Page 65 of A Dangerous Little Scandal

He held his arm out to her. “The baron has sent his carriage for us.”

“Did he?” She lifted a brow. “How very kind of Matthew to do so.”

After they had settled themselves inside the velvet lined coach and started out for the neighboring estate, Rem sat back and looked at her curiously. “You seem to be quite familiar with the baron.”

“I am,” Isadora admitted. “Before Matthew went away to school, his father would often bring him and his sister over to play. Although Araminta was always more engaging with them, I found Matthew to be quite charming at times.”

He grinned broadly. “More so than me?”

“Oh, infinitely,” she teased.

They shared a good-natured laugh, and then Rem’s gaze turned abruptly serious. “You look beautiful tonight.” He gave a lopsided smile. “But then, there’s not a time you haven’t dazzled me.”

Her lips twitched in a flirtatious manner. “Much more of that talk, my lord, and we may have to leave before the dessert course.”

“Hmm. Wouldn’t that be a shame?” he murmured huskily.

Isadora’s pulse started to flutter, but just when she might have thrown herself across the carriage, it came to a decided halt.

“Unfortunate timing,” he muttered, as the door was opened.

Rem stepped to the ground and then lifted a hand to help her down.

When they approached the front door of the manor, Isadora’s focus lifted to the window she had climbed through all those years ago. But there was one marked difference. The tree she had used as a makeshift ladder was gone. Nothing remained but the stump. Curious, she decided to ask Matthew if it had been damaged in a storm.

They were led into a front parlor that looked decidedly different from when she had been there last. She paused, for shehadn’t been prepared for the gold, red, and orange shades that met her gaze. In a word, it was garish.

The baron must have noted her shock, for he strode forward with a grimace. “I should have warned you that my stepmother decorated this room. She thought she was adding a touch of the Orient with her design choices.” A lady walked forward and he put his arm around her. “I’m pleased to say that my wife is in the process of changing things a bit.”

Isadora pasted on a polite smile. “It’s nice to add your own touch.”

Matthew rolled his eyes. “It’s all right, my lady, you can say it. The room ishideous.”

“Let’s just say it wouldn’t be my choice,” she returned slowly. “And it certainly doesn’t reflect the Orient in the proper way it should be represented.”

“Indeed, not.” He gave a mock shudder, and then turned to Remington with a polite bow. ”Lord Osgood, I presume?” When he confirmed his identity, Matthew added, “I am Matthew Bennett, Baron Abaline, and this is my wife, Francesca.” He smiled at her in what could only be interpreted as a loving manner. “Although we are about to expand our family within a few months’ time.”

“How lovely,” Isadora noted graciously.

After the pleasantries were exchanged, Isadora thought it a good time to ask about the missing tree.

Matthew looked at her hesitantly, and then said, “Actually, father had it removed after your family moved back to Canterbury.”

“I see.” Isadora wasn’t sure what to think about this. Apparently, it had been a sour memory for him, but was it because he believed he’d failed her? Or because it stood as a reminder of her?

However, after what Lady Kontayne had told her last night, and considering her new life she was starting with Remington,she realized that it didn’t really matter anymore. Thewhysandwhat ifsno longer tormented her like they used to.

When supper was announced, they headed for the dining hall, which looked just as Isadora remembered it. The meal was casual and the conversation no more involved than the weather and events transpiring within England. Isadora did mention the railway and how it would change the country, but it got no more personal than that.

After the meal had concluded, Matthew stood and asked if the marquess would care to take a tour of the manor. Although he approached the question to Rem, he glanced at Isadora, as if offering her the opportunity to lay her memories to rest at last.

Rather than taking the baron up on his offer, she wiped her mouth delicately and then laid her serviette aside. “I appreciate the offer, my lord, but I fear it’s growing late. My husband and I should be returning home.”

Matthew inclined his head. “Of course. Allow me to walk you out.”

It wasn’t until they were in the carriage and heading back to Broxbourne House that Rem asked, “Are you sure you didn’t want—”

She reached out and took his hand in hers. “The only thing Iwantis my husband.”

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