Read A Season to Be Sinful for Free Online

she asked, You were not foxed, were you?
    No. That she would ask, surprised him. You know I do not drink to
    Excess, she said. Yes, I do know. Clouds the mind; dulls the faculties. Bad form and so on.
    It pricked him a little to have his views on the subject repeated to him in such a dismissive fashion, but other than a fractional lift of one of his eyebrows, he made no response. In any event, Cybelline was honing the point of her discourse and would not be easily stopped.
    I was wondering about the influence of Miss Dumont. She is a person known to invite
    Excess? Sherry inquired mildly.
    Excitement. She cleared her throat and plunged on. I realize you think it improper for me to raise the subject of your mistress, but I
    Improper and distasteful.
    Very well, she said, accepting the quiet reproach as due. Improper and distasteful. Still, it does not mitigate the necessity of plain speaking. I love you to distraction, Sherry, and I would have you do so much better for yourself than Miss Dumont. By reputation she embraces all the things you despise. She has no heart, Sherry. Opportunity, not principle, guides her.
    At the risk of encouraging you to continue swimming in these dangerous waters, Cyb, permit me to say that I have no interest in Miss Dumonts heart, and I would not be flattered if she were to attach herself to mine. You are wrong, though, that she lacks principle, and correct that she sets her course as opportunity presents itself. They are not mutually exclusive.
    I cannot like her influence, Cybelline said tartly.
    There was a moments pause, then Sherry gave a shout of laughter. I confess I have been slow off the mark, but I see your argument has nothing at all to do with Miss Dumonts influence. My ignominious brush with footpads is only an excuse for you to once again enumerate the reasons Miss Anne Meadows must be of interest to me.
    Cybellines blush made denial a hopeless defense. You have admitted yourself that she is passingly lovely.
    I believe I said she is lovely in passing.
    You paid her the great compliment of not being without intelligence.
    As are even Gods lowliest creatures.
    When you partnered her at Almacks you stated quite convincingly that she was accomplished.
    At counting the steps, he said. Not in their execution.
    Cybelline tried to pin Sherry back with a flinty, accusing glance, but it was useless. His smile melted her resolve to press on. I shall be wary of all compliments from you from this point forward.
    Why? I say precisely what I mean.
    But not all you mean. I am understanding therein lies an important distinction.
    One corner of his mouth lifted as he regarded her with approval. You are also not without intelligence.
    She laughed and reached for her bonnet. I will take my leave before you toss more insults in my direction.
    Sherry stood. It was good of you to come. I would have called on you later today, you can depend upon it.
    I know, she said softly, knotting the ribbons to one side of her chin. But the on dit was as frightening as it was delicious, and I could not wait to have the whole of it from you. She hesitated. You will be careful, wont you, Sherry? I do not think I could bear it if you came to harm.
    He rounded the desk and went to stand before her. He took her hands in his and gave them a small shake. Look at me, Cybelline. When she did, he set about easing her fears. Miss Dumont is in no way at fault for what happened last night. The theatre was my idea as was the walk afterward. I was bracing myself for the inevitable bad end to the evening, for I was determined to break things off with her. Now, are you quite satisfied? I have told you more about my private affairs than I intended, and I am telling you not because you asked but because I abhor the notion that either you or Aunt Georgia will congratulate yourself for influencing exactly this end.
    Sherry did not miss his sisters small start, though she was making an admirable attempt to school it. There, he said, amused