Something Scandalous

“It is my business to ensure the families who have depended on the duke’s grace until now are still cared for by so

meone.”

“I am the duke, as you so like to remind me, Elizabeth. What I do or when I do it is none of your concern.”

“While I am living in this house, it is my duty to protect this family name.”

“Then perhaps it is time to leave the house.”

Elizabeth watched in shock as Will strode from the room. She could hear his heavy footsteps march all the way down the hall, and then the front door slammed behind him. She remained in the study, frozen in place.

She let her damned temper get the best of her again. To ask such a question the very day Abigail sent him that letter was dreadful. Of course, he would have a violent reaction. He asked her to leave all because of her anger.

Oh, God! What had she done?

Chapter 10

Will walked the dark London streets, wondering how to get out of the mess that was his life. He didn’t want Elizabeth to leave the house. She had a stabilizing effect on all of them that he needed now more than ever. Which meant he would have to swallow his pride and apologize for getting angry.

He understood her reasons for becoming mad at him. She only wanted to protect her family’s history. Her name. But she just didn’t realize that it meant nothing to him. Having grown up in America and Canada, it didn’t matter who he was; he could become anyone he wanted. And he wanted that for his siblings, as well.

Even if he decided to stay here, highly unlikely that it was, his stepbrothers would have to make their own way. While being the stepbrother of a duke might assist them, Will wasn’t certain that was a good thing. He only wanted the best for them.

Would having too much money and position be a hindrance to them? He doubted it.

“So what brings you out tonight?”

Will blinked and looked over at Lord Somerton, who was leaning against a building. If Somerton hadn’t spoken, Will would never have seen him lurking in the shadows.

“Don’t tell me you’ve already decided to become a member?”

“A member? Of what?” Will asked, feeling terribly confused by the viscount’s question.

“White’s? You are directly in front of the building.” Somerton casually walked closer to him.

“White’s? Oh, no. I was just out for a walk.”

Somerton chuckled. “A walk? At eleven in the evening? Even in Mayfair, you must take more care. You look like hell.”

Will shrugged. “So I assume that means White’s is out of the question.”

“They will take you as long as you pay their fee. But I happen to know a much better place.” Somerton inclined his head up the street. “My carriage is up this way.”

“Very well,” Will said, wondering exactly where they were headed.

Somerton remained quiet as they walked together toward the carriage.

“Why were you in the shadows?” Will asked, his curiosity finally getting the best of him.

“I was waiting for a friend who did not arrive.”

That made no sense, Will thought. Why wait outside? Instead of questioning him further, he kept his mouth shut. Somerton was an interesting man in a strange way.

They reached the carriage and started off for another club. Will glanced out the window as silence filled the carriage. Should he even be here with this man? Elizabeth had tried to warn him about Somerton, and he had been lurking in the shadows like a criminal.

“Have you been out to any balls yet?” Somerton asked, breaking the strangling silence.

“Not yet. I have accepted the dowager Countess of Cantwell’s invitation. Will you be there?”