Page 7 of The Scoundrel and the Lady

His response wasn’t surprising. She wouldn’t have expected him to comply based on her meager request. “Why not?”

“Because I happen to be proud of every word in my paper. We go to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of our material.”

“Despite the damage it causes?”

“We report the scandals, my dear lady. We do not cause them.”

“You are far too proud,” she said.

“Perhaps, but with good reason. My paper has an impeccable reputation and the highest circulation numbers in the city.”

She sucked in a breath, surprised at his pure hubris. “You are an infuriating man.”

“And you are a nosy and outspoken woman.”

Her mouth fell open. She’d never been talked to in such a manner. Further proof that Lord Ashby was no gentleman, despite his title. “Good evening,” she said and turned on her heel and walked off. She quickly found Harriet and the others at the edge of the ballroom.

“How did it go? I saw you dancing with him,” Harriet said.

Iris felt a frown weigh down her brow. “He is the most arrogant, rude man I have ever met.”

“Which means he wasn’t too keen on removing the articles?” Agnes asked.

“No. Evidently he believes it is perfectly acceptable to spread his vile advice all around London, teaching young men, my brother included, his wretched ways.” She briefly wondered if that was what had made her so angry, or if it was what he’d said about her. It mattered not.

Harriet linked arms with her. “You mustn’t give up so easily, Iris. Perseverance is what we, the Ladies of Virtue, are all about. You shall be triumphant.”

But Iris wasn’t so certain. It would have been far easier to simply stab Lord Ashby with her hatpin and leave him bleeding on the ballroom floor.

Chapter Two

Merritt raked his fingers through his hair and sighed as he entered his townhome. He’d stayed out far later than he’d intended, but after the encounter with the bossy Lady Iris, he’d needed to divert his attention. Therefore, he’d played a few rounds of billiards.

He could still smell her on him, though, particularly annoying considering their interaction hadn’t lasted much longer than a single song. Yet she had made an impression. Not an easy feat given how he felt about most of Society.

He’d barely stepped into the foyer when his younger sister, Lucy, bounded into the corridor to greet him.

“Merritt! You’re finally home,” she said.

He did not have the energy for this. “Why are you still awake?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” She waved a hand dismissively. “I could only think about all the fun you were having. You must tell me everything.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, leading him all the way into yellow parlor. Once they were seated on the golden settee, she said, “Now tell me all the details. What was everyone wearing? Did you dance? Did you have champagne? Oh, did you dance? Did I already ask you that?”

“Slow down, Lucy. First, you know I do not pay much mind to what anyone is wearing.”

“You noticed none of the pretty dresses?” She glanced at him, disbelief shimmered in her eyes.

Perhaps one. Though, had it been the dress or the lady?

“You did! Did you dance with her?”

More than likely, the green confection had only caught his attention because of the contrast to Lady Iris’s vibrant hair. Or because she’d approached him, had sought him out. But he knew his sister would not cease pestering him unless he gave her some information.

“Please, Merritt, tell me something.” She held her hands together as if in prayer.

He had never been able to say no to that face. “Very well, it was a mossy green dress, brocaded, I believe they call it, with lace trim. It had a rounded neckline with an ornamental rose in the center.” Which had perfectly accented Lady Iris’s décolletage.

“That sounds positively gorgeous. Who wore it?”

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