Page 24 of His Scandalous Lessons
“Oh, I’m not harmless. But it’s very kind of you to think so.”
That seemed to interest him. “What a curious thing to say.”
“My father is a politician, my lord. I could not grow up in such a household learning nothing from him.”
“So you’re saying you’re secretly ruthless.”
Less than a month ago, she would have said no. But she was ruthless now, wasn’t she? Perhaps not in the way of her father — she did not toy with men like a cat with a mouse — but she was using the skills he had taught her. Only now it was for her benefit, to survive and escape, and begin a life where she would not have to use such cruel methods. Her ruthlessness was a means to an end, not for power or greed, but for survival.
Such skills were all women had in this world.
“Perhaps,” she said in a low voice. “But you seem to know a thing or two about ruthlessness, don’t you? I was warned about your reputation.”
His smile was lazy. “From Caroline, I suspect. What did she say?”
“Rake, rogue, libertine.”
“Compliments, all.”
Anne laughed. “Strange that a man with such a reputation is hiding from a woman.”
Montgomery studiously ignored the woman in question and smiled at another debutante on the other side of the garden. The girl blushed prettily and whispered to her companion. They both giggled. “She’s had an infatuation with me for years. I’m trying to save her.”
“From you?”
“From herself,” he corrected. “You see, I’ve no interest in marriage. It wouldn’t do to give her any hope.”
“Nor me, I suppose.”
He seemed surprised again by her honesty. “That’s what I like about you, Miss Sheffield. You’re refreshingly candid.”
Anne leaned to touch one of the roses beside them — pink. Lovely. The garden was so full of them that the fragrance filled the air. “If you appreciate candidness, then know I am on the lookout for a husband.” When his smile froze in place, she flashed a grin. “Settle yourself. I’ve no intention of pursuing any man with no interest in a bride.”
“Granby, then?”
“Granby,” she confirmed softly. “Though I would appreciate you not letting him know.”
He seemed almost puzzled. “He’s not — Miss Sheffield, I doubt he’d appreciate such candor. Granby isn’t...”
“He’s not ruthless,” Anne finished for him. Now he was warning her, too. For a rogue, libertine, rake, scoundrel, he was shockingly kind. Rather like Richard. “No, he isn’t. But sometimes we’re not given the benefit of a choice, my lord.” Before he could ask what she meant, Anne backed away. She couldn’t linger here with him any longer without inciting gossip. “If you require hiding again, please don’t use me. Your lady could do with some honesty, not saving.”
Chapter 12
Richard had barely seen Anne all day. Between Granby, Montgomery, Caroline, and the other young debutantes seeking his attention, he’d had no opportunity to speak with her. Despite being seated beside her at dinner, Granby commanded the whole of her attention. And earlier, when he'd sought her out, she'd been discussing something intently with Montgomery.
He’d warned Montgomery she wasn’t some damned light-skirt. Had the earl propositioned her? Had he been too forward?
She’s not yours, he reminded himself.
No, Anne may not have been his, but she deserved better than Montgomery. Better than—
A rustle in the hall startled him. A moment later, a note slid under the door. Richard plucked it off the floor and opened it.
Cottage. 20 minutes.
— A
That single note was all it took to have Richard grinning like a bloody fool.
