Something Scandalous

“He is devious, a little mischievous, and quite a rake.”

“Illegal activities?” Will asked as his gaze went back to the dancing couple.

“Rumored but highly unlikely. Although, he is a man who gets what he wants.” Selby paused and smiled. “I am curious why he is dancing with Lady Elizabeth. I’m actually more curious why she is dancing with him.”

“You know Lady Elizabeth?” Will asked.

“I married one of her dearest friends,” Selby replied with a smile.

That was right. Will remembered Elizabeth speaking of her spinster friends. “One of the spinsters, then?”

“Ah, yes. The Spinster Club. There are only three left now. Elizabeth, Sophie, and Victoria. I rather doubt any of those ladies will end up married.”

“Why is that?” Will couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“Sophie is the bastard daughter of an earl, or so everyone says. Yet, no one seems to know who the man is. Not exactly what most men prefer. Victoria is too busy running her home for the orphans.” Selby’s gaze then locked onto Elizabeth and Somerton again.

“And Elizabeth?”

“You are the new duke—don’t you know?” Selby asked softly without glancing away from the couple.

“Only a rumor, Selby.”

“And one that has gained momentum with your arrival. It has been noticed by many that none of your sisters have red hair, either.”

“I see,” Will muttered. He could never let Elizabeth know that the rumors were increasing. “Tell me, Selby. Should I be concerned about Somerton dancing with her?”

“If he were dancing with my wife or sister, I would be more than a little worried,” Selby said.

“Is your wife with you tonight?”

“No, Avis is with child and didn’t feel she could manage a ball.”

Finally, the dance ended and Somerton brought Elizabeth back to him.

“Thank you for the dance, Lady Elizabeth,” Somerton said with a wink to Elizabeth. “Selby, good to see you.”

“And you, Somerton.”

“Lord Selby, did Avis decide to accompany you?” Elizabeth asked in a hopeful tone.

“No, she and Jennette stayed home but I needed to speak with someone here tonight.” Selby looked over at Will and then back to Elizabeth. “Did Nicholas arrive home yet?”

“No. You know how he is about coming to town when his father is here,” Elizabeth replied.

Will’s eyebrows furrowed. Who the hell was Nicholas? The name sounded vaguely familiar but he couldn’t remember why. “Nicholas?”

“My cousin. The Marquess of Ancroft.”

Of course. He had to get his jealousy under control.

“Selby, now that you are here, you may have the honor of introducing the duke to all the acceptable people,” Somerton said. “We all know that is not my forte.”

Selby and Elizabeth both laughed.

“No, we all know your specialty,” Selby commented. “I’m surprised Lady Cantwell allowed you in. Then again, she does love to stir the pot.”

Will felt as if they were speaking another language. What was Somerton’s specialty? Will had never felt so out of place as much as he did here. He knew no one. And yet, everyone else seemed to know each other.