Something Scandalous

Somerton smirked. “The one I brought for the boys.”

“What the hell is wrong with you? A dog is the last thing I need.”

Somerton entered the room and sank into a chair. “I just assumed the children might need something to take their mind off Lady Elizabeth’s departure.”

“Elizabeth is not leaving.”

“Indeed,” Somerton said with his smirk turning into a grin. “You figured out a way to make her stay, then?”

“I apologized.” And then possibly got her with child, he thought.

“And yet, you don’t look pleased.” Somerton walked over to the bottle of whisky and poured two glasses. He handed one to Will and sat back down.

“Why are you here again?”

“The puppy.” Somerton seemed to be enjoying this far too much.

“And you can take it with you when you leave,” Will replied.

“Lord Somerton.”

Will turned and looked at Elizabeth. His breath left him, seeing her with the children surrounding her and Michael holding a small black-and-white puppy.

“Good afternoon, Lady Elizabeth.” Somerton rose and bowed to them.

“The children have something they would like to say.” She nudged Ethan, who nudged Michael and Robert.

“Thank you,” they chorused.

“You are welcome, children.” Somerton returned to his seat.

The children ran out of the room and the puppy started to bark. Elizabeth stayed behind.

“That was a generous gesture, my lord,” she said softly.

He watched as Somerton eyed Elizabeth carefully. A sensation akin to jealousy streaked through Will. From everything he had heard and seen, Somerton was a disreputable rake. Not that Will was any better making love to her on a sofa.

“Lady Elizabeth, is that a new gown?” Somerton asked.

“No, my lord.”

Somerton rubbed his chin. “Are you certain? You look different today.” He quickly added, “In a very good way.”

Elizabeth’s eyes widened and moved to Will. “Thank you, my lord. I shall leave you both in peace.”

Somerton grinned. “Never understood why she remains a spinster.”

This time, Will had no doubt about the emotion swirling through him. “Perhaps she never found the right man.”

Somerton tilted his head. “Any decent man can make a woman fall in love with him. It just takes a little courting.” He drained his whisky glass and stood. “Good day, Kendal. Enjoy the puppy.”

Will rolled his eyes. “Good day, Somerton.”

“And I have decided to attend the countess’s party tomorrow night. It’s been a while since I danced with a lovely woman.”

Did he mean Elizabeth? The sneaky bastard left so quickly Will didn’t have time to question him.

Elizabeth waited patiently as her maid put the final touches on her coiffure. Susan had placed small violets throughout her hair to match the tones of Elizabeth’s silk dress. As she sat in front of the mirror, her thoughts returned to Will. She had been avoiding him since yesterday’s colossal mistake.