Earl of Sin (Lords of Scandal 6)

But Mary’s excitement dampened as Lord Viceroy stepped out first to help his wife down. While Mary was glad the two were so enamored with one another, Mary herself would have liked a visit with just Ada.

“Hello,” Vice called, waving. “How did the interview with Sin go?”

Sin and Vice were first cousins and had been close as children. “Anne is a wonderful little girl,” she answered, not wanting to discuss her own failings or Sin’s.

Vice grinned. “Indeed, she is.”

Ada stepped up to hug Anne. “Lord Sinclair will be lucky to have your help.”

Mary’s lips pressed together, but she didn’t respond. The fact that he’d given her such a small window made her think that he didn’t really trust her to help. She’d prove him wrong. “I will be fortunate to gain the position.”

Ada narrowed her gaze, her chin notching to the side. “Mary, you are a wonderful caregiver. Anyone can see that.”

“Thank you, Ada,” she answered, linking her arm with the other woman’s. “Let’s go see your parents. They’ve missed you.”

Ada began walking with her. “How did you like Lord Sinclair?”

Mary’s feet faltered, and she tripped on nothing at all. “Fine,” she answered in a croak. How did she say that she was both terribly attracted to the man and sure she herself had been off-putting to say the least?

“Fine?” Ada asked slowing their pace further. “What does that mean precisely?”

“Ada.” She gave her cousin’s arm a squeeze. “It means the interview went well and I begin the position tomorrow.” At least for now. But Mary refrained from sharing that thought so as not to worry Ada as she looked over at Vice. “Lord Viceroy, do you consider your cousin to be a man of even temperament?”

“Indeed,” Vice answered, but Ada pursed her lips, frowning.

“Chad,” Ada murmured. “Perhaps you should take this time to visit with your own family while I see mine.”

“What?” he asked stopping on the steps. “Why can’t I come with you today and then you come with me tomorrow?”

Ada cleared her throat. “I wish to shop tomorrow. I’ll walk you back to the carriage. Mary,” Ada turned to look at her. “Why don’t you wait for me in the front parlor? I’ll be right there.”

Mary gave a nod even as her insides clenched. She’d wanted to talk with Ada alone and she’d get her wish, but somehow, she knew that Ada was about to begin stirring the pot.

Sin sat at his desk, staring at nothing in particular. His thoughts were focused quite firmly on the woman who had left his home an hour before. He’d fetched a new quill, though he’d yet to dip the device in ink.

Part of him was tempted to write a letter to Mary Chase explaining that while she appeared to be of excellent family and skill, she simply wasn’t right for his household. His mouth twisted into a frown. The truth was, she might very well be right about and for Anne. The person she wasn’t correctly fitted to was himself. He scrubbed his face. At least this was all temporary. He could let her go after that two-week test.

The thought of her being fitted to him once again made all his muscles tense. Damn his willful body and its desire for fragile beauty. But that was only part of the problem. She’d come in and in a rather strong move, had begun pointing out his flaws, of which he had many. Hell, he knew he was failing Anne. He knew that despite wearing those proper dresses and pristine bows, his daughter wasn’t happy. And Mary had recognized the problem instantly.

Which was why he needed to give her a chance.

The parchment in front of him remained empty. Could Mary make the difference in his daughter’s life?

“My lord,” Reeves called from the door, his nasally voice penetrating Sin’s reflections. “Lord Viceroy is here to see you. He has arrived unannounced yet again.”

His head snapped up. Vice? “Send him in.”

The butler pursed his lips. “Yes, my lord.”

Sin sat back in his chair. What did Vice want? But then he tossed the quill on the desk. The question didn’t need asking. Vice was certainly here to find out how the interview had gone with Mary. Likely Vice’s wife

had sent him to discuss how the interview went.

Vice walked through the door, wearing his usual devil-may-care look. His arms swung at his side and there was a bit of bounce to his step.

“I see marriage has done little to dampen your spirit.” He looked at Vice, who took the seat across from Sin, lounging back without a care.

“Marriage dampen my spirit?” Vice winked. “I’m the happiest I have been in…” Vice looked at the ceiling. “Forever.”