Page 5 of His Scandalous Siren
“Tea sounds wonderful,” Claudine said.
“Sit,” Lady Wyndam ordered. “Let the girl pour without crowding her.
They all did as Lady Wyndam demanded. When they were all seated save Miss Juliet, silence echoed back toward them. Sofia was starting to wish she had stayed at Huntly.
“Lady Wyndam has been wonderful,” Emilia said. “She’s helped me to plan what I will do with my life as a spinster.”
“She has?” Sofia lifted a brow. “So you’ve given up on the idea of marrying?” What she didn’t add was who Emilia had hoped her husband would be.
“I no longer wish to tie myself to a man for the rest of my life,” Emilia exclaimed. “I do not need that anxiety in my life.”
It all sounded good, but how much of that was the truth? Sofia certainly understood Emilia’s feelings. She had her own desires regarding one of the Marsden twins. She still wished sometimes he noticed her, but she had given up on that notion. It was the only way to save her sanity. Instead of addressing Emilia’s statement, she turned toward Lady Wyndam. “Why do you believe spinsterhood is an idea for my cousin?”
“Isn’t that what you wish for yourself?” Lady Wyndam countered.
Was it?” “No,” Sofia said and shook her head slowly. “It isn’t. But what I want and what I have are two entirely different things. Perhaps it’s more apt to say marriage hasn’t been something I’ve been offered.”
“That’s a shame.” The older woman glanced over at Sofia. “You’re a lovely girl. Are the men in Italy blind?”
And in England too apparently… It didn’t escape her notice that Lady Wyndam hadn’t answered her question. “I wouldn’t deign to try to understand the inner workings of the male mind.” Sofia wouldn’t fall into that trap.
“A wise endeavor,” a man said as he entered the room. “Aunt Katherine,” the man said in greeting. “I didn’t know you would be having one of your soirees.” The man had hair as dark as the night sky and green eyes the same shade as new leaves sprouting on a tree in spring. His face was breathtaking. Like God had carved perfection and made an angel in human form.
“Ladies,” Lady Wyndam said. “This is my nephew, Gideon Pryce: Duke of Sinbrough.” She waved her finger at the man. “Do not let His Grace charm you into some sinful activity. He may be infamous for it, but I refuse to let him sully any of the young ladies I take under my care.”
The duke chuckled lightly and placed his hand over his heart. “Now auntie don’t go telling tales. I’m quite innocent.” He winked at the ladies. “I promise.”
If he was innocent, then Sofia was no longer a virgin. Just being in his presence made a woman want to lift her skirts and beg him to give her pleasure. No wonder Lady Wyndam warned them. That man was dangerous to a woman’s virtue. “There’s no need to worry,” Sofia said. “We’ve grown up around the Marsden Twins. If they couldn’t temp us I doubt your nephew can.” The truth was, if Drew had given her any encouragement, she would have gladly fallen into his bed. She was certain Emilia would have done the same with Alex. A little lie wouldn’t hurt, though.
The duke’s smile faded. “Are you related to them?”
“No,” they all answered. “But you could say we are extended family.”
Emilia smiled. “My brother is married to the twins’ sister.”
“Ah hell,” he said. “You are definitely untouchable, then.” He turned toward his aunt. “No need to worry about their virtues. If I touched them, Alex and Drew would flay me alive.”
“Hmmph,” his aunt said. “My order that you leave them be should have been enough.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Why are you here, then?”
“I had hoped to borrow a few of your more discreet staff. I’ve decided to hold a masquerade in a few days and I’m running short on help. A few of the maids have decided to retire to the country.”
“I wonder why,” Lady Wyndam grumbled. “You may have some of the male servants. Do not allow any of the women to attend that party. I don’t need to lose my staff because your guests can’t keep their pants on.”
Sofia couldn’t hold back the laugh that burst out of her. The duke turned his attention to her. “She exaggerates,” he explained.
“You do not need to explain it to us,” Gabrielle told him. “We understand.”
“We really do,” Emilia offered.
“I’m not sure I want to,” Claudine added. “But I’m afraid I do too.”
“They’re intelligent ladies,” Lady Wyndam said. “You don’t fool them. Try that on that wastrel son of mine or that godson. You three are inseparable.”
“I will tell the Marquess of Caufield and the Earl of Wyndam that you send your regards.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for your assistance auntie.”
With those words, the Duke of Sinbrough left them alone. “He’s an interesting chap,” Claudine said.
“Remember to stay away from him,” Lady Wyndam ordered. “I love the boy, but he’s trouble. There isn’t a sin he hasn’t tried, I swear. Do you know what they call him?”
They all shook their heads.
“The Duke of Sin.” She sighed. “It’s a play on his name, but everyone knows why they dropped part of it. Something happened to that boy and he lives each day as if it is his last. I tried to help him, but I fear there is nothing to be done. All I have left is prayers, and so far those have not been answered.”
Sofia was curious, but not enough to ask any more questions. “He seems to know the Marsdens.”
“They run in the same circles. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re invited to that party of his. That’s no place for innocent young misses. It’ll be a wild night.”
Sofia could use a night like that. She wondered if she could discover where that masquerade was going to be held…
