Page 22 of To Tempt a Scandalous Lord
While she debated how to respond, the door to the drawing room swung open. She frowned, exasperated by the show of dramatics…until the impressive figure of the Marquess of Inverray was revealed.
Alicia managed to rip her eyes from the expanse of his powerful shoulders and how they filled the doorframe, to take in his perfectly tailored coat, the understated blue waistcoat that brought out the blue hints in his gray eyes, and the sleek trousers that emphasized his muscular thighs. Alicia knew the marquess’s sister was a renowned horsewoman, but she suspected Lord Inverray had spent more than enough time on the back of a horse to earn such an impressive physique.
The room abruptly felt too crowded. The atmosphere thick and stifling. A bead of sweat slid between her breasts, and Alicia couldn’t blame the heat on the temperature.
Inverray’s gaze immediately found her, ensnaring her gaze and holding it.
Alicia curled her hands over the armrests and gripped them tightly. Her presumptive fiancé had finally come to call, and Alicia didn’t know whether to throttle him or bury her face in his chest and demand he tell her everything would be well.
Chapter Eight
“Ladies,” Niall murmured as he advanced into the room, giving a cursory glance to the guests arranged before Lady Lindsay like a firing squad. Stopping at her chair, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. “My dear, are you telling the ladies about our engagement? It did not go how I planned it.”
The ladies tittered, with Lady Lampley finally asking, “How did you mean to ask, my lord?”
Niall clasped his hands behind his waist. “Well, I hadn’t meant to ask on the dance floor. I know that. But I was simply overcome with the certainty that the woman I held in my arms was meant to be there and remain there.”
While the ladies laughed, Lady Lindsay dragged her gaze from his to glance at the door, and her eyes widened. She promptly jumped to her feet. “Your Grace, Your Ladyship, how do you do? I’m honored to welcome you to my home.”
Juliana came forward to grasp the countess’s hands and bussed her cheeks. “We apologize for not calling sooner. I had a sick little one to tend to, and Flora only just arrived from Suffolk. Care to introduce us, brother dear,” she murmured, arching her brow at him.
Right.He should probably introduce his future wife to his sisters.
“Sisters, this is her ladyship, the Countess Lindsay.” He swept his hand. “This is Juliana, the Duchess of Ashwood.” Turning to look at his youngest sister, he smirked. “And this termagant is Flora, the Marchioness of Amstead.”
Flora stepped forward and bussed Lady Lindsay on the cheek. “I’ve heard so much about you and I’m happy Juliana invited me to accompany her today.”
“Please have a seat. Would you like some tea?” Lady Lindsay swallowed as she gestured to the tea tray.
There were no seats left for anyone to sit.
Flora stepped forward to solve the dilemma.
“Lady Dunmore. Lady Lampley. I have not seen you since the ball at Campbell House when Inverray announced his bid for Prime Minister.” She took a step closer to them, cupping a hand around her mouth as if imparting a great secret. “When I overheard your discussion about the likelihood the party would ever tap an ignorant Scotsman as leader.”
The women gasped, their faces red with shock…or perhaps embarrassment.
“Did I remember that correctly?” Flora pressed a palm to her chest, a picture of apology. “I usually have a first-rate memory, but every so often I mistake details. On accident, of course.”
“I have always relied upon your memory, Flora, dear. I’m sure if you remember their ladyships saying such unfortunate things, they really did say them.” Juliana furrowed her brows. “How silly they must feel to be reminded of such a terriblefaux pas. Are you inclined to forgive them, Inverray? Flora, Lady Lindsay, and I won’t think less of you if you choose not to.”
Accepting a chair from the butler, who recognized the seating problem well before Lady Lindsay had, Niall arranged himself by her side.
“Of course I forgive them.” Niall tilted his head in the women’s direction. “Prejudice against Scots is usually taught at a young age, and such teachings take a great deal of time to overcome.”
“Indeed they do.” Flora turned her debilitating stare on Lady Lindsay’s guests. “How lucky you are that my brother and sister are so very understanding, for while I comprehend the antics of horses, I’ve yet to grasp the machinations of theton.”
The ladies in question looked between each other for a pregnant moment, before they mumbled hasty goodbyes and departed with all swiftness.
Flora collapsed onto the settee with a loud sigh. “I’m guessing they far exceeded the allotted time for such a visit, am I right?”
Lady Lindsay nodded, not looking up from where her knotted hands rested in her lap. What had those harpies said to turn the dauntless woman he had sparred with over any number of issues into the meek creature sitting next to him now? His chest squeezed tight with self-reproach at not arriving earlier.
“Just as I figured. Their ilk are concerned about the proper protocol for any possible social situation that may occur, but heaven forfend they adhere by the same civilities when there is gossip to be gleaned.”
“They are only concerned about the rules when it applies to others, never when it applies to themselves,” Juliana added.
Lady Lindsay dipped her head, and he suspected she might be hiding a smile.
