Page 23 of To Tempt a Scandalous Lord
“Based on the visitors who just left, I think it’s safe to assume you’ve been inundated with guests since the ball.” Juliana gave her a commiserating look. “Has it been horrid?”
“It’s been…exasperating. I’m suddenly popular, and for the worst reasons. And what’s worse, I don’t know what to tell them. The way forward is frustratingly unclear.”
Niall huffed a breath. “That is my fault. I am sorry I have left you to fend for yourselves against the wolves. I should have visited yesterday so that we may decide on a course of action.”
“But you’re here now,” she said, with a decisive nod. “So perhaps you can tell me what on earth we’re supposed to do.”
“Well, we are going to marry.”
Lady Lindsay blinked. “I know the night of the Talbot ball ended in a bit of turmoil, but I don’t remember being asked to marry you. I was never given a choice in the matter, and now you’re essentially doubling down on that decree. I’m afraid,for you, that I can’t simply become your wife because you proclaim it.”
Before Niall could respond, Flora burst out laughing. “Bravo, my lady. Do not let Niall run roughshod over you. He can be horribly autocratic when he thinks he knows the best way forward, and you have to remind him that you are an intelligent woman who can make your own decisions. I speak from experience.”
Rolling his eyes, Niall turned pointedly away from her. “I apologize for not giving you a choice in this marriage matter, but what choice do you have? Your gown ripped in front of half of theton, and those vipers were already whispering despicable things about the two of us.”
Lady Lindsay held up a hand. “What do you mean they’re whispering aboutus?”
Niall slid his gray eyes to a point across the room, and Lady Lindsay turned to Juliana, who was pressing two fingers to the spot between her dark brows. Noticing the countess’s regard, she sighed. “You and Niall were dancing…very closely—”
“You failed to leave room for propriety,” Flora interjected, her mouth quirking in devilment.
“I hadn’t realized our conversation had drawn attention,” Lady Lindsay said, her cheeks rosy.
“Well, it did. Then the unfortunate mishap with your gown confounded the problem, and marriage is the only remedy.” Heat spread like red ink across his skin, and Niall clenched the fist resting on his knee so tightly, the leather of his gloves creaked in protest. “I assure you that I did not arrive at the Talbot ball determined to leave with a wife.”
“My lady, I imagine that you’re confused and frustrated by this situation you’ve found yourself in by no fault of your own. I’m certain, that like Niall, you did not expect to leave the ball with a fiancé.” Juliana bit her lip. “Yet, I am forced to agree with my rather high-handed brother that marriage seems the only way to go forward.”
“It isnotthe only way.” Flora wrinkled her nose at her siblings, her green eyes a thunderstorm. “Why must the countess be the one to sacrifice her independence? Niall’s bid for Prime Minister will be salvaged if she agrees to this path, but why should she? She’s a widow, and her actions are not held to the same standard as those of a debutante fresh from the schoolroom. The winds of scandal will blow over her in far less time. Perhaps she feels no obligation to save your reputation.” Her brows disappeared into her hairline as she stared at Niall. “Would you feel obligated to save her if the positions were reversed?”
“What do you think I’m doing, Flora? Engaging in some sort of twisted courtship?” Niall threw his hands up, his pulse thundering in his veins. “Marriage is the only thing that will save both of our reputations.”
He refused to concede his future. Niall would not allow the political machinations he set in place, the years he labored to bring issues that were important to his fellow Scots to the forefront of national discussions, to be toppled like so many toy blocks because he held a beguiling woman too closely in his arms.
Lady Lindsay bit her lip, her mien pale. “But surely a man of your standing would be better served with a different sort of wife. One who possesses the connections and purse strings that would make marriage more appealing.”
She was not wrong…but he couldn’t bring himself to agree with her. The countess was all that was wrong and yet everything that was right. Thankfully, his sisters saved him from having to respond.
“Niall is not in need of a hefty dowry. And while you may not have the supposedrightconnections, Charlotte has told me of how clever you are.” Juliana’s dark brows furrowed as she looked back and forth between them. “I believe you two would make a fine match.”
“And Niall needs someone to tell himno. From what I’ve seen during my brief acquaintance with you, my lady, you do just that,” Flora chimed in and then groaned. “Niall, for Christ’s sake, tell this woman you actually want to marry her.”
Niall launched himself to his feet and prowled to the window. He stared silently at the activity on the street, willing his thoughts into order. Licking his lips, he turned to look at Lady Lindsay.
“I’m sorry for this scandal you find yourself in. I’m sorry that I became panic-stricken when I realized the other guests had taken note of your undress…when I heard the horrid things they were whispering, and the only excuse that came to mind is that we were to be married.” He released a ragged breath. “And I’m sorry I announced our supposed engagement to the entire ballroom.”
Lady Lindsay dropped his gaze, swallowing as she stared intently at her hands knotted in her lap.
“While this is less than ideal, I would be remiss if I did not confess that I think”—he paused to clear his throat—“we could get on well with each other.”
Very well, he thought to himself as he studied her downturned head.
“I don’t want to say this, but someone has to.” Juliana looked first at him before latching her eyes on the countess. “If you two don’t marry, the resulting scandal could not only cost you the leadership bid, Niall, but erase any standing you had amongst theton, Lady Lindsay.”
“Maybe that’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make,” Flora interjected.
Juliana threw her hands into the air. “Perhaps it is. But I believe that if they’re both clever, they can gain so much,together.”
Niall heard his sisters’ arguments, but they were background noise, much like gnats buzzing about his ears. For how was he to pay attention to Juliana and Flora when he was so riveted with every minuscule change in Lady Lindsay’s expression? It was obvious his well-meaning sisters were intimidating her into silence, and that would not do.
