Page 78 of Courting Scandal With The Duke
A twinge of regret touched her heart. It was a shame that this delightful interlude would be so short-lived. Perhaps she could wait a few more weeks before—
No. Father would arrive soon. He always did when she wanted him least.
She could not afford to delay.
Chapter Twelve
One did not invite a mistress to attend the theatre with one’s friends.
Xavier stared into the fire opposite his study desk. The afternoon had turned cool, and flames danced yellow and red among the coals. Almost the red of the gown he had seen her in first.
Geranium.
Such a reckless woman.
Nor did a gentleman invite a single lady to his box, even if she was a widow, unless his intentions were honourable. He would not, for example, have invited Miss Simon and her mother, unless he was on the verge of making her an offer.
He could just imagine the triumph on Mrs Simon’s face were she to receive such an invitation. Or indeed on the face of any of the mothers of debutantes who had been thrown at his feet this Season. What of Miss Lowell, Barbara’s aunt? Would she haveexpectations?
Indeed, what would thetonmake of such aninvitation to the Countess? The betting books at White’s would go wild.
What on earth had he been thinking? He had not been thinking with his brain, that was certain. His small head had been in control.
Lust made a man stupid.
It had certainly made his father stupid enough to risk his life. And he had suffered the consequences.
Xavier had no intention of following in his father’s footsteps. He had not made a point of circumspection all these many years just to fall prey to the first temptress to cross his path.
Xavier ran the pen’s feather through his fingers, tapped it against his cheek, a soft irritating tickle of sensation.
Damn it! What did he care what thetonthought? He had issued the invitation and he would not back out.
But nor would he be trapped by a scheming woman.
He would invite Lady Cowper to bring along the other two young ladies she had recommended, and their mothers. After all, Barbara had been on Emily’s list.
Yes. That would work. Problem solved. Nothing particular about such an invitation at all.
Barbara might not be best pleased with the arrangement, but he had informed her others would be invited.
It would do.
He cast his pen aside.
He would have Perry send out the invitations first thing in the morning.
His butler scratched on the door and entered.
‘The carriage is waiting, Your Grace.’
‘Still raining, then?’
‘I am afraid so, Your Grace. Pouring, in fact.’
‘Very well. Thank you.’ He had intended to walk to the gymnasium, but since he had several places he intended to go afterwards, he ordered the carriage put to.
He was glad of it too when he made the dash from the carriage into the gymnasium on Old Bond Street.
