A Dash of Scandal(77)

What was it he once heard? A happy, gratified woman knows no bounds in love. He had to stop thinking of things like that. It took him places he wasn’t prepared to go.

“Quite frankly, I don’t care what happens to Truefitt, but I don’t want you hurt by anything that Andrew might do.”

Millicent smiled sweetly at him again. “Thank you. I’m indebted to you.”

Wonderful.

“I’ll think of some way you can repay me.”

“No doubt.” She shook her head resignedly. “Why is it every time I convince myself that you are a true rake you do something astonishingly kind like this?”

“I’ve told you that I know how to behave as a gentleman, at times. Now, if you can’t write about Andrew, I assume you will have to put me back in the cursed daily column.”

“You are a favorite.”

“How about Fines? He’s only been in a time or two recently, or surely there is someone who would love to be mentioned and has felt neglected.”

Her eyes brightened like fire glowing in amber. “Chandler, that is a marvelous idea.”

“Marvelous? What?”

“Mentioning someone who has never or seldom been in the column.”

“Good lord, you’re not telling me that the reason my name always shows up is because they haven’t thought of naming someone else?”

Her lips twitched into a stunning grin. “Don’t try to be dim-witted. You are much too intelligent.”

He loved it that she made no effort to hide her teasing. “And you are far too intelligent for your own good.”

“Thank you. It’s no wonder tittle-tattle is so popular. Haven’t you noticed that everyone seems to enjoy talking—about themselves or someone else? All you really have to do at a party is listen to what is being said around you. Maybe I’ll ask Lord Truefitt to put in someone new, and to write something flattering.”

“Flattering? That would be a first.”

“If we can add Shakespeare, why not add nice?”

Chandler looked up at the wide blue sky and the only thing he could think was “She is a woman, therefore may be woo’d; She is a woman, therefore may be won…”





Sixteen




“I will praise any man that will praise me.” Please allow this one a short indulgence. It has been heard on the streets and at the best parties that the Shakespeare quotes delight readers. Worry not. Wager if you please. The quotes will continue and you can hope that one day you will read your favorite line.

—Lord Truefitt, Society’s Daily Column

Bright sunshine fell on Chandler’s face as he walked with Millicent back to the carriage. He was in a quandary. Should he speak to Doulton about hiring someone to make private inquiries about Millicent’s family, her past, or should he leave it be because they had no future together? He was certain that she wouldn’t tell him about herself. There was no use in asking again. And he was certain he didn’t like the hold Lord Truefitt had over her.

He’d never intended to get so caught up by her. He couldn’t recall ever having spent so much time thinking about one lady before Millicent. He hadn’t known he was capable of it because he’d never felt serious about any of the young ladies he’d called on. Millicent made him feel different. She challenged him and he liked that.

But there was so much more. He wanted her. Not for sport or fun as it had been with all the ladies in his past. He felt differently about Millicent. It was a growing feeling that he hadn’t been able to deny, dismiss, or understand.

Every time he thought about her, he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her. Every time he saw her, he wanted to lie with her and feel the shape of her body pressed close to his. He wondered how she would feel beneath his hands, with her mouth warmly responding to his kisses and caresses.

“You’re quiet again,” Millicent said.

Chandler sobered quickly.

He glanced over at her. Wispy strands of golden-brown hair had struggled free of her bonnet and framed her face attractively. She was much too young and too beautiful to wear her hair so severely tight. He liked the way her parasol perched above her straight shoulder and framed her with rows of feminine ruffles and ribbons. Chandler realized he liked walking with her on his arm.

He pulled her closer to his side and said, “No need to worry. Nothing is wrong. I was thinking again.”