Page 40 of A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
‘I wonder exactly where you found him. I only mean, he doesn’t seem to be your average country lad.’ Perhaps she could divert his attention away from her interaction with Patricia by focusing on his unique choice in servants.
‘Nothing about Billy is average.’ Drake tugged at his cravat – an oddly endearing gesture reminiscent of Master Bright himself. ‘Billy may be young, but he’s experienced far more tragedy in his life than most people. When I met him, he’d just lost his sister.’
Millie raised her brow and forced her tongue to stay still despite the questions bursting forth. Exactly what circumstances had led to his sister’s death? And was Drake involved in investigating them? Buttons to sweet buns said Philippa would know about it. Millie would make sure to quiz her mentor at the earliest opportunity.
‘That’s terrible.’
‘Yes. It was. And instead of letting such unfair cruelty twist him, Billy was determined to find justice for his sister. He showed more virtue in adversity than most of the blue-blooded buffoons in the entire beau monde.’
Millie’s heart stretched painfully imagining what kind of trouble Billy had experienced. ‘I’m glad you took him in, then.’
Drake shrugged. ‘It was hardly an act of charity. I expect Billy to earn his keep.’ He clenched his jaw, and for a moment, Milliethought the conversation was over. Instead, his icy gaze fell upon her, holding her in his thrall. ‘That isn’t the truth of it, though. Billy deserved a better chance than what life gave him, and by no effort of my own, I was in a position to help.’
‘So, you offered him a post in your house? Just like that?’ Hardly in character for a man of Drake’s cold reputation.
In lieu of an answer, he shrugged, his gaze astutely avoiding hers.
Millie was certain few people had the courage or opportunity to tease the oh-so-serious Earl of Tetly. She was determined to take full advantage of this serendipitous moment. ‘Who would have guessed Major General Drake was prone to such flights of fancy? Can you imagine if the beau monde caught wind? Your reputation would be in tatters. The earl with a heart of gold. Ah, but fear not, my lord. Your secret is safe with me.’
Drake’s gaze swept back to her. His eyes narrowed. ‘Are secrets something you often keep, Millicent?’
Damnable man!
Millie had stepped right into that. ‘Only for such a sensitive soul as yourself, my lord.’
‘I think you are imagining things. First a heart, now a soul? You don’t know me at all.’ Drake leaned closer, and Millie prepared herself for his next volley of questions. But instead of pressing his advantage, he did something completely unexpected. His eyes softened and his mouth quirked into a self-deprecating hint of a smile. ‘Sometimes, an impulsive decision made on instinct alone has the power to irrevocably alter one’s course. Not just mine, or Billy’s, or yours, but everyone’s. Like a ripple in a lake.’
Oh my.
The angry dragon was hiding a soft underbelly full of both heart and soul despite his protestations. How interesting. And inconvenient, as Millie found herself desperately wishing tocapture both. And what on earth would she do with Drake’s heart, let alone his soul?
Don’t be a silly ninny! You don’t want any part of him.
Except his rough hands, his warm lips, his hard thighs.
Botheration!
Millie forced her thoughts back to the boy and ignored the sudden ache between her own thighs. ‘Well, no matter the reason for your choice, he certainly holds you in high regard.’ Millie wished her voice wasn’t quite so breathless.
‘I never said the lad was bright.’
Millie couldn’t stop the chuckle. ‘I’d wager he’s far cleverer than most of the pompous stuffed shirts in the House of Lords. And he trusts you.’
Drake snorted. ‘He trusts a full belly and a warm bed. And you aren’t distracting me with this discussion, no matter how hard you try. Exactly where did you learn that move you performed on your stepmother just now?’ His gravelled voice created a buzz in her belly as blood rushed through her veins like warm honey.
Damnation!
So, her efforts to divert him had failed. Fine. She would feign ignorance. ‘I’m not sure I know what you mean.’
‘Really?’ He took a step closer. ‘You are a terrible liar, Millicent.’
Millie’s wide smile dimmed. ‘I know. It’s always been a problem.’ She glanced out the window, desperate for another topic of conversation.
Before Drake could undoubtedly revisit his question, the sound of carriage wheels on the drive signalled a new arrival.
Thank God! Saved by wedding guests.
‘Oh, look! More guests. Shall we go out and greet them?’ Millie had never been happier to play hostess.
