Page 24 of The Notorious Dashing Viscount
I hope it’s novels, Clayton thought, before catching himself.
It doesn’t matter, fool.
He remembered the feeling of her hand in his, the curve of her waist under his palm. He’d waltzed with countless women before, some so beautiful they could silence a room just by walking into it.
What made Lady Isolde so different?
“Do you have a plan, then?” Lucas asked, cutting into his thoughts.
“Not really. I didn’t have a plan last night, and Lady Isolde more or less threw herself into my arms.”
“She tripped,” Lucas corrected. “Although that vile scandal sheet will have people thinking she all but jumped at you.”
“I have said it before and I will say it again. Anyone fool enough to believe what’s in those papers deserves to be deceived. As for Lady Isolde, don’t worry. My reputation goes before me. She might grow fond of me, but she won’t risk her heart. A ladydoesn’t get the nickname of Ice Queen without learning how to protect her peace of mind. Everything will be fine. I shall go on my own way, and trust others to move aside. I’m not hiding anything, am I?”
Lucas got to his feet, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket.
“You always have an answer for everything, don’t you, Clayton?”
“Well, I suppose so,” he responded, a little taken aback. “What are you getting at?”
Lucas smiled mirthlessly. “You go on your own way and trust others to move aside, do you? So any hurt caused by you doing whatever you like is their own fault. How convenient.”
“I’m not saying that. I’m just saying that… that… well, I’m a rake, Lucas!” Clayton held his arms out to either side. “What should you expect from me?”
Lucas didn’t smile. He glanced over at the window, expression closed.
“It’s a mistake we’ve all made,” he muttered. “Expecting too much of you. Or anything, for that matter.”
He left abruptly, not giving Clayton the chance to say a word. The door was left swinging open behind him.
Chapter Seven
Pride and Prejudice was not captivating Isolde as it had before. Oh, the writing was just as fascinating as always, the characters unchanged, but her mind was whirling too hard to allow her to think of anything on the pages.
Isolde had decided to read in the drawing room, instead of the library, in hopes of spending more time with James. She was disappointed, however – James had gone out somewhere or other, enjoying the freedom that gentlemen took for granted.
And so, Isolde was alone. The peace and quiet was just starting to settle into her bones, and the antics of Elizabeth Bennet were beginning to entrance her again when the door banged open, making her jump.
“There you are, Izzy,” Beatrice announced, striding into the room. She smoothed out her bodice, a sure sign that she was out of sorts. “I looked for you everywhere, and here you are now, hiding on the window seat.
“Hardly hiding, Mama,” Isolde remarked. “What is it?”
Beatrice hesitated, nibbling on her lower lip. “I have reason to expect a visitor today.”
“Oh?” Isolde’s attention was already wavering, drifting back to her book.
“For you, in fact. A gentleman.”
Isolde closed her book with a snap, louder than she’d intended. Beatrice narrowed her eyes but did not speak.
“I don’t want to meet with any gentlemen, Mama.”
“It’s Lord Raisin.”
“Of course it is,” Isolde muttered. “I don’t want to see him, Mama.”
Beatrice’s jaw tightened. “It’s a little late for that. Hiscarriage is already coming down the street.”
