When Scandal Came to Town (Scandalous Sons 3)

“Still, it is the polite thing to say.”

“Nothing you could say would upset or faze him,” Cassandra said as the most handsome man ever to make her acquaintance strode over to stand at her side. She straightened her spine and smiled. “Benedict, may I introduce my friends, Miss Rosamund Fox and Miss Sybil Atwood.”

“A pleasure.” Benedict bowed.

Rosamund looked terrified, as if he might devour her with razor-sharp fangs. Clearly she wasn’t sure if one curtsied to a god of the underworld and, somewhat awkwardly, followed Sybil’s lead when she dipped a curtsy as a mark of respect.

“Sir William Fox’s daughter?” Benedict asked with a hint of suspicion. Surely he didn’t think her friends had anything to do with what happened in the park. “I have made your father’s acquaintance many times.”

As Benedict rarely attended society functions, he must have met Sir William at the demimonde’s soirées, but Rosamund said somewhat naively, “Oh! Do you have an interest in the mining industry, too, Mr Cavanagh?”

A mischievous smile played on her husband’s lips. “Delving into cramped, dark places is not my forte, Miss Fox, though your father approaches the business with such vigorous passion.”

“My father takes his investments seriously, sir.”

“Indeed.”

“May I offer my congratulations, Mr Cavanagh?” Sybil did not cower before the scandalous son of Lord Tregarth but looked him keenly in the eye. “If anyone possesses the wherewithal to assist Cassandra through this scandal, it is you, sir.”

“Do I sense a compliment there, Miss Atwood?” Benedict teased as he scanned the lady’s vibrant red hair and emerald green pelisse.

“You do, sir. While I have limited experience of the male character, any man who rises above society’s hypocritical dictates deserves respect.”

“As a man known to speak bluntly, Miss Atwood, I am surprised Lord Worthen permitted his daughter to associate with a lady who boasts of such original ideas.”

There it was again, that air of distrust and suspicion.

“But then you are the daughter of Mr Atticus Atwood, are you not?” Benedict continued. “A man renowned and often castigated for his modern views.”

Cassandra blinked back her surprise. Did Benedict know everything about everyone in the ton?

Sybil smiled. “My father died almost a year ago, but yes, he was a most remarkable man. A man whose foresight left me with the means to make my own choices.”

“An enviable position for any lady.”

The sound of raised voices drew everyone’s attention to the hall. Through the closed study door, it wasn’t difficult to identify the two powerful voices embroiled in an argument.

“You’d do anything to boost your son’s position. You orchestrated this whole damn thing to punish me for renouncing our friendship. You know how weak Cassandra is when it comes to your wretched son.”

So weak, she had spent five years punishing Benedict for her own stupid failings.

One of their parents punched something hollow.

“Must you hurl your pathetic accusations on their wedding day?”

“The marriage is a sham.”

“They loved each other once,” Lord Tregarth countered. “And if I discover one of your enemies used them as a means for vengeance there’ll be hell to pay.”

“Miss Fox, Miss Atwood, we thank you both for coming,” Benedict said, struggling to maintain eye contact as his gaze drifted back to the study door. “You’re both welcome to visit my wife in Jermyn Street should she desire your company.”

No doubt he knew neither of her friends could be seen in the home of a well-known scoundrel. “Or perhaps we might take a trip to New Bond Street or visit Gunters,” Cassandra said, forcing a smile despite the fracas in the study.

While Sybil agreed, Rosamund clearly struggled with the idea of being seen with a woman who’d brought such a dreadful scandal to town. Cassandra couldn’t blame her. When one had an overbearing parent, it was impossible to think for oneself.

Benedict glanced over his shoulder. He spoke briefly to his friends and arranged to visit Mr Wycliff on the morrow. His friends took it as their cue to depart. Rosamund and Sybil followed closely behind.

“Are you ready to leave?” Benedict asked. Anger radiated from every aspect of his being. “I’ll not stay in this house a moment longer.”