Page 68 of A Promising Little Scandal (Sensual Scandals)

“I’m not sure that we’re meant to know,” Isadora said gently. “Besides, it doesn’t matter now. It’s all in the past. But surely you know what’s in here.” She put a hand over her own breast. “It’s the same feeling that you had for Lord Blakely which had you rushing back to London.”

Calliope looked at her sister for a moment, and then she wiped at her cheeks and straightened her shoulders. “I… seem to have forgotten it.”

“Then perhaps you should go back and rediscover it.”

The solution was so simple, and yet, Calliope hadn’t even considered it. She offered her sister a watery smile. “Mr. Bullock has practically been begging me to bring back more samples for his collection. And I’ve been wanting to see for myself how Mary and Mrs. Anning are faring.”

“It sounds to me as if you have it all figured out.” Isadora’s gaze abruptly turned distant. “As far as Father is concerned, none of it matters any longer. Whatever his choices were at the time, they were his business and do not concern any of us. I know Minty and Livy held similar reservations when they married Lord Somers and the Duke of Gravesend, but they dared to take a chance in the end. You must do the same, Callie.”

Calliope took a deep breath. “How did you become so wise, Isa?”

Her sister merely offered her a knowing look. “I’ve had to raise three frustrating sisters.” She stood up and offered Calliope a hand. “Come on. I think some sweet ice at Gunter’s is in order.”

Calliope admitted that she felt much more revived after her outing with Isadora. These were the bleak days when she was grateful that she had at least one of her sisters to rely upon. Although Isadora might be the more somber one out of all the Bevelstroke women, she still had compassion when it came to caring for them all. It was that bond that always made things so special when she’d been growing up. No matter what, Calliope knew she could always rely on her siblings to lift each other up and pull them through any upset that came their way. Although Calliope had always felt as though she was generally left to her own devices, she knew that it was because they never had to worry about her. She had always possessed an independent nature and didn’t let things bother her overmuch.

It was only when she had fallen prey to Lord Blakely’s charms that everything had fallen apart.

At least he’d saved her from a terrible error in judgement, for later that night, her courses started, so she knew that she didn’t have to worry about a child. Of course, that just threw her into another bout of tears, because she had almost grown accustomed to the idea of bearing Sebastian’s child.

And perhaps, that answered the question she’d been doing her best to resolve.

She had claimed she loved Sebastian, but the doubt about her father’s adoration for his wives made her rethink all her own emotions. But now she realized that nothing would fill her with more joy than having a baby that represented the best in herself—and Sebastian. And when she paused to recall how magical their time at Lyme Regis had been, it proved that this was no passing fancy.

Her entire being pulsed with life when it came to the viscount.

But before she begged Sebastian to forgive her mistakes and try to earn Lord Abersheen’s favor, she vowed that she would have one last adventure to clear her mind of the remaining doubts that plagued her.

Taking Isadora’s advice, a fortnight later she was in the carriage and bound for the seaside village of Lyme Regis once more.

In all that time she hadn’t heard a word from Sebastian, but perhaps it was for the best. Maybe he’d be able to repair his relationship with the marquess.

As the cliffs came into view, she set down the window of the coach and breathed deeply of the salty air. She had missed it greatly, and already her spirits were improving.

When she arrived at the Three Cups Hotel, this time without her ladies’ maid in tow, she was pleasantly surprised to see that the quaint town had received a highly improved modification.

Workers were busy changing dilapidated buildings with the addition of new paint, wood, and shingles, and even some additional shops were being built. It was a hive of activity and Calliope was thrilled to see all the progress.

When she walked in the front door of the hotel and spied the innkeeper’s wife, she walked over to the counter, while the coachman brought her trunks inside. When the lady spied her, her eyes instantly lit up. “My lady, it’s so good to see you again. When you wrote ahead to let me know you were coming, I was overjoyed! I even made sure that your room was ready and waiting for you, although I daresay it’s been so busy that we can hardly keep up.”

“What’s going on?” Calliope asked with a curious smile.

“A right miracle!” She returned enthusiastically. “The viscount arrived a few days earlier with several investors from London, and it’s been a hive of activity ever since. I’m sure you saw the repairs outside?” She shook her head. “I daresay we will be as popular as Brighton before it’s done.”

Calliope stilled. The only thing that truly registered was that Sebastian was there. “Lord Blakely is here now?”

“Indeed.” The lady said with a broad smile. “He is overseeing all of the repairs.”

“Is he staying at the Royal Lion?” Calliope hoped that her voice didn’t shake.

The lady shook her head. “I don’t believe so. He mentioned something about letting a house on the edge of town overlooking the sea.”

Calliope’s throat was so thick that she could barely swallow. “It sounds lovely.”

“If I see him, I’ll let him know you inquired after him.”

“Thank you. I would appreciate that.”

Calliope walked upstairs to her rooms and leaned against the door to collect herself. Once her breathing had returned to normal, she walked over to the mirror and pinched her cheeks to bring back some of the color that had waned, and then she went outside and headed for Molly Anning’s shop.

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