Earl of Sin (Lords of Scandal 6)

Her gaze snapped back up to his eyes and he quirked one eyebrow as his smile broadened into a knowing grin. Heat flamed in her cheeks.

“Your Grace, this is my eldest daughter, Miss Ophelia Moorish.”

She dipped into a deep curtsy, her cheeks still radiating heat as she murmured, “Your Grace.”

Her father went down the line by age. “My second eldest, Juliet. Then we have Cordelia, Bianca, and lastly, Adrianna.” Each woman curtseyed in turn but Ophelia noted that the duke’s gaze returned to her the moment the introductions finished. Heat spread through her body at his sparkling emerald eyes.

“It’s a pleasure, ladies.” He subtly skimmed his gaze do

wn her frame and Ophelia stared at the wall attempting not to blush again. She had a trim waist but she was fuller in her hips and bosom than most of her sisters. Then he looked to her father. “You sir have been blessed with a beautiful brood of daughters.”

Her father chuckled. “I was handsome enough in my day and my wife, God rest her soul, was a beauty to be certain.”

The duke’s mouth tightened. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Her father waved his hand and the dull ache that always weighed Ophelia down at the mention of her mother, filled her limbs. She knew her father still hurt as well but he gave a small smile.

“Thank you kindly. Loss is never easy but today we have a reason to celebrate. Rarely do we have such a distinguished guest.” Then he turned to his daughters. “What shall we do to turn this storm into a night of merriment?”

Ophelia, stepped forward, giving another small curtsy. “Perhaps we should ask His Grace.”

As she came back up, their eyes met again and her breath stuttered in her throat.

“Dinner would be lovely,” he answered, his deep baritone sending a thrill down her spine and making her stomach flutter.

“We could play music for you,” Cordelia quietly volunteered. Though shy, she spoke best with an instrument and her pianoforte skills were beyond compare.

The duke gave a nod as Juliet clapped her hands. “And we could dance.”

Bianca nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, that would be fun.” Then she turned to the butler. “Would you tell the kitchen we have a guest? And have the music room ready.”

But Ophelia turned to the duke. “Does that suit you, Your Grace?”

The intensity of his green eyes made her cheeks heat again. She truly felt like a princess being discovered by her prince the way he stared at her. Her favorite tale was Cinderseat and she imagined that this was just how Ella felt.

“It sounds lovely,” he said. “I am very much looking forward to this evening.”

So was she. Excitement sizzled along her skin when she thought about dancing with this magnificent man. Tonight felt like the party she’d wanted to attend for so long but hadn’t had the opportunity. Finally, she had a chance to meet her prince.