Page 74 of Wickeds Scandal
Herbert’s watery eyes watched her,mesmerized by her actions. The man adored her!
Sutton greeted Herbert politely. Henodded stiffly to Jeanette.
Bastard! Jeanette wished she could stranglehim with the diamonds that hung about her neck.
“Herbert, it is wonderful to seeyou. What brings you to London?” Sutton turned, skewering her withthose damned green eyes.
Herbert opened his mouth to reply, butJeanette stayed him from launching into a recitation of his thresher bybrushing her breast against his arm.
Herbert shut up immediately. Hereddened.
Jeanette supposed she would have toconsummatetheir relationship once they married. Yearly, she thought.
“Sutton! You look well.Marriage agrees with you.” Jeanette shot her hated stepson a brilliantsmile.
The field mouse, the cause of so muchtrouble and Archie’s humiliation, dipped her head.
The girl acted as if she were born to thetitle. How dare she act the Marchioness! The twit should bekneelingin Jeanette’s presence! Alexandra was nothing more than an overdressedfarm animal.
“My lady, you look well.”Composed and polite, the field mouse spoke. Donata likely trained thegirl day and night to assume Jeanette’s position. Honestly, what had hercousin seen in this girl? Her hair alone was enough to give Jeanettefits. She was sure there was straw in it. Probably a nest of birds,as well.
“I am blissful! Simplyblissful. Herbert is keeping me company.” Jeanette twittered. “Now wherehave you two lovebirds been? London has missed you.” She hoped Sutton andthe little mouse enjoyed their sojourn. It was likely the only happinesseither one was ever going to have.
“We stayed at Gray Covington.” Amuscle in Sutton’s jaw twitched. He wished to dismiss her and return tothe ball. Well, not yet.
“Really? That’s odd.”Jeanette widened her eyes, so that Sutton wouldn’t see the triumphant gleam inthem. “I expected that you would have at least taken the time to travelto your estate, Alexandra, Helmsby Abbey. I understand Hampshire isexceedingly lovely this time of year,” Jeanette said breathlessly.
Donata gripped her cane. Her handsworried the top of it.
The field mouse stepped back.She paled and looked ready to flee.
“Oh, dear! Have I spoken out ofturn? I thought every one knew.” She cocked her head at Sutton.“Donata purchased the estate some time ago, and gifted it to Alexandra shortlyafter, well you know, theincident. I thought it a most generouswedding present. I mean it’s not as if Alexandra needed any addedinducement to marry.” Jeanette snickered.
Sutton’s face turned glacial. He spun onhis heel and stalked towards the doors. The field mouse bolted afterhim.
Donata’s breathing was rapid.Jeanette rather hoped the surprise would kill her. “I guess he wasn’taware. I seem to have truly put my foot in it this time.” She tookHerbert’s arm. “Come, Herbert. I need more wine.”
******
Alexandra fairly sprinted to keep up withSutton’s longer strides as he wound his way through the ballroom.
“Sutton, wait!” she cried.
He never looked back. He jumpedinto their carriage, leaving the door open.
Panting, Alexandra reached thedoor. Her husband grabbed her and pulled her into the carriage.
“Sutton! Stop for a moment andlisten to me.”
He turned and glared at her. Hurt stampedevery feature of his angelic face. “Were youevergoing to tellme? Is this why you agreed to the marriage? Even after ruination,you would rather have been a pariah, so my grandmother bribed you? Iwondered why you never mentioned the estate again, why your beloved retainersnever appeared at Gray Covington even though you told me you sent for them.”
A million painful needles stabbedher. This was far worse than anything she had imagined. Howdid Jeanette know?
“Tell me! No more lies Alexandra.Would you have married me if grandmother hadn’t sweetened the deal for you?”
Alexandra reached out her hand. “Yes!”She sputtered. “My love, let me explain –“
“She planned this all along.Ican see the two of you cooking up your little scheme. She left us in thesalon together. She wanted an heir for Cambourne; you wanted that stupidpiece of dirt in Hampshire. And, your merry band of retainers.Hell, you were willing to marry Archie to get it. I suppose in comparisonI’m not such a bad bargain.”
