Page 20 of The Tempting of a Devilish Lord

“Did you say something, Lucinda?” her mother asked.

She snapped her attention around and forced a serene smile. “Oh no. Just, um, had a little cough.”

Her mother’s dark brows knitted. “I do hope you are not becoming unwell. Perhaps I should delay my trip.”

“Delay? Trip?” Lucinda repeated.

“Yes, with Mrs. Beaton? As we were just discussing.”

Lucinda’s cheeks heated and she expanded her smile. “Oh no, I’m sure all will be just fine.”

“You will be under the care of Mrs. Hilton. She can escort you and Mary-Anne wherever you wish to go, though I imagine you two shall be quite content enjoying the walks here seeing as you were gone so long the other day.”

“I cannot wait!” Mary-Anne said gleefully.

“A couple of days?” Lucinda stared at her mother. “You are leaving for a couple of days?”

“Well the journey to Yorkshire will take at least a day,” her mother replied.

Mrs. Beaton nodded. “We could arrange another carriage I suppose,” she murmured, “but I have my doubts either of you should wish to come. Especially Mary-Anne.”

Lucinda waved a hand. “No, it will be fine. I know you have been wanting to visit with Grandmama Nancy for some time.”

And Lucinda was more than happy to avoid Grandmama Nancy. The woman never failed to lecture her on her past deeds, and she could do without Mary-Anne overhearing. They had protected her for this long from the truth of Lucinda’s past and she would like to keep it that way.

“Oh look.” Mary-Anne tugged on Lucinda’s arm. “There’s Alex and Adam. We should go and see how they are!”

Mama’s lips tightened. “I hear they are quite the rakes, and their current deposition does nothing to sway me from such an impression.” She leaned in. “The Lords of Scandal Row, they call them.”

She understood why they had received such a nickname, given they all owned townhouses in the same row in London according to Mrs. Baker, and it seemed scandalous behavior did not stay in Town.

Indeed, all three were laughing and smiling with the sisters while the pretty young women inched ever closer. Ivy Lonsdale was so close to Alex that all he would need to do was turn around, dip down a little and they could kiss.

The heat already lingering in her cheeks flashed to scalding levels and she forced herself to draw in a cooling breath. “Perhaps we should leave them to it. They appear quite busy.”

“Oh no, do let’s say good afternoon!” Mary-Anne pulled on Lucinda’s arm once more then scurried off toward them.

Mama pressed a hand to her chest. “They will think her rude!”

“I shall see to her, Mama.” Sighing, Lucinda scurried over. Mary-Anne barged into the conversation before Lucinda reached them and Alex offered Lucinda an amused smile.

“It seems your sister demands to come and visit with us again.”

“Well, unfortunately for Mary-Anne that will not be possible. Our mother is leaving town for a few days.” She met his gaze and tried to look away from those compelling hazel eyes.

No doubt Ivy Lonsdale had felt exactly the same as she did right now, all breathless and captive under his attention. She would do well to recall that he likely had practice with such intense looks.

“Come now, Mary-Anne,” Lucinda said. “I can see you are all busy.” She swung a look at the sisters who shot her narrowed looks at their interruption. Even Mrs. Lonsdale’s lips thinned.

“I did not actually agree to have your sister visit, you know.” Alex’s smile tilted.

“Well it would not matter if we were. We are busy too you see.” Lucinda smiled tightly.

“Oh yes, no doubt you have more rocks to climb.” Alex leaned in. “Let me know if I need to be of service again, Lucy. I shall keep my schedule entirely clear.”

“That will not be necessary,” she replied archly. “I will have no need of your aid, now or anytime soon.”

“You know, you are always welcome at Eastwick, Mary-Anne,” Adam chimed in. “We have secret passageways and a priest hole that I suspect would be of interest to you.”

---