Scandal at Dawn (A Regency Rhapsody Novella) Read Online Free

your time. I am delighted that Crombie’s trick has done no lasting evil to you. I wish you good day, my fair lady. I hope this meeting is not our last.” He bent and captured Olivia’s hand, kissing it gently.
    Across the room, Emily’s eyes widened. Adrian caught her expression as he straightened up. “And a good day to you as well, Miss St George. You will, I have no doubt, continue to protect my lady as you have so far.”
    “Against all threats,” Emily replied, a hint of steel in her tone.
    But Adrian merely smiled as he bowed to her. Then he winked. “I will make my exit while there is still time.” He left the room without further ado. His timing proved apt, for Mrs Blake was set to return within a quarter hour.
    Emily let her breath out with a
whoosh
. “Olivia, what are we going to do?”
    “About what?”
    “Lord Norbury.”
    “What needs to be done?” Olivia cocked her head to one side. “He was kind to visit. But do you
really
think he’ll become a fixture in my life? He plays with words.”
    “He asked if you had suitors,” Emily said.
    “I suspect he asks all sorts of awkward questions just to needle people. One can tell he likes making others squirm.” She had almost squirmed when she felt his lips on her hand. Like his caress of the previous night, it probably appeared quite proper. But there was a hidden sensuality about it that was deliberate, meant for her alone to notice.
    By luck and determination, Emily kept news of the visit from Mrs Blake. Olivia was distracted all day, however, even as she attempted to remind herself that Lord Norbury was merely playing a game. Late in the afternoon, she sat in the window of her bedroom, basking in the warmth of the afternoon sun and the mellow sounds of spring. Taking a confection from the little box he’d given her—which Emily had quickly hidden before her mother might see it—Olivia bit into it, savoring the smell and taste of it. She breathed in slowly, taking in the flavors, sweet and tangy all at once. She remembered how he passed the gift off as a trifle, though such treats could not have come cheaply. And though he pretended nonchalance, he managed to find a gift Olivia could truly enjoy.
    Then she laughed softly, licking her lips. Why was she surprised? A rake like him must know very well what women enjoyed.
    * * * *
    The next day dawned bright and fresh. Although the sun warmed the world, Olivia sat at the piano alone in the airy drawing room, following a morning of lessons with Maestro Valdi, who came to the house once a week. It was a day Olivia always looked forward to, since music was something she not only excelled at, but enjoyed fully.
    She didn’t mind the time alone. Emily and her mother always used the morning of her lessons to pay visits, and Olivia preferred to practice without an audience. It allowed her to lose herself in her music and forget about her handicap. The feel of the ivory was smooth on her fingertips, while the melody filled the room. She was so intent on learning the nocturne that she jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
    “Good afternoon, Miss Blake,” a rich baritone sounded in her ears.
    “My Lord! How did you get in here?” she said, catching her breath.
    “Through the door, as is customary.”
    “You know what I mean.” Olivia twisted around on the bench, wondering if the maid had entered the room as well.
    “I told your maid you should not be distracted from your practice. You really are accomplished,” he added sincerely.
    “Thank you. I’m still learning this piece, and I don’t usually play for strangers.”
    “Well, it’s a good thing I’m no stranger. Have you been outside yet? It’s a perfect day for a carriage drive.” 
    “You drive yourself?”
    “Yes, on days like this. I have a curricle outside. You’ll need a wide bonnet—the sun will be hot.”
    “I’m sorry to say I cannot join you, my Lord. Both Emily and Mama are away at the moment.”
    “Which is just