Read Taming Maria for Free Online Page B

as
pretty.'
    This caused
raucous merriment, each beau striving to outdo the other in witty
remarks. Damien stared at the first speaker coldly. 'You will
respect her, sir, or have me to answer to. If I take offence and
call you out you may choose your weapon, pistol or rapier. As you
are probably aware, I'm an expert with both.'
    This silenced
any further comment and he offered his left arm to Maria, who
placed hesitant fingertips on it and permitted him to escort her to
his cabriole. A groom unfolded the iron step, and she lifted her
skirt, giving a glimpse of those immodest breeches as she entered
the well-sprung vehicle. Damien cocked an eye at them but said
nothing. Arabella was already seated, while Kitty and Sarah
travelled in the gig, along with Damien's manservant.
    'Will you
partake of luncheon with us?' Arabella asked, pressing against
Damien as they occupied the seat opposite Maria.
    'Thank you,
I'd like to,' he replied, glancing at her in a way that indicated a
long-standing friendship. 'I want to look through Maria's wardrobe
and ascertain that she has everything required by a young lady
entering society. I hope she isn't entertaining the idea of this
latest notion for wearing a damp petticoat beneath the dress to
make it cling to the legs, or even adopt pantaloons under a
diaphanous skirt.'
    'I can assure
you that I have spent hours with her at the dressmakers and
milliners, and her clothing is most suitable for her station.'
Arabella fluttered her long eyelashes at him, making no secret of
her admiration.
    'I take your
word for it, but will check to make sure. Giddy girls can be
disobedient and wilful and I'll have none of this.' He stared
straight at Maria with a piercing look that seemed to dart down her
spine and connect with her loins. 'As you know, Arabella, I'm
holding a soiree at Strafford Hall tonight. I would like you both
to attend.'
    'I'm looking
forward to it; your gatherings are always so stimulating,' Arabella
answered, slanting him a meaningful glance.
    Maria's cheeks
were hot. He made her feel most uncomfortable. She was terribly
aware of his masculinity and power, not only of body but of will.
No one could gainsay him, least of all someone like herself who was
new to the games played between adults. The place where his whip
had caught her burned and she could not stop thinking about it,
remembering the savage look on his face, the heat and sweat of the
contest and the humiliation of losing. She had never before felt
her strength draining away in a man's presence, but this was the
sensation that swept her, even in the calmness of the carriage
trotting sedately through the park.
    She envied
Arabella seated so close to him. Her thigh, thinly covered by a
silk skirt, was pressed against his. As she leaned towards him her
breasts rose, two firm alabaster globes bare almost to the nipples
at the edge of her low bodice. Maria sensed their intimacy and
envied it, yet knew he was trouble and she would be wise to steer
clear, although there was something about the dangerous man that
was irresistible.
    When he
addressed her directly his tone was more one of command than
request. 'You'll come to my party, Maria.'
    'Yes, sir.
Thank you for inviting me,' she replied, though despising her
weakness. Why could she not have feigned a headache or weariness?
Would it have been of any use? Or would he have insisted anyway?
She feared the latter would be the case.
     
    When she
arrived at Armitage House it was to find Jane waiting for her. They
were in each other's' arms in a second, with Jane exclaiming
breathlessly, 'At last we are together! Mama left me here just now.
The butler said you would be back by lunchtime.'
    'How long can
you stay?' Maria held her at arm's length, examining her face
intently. 'She will be collecting me shortly.'
    'Are you in
London for long?'
    'For a while.
Mama is visiting her dressmaker and milliner and also attending the
opera. I hoped to see you before this, but it hasn't been