Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“My only desire is to ensure that Miss Quinn is judged upon her own fine merits, not upon the unfortunate choices of her mother.” His expression unwittingly softened, his gaze sweeping over Brianna’s delicate profile. “She has suffered enough for Sylvia’s weaknesses.”

Something that might have been surprise rippled over Lady Montgomery’s handsome features before she regained her practiced smile.

“Quite understandable. It was wise to choose Lady Aberlane to sponsor her into society.”

“Aunt Letty would never have forgiven me had I chosen someone else to stand as Miss Quinn’s sponsor.”

Lady Montgomery gave a charming laugh. “That is true enough.” Her head tilted to one side. “But why would you insist on having your cousin included?”

Edmond absently toyed with his brother’s heavy gold signet ring, which he had slipped on before leaving the town house. He had known it was bound to create a stir of curiosity when he had sent the note to Lady Montgomery requesting the presence of Howard Summerville at the soiree. Still, it was worth any raised brows for the opportunity to witness his beloved cousin’s reaction to his engagement firsthand.

“As much as I regret the notion, they are family,” he said, his tone dismissive.

Lady Montgomery was far from satisfied. “Yes, but the estrangement between you has been well-known for years. No one would have thought it odd if you had chosen to exclude him from the guest list.”

Edmond gave a vague lift of his shoulder. “My fiancée possesses a far kinder heart than either my brother or myself. She dislikes the notion of a rift in the family.”

“Ah.”

Having endured enough of the less than subtle probing, Edmond tilted his head toward the thin, swarthy gentleman in a far corner who was drinking the expensive champagne as if it were cheap gin.

“With that thought in mind, I suppose I had best seek out my cousin and extend a hand of peace.” He dipped his head toward his hostess. “If you will excuse me?”

Lady Montgomery smiled, although her speculative expression lingered. “Of course.”

Shrugging aside the woman’s curiosity, Edmond moved smoothly across the pale rose and ivory room, occasionally nodding toward the more powerful gentlemen who circled the room, and firmly ignoring the inviting glances from their wives. Edmond might readily enjoy the delectable attentions of a bored wife; Stefan, however, would never take a married woman to his bed.

CHAPTER TEN

PROPPED AGAINST SATIN WALL panels, Howard Summerville, his dark hair already tousled and his cravat drooping, was blearily eying the passing guests. Edmond frowned as he halted at the man’s side, acknowledging that his cousin appeared more pathetic than dangerous.

Of course, looks quit

e often were deceiving.

He had encountered women with the faces of angels who would happily slide a dagger in his back.

“Good evening, Howard,” he murmured.

With an obvious effort, Summerville focused his gaze on the towering Edmond.

“Oh. There you are, Huntley,” he slurred.

“So I am.”

After a brief struggle with gravity, the gentleman managed to push himself away from the wall, his narrow face flushed, and his dark eyes glittering with a hectic light.

“You have some bloody nerve,” he growled. “I have half a mind to plant you a facer.”

Ah. Edmond hid a pleased smile. This was the reaction he had been hoping to provoke.

“I should be a great deal more concerned if you were not so cast to the wind you can barely stand, Howard,” he mocked.

The flush deepened with anger. “If I am, it is entirely your fault.”

“My powers are even greater than I ever suspected.” Edmond flicked a dismissive glance over his cousin’s rumpled attire. “I had no notion I could force a gentleman into his cups from across the entire width of a room.”

“Ha.” Howard waved his arm, nearly toppling over a terracotta bust of Charles II. “You know quite well why I am furious with you.”