Something Scandalous

Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Viscount Somerton.”

“I do not believe I have ever met him,” she said with a shrug.

“It’s just as well. He’s not a man you would wish to know.” Elizabeth rose from her chair, and said, “Let me try this again.”

She walked back to his study wondering what to say to him. Peering around the corner, she saw him studying some papers on his desk. She gathered her courage and entered the room again.

He glanced up and smiled at her. “Did you finally remember what you wanted?”

She attempted to ignore the strange sensations his words caused. Or was it his smile? She shook her head slightly. “Might my friend Victoria and I have a word with you in the salon?”

“What is this about, Elizabeth?” His voice sounded deeper, with a hint of anger.

“Victoria had several wonderful ideas regarding the children, and I thought we should discuss them.”

“Very well.” He stood and she found herself looking up to him. The man was far too tall. And far too handsome.

And almost engaged.

Although, Elizabeth had her doubts about the woman William said he wanted to marry. If Elizabeth loved someone like him, nothing would stop her from being with him. Nothing.

“Shall we?” he asked with a questioning look.

“Of course.”

They walked down the long corridor together. Why did she have to be attracted to him? There were so many other eligible men. Well, he wasn’t a possibility so she would stop thinking about this desire she felt.

He stopped as they reached the salon and glanced down at her. His dark eyes crinkled with humor as if she’d said something funny. Could he know? Did he realize the turmoil she was going through?

“I’m ready to face the lioness.”

“None of my friends are really that dreadful. Maybe if it was the entire Spinster Club, I would tell you to be afraid,” she said with a laugh.

“You have a club? Of spinsters?”

“No. It was a name one of my friend’s husband called us before he married Avis,” she tried to explain.

“So you’re not all spinsters?” he asked.

“Not any longer. Both Avis and Jennette were married last year.”

He tilted his head as if he were about to question her further but stopped.

“Let me introduce you to Victoria,” Elizabeth said. They walked into the room and Elizabeth noticed Victoria’s mouth gape. Seeing Victoria’s reaction to the handsome man made Elizabeth realize the effect he would have on all the unmarried ladies of the ton. “William, this is one of my dearest friends, Miss Victoria Seaton.”

Victoria stood quickly and bowed before him. “Your Grace.”

William looked over at Elizabeth. “Does she have to call me that?”

“Yes. As will every one of your acquaintances. Now you take her hand and bow over it.”

“Of course.” He took Victoria’s hand and kissed it softly. “It is a pleasure to meet a friend of Elizabeth’s.” He turned back to Elizabeth and said, “I did know what to do. I was just surprised by the ‘Your Grace’ again.”

“You must become accustomed to it.”

Elizabeth sat in her seat again and knew she’d better start talking because Victoria looked terribly nervous. “Victoria and I were discussing the children’s education, Your Grace.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “And?”