Page 14 of Season of the Scoundrel
“I suppose it is.” Ivy tried for an unaffected tone and hated the nervous quiver in her voice.
He stood and sauntered toward her until they were standing scandalously close.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he said quietly, almost a whisper.
“I didn’t realize your talents extended to mind reading, Your Grace.” She was proud of herself for managing a quip when his nearness had her heart beating as if she’d just run a footrace.
“It is not what you believe.” Either he was a very great actor or the man was sincere.
“Did you tell him about my article?” This time her voice broke a bit.
The idea that he would betray her in that way… He’d seen her work in a professional setting. It would be unprincipled, unethical, to share that information with Penrose.
Ivy held her breath as his eyes darkened.
“Of course not.”
“He called youfriend.” Ivy laid a hand against her middle and could suddenly breathe again.Ifshe could trust his claim, of course.
“He’s trying to persuade me to invest in one of his schemes.” He looked into her eyes, dipped his head a bit, and said, “That’s why I invited him to dinner.”
She crossed her arms. “Does that mean you believe my story or doubt it? Areyouinvestigating him now?”
“Wouldn’t more proof of your theory be useful?”
He wasn’t wrong, yet it still felt high-handed. If he had such easy access to Penrose, why not mention it this morning?
“You could have told me,” she said, sounding petulant even to her own ears.
“There was no time to. It was an impulse.”
She cocked her head at that. Blackbourne called her reckless and yethehad stepped in to help her yesterday. “Perhaps we’re both reckless.”
He smiled at that and she felt her own mouth curving up too.
“There you are. Lily sent me to fetch you.” Hyacinth’s voice carried across the lobby.
Ivy groaned as she turned to face her sister. “You’ve found me.”
“We’ve been watching you, Your Grace,” Hyacinth said to Blackbourne in her usual straightforward manner.
“Have you indeed?” His mouth curved and a brow winged up. “May I know the name of my observer?”
“Miss Hyacinth Bridewell.” She gave the duke an impressive curtsy. Ivy noted it was far more effort than she usually put into the gesture. “I’m glad Ivy’s writing has found favor with you. She applies herself to it diligently.”
“That is very clear in her prose.” Blackbourne flicked a look Ivy’s way.
“I’m sure His Grace must be getting back to his dinner companion,” Ivy said. “And we should too.” She gave Hyacinth a look full of meaning.
Her sister seemed to understand.
“Enjoy your dinner, ladies.”
“Good evening to you, Blackbourne,” Ivy said and then started off so quickly Hyacinth trotted beside her to keep up.
“Your cheeks are red and your eyes are glowing,” Hyacinth told her very unhelpfully. “He flusters you.”
“Against my will,” Ivy admitted, “I assure you.”
