? As a friend?
    Were they friends?
    Il do something for you in return, Nel said. She dropped Harriets arm and pul ed back. Are you interested in women?
    Harriet was so startled that her mouth fel open.
    Youre such an innocent, Nel said, shaking her head. Its a fair question, Harry. You have a look about you that is very attractive to certain men.
    Harriet gulped. I do?
    I suppose that means you do like women?
    Oh, definitely! Harriet babbled. Definitely. Of course. Al the time.
    Nel laughed, but it was a nice laugh. Il do something for you too, Harry. You get my letter to Strangeand make sure he reads itand Il introduce you to