Page 32 of To Tempt a Scandalous Lord
Niall leaned forward suddenly, his gray gaze piercing. “If someone were to critique you in a chapbook, what would they say?”
Swallowing, Alicia dropped her gaze to her lap. What an uncomfortable question to consider. But if Niall could be self-reflective, so could she.
“I believe they would say I can be single-minded, intent on one thought or idea, to the detriment of others. They would probably say I can be pigheaded and uncompromising, at times, because I’m convinced of the rightness of my actions or beliefs.”
“Single-minded and pigheaded you say?” Niall chuckled, the sound like warm honey. “Surely he would have some redeeming qualities to write about?”
“Would he?” Niall’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Alicia interjected, “Perhaps the author could report that I am loyal and trustworthy. Observant. Dedicated to a task or cause.”
Niall nodded slowly. “Admirable traits, indeed.”
“I’m happy you agree.” Alicia placed her napkin on the table and stood. “In truth, I find I quite like myself, and am relieved I don’t have to rely on that chapbook author to praise me in order to see my worth.”
A smirk briefly brightened his handsome face.
“I hope you have a good day, my lord,” she said, dipping her head politely and heading to the door.
When Alicia reached the interior of her room, she groaned, pressing her head against the closed door. How was she ever going to survive this marriage with such a secret hanging over her head?
…
“My lord? My lord, did you hear me?”
Niall blinked as he met his secretary’s questioning gaze. What had the man said? Something about the language on the Poor Law Amendment Act? His upcoming appointment with Lord Matthews? He glanced at the clock on his desk and blinked. Three hours had passed since his breakfast with Alicia and he’d been so caught up replaying their conversation, he couldn’t account for where the time had gone.
He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’m sorry, Murray. Please repeat what you were saying.”
The younger man smiled indulgently. “You have a lot on your mind, your lordship.”
One would think any number of things occupied his thoughts, from his bid for Prime Minister to the lobbying he would need to do to ensure the Poor Law Amendment Act passed.
Yet, all he had been able to think of was his new wife. Of how her dark eyes had sparkled when she’d departed the breakfast parlor that morning.
They were a week into their marriage, and he was uncharacteristically flustered.
Ever since their wedding breakfast, he had tried to give Lady Lindsay—Inverray—space to come to terms with their new marriage. Yet try as he might, Niall was struggling to keephisdistance. On more than one occasion he’d found himself standing outside the door that connected their chambers, his hand suspended in the air, warring with whether he should knock. Ready and eager to touch his bewitching new wife, Niall struggled to focus on his daily tasks.
And that scared him.
None of this was going according to plan. None of it.
Niall had gained success as an MP by pushing aside his emotions and focusing on the work. On the negotiations. His new, fledgling feelings for Alicia made him vulnerable. Unsure of himself. He knew that to maintain his customary taciturnity he needed to avoid her…but how was he to do that when she lived right under his nose? Escape was an impossibility.
“Lord Matthews sent around a note asking to move tomorrow’s appointment up by a half hour’s time,” Murray intoned, snagging Niall’s attention.
He groaned. “I had intended on stopping by Little Windmill House between the committee meeting and our appointment. Have you responded to him yet?”
The secretary hesitated. “I’ve written the response, but didn’t dare send it without your approval.”
“Good man.” Niall snatched a piece of parchment from Murray’s neat pile and quickly scratched out a note. “Have this note delivered to him instead.”
Murray took it and tapped it against the back of his hand. “May I, my lord?”
“Of course.” Niall nodded. “You might as well check my spelling and grammar. I know those things are important to you.”
“They should be important to you as well,” Murray mumbled, unfolding the note. “As a Scot, you already have prejudice to overcome and it’s wise not to give them more reasons to look down on you.”
Niall grunted his approval. This was why the man had worked for him for the last four years. Murray was intelligent, well-read, and hardworking, but he was also unafraid to point out areas Niall could improve upon. He suspected Alicia would like him.
