Page 23 of Season of the Scoundrel
Ross didn’t think they were as incompatible as she seemed to believe, but he wouldn’t argue that point now.
“You think we can end the false engagement without it becoming a scandal?”
“I do. If we handle the matter quietly, respectfully. Those that draw notice are the breaks that become bitter.”
She bit her lip and stared at the carpet, as if considering all the possibilities of such a plan. “Are you not concerned that having a young lady throw you over will damage your reputation?”
“No, I am the Duke of Blackbourne.” He arched one dark brow. “I am not concerned.”
A light chuckle rumbled from her throat. “Now that I think on it, neither am I. You’re wealthy and handsome and powerful. The debutantes and their mamas will bless me for setting you free.”
“You think me handsome, Miss Bridewell?”
“You know that you are.” She narrowed her eyes. “I assume you’ve passed a mirror once or twice in your life, Blackbourne.”
Turning her back on him, she paced the rug again.
“So,” she finally said, “if we agree to this, what will become of my article about the Porphyrion?”
“I would still print it inThe Sentinel, but if you’re worried that people might say I printed it because you are my betrothed, I know several other editors?—”
“No,” she cut in. “I want you to publish it. Mr. Nolan was kind to me and gave me so many hours of his time on Friday.”
Relief washed through him. “Then we shall print it,” he told her with a smile.
Ivy had never meta man whose smiles affected her so. When he smiled at her, it was as if half her wits abandoned her.
Was she mad to think this scheme would work? Would anyone believe Blackbourne had chosenherout of all the eligible ladies in London to be his duchess? A wallflower who’d gone unnoticed for two Seasons.
Perhaps it would give them an opportunity to work together more closely on the Penrose investigation without anyone looking askance at their connection.
“I suppose,” she started, meeting his gaze, “we should go in and tell Griffin and Lily our news. I believe he’s prepared for me to be less than cooperative, so this will shock him.” A bit of worry began to make her stomach twist. “He may not believe this ruse at all. Should we take them into our confidence about the truth?”
“You know them best. Do you think we should?”
Ivy considered how uncomfortable maintaining a lie with her sisters would be. “Perhaps. I’m not certain.”
“Well, if you don’t wish to, I will convince him the betrothal is genuine,” Blackbourne said with utter conviction.
“Wewill convince him. I’m prepared to play my part too.” Now she’d at least have a good reason for all the blushing she did whenever Blackbourne was near, or even mentioned by others.
“So let us go speak to them.” He offered her his arm.
Ivy strode toward him and wrapped her arm around his, noting as she had last night that his muscles tensed at her touch.
She nodded at Nell, who immediately stood and opened the drawing room doors.
“Steady,” he told her, seeming to sense her nervousness.
“They’ll be planning to leave for Derbyshire soon,” she whispered to him as they headed to Griffin’s study. “I’m going to ask to remain behind in London.”
“What if I invited all of you to Sussex?”
“To your estate?”
“I think you might like it. Selsbury is quite near the sea,” he added with a glance her way.
It was certainly much closer to London than Derbyshire, but still a significant journey.
