Page 28

She hazarded a look at him, and her breath caught in her throat. He had remained silent throughout, that was true, but his eyes—it was as if he could see past the heavy cloak and her damp clothing.

She lifted her chin in challenge and smiled. She would make sure he had a lot to look at.

Look all you want, Your Grace. Let us see who blinks first.

CHAPTER TEN

Morning came too soon for Scarlett, the sunlight barely penetrating through a layer of clouds and the thin, gauzy curtains. At the very least, the rain had stopped, and although the roads might be considerably muddy, it meant that they could finally return to Southford.

Where her brother still waited, ready to marry her off to his dear friend.

“Darling!” Her mama beamed at her as she entered the breakfast room with Snowdrop in her arms. “I hope you had a restful evening. Come here and have some breakfast. They have your favorites—honey cakes and hot chocolate.”

Scarlett stiffened slightly before setting the puppy down on the floor. Shedidlove chocolate—she just was not sure if it would be enough to help her swallow what was sure to follow.

It was so rare to see her mama this…enthusiastic. The last time the Dowager Countess was this happy was the moment right before they announced her betrothal to the Marquess.

Scarlett sat down slowly. Suddenly, the hot chocolate and honey cakes did not seem so appetizing anymore.

“Her Grace has very kindly extended her invitation for us to stay at Wolverton Estate,” her mama continued happily. “Another week, darling! Is that not lovely and so verykindof her?”

Scarlett’s smile felt so tight she was afraid her face would crack right over the breakfast table. “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace.”

The Dowager Duchess smiled brilliantly at her. “Oh, think nothing of it, my dear! This house has not heard much laughter in years until you arrived.”

The rows of disgruntled Wolverton ancestors lining the hallway on her way down did not seem to share that opinion. Neither did the current master of Wolverton Estate, for that matter.

“I have so enjoyed your company, Lady Scarlett,” the Dowager Duchess continued. “In fact, I am of the opinion that Wolverton has had enough of dreary days…”

Scarlett paused in the act of mindlessly stirring sugar into her hot chocolate.

“… so I took the liberty of inviting a few friends over…”

A few friends? She had a feeling that the Dowager Duchess’s reticent son would not be so happy about that.

“… and we have begun planning a great ball for this weekend to welcome everyone to Wolverton Estate!” the Dowager Duchess finished with a happy clap of her hands.

The Dowager Countess also turned towards her daughter with a warning smile. “Is that not exciting, darling? You do so love balls.”

Scarlett smiled through her wince. “That… sounds quite lovely, Your Grace.”

The Dowager Duchess laughed lightly, waving her hand. “I did promise you that I was going to help you find a more suitable match than my son, did I not?”

The honey cakes turned to ash in Scarlett’s mouth.

The last thing she wanted was another match. Not when she could feelhishands on her body, his warm breath fanning her sensitized skin.

She had spent the entire night tossing and turning and, to her great horror, arching as she would in his arms.

Just what has he done to me?

That question remained unanswered even as the sun began turning the dark sky purple and sleep finally claimed her.

No, staying in Wolverton was not in her best interest. Neither was finding a husband.

What her mama needed to do—as any appalled mother would under the circumstances—was take her to the country for a brief sojourn to ‘recover’ while they waited for whatever scandal she caused to blow over.

She clutched her fork in her hands and managed a tight-lipped smile. “I do not think that?—”