Something Scandalous

“All right.” Sophie glanced out the window and mumbled, “He is going to hate this.”

Anthony fell back against the pillows, breathing hard. The woman next to him appeared to be falling asleep already. That was not about to happen.

“Wake up,” he said, shaking her shoulder. What the devil was her name again? “Annette, wake up.”

The blonde blinked her eyes slowly at him and then leisurely licked her lips. Her attempts to entice him would not work this time. He’d had his pleasure, and now it was time for her to leave.

A knock sounded on his door. “Lord Somerton, there are two ladies here to see you.”

“Hell, Busby. I already have one in here.”

“They don’t appear to be that sort of lady, milord.”

Annette sat up. “What did he mean by that?”

“Annette, get dressed and Busby will see that you are delivered to your home.” Anthony threw off the coverlet and grabbed his trousers. “Who the bloody hell is calling on me at this time of day?”

He glanced over at his clock to see it was only three in the afternoon. “It had better be important, and not two old ladies looking for charitable donations.”

“Somerton,” Annette whined prettily. “Can’t I stay here and wait for you to be done? Then we could take another go at it.”

“Go home.” He left the room before she could argue with him. He hadn’t even bothered with his neckcloth. Maybe his inappropriate attire will scare the ladies off.

“Where are they?” he asked once he reached the bottom s

tep.

“In the receiving salon, milord.”

“Take Mrs. Haddon home.”

“Yes, sir.”

Anthony walked into the salon as casually as he could when all he wanted to do was wring someone’s neck. He noticed Sophie sitting in the floral chair and his anger rose to a boiling point.

“You are the reason I am out of bed this afternoon? I happened to have a lovely woman up there with me.”

A small gasp from the couch brought his attention to Lady Elizabeth. Damn. “Excuse me, Lady Elizabeth. I did not realize you were here.”

“Lord Somerton, Miss Reynard is only here because of me,” she said in a timid voice.

He glared back at Sophie, who merely smirked at him. “And why are you here?”

“I need your help.”

He was bloody sick of helping people. “What do you need?”

Lady Elizabeth quickly explained her need as her cheeks reddened with every word. He did like the woman, and thought she would make Kendal a good wife. Why would he doubt it? Sophie was always right about her matches.

“Very well, Lady Elizabeth,” he said slowly. “I will do my best. But it could take a few days to get all the information you may require. If I can discover their true intent at all.”

“I understand, Lord Somerton. I shall pray that you find the information quickly. I am not sure how long we have before she tries to see him.”

“Elizabeth, go out to the carriage. I will join you in a moment. I need a word in private with Lord Somerton,” Sophie said with a smile.

“Of course,” Elizabeth replied, eying them both carefully.

Anthony waited for the door to close before attacking Sophie. “Why did you bring her here?” he demanded.