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Besides, no one of consequence was getting married nowadays. Scarlett’s mama would have to be disappointed for quite some time.

“Speaking of scandal,” Scarlett added. “There have been rumors circling about lately.”

“Rumors?”

The redhead nodded and leaned forward to whisper, “They say that the Baron Latimer and his family would be returning to the city soon enough.”

Phoebe looked at her in slight surprise. “Is it not a bit too soon?”

“Exactly,” Scarlett hissed. She looked around her and added, “The scandal has hardly died down, but now, everyone is talking about the Duke living in his townhouse for the past month or so. You can be sure that Miss Delaney will be up to no good if she does return.”

If there was anyone who would revel in Phoebe’s misfortune, it would be Miss Delaney, who lost everything when her plans went awry due to her interference.

But even then, Phoebe had heard clearly that the young woman waswith child. In a few months or so, it would be nearly impossible to hide her condition.

Unless she does not mean to hide it at all.

Phoebe took a deep breath and managed a slight smile. “Well, there are rumors flying about every single day, and hardly any of them can be believed to be true. If Miss Delaney does intend to return to the city?—”

“Then she should conduct herself in a manner above reproach,” a cold, steely voice finished the sentence for her.

Phoebe’s head swiveled to the doorway to find Ethan strolling into the parlor, a calm smile on his face. He immediately made his way to her and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.

“You need not worry about her, sweetheart,” he reassured her. “I doubt she is stupid enough to go around seeking trouble.”

“I am not the least bit worried,” Phoebe protested.

“Then I am pleased by your confidence in yourhusband.”

She shot him a glare. Truly, the man was incorrigible. Could he not see that Scarlett was right there in front of them?

“You may rest assured, Lady Scarlett.” He turned to her friend. “Phoebe shall be safe with me.”

The subtle threat in his voice, the implied protectiveness in his tone… all of it made a warm feeling radiate from her chest and rush to her fingertips and toes.

Scarlett, however, did not look too convinced. The redhead crossed her arms over her chest and regarded him with a raised eyebrow.

“Are you certain, Your Grace?” she asked him. “We are all rather protective of Phoebe, the two Duchesses and I.”

Amongst the ton, Alice and Evie were known as the two Duchesses. Adding herself to the mix made it a triple threat.

Not that it mattered to Ethan, though.

He simply gave her a lethal smile. “What a coincidence—so am I.”

Almost instantly, the haughty coldness in Scarlett’s expression seemed to dissipate, and she smiled warmly up at him.

“I am glad we can agree on that, Your Grace,” she said. She stood up and smoothed her skirts. “Now, I have the Harolds’ ball to prepare for, and I trust that you two lovebirds have a great deal to discuss.”

“Well, not really. We—” Phoebe began to stand up, but Ethan was quicker.

“It was a pleasure seeing you today, My Lady.” He bowed his head politely to her friend.

“Likewise, Your Grace.” Scarlett smiled flutteringly. “Although I think you would find it more pleasurable if I restricted my visits, yes?”

“I do so enjoy afternoon tea with my Duchess. Alone.”

“I shall take note of that.” The redhead chuckled. She smiled knowingly at Phoebe before sweeping out of the room with her usual aplomb.