Page 64 of A Promising Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Calliope had known Sebastian long enough to learn that his reputation had been earned. But something told her that he was telling the truth about Lady Abaline, because she had heard the finality in his voice. Not only that, but she didn’t put it past the marquess to do something so underhanded. However, she intended to pay a visit to Lord Abersheen and find out why.

After a light embrace, they parted. Sebastian’s dark eyes were fervent. “Does this mean you forgive me?”

Her heart cracked inside of her chest. “I do.” When he would have brought her against him again, she laid a hand on his arm to halt his actions. “But there are some things that need to be sorted out before we go any further.”

He dropped his head but nodded. “I understand.” He took a respectful step backward. “Just promise me that you won’t attempt to seek out the other men on your ridiculous list.”

Calliope’s eyes widened. “How did you—” She waved a hand. “Never mind. I’m not sure I want to know.” She narrowed her eyes slightly, as a thought occurred to her. “You wouldn’t be responsible for their sudden disinterest in me, would you?”

His expression became sheepish, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “It might have just been suggested that they turn their attentions elsewhere.”

She snorted. “You are shameless, do you know that?”

His expression was clear when he looked at her. “When it comes to you I most certainly am.”

Calliope’s heart warmed, but she only said, “I should be getting back.”

She could tell that he was reluctant to let her go, but he didn’t attempt to keep her any longer. He moved to the side. “I’ll wait a few moments, but if it’s all the same to you, I think I’ll retire for the evening.” He looked at her evenly. “But I trust I may call on you tomorrow?”

She didn’t want to depart, because just knowing he was at the party put her mind at ease, but until they had a chance to talk more thoroughly, she realized it was probably for the best. “I should like that.”

As Calliope slipped out of the room, she didn’t immediately return to the ball. Her pulse was hammering entirely too much to allow for that. She needed to compose herself first, so she made her way to her original destination, the ladies’ retiring room.

However, the moment she walked inside, she regretted her choice, for there was a single lady present, but the very one she would have rather done without.

Lady Abaline’s blond hair and deep blue dress matched her eyes perfectly as she met Calliope’s gaze in the mirrored reflection. She had been applying some lip powder to freshen up her appearance, but she returned the item to her reticule and turned to greet her adversary. “Lady Calliope.”

“Baroness,” she murmured in reply, not feeling respectful enough to call her by her title. After what she’d just overheard her say to Sebastian, she wasn’t feeling very generous.

She thought about turning around and leaving right then, but since she wasn’t a coward, she walked over and stood next to the widow, boldly ignoring Lady Abaline as she checked her own appearance in the looking glass.

She was hoping the baroness might depart on her own, but it appeared she wanted to extend their conversation. “I didn’t see you when I arrived this evening.”

“I was taking some air,” Calliope hedged, finding it difficult to respond with the proper amount of decorum.

“Were you?” the lady nearly purred. “Because I thought it rather odd that Lord Blakely was mysteriously absent as well.”

Calliope paused and shifted her gaze to the other woman. “I hope you aren’t trying to imply something.”

She shrugged nonchalantly. “Not at all.” She swirled a delicate nail on the counter between them. “Although I have noted that the viscount has taken a particular interest in you ever since you arrived in London.”

Calliope crossed her arms. “What’s your point?”

Lady Abaline lifted her gaze once more, her blue eyes flashing. “Only that I have a history with Sebastian that you cannot comprehend.” She tilted her head to the side, and her lips curved maliciously. “Do you know he decided he preferred red-haired women only after I left him and married the baron?”

Calliope narrowed her eyes. “You made a mistake. Sometimes, those can’t be altered.”

The baroness dared to take an intimidating step closer. “Sebastian belongs to me. He will never be yours. I even have Lord Abersheen on my side.”

Calliope straightened her shoulders. She had never been one to back down from a fight, and she wouldn’t start now, just because this woman decided she wanted to browbeat her. She looked directly at her and said, “I couldn’t care less, because I don’t want him.”

Satisfied by the flash of uncertainty on the other lady’s face, Calliope turned and marched out of the room.

She found Isadora a short time later and decided she’d had her fill of society for one evening. “I’m ready to go.”

Her sister eyed her curiously but started moving toward the exit. But then, Isa had never particularly cared for parties and balls. She used her skills in the study among ledgers and numbers. “Is something amiss?”

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