Lady Sarah's Sinful Desires by Sophie Barnes

Now,” she continued with a spark to her voice that startled Christopher, “shall we ring for a late-­night snack?”
    Christopher sat in stunned silence for a moment, attempting to comprehend what had just transpired. “Not for me,” he finally managed. “I believe I’m going to continue upstairs to bed—­which is where I was initially headed.” Rising, he waited for Fiona to unlock the door, while he proceeded to wish everyone a good night. They faced him with serene faces, leaving no hint of their scheming nature. God help the men who eventually married them!
    Turning on his heel, Christopher made for the door and fled, only too aware of the roaring in his ears. Apparently Thorncliff wasn’t large enough to save him from his meddling sisters and mother after all. For that, he would probably have to board a ship bound for America. A drastic measure, to be sure, but one that he was seriously considering by the time he climbed into bed, even though the simplest course of action would probably be for him to nod and play along.

 
    Chapter 5
    â€œI sn’t it marvelous?” Mr. Denison said as he studied the ancient sundial sitting on a pedestal in the middle of the rose garden.
    Standing beside him, Sarah did her best to hide her disinterest. “Absolutely,” she said, her thoughts straying to the conversation she’d had with Lord Spencer the previous evening during dinner. He truly was the most solemn man she’d ever encountered. Not once had he made an effort to charm her. If anything, he’d attempted the opposite, which was probably for the best, since she was not one to welcome pretty compliments. Not anymore.
    â€œLook at how precise that shadow is,” Mr. Denison said, interrupting her thoughts. “An ingenious piece of engineering.”
    Looking down at the flat stone before her, Sarah tilted her head. It was certainly clever, but an ingenious piece of engineering? Hardly. “Perhaps you should buy one for your own garden,” Sarah suggested.
    â€œAn excellent idea, my lady, although I’d much rather think of it as our garden.”
    Sarah stiffened. “It isn’t yet.”
    â€œA mere technicality that will soon be rectified.”
    Straightening, Mr. Denison moved toward her, while Sarah fought the instinct to retreat. “I’ve been considering your daughters’ prospects,” she told him hastily. Her words produced the desired effect, halting Mr. Denison in his tracks.
    â€œHow efficient of you.” His mouth curved with what appeared to be appreciation.
    â€œThey are of age, sir, if you’ll forgive me for saying so.”
    He seemed to ponder this. “So are you, my dear.” He stepped closer, his laughing eyes taking her in, regarding her in a manner that made her skin crawl. “I’ll accept nothing less than a nobleman for my girls. They will be ladies. Is that clear?”
    Unsure of how she would facilitate such beneficial matches—­or disastrous ones, depending on which side you viewed the situation from—­Sarah nodded.
    â€œI’m thinking your dinner partner from last night might be an option,” he continued.
    â€œLord Spencer?” He couldn’t be serious.
    â€œAnd since the two of you are already well acquainted, it should be simple enough for you to put in a good word on Victoria’s and Diana’s behalf.”
    Good God. He was serious. Or at the very least mad. “As it happens, we did speak of marriage last night.” When Mr. Denison’s eyes darkened, Sarah quickly added, “I thought I would make it clear to him that I am already spoken for.”
    â€œWisely done, Lady Sarah,” Mr. Denison said. “I applaud you.”
    â€œAs it turns out, however,” she continued slowly, “his lordship informed me that he has no intention of becoming affianced to any young lady in the immediate