Scandal of the Season

by Christie Kelley

  He smiled slowly “I agree. If I wanted a woman who only did what I told her, then I would marry.”

  Victoria tried not to show her disgust. She glanced at him once more attempting to find something redeeming about the man. She found nothing. As her gaze fell to his striped waistcoat, she noticed the slip of paper sticking out of one pocket. Now it was just a matter of getting the note. Then her job would be done and she could return home.

  Hardy cleared his throat as if he noticed her woolgathering. “I will furnish you with a house in Mayfair and as many servants as you need. Your clothing will be paid for along with any other thing you require. In addition, I will send a monthly allowance to you. Does that satisfy your needs?”

  “Mr. Hardy, you are more than generous,” Victoria said softly. “However, I must not enter into a new relationship until I break things off with Lord Somerton. I should hate to do that in a public place like this party. Upon my return to London, I shall inform Lord Somerton of my desire to end our relationship. Therefore, until we return to London, I believe we should be circumspect in our behavior. I would feel dreadful if something happened to you because Somerton discovered our newfound friendship.”

  She stood to leave, but knew she had to get closer to him first.

  “I agree, Mrs. Smith.” Hardy stood to take her elbow to escort her out the door.

  Victoria stopped and turned toward him. His eyes darkened with unmasked desire. “Perhaps we should seal our upcoming arrangement with a kiss?”

  His smile turned to a leer. “I could not agree more.”

  Before she could take a step closer to him, he yanked her to him and pressed his wet lips to hers. Tampering down the nausea in her stomach, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss. The disgusting sensation of his vile kiss was nothing like the sensual feel of Somerton’s lips on hers. Not wanting this kiss to last any longer than necessary, she slowly brought her arms down, slid the paper out of his waistcoat and into her pocket before pushing him away with her hand.

  “You are a very eager man, Mr. Hardy.” She plastered a smile on her face and turned to the door.

  “When will I see you again in private?”

  “Hopefully soon.” Hopefully never!

  As she reached for the door, she realized he was directly behind her. He pulled her up against his chest and kissed the nape of her neck. “Very soon,” he murmured.

  “I must leave now, darling.”

  “Of course.” He backed away and let her open the door.

  Once out in the hallway, she stopped and breathed in deeply. Eager to find Somerton and show him the paper, she raced to their bedroom. She opened the door to find him pacing the room with a look of dark fury on his face. She stepped inside, and he halted his stride.

  He turned to her, his eyes a dark shade of green. “You let the man kiss you?”

  That was why he was furious? And how did he discover that fact? “You were listening in on my private conversation?”

  “Yes. When I saw you going into Farleigh’s study and Hannah walking up the stairs, I knew you were not meeting with her to discuss ballroom decorations.”

  “So you followed me and eavesdropped?”

  He stepped menacingly closer to her. “It is what I do. Now why did you kiss him?”

  His anger had caused her irritation to grow. “Why does that concern you? Are you the only man allowed to kiss me now?”

  “Yes,” he said as he dragged her to him and lowered his lips to hers.

  His lips felt hard and punishing against hers. And somewhat wonderful. As his tongue slashed across hers, she responded to his demands. A jealous man had never kissed Victoria, but if she had to guess what it felt like, this would be it. Although she was certain, Somerton would never let such an emotion control him.

  Anthony poured every bit of frustration and jealousy into his kiss. Never in twenty-eight years had he felt anything like the reaction he had when he realized she had allowed Hardy to kiss her. He’d listened to their conversation from the secretary’s office, clearly overhearing every word. But the moment he comprehended the silence in the room, his world had spun around him.

  He pulled away from her and then turned toward the windows. His heart pounded in his chest. How could she have kissed Hardy?

  “Would you mind telling me exactly what that was about?” she ordered.

  “No.”

  “Would you like to know why I kissed him?”

  Anthony clenched his fists as his frustration with her grew. “I believe it was obvious that you were making the proper arrangements for when we are finished.”

  She had the audacity to laugh. “You can’t possibly believe I would have anything to do with that disgusting man, do you?”

  “You sounded damned convincing to me.”

  “Thank you,” she replied.

  He turned to face her again. “What?”

  “If I hadn’t been able to convince Hardy, I never would have picked this out of his waistcoat,” she said as she pulled the paper from her pocket.

  “You pinched a note from him?” he almost shouted at her. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so much anger coursing through him.

  “You were having trouble getting close to him. I saw him place a note in his pocket, and knew I could get it from him. Now we can get back to London.”

  “Give me that,” he said, snatching it out of her hand. He didn’t want to think about just how foolish he must look to her. He’d never let jealousy get the upper hand with him. Until now.

  As he read the letter, his jealousy turned to rage. “How could you have done this without letting me know beforehand?”

  “I overheard you talking with Lord Ancroft and learned you were looking for a note on Hardy.” She sat in the chair looking far too pleased with herself. “So I picked it from him.”

  “You stupid little fool,” he said in a low tone. “You might have just cost me this entire mission.”

  Her eyes opened wide with fear. “What do you mean?”

  He tossed the note on her lap. “It is a letter to his mother. Nothing more. Now he will suspect you took it from him. Now he will believe we are working together on this.”

