When Scandal Came to Town (Scandalous Sons 3)

He pondered her comment for a moment. “Vengeance is a dangerous game.” The devilish glint in his eyes said she had piqued his interest. “Are you prepared for what we might discover?”

She couldn’t help but cast a sly smile. “After what I’ve experienced these last few days, I’m prepared for anything.”

“Then you must suspect everyone—family, your closest friends and allies—until we work to prove their innocence. It will not be easy. Those doors once open to you will be barred.”

“There must be a way to discover the truth. Someone must have seen or heard something.”

“Knowledge is power. There are people within the demimonde willing to sell the ton’s secrets for the right price.”

Cassandra breathed a silent sigh. The conversation flowed freely again. Gone were the strained looks and awkward glances. In their bid to discover the truth, they shared a common ground and so what better place to start rebuilding their relationship.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Benedict pursed his lips. “You must tell me everything about that night. Everything you remember. The most insignificant thing might be an important clue. We will begin tomorrow. Take today to become familiar with the house. We will dine together, and then I must go out for a few hours.”

“You’re going out tonight?” Jealousy wrapped around her heart like a strangling vine. “You have an engagement that cannot be postponed, not even on your wedding day?”

Benedict shuffled uncomfortably. He opened his mouth to speak but then shook his head and said, “I could lie and make an excuse, but you’re right. Nothing should be more important than two people in love sharing their first evening as man and wife. But that’s not what this is. And I’m unsure as to how I might survive the night knowing we’re sleeping under the same roof.”

Well, she could not accuse him of dishonesty.

Benedict Cavanagh did not make promises he couldn’t keep.

“Then do what you must.” She only hoped his need to occupy his mind didn’t send him racing back to the demimonde’s hellish pit. “I’m eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for me, and tomorrow we will make a start on our investigation.”

He inclined his head and then left her alone.

The isolation made her feel small and insignificant, made the room seem suddenly vast. But she had to take heart. Had to remain optimistic. It was always darkest before the dawn of a new day.

Chapter Six

“Hell! You look like you’re the one who spent the night sleeping in the park.” Damian Wycliff ushered Benedict into the drawing room and gestured for him to take a seat on the sofa. “I know you rarely drink at this hour of the morning but judging by the dark circles framing your eyes I’m tempted to offer you brandy.”

Benedict had spent the night circling Hyde Park in his carriage, walking the length and breadth of the Serpentine, assessing how someone had transported an unconscious woman without being seen. Of course, avoiding his bride was the main reason for his midnight escapade.

“A large glass of brandy will be most welcome considering I’ve had but a few hours’ sleep.”

“Wild night?” Wycliff cast a sinful grin as he pulled the crystal top from the decanter. “They say love and hate are opposite sides of the same coin. Judging by your bleary eyes, I presume your wife had no issue testing the theory.”

“Not when a bitter heart is a disease from which one rarely recovers.” Benedict knew the moment Wycliff crossed the room and handed him the glass that his friend would read something of the truth on his face.

“She rejected your advances?” Wycliff narrowed his gaze in a look of suspicion. “Then you stand by your earlier statement. You intend to live separate lives and have married purely for convenience.”

“There is nothing convenient about taking a wife.” Just knowing Cassandra was in the same house unsettled his equilibrium. “Doubtless it takes time to adjust.”

Wycliff dropped into the chair opposite and continued his visual scrutiny. A light of recognition flashed in his dark eyes. “Devil take it, tell me you didn’t seek revenge for her snub and take your pleasure elsewhere.”

Benedict remained silent, trying to find the right words to explain that i

t wasn’t his wife who was unwilling.

“Good God, you’ve been married a day. Tell me you’ve not taken a mistress out of spite.” Wycliff sat forward. “I know it must be difficult watching your friends fall in love but be patient. You loved each other once and might come to share a mutual affection again.”

“Of course I haven’t taken a mistress. Credit me with some morals.” In all fairness, when he’d first told Wycliff of his impending marriage to Cassandra Mills, he had said she was free to take a lover. It was a foolish comment said purely as a means of self-preservation. “I intend to be faithful to my wife.”

“Even though she takes great pleasure in humiliating you? I fear she will continue to reject your advances merely as a means of revenge.”

The need to defend Cassandra burst to life in Benedict’s chest. He would not give his friends further reason to dislike her. “Cassandra did not reject my advances. I’m the one who refused the possibility of an amorous liaison.”