Page 7 of Making of a Scandal
“Already betrothed. The wedding will be just after the start of the Season.”
“Drat. Oh, what of Baron Hornsby? He’s gone a bit gray at the temples, but he’s still handsome. He’s been out of mourning for a year now, I think.”
Calliope frowned at the mention of the baron whose wife had died and left him with four unruly children. They were rumored to be so terrible that no woman would consider his suit.
“I think not.”
“Well … oh, my … what abouthim?”
Calliope’s skin prickled at the way Diana said ‘him’, for there was only one man who elicited such a reaction. Her hands became clammy inside her gloves and her pulse fluttered as she followed Diana’s gaze.
A group of young men walked in their direction, steps light and jaunty, youth and vitality dripping from their every pore. There were five of them, all of varying heights and coloring—some handsome but none as beautiful ashim.
The Honourable Mr. Martin Lewes, one of theton’smost sought-after bachelors. Set to inherit a viscountcy on his father’s death, the man was everything a mama could want for her unwed daughter. Ridiculously handsome, charming and polite to a fault, a fabulous dancer, and eligible. It didn’t hurt matters that along with a title, Mr. Lewes was set to inherit a grand fortune as well as a flourishing country holding that had been passed down through generations. He was a favorite among men and women of high society alike, and there wasn’t a hostess in London who didn’t covet his presence at their dinner parties and balls. He partnered the young women on the dance floor with gallantry, charmed the matrons until they were blushing and tittering like young girls, and was a superb card player.
While there were many of thetonwho treated Calliope with cool, forced civility—or ignored her altogether—Mr. Lewes often went out of his way to be kind to her. He’d brought her champagne at a few balls, and had danced with her often. Of course, he partnered dozens of other young ladies as well, and seemed to simply enjoy dancing. It had meant nothing, and she’d never let herself think otherwise.
“He’s so … well, handsome seems like a rather mild word, doesn’t it?” Diana whispered.
Calliope’s stomach churned as the men slowed, Mr. Lewes coming to a halt when he recognized them. He was a golden god of a man, blond-haired and blue eyed, a study in classical perfection. Full, alluring lips parted in a blinding smile, and it was all she could do not to swoon on the spot.
“Lady Hastings, Miss Barrington,” he said, offering a bow. “Good afternoon.”
“Good afternoon, Mr. Lewes,” Diana chirped, seeming oblivious to Calliope’s discomfiture.
Callie found herself astoundingly tongue-tied in the man’s presence, despite their acquaintance. To her relief, Diana never had any trouble filling in silences.
“Quite a fine day for a walk, is it not? The weather has been so ghastly lately, I am glad for a reprieve from the rain.”
“Indeed,” Mr. Lewes agreed. “And how does Hastings fare these days, my lady? I have not seen him in ages … since your wedding, I think.”
“Yes, and how bad of you not to come visit us now that we are settled back in London.”
Mr. Lewes chuckled, and the deep, resonant sound sent flutters through Calliope’s belly. The man laughed the way he did most things … beautifully. A dimple appeared in his left cheek, and little smile lines appeared at the corners of eyes like deep, blue lakes.
“Do forgive the oversight. I did not wish to impose upon a newly-wedded couple.”
“Oh, pish!” Diana declared with a wave of her hand. “Your presence at Hastings House is never an imposition. My sister and I would be delighted for you to call upon us, wouldn’t we, Callie dear?”
Calliope started, blinking out of the haze of girlish infatuation that overwhelmed her whenever Mr. Lewes was near. The man had such a dazzling effect on her, a far cry from the way other men made her feel. There wasn’t a salacious bone in Mr. Lewes’s body, and she registered only polite interest as he swiveled those sapphire eyes her way.
“Of course,” she managed with a shaky smile.
“There you have it,” Diana said, saving Calliope from having to form more words. “When can we expect you to call? Oh, do say you’ll come tomorrow!”
Mr. Lewes laughed again, while Calliope gaped at her sister. Diana was always friendly and welcoming, but never quite so pushy. Dread overwhelmed her as she realized what her sister was up to.
Stop it,her eyes screamed as she snared Diana’s gaze.
Her sister simply smirked and shrugged one shoulder as if to say,‘No, and you cannot make me.’
Calliope seethed, unable to do anything other than stand there and watch her sister manipulate their chance meeting with Mr. Lewes into something else entirely.
“I would be delighted to call tomorrow afternoon, my lady. Miss Barrington, can I look forward to seeing you, as well?”
Calliope nearly choked on air. He’d never directly addressed her unless in greeting or asking for a dance during a ball. Their exchanges were always brief and innocuous, and while one could argue that this was simply more of the same, the air around her felt charged and electric. He was looking at her as if he actually wanted an affirmative answer to his question. Would it disappoint him if she happened to not be at home when he called?
Finding her voice with great effort, Calliope inclined her head. “Yes, Mr. Lewes.”
