A Dash of Scandal(29)

“And that made him all the more sought after?” Millicent asked, while she poured tea for.

“Indeed. It’s been that way for at least ten years—for all the Terrible Threesome.”

Millicent said, “Cream or sugar?”

“Plenty of both. Lord Dunraven dances, charms, and calls on many of the ladies each Season. And from what I’ve overheard, he has certainly stolen more than his share of kisses. He’s never offered for the hand of any lady. I don’t believe he’s ever called on a lady more than three times in a Season.”

“Why is that?”

“One never knows for sure because Lord Dunraven hasn’t spoken about it to anyone as far as I know, but I would assume it’s because he doesn’t want any fathers forcing his hand about his intentions.”

“Yes, I suppose he’d be serious if he called on the same lady more than three times.”

“Everyone assumes he prefers to spend his time with his friends racing fast horses during the day, gaming in the evenings, and gambling into early morning hours. Mama says that some gentlemen never settle down and take wives.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound so bad,” Millicent answered as she handed Lynette a blue cup with a pink flower painted on it.

Lady Lynette accepted with her gloved hand as she leaned forward and whispered, “You won’t tell anyone what I’ve told you?”

“No,” Millicent assured her.

“Good. I don’t usually talk so much, but then I don’t usually have anyone other than Mama who wants to listen to me.”

“You can feel free to call on me when you want to talk. I’m enjoying hearing about Lord Dunraven—and other members of the ton,” she added quickly.

“One time I overheard a young gentleman say that Lord Dunraven was keeping four mistresses in Town. All at the same time.”

Millicent’s eyes widened. “My goodness. That many?”

“Astonishing, isn’t it?”

“I would think so. That does sound like four too many.”

“And sometimes he would see all four of them in one evening, and I’ve heard more than one at a time,” Lady Lynette added in a softer whisper.

Shocked, Millicent lowered her cup back to the saucer. Did she dare believe that of Lord Dunraven or was it mere gossip? Four women in one evening and more than one at one time? If only part of what Lady Lynette said was true then his reputation was well deserved. But… he had indicated that everything that was said about him wasn’t true.

“I’m sure I don’t know what to say to that except, perhaps I’ve heard enough about Lord Dunraven and his mistresses.”

Lady Lynette paid no mind to Millicent’s subtle suggestion they move on to another topic of conversation and added, “He’s noted for stealing kisses at any opportunity and then not offering for the lady’s hand.”

Lady Lynette said the words as if it were the most dreadful thing that could happen to a young lady. Millicent had been kissed a couple of times on the cheek, and she had wondered what was the harm in a kiss or two, but not anymore. Those kisses had been most uninspiring. But Lord Dunraven’s kisses this afternoon had left her head spinning and her lungs breathless.

“On the few occasions he calls on a lady, he always brings the same gift without fail,” Lady Lynette continued.

It was clear she was not ready to change the subject, so Millicent said, “Really? What would that be?”

“Apricot tarts. His chef is said to make the most delicious tarts in all of London.” She bent closer to Millicent. “If he brings you any, you will save one for me, won’t you? I’ve always wanted to taste them.”

Millicent faltered for a moment, but quickly said, “Of course, but truly, Lynette, I gave Lord Dunraven no encouragement whatsoever. I do not expect him or any other gentleman to call on me.”

“He might. He danced with you.”

“And so have many other gentlemen. Let me assure you Lady Heathecoute set up the dance between Lord Dunraven and me. He was but a reluctant participant. You have no cause to worry about him putting me under a magic spell.”

“If he doesn’t, you will be the first. Just last year Lord Truefitt suggested in his column that Lord Dunraven was seeing Lady Lambsbeth. It turns out he was seeing her in secret while her husband was in France.”

Millicent gasped. “A married woman?”