Page 5 of A Promising Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

“I am not denying your abilities in certain things, my lady.” When they separated this time, it was Calliope who was eager to return to his side. Once they reunited, he said, “I am merely stating that when it comes to digging up forgotten prehistoric bones, I can’t imagine you will be entertained for long. The task just doesn’t suit you.”

She snorted. “I’m relieved that you are so familiar with my character, my lord, that you should caution me over something that sounds perfectly interesting.”

He shrugged. “At least I speak the truth, and I’m saying that vocation just doesn’t suit you.”

“Oh?” She lifted a brow. “Then, what, pray tell, might you suggest? Embroidery? Becoming a forgotten wife in the countryside with a brood of children, perhaps?” She fluttered her lashes.

He laughed. “Your cynicism never ceases to amaze me considering you have likely not seen much of the world beyond the windowpane in your bedchamber, or through the pages of the books in your father’s estate library.”

Calliope was so stunned that she couldn’t move, not to mention speak to defend herself, so it was a good thing that the dance had nearly concluded.

“But when it comes to what I think you’re suited for, my lady.” He moved closer to her as the music ended. Her pulse reluctantly sped up, and she could practically feel the heat emanating from him. “I could name several things that would be infinitely more desirable than digging in the sand on some desolate piece of land on the coast.”

It was when he reached out and touched the bare skin of her arm that she broke out of her trance and stepped back from him. “Then it’s a good thing I shall be leaving London sooner rather than later.”

She turned on her heel and departed, grateful with every step that put some much-needed space between them.

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