A Scandalous Affair (The Merry Widows 3)

She’d flustered him. His cheeks turned that ruddy color once more and his eyes darted this way and that. She knew his quiet nature had nothing to do with aloofness. He was shy, uncomfortable socially but still incredibly endearing.

And sweet. And very handsome. Oh, and a most wonderful kisser.

“I do indeed. My name is…Camden.” He immediately grimaced and she wondered when was the last time he heard someone call him by his given name.

“I shall have a formal invitation sent to your residence first thing tomorrow.” She smiled and walked backward toward the door. She wanted to squeal with delight at how easily it all unfolded. “It will be a most interesting supper party.”

“Who else will be in attendance?” he asked. He appeared apprehensive as he waited for her answer.

“Only a select few.” She unlocked the door and opened it, shooting him a bright smile before she slipped through it. He didn’t need to know he was her only guest. “Good evening, Camden.”

* * *

Daphne set the vase of flowers in the center of the table then stepped back to study them. Bright bursts of colorful blooms appeared ready to tumble from the crystal vase. She smiled. They were cheerful, brought a bit of life to the beautiful but sterile dining room.

“Don’t tell me you’ve found a sudden interest in flower arranging.”

She turned at the sound of her brother’s droll voice. Oh, dear. She thought Hugh would be gone for the entire day. She needed to be rid of him, and quick, before he grew suspicious of her preparations. “I picked them myself from the garden.”

“They’re lovely.” Hugh sauntered into the dining room. “What’s the special occasion?”

“Nothing special.” Her voice sounded false even to her own ears. “I simply couldn’t resist them.”

“Daphne…” He brushed his finger across a rose, its pink petals falling to the table.

She wanted to stomp her foot. One of the problems with being so close to one’s sibling was that he figured out quickly when one was up to something. “Don’t ruin my flowers, Hugh. Please.”

He stepped away from the table with raised eyebrows. “What are you up to?”

“Oh, fine.” She tossed her hands up into the air. “If you’re so blessedly curious, I’ll have you know there will be a guest at supper this evening.” She paused. “And you’re not invited.”

“Banished from my own home for supper?” He rested a hand over his chest. “I’m personally affronted.”

“Stop.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m sure you have an endless stack of invitations full of a variety of supper parties you can attend tonight.”

“I wanted to spend some quiet time at home.” He looked genuinely hurt, which made her feel terrible. “Who are you having for supper?”

“No one important.”

“Which means you don’t want me to know who it is. Considering you’re a grown woman and a widow, I shouldn’t have much say in your personal matters, but do be careful, Daph. Don’t allow some horrific rogue into our house intent on taking advantage of you.”

“I’m not a stupid girl, though I do appreciate your concern.” She felt terrible, not telling him of her intentions with Lord Hartwell. But he disapproved of him and would only discourage her.

She certainly couldn’t have that.

“I’ll go to my club this evening.” He went to her and dropped a quick kiss upon the top of her head. “Leave you alone to entertain your gentleman friend.”

“You make it sound sordid.”

“You’re the one who mentioned ‘sordid,’ my dear sister. And don’t forget.” He grinned and waggled his eyebrows. “I pay my servants quite well, and they won’t have any hesitation to spy upon you and report back to me.”

She growled and pushed him out of the room. “Be gone with you.”

“Just—be careful.” He glanced at her over his shoulder as she shoved him into the hall, concern darkening his eyes. “Know that the servants are here to assist you if anything…odd should happen.”

“Thank you, Hugh,” she said softly. “I do appreciate it.”

Once he’d walked away, she breathed deeply, tried to calm the nervous flutters that wanted to overtake her stomach. It was most disconcerting, thinking of Hartwell—Camden—in her home. Just the two of them. Disconcerting and thrilling, she had to admit.