Something Scandalous

be seen in an unsavory light.”

“Why exactly would I want to be alone with any of these women?”

Her mouth opened then shut. She looked over at him and saw the slight grin on his face. “You might have urges,” she said.

“I might at that.” His smile widened and he leaned forward. “Then again, I would much prefer another talk in the music room.”

Elizabeth stiffened. “That will not happen again.”

“Oh, I don’t believe that.”

They rolled to a stop, effectively halting their conversation before she could give him a good set-down. He jumped down and held out his hand to her. She took his hand and walked toward the door with him.

She hoped she hadn’t forgotten to warn him about anything. Mentally she ticked off the items: titles, determined mamas, determined young ladies, number of dances, and…? There was something else.

The widows! They were the worst of the lot. She paused in her step, making him stop.

“Yes?”

“The widows,” she said.

“Excuse me?” Will asked, looking down at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“They will proposition you just so they can say they slept with you,” she whispered.

“Indeed?” he replied with a slow grin lifting his lips. “I might enjoy this ball after all.” He gave her a little tug and led her into the countess’s home.

The liveried footmen held open the doors to them as they entered the hallway. A thrill of excitement shot through her as they walked toward the ballroom at the back of the house. The last ball she’d attended, she had ended up taking Jennette home due to an incident.

They skirted the dance floor, still arm in arm, and made their way to Lady Cantwell. The eccentric old woman sat in a purple velvet chair surrounded by her ancient friends.

“My dear friends, the new guard is approaching,” Lady Cantwell announced with a cackle.

“’Bout time,” replied Lady Shipley. “I’m getting tired of the social scene. Let the younger crowd have it.”

“Hush, Roberta,” Lady Cantwell reprimanded, and then glanced up at Will. “William Atherton, the Duke of Kendal.”

Only the cantankerous Lady Cantwell could get away with calling the newest duke by his Christian name. Elizabeth watched the interplay between them with interest.

“Yes, my lady.” Will took her outstretched hand and bowed over it.

Using her cane, she heaved herself out of the chair. With her petite stature, she craned her neck to look up at him. “I hear you spent time in the colonies.”

Elizabeth cringed.

“I spent ten years in America when my father was there on a diplomatic mission, and then in Canada once the war started.”

“Very good,” she replied. “I would like to know more about the old colonies, so you will call on me in a week.”

“As you wish, my lady,” Will said with a quick bow.

“Now, Elizabeth, dear child.” Lady Cantwell turned her attention. “I do hope you won’t lose this one.”

Elizabeth frowned. “I beg your pardon?”

“This one,” Lady Cantwell said, tilting her head toward Will. “I expect to hear of an announcement soon.”

Elizabeth’s mouth gaped. “Lady Cantwell, His Grace is my cousin. There is nothing more than that.”