Page 63 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
Leo sighed loudly. “No one cares, sister dear. I told them all you were hopelessly clumsy as a child. No one thinks you did anything deliberately. Ow! No need to fling a fork at me, Georgie. I’m just teasing.”
Simon grinned. “Did you hit him in the face? I would love to see tine marks in his skin.”
“You must be joking,” Leo said in mock horror. “Scar this lovely face that the ladies swoon over?”
The evening was vintage Leo, and Simon enjoyed himself. But he couldn’t help noticing that Leo never flirted with Louisa, as was his habit with a beautiful woman.
After dinner, when the ladies rose to leave for the drawing room, Simon called Leo back.
“Simon, I can have my port with the ladies. Grandmama might even let me smoke a cheroot in front of her.”
“I need to talk to you,” Simon said. “Are we alone?”
The doors closed.
“Now we are. A brandy?”
“Thank you.”
Leo sat down beside him and said, “You’re scaring me, Simon. I feel like I used to when Father needed to have a discussion with me.”
“I’m not here to punish you, Leo.”
“Good, then I’m glad we’re alone. I need some advice. There is this actress—”
“Later, this is important.” Simon took a sip of brandy. “It’s about Louisa.”
“You mean Miss Shelby?” Leo said a bit too thoughtfully. “Already calling her by her Christian name? Why Simon, you devil. Even blind you can still sway the ladies.”
Simon sighed loudly. “I just want to warn you to say nothing to anyone about Louisa’s reputation.”
Leo hesitated, and when he spoke, he sounded more subdued. “I never spread unsubstantiated rumors.”
“You’re one of the ones who told me! You and several other fools.”
“Well, yes, but I was in my cups and—”
“Then don’t drink. I don’t want the ladies hurt—especially Louisa. I don’t think she knows what’s been said. She is having difficulties right now.”
“Obviously, since she’s hired herself out as a companion.”
“That’s only part of it.”
“Gossip? Tell me more.”
“Leo,” Simon said through clenched teeth. “I need your promise first.”
“Well of course I promise. I would never harm a lady by spreading such rumors.”
“Except to all the men you told.”
“Actually, I told no one but you.”
He sounded sincere, which made Simon suspicious. But he let it go. “Grandmama brought Louisa here to help Georgie, too.”
“I did notice the new gown. Not something Mother would have chosen.”
“Exactly. Louisa enjoys helping girls prepare for their Season.”