  She bit her lower lip and scanned the letter. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

  “You ruined everything, Victoria. You with your impatience to get away from me. Are you desperate for my money so you can leave your current lover? Will Hardy be the next one in your bed?”

  “What?” She strode to the door, but he was not done with her yet. He turned her around and forced her against the door.

  “How could you let him kiss you?” he demanded again before bringing his lips down on hers. He wanted to punish her. He wanted her to know that he was the only man who should kiss her.

  As her velvety tongue touched his, desire and need clawed at him. He wanted to be the one she offered herself to, not Hardy or any other man. Bringing his hands around to her back, he ripped the back of her dress. He kissed her harder until she whimpered.

  He wanted to feel her breasts against his chest. Feel her soft body riding him. As he attempted to pull her dress down, she pushed him so hard he stepped back.

  “Is this the only way you can make love with a woman?” she cried. “Forcing her up against a door or the wall of a church?”

  Her words were like a bucket of cold water dousing him and his desire. What the bloody hell was wrong with him? She ran to the bedroom and fell to the bed. He strode from the room unable to face what he had almost done.

  Again.

  Why?

  Victoria sat up on the bed and wiped her tears. Why would he treat her like that? All she’d done was try to assist him. And he thought to force her. She thought back on the interaction and suddenly realized something absurd.

  He had been angry with her about the note, but he seemed far more furious over the fact that Hardy kissed her. Somerton was jealous. Angry and jealous and possessive. Those punishing kisses had come
from jealousy.

  A little smile lifted her lips. He wanted her. Her heartbeat increased with the idea. If she had let him, he would have made love to her. Perhaps not in the manner she would have preferred, but he would have nonetheless.

  Still, anger simmered within her at his method. If he’d told her of his jealousy, she could have eased his mind. He should have talked to her. Not that he seemed to have the ability to speak with her honestly about anything.

  Well, she was not about to soothe him now. He would have to come to her. She almost laughed aloud at the thought of Somerton apologizing to her. The man was more stubborn than a mule.

  She rose and rang for a maid. She wanted a bath and change of clothing before he came back into the room. In truth, she wished to be done and departed from the room before he returned. She had no desire to speak with him for a while.

  As soon as she finished with her bath and dressing, she picked up the letter to Hardy’s mother and placed it in her pocket. She needed to return this to the study where he could find it, and not suspect that she’d taken it. Leaving the room, she paused and listened for any sound that might indicate Somerton coming nearer.

  Victoria checked the stairs and then strolled down them. The door to the study was open so she cautiously entered the room. Finding no one there, she placed the note on the floor by the chair Hardy had sat in. She crossed the room eager to leave and find a quiet place to read for now.

  “Mrs. Smith, what are you doing in here?”

  She stopped and stared at Hardy. What was she doing here? “I came in to see if I had left my book of poetry here earlier. Have you seen it?”

  “No. I don’t remember you coming in here with a book,” he commented.

  She frowned as if truly pondering this situation. “Indeed? Then where could I have left it?”

  “I do not know. I came here looking for a letter I had on my person before we spoke. It seems to have gone missing from my pocket.”

  “Oh, perhaps it dropped out when we…” She looked away as if embarrassed by talking about kissing.

  “Perhaps.” He walked to the chair and glanced around. “There it is.” He picked it up and placed it back into his pocket.

  “Well, I must continue searching for my book. Good day, Mr. Hardy.”

  “Mrs. Smith, wait.” He walked closer until he was next to her. “Do you think we might meet later?”

  She smiled at him. “No, Mr. Hardy. As I said earlier, I must break things off with Lord Somerton first.”

  “Is that right?” Somerton’s voice sounded from the threshold.

  A part of her was relieved that Somerton entered the room before Hardy attempted to kiss her again. But another part of her felt a sudden stab of anger.

  Somerton leaned against the door in a casual manner with his arms folded across his chest. “Perhaps one of you would like to explain what is going on?”

  “Mr. Hardy, you should leave while I speak with Lord Somerton.”

  “I think I would prefer to stay.”

  “Oh, do stay, Hardy.” Somerton stalked into the room like a panther. “But let us get one thing out of the way. Mrs. Smith is my mistress. She is not yours, nor will she ever be yours.”

  As Somerton approached Hardy, she noticed Hardy’s eyes widen with fear.

  “I understand.” Hardy strode from the room before Somerton stepped closer.

  She waited until Hardy was out of earshot. “Well done, Somerton. I am certain he will not bother me again.” She walked toward the door only to have him spin her around to face him.

  “We are not done talking.”

  She arched a brow at him and twisted out of his grip. “After this afternoon, we are absolutely finished.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Victoria took her seat for dinner just as Lord Ancroft walked in with Somerton at his side. She looked away as Somerton glanced toward her. She could never remember feeling so disappointed in a person. And yet, the idea that there was something redeeming about Somerton would not leave her. She still wanted to discover that part of him.

  Hardy took his seat next to her and rubbed his leg against her thigh. She had the greatest urge to inch her seat next to Lord Bingham and away from Hardy. She doubted the old earl would even notice.

