Page 31 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

“Are those your trousers?” Harriet asked before Iris could even answer her first question.

“They are. Made especially for me.”

“Well, let me see.” Harriet twirled her finger.

Iris stood and turned in a circle.

Harriet clapped her hands. “You look perfect.”

“Harriet,” Agnes chided. “You really shouldn’t encourage her.” She turned her gaze to Iris. “You are going to ruin yourself.”

“Don’t be so dramatic, Agnes,” Harriet said.

Agnes fell onto the upholstered bench at the foot of the bed. “I don’t see how any of this educates Lord Ashby on his prideful nature. If anything, Iris is behaving quite prideful as she prances about in those pants.”

“Honestly,” Harriet said. “This is the first thing Iris has done for herself in more than six years. Even if it accomplishes none of what she set out to do, it is a worthwhile adventure for that reason alone.”

Iris frowned. “Thank you, I think. I have not lost sight of my original intention, though, and am keeping that in mind. Perhaps my method is a little unorthodox.”

“Why don’t you tell us what you did this evening,” Harriet said. “Besides allow one of London’s most handsome men remove your gown.”

Agnes groaned.

Iris told them about how Merritt had instructed her on how to walk and position her body. She demonstrated as she explained.

“That’s really quite good,” Harriet said.

“I do need more practice.”

“I suppose you watched Lord Ashby demonstrate all of these actions,” Agnes said.

“I did watch him some,” Iris said.

“And you’ve allowed him to take liberties with you. Kissing you. Undressing you.” Agnes shook her head. “Do you not see what is happening, Iris?”

“I am participating in a wager that, when I prevail, will put an end to the reckless advice that is ruining my brother as well as other gentlemen in town.” But even she found her words difficult to believe.

“No, my dear. You are falling in love with Lord Ashby.”

“What?” Iris asked. “That is ridiculous.”

Harriet had grown unusually quiet, and Iris found herself wishing for chatter.

“Iris is having a bit of fun,” Harriet said as if reading her mind. “Nothing more, right?”

“Absolutely. I am not foolish enough to fall in love with the man who has single-handedly destroyed my brother.”

Chapter Seven

Iris had brought Harriet along with her to Merritt’s townhome that afternoon because she was a most accomplished pianist and they certainly needed music to refine Lucy’s dancing skills. Merritt sat in the corner of the parlor reading a newspaper whilst he waited to play his sister’s dancing partner. At the moment, though, Iris had to ensure that Lucy understood the etiquette of the dance floor.

Lucy beamed and nodded as she accepted Iris’s instructions.

“I believe we’re ready to begin,” Iris said. “Harriet, if you would?”

Harriet’s skillful fingers began a familiar Mozart waltz.

“Merritt, come and dance with your sister.” Iris motioned him forward.

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