Page 27 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

“You say that about everyone,” Agnes said.

“Do you disagree?” Harriet asked.

“Not entirely. His apology is quite appropriate, though, he did not mention taking liberties with you,” Agnes said.

“Perhaps because I took liberties with him,” Iris said. She rang for a maid and promptly requested vinegar. She was willing to try nearly anything to rid herself of this pesky headache. Oddly enough, though, it was distracting her from the warmth that had bloomed in her belly at the sight of his words. He’d known she’d not feel well this morning. And he’d apologized. Did that mean he didn’t regret kissing her?

She shook her head. “I must rid my mind of kisses. His, or anyone else’s,” she said. “I must focus on Jasper. I refuse to allow him to end up as I have.”

“Honestly, Iris, we are all unmarried,” Agnes said.

“You are only unmarried because your brother threatens any man who comes near you,” Harriet said.

Agnes exhaled. “Perhaps, but it matters not to me. I’m in no rush to marry. Waiting means I’ll land a gentleman who can appreciate more than my coffers.”

“Or your beauty?” Harriet asked.

Agnes screwed up her face and shook her head.

It was amusing how their friend did not see her own beauty. Agnes was, in a word, stunning, with her large, blue eyes and porcelain skin and perfect, rosebud lips.

“We are all handsome women,” Agnes said.

“Indeed,” Iris said. The maid brought in a small vial of vinegar, and Iris dutifully dabbed some at her temples. The stench burned her eyes, so she leaned back onto the settee and closed them.

“Lucy is coming in a little over an hour,” Harriet said. “What precisely are we to discuss with her?”

“I have a more pressing question,” Iris said, not bothering to lift her head or open her eyes. “Have either of you identified the gentleman you will reform? I will not do this on my own.”

“I have,” Harriet said enthusiastically. “The Marquess of Davenport. He is the very embodiment of greed. It is repulsive.”

“Excellent choice,” Iris said. But she did not say that she suspected that Harriet had always fancied the marquess.

“I have not completely decided, but I am leaning toward the Earl of Wakefield. He is a wastrel,” Agnes said.

“And your brother’s closest friend,” Harriet said.

“Christopher need not know of everything I do,” Agnes said. “Even though he seems to believe he has every right to. Besides, he still does not know the truth of the Ladies of Virtue. I can keep this new project hidden, as well.”

“It seems that the Winthrop Ball would be the perfect opportunity to approach them,” Iris said.

“That is only two days away,” Agnes said.

“Then you’d best decide what you’re going to say,” Harriet said.

Chapter Six

Merritt had been true to his word, and Lucy arrived at promptly two o’clock. She wore a charming visiting dress in pale blue, and her dark hair had been coiffed. She was a pretty girl. Though her eyes lacked the startling blue of her brother’s, they shared many features.

“Miss Steele, may I introduce you to my dearest friends. This is Lady Agnes and Lady Harriet,” Iris said.

Lucy curtsied but on her way back up somehow managed to stumble on her hem. She quickly righted herself then smiled awkwardly. “Pleasure to meet you both. I’m afraid I’m awfully clumsy.”

“Nothing we haven’t all done before,” Harriet said with a broad grin. She embraced the girl, and Iris saw Lucy instantly relax.

Inviting Harriet and Agnes to help had been the right thing. Together, the three of them should be able to ready Lucy for her introduction at the Winthrop Ball. After discussing matters with the others, Iris had recognized that taking Lucy first to the theater would do nothing more than whet the girl’s appetite for a true Society event. And since the upcoming ball was generally a smaller one, it seemed the perfect choice.

“Being introduced can be quite exciting,” Harriet said. “I remember clearly my first ball. I was a basket of nerves, and it showed. I am certain I must have spoken to every soul in the ballroom, servants included.” She giggled. “I danced with plenty of gentlemen, several of whom stepped on my toes.” She shook her head. “It is amazing how many men are rather clumsy when it comes to the dance floor.”

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