  Somerton’s icy glare blasted her from across the table.

  “Are you all right, Mrs. Smith?” he asked with concern lacing his low voice. “You look a little pale.”

  Victoria blinked and looked away from Somerton. “I am quite well. I just remembered it was my sister’s birthday and I have forgotten to send her my wishes for a happy year.”

  “Ah, of course.”

  She ate far too quickly in an attempt to get away from Hardy. Not that it mattered since dinner was a five-course event that took hours. Then she would have to wait for Lady Farleigh to rise and call the ladies to the salon. She poked at her roast duck but could not stomach it tonight.

  “Mrs. Smith, will you attend the mummers’ play this evening? Lady Farleigh has been planning this for months. Or would you prefer to play a card game tonight?” Hardy asked and then stuffed a large piece of duck into his mouth.

  She couldn’t believe after the confrontation in the library that he would ask such a thing. Hannah had brought in a mummers’ troupe to perform a midwinter play but also promised a full selection of cards and games to keep everyone occupied. All Victoria wanted to do was escape from the noise and people, mostly Hardy and Somerton.

  “I do not believe it would be wise to do either. Besides, I may retire early tonight, Mr. Hardy. I feel a most dreadful headache coming upon me.”

  “Would you like me to escort you to your room?”

  The man just did not know when to stop. Was he trying to provoke Somerton? “I do not believe that would be proper.”

  “Of course. It is only proper if Somerton escorts you.”

  “Tsk, tsk, do not show your jealousy to me.”

  Would this meal ever end? She slid another glance toward Somerton. If only he would tell her of the demons he fought. Even after this afternoon’s debacle, she was certain there was something else behind it. Some need of his to control the situation, but why? A need to control her, perhaps? All women?

  Finally, dinner ended. As the ladies strolled into the salon, she caught up with Hannah.

  “Hannah, I must get some air.”

  Hannah frowned. “It is frigid outside.”

  “I shan’t be gone for long. I need some time alone to think.”

  “Is Somerton still giving you trouble?” Hannah asked.

  She nodded. “And Hardy too.”

  “Very well, then. I will think of some excuse for you. But not too long, or I shall be forced to send a footman out to find you.”

  “Thank you.” She raced upstairs to get her wool cloak and then outside.

  The peace and darkness enveloped her like a cave. She walked a little ways down the path until she found a seat in what must be a garden in the summer. She brushed powdery snow off the bench and sat. With the stars twinkling down at her, for the first time in a very long time she was alone.

  If only her biggest problem could be solved by sitting out here by herself. At some point tonight, she would have to face Somerton again. While she should be furious with him for his actions, and a part of her was, she felt his pain too. Something was eating at him and it had to do with her.

  “What the bloody hell are you doing out here in the cold?”

  She turned slightly to see him staring at her as if she must have lost her mind. “I needed some time alone. Now, if you do not mind, I would like to continue to be alone.”

  Instead of listening to her, Somerton stepped forward and then took a seat on the far end of the bench. If he moved only a few inches, they would touch.

  “Did you know I was out here?” she asked.

  “Lady Farleigh mentioned that I might need to go for a walk tonight. She said the cold air might do me good.”

  “I see.” She won
dered why Hannah would do such a thing.

  They sat silently for a few moments before he finally shifted in his seat.

  “I can’t apologize enough for my actions, Victoria,” he whispered, staring at the frozen ground in front of him. “I was a bloody idiot.”

  “Yes, you were. But why?”

  “I was angry.”

  “Why?” she pressed.

  He blew out a breath and she watched air swirl around him. “My entire life has been nothing but secrets and lies. You have done nothing but lie to me or keep things from me. Hearing you make plans with Hardy sent me over the edge. I know it is no excuse.”

  “No, it is not. Especially when you are keeping secrets of your own.” She inched a little closer to him. “Were you jealous of Hardy?”

  “Yes,” he admitted softly. “When I close my eyes and think about him kissing you, I want to strangle the man.”

  “I was only trying to help you,” she whispered.

  “I know that now.”

  She desperately wanted to keep him talking to her. Maybe then, he would disclose something of himself to her. “Do you think there is any way we could reveal some of our secrets without divulging everything?”

  He turned his head slightly and looked at her with a small smile. “I would like to try.”

  “Very well, I shall start,” she said. “A woman paid me to take her baby in after she discovered she was with child. She was a wealthy woman who could not afford to let her secret get out. She bought the house for me to stay in while raising her child. Once her daughter is eighteen, she promised to turn the house over to me.”

  “A woman,” Somerton said, shaking his head with a long sigh. “I should have assumed that was the case. What if her husband discovers the truth?”

  “She is not married. At least, not to my knowledge. She might have been at one time. Honestly, the topic never came up.”

  “Is she the one who taught you to read?” he asked, then moved a little closer to her.

  “Yes, and she taught me to speak correctly and my manners. She wanted me to be able to teach her daughter all these things, too. Once I learned to read, I went to the lending library and brought home books on history and mathematics. It was as if a whole new world had opened for me.” She looked over at him and smiled. “I did discover that I don’t like mathematics much.”