The Irresistible Earl. Regina Scott

not,” Phoebe agreed. “But it’s what I had in mind from the moment he suggested that you stay.” She flopped back onto the covers and gazed up at the rosy brocaded hangings that draped the canopied bed. “I’ve always wanted a sister.” She popped up on her elbows. “Do you have any family, Meredee?”

      Meredee perched on the edge of the bed. Lady Phoebe was so open, so giving. She hated having to lie. “No sisters, I’m afraid,” she said.

      Phoebe sighed. “Well, I suppose brothers have their uses. Sometimes.”

      “You’re doing it too brown,” Meredee said. “Your brother seems devoted to you.”

      Phoebe plummeted onto her back again. “Oh, he is. Perhaps too devoted.”

      Meredee lay back as well and gazed over at the girl, whose honey-colored curls had fanned out on the coverlet. “I haven’t felt like part of a family since my father died. Even then he was fairly busy with his own activities. I think having someone looking out for you would be wonderful. Is there such a thing as too much devotion?”