Scandalous Intentions Read Online Free

she lowered herself onto the chair. “Of course, my apologies.” She rested her hands on her lap.
    Mother tipped her chin toward Sarah and beamed. “To think you could well be a duchess someday. Far better suited to you than the scholarly path you currently pursue.”
    Sarah closed her eyes for a moment when she opened them she met Mother’s gaze. “You know perfectly well I intend to marry for love or not at all, Mother. I could not love a rake for he would only break my heart. Nothing will change my mind.” Why did Mother continue to fight her on this?
    Cheeks taking on a scarlet hue, Mother stood and paced to the door. “I know where you stand on the subject but it will not harm you to keep company with Lord Luvington. Your father and I will be there as well. I expect you to prepare yourself properly and at least pretend to be grateful for the invitation.”
    She twirled back to face Sarah, her mouth set in a fine line. “Many a lady would be honored to spend their time with a powerful and handsome marquess.”
    Sarah swallowed her retort. She would gain no ground by arguing the point. She stood and placed a hand on her abdomen as her stomach rolled. “I shall be on my best behavior, Mother.”
    “That is better. Now, go ready yourself.” Mother’s eyes glowed.
    Sarah nodded and then moved faster than a lady ought from the parlor and toward the stairs. She longed for the sanctuary of her room.
    “Wear that new violet gown we ordered a fortnight ago, it enhances your eyes,” Mother called after her.
    Stilling, Sarah glanced back over her shoulder. “Very well, Mother.” Grabbing hold of the banister, she hurried up the steps. She could not care less how her eyes appeared to the scoundrel. If she were less of a lady, she would dress in rags to scare him off.
    Lord Luvington would no doubt destroy her reputation. She would never be allowed in polite society again if he continued to pursue her. Or worse, she would be forced to marry him.
    Sarah shuddered as she entered her room and sat at her vanity. She reached up with one hand and pinched a curl between her fingers weaving it back and forth between them as she fretted. How could Mother expect her to allow a blackguard to court her?
    She could not give a fig that he was in line for a duchy. It did nothing to remedy his damaged reputation.
    Could that be his angle? She gazed at her reflection in the beveled looking glass. Was it possible he was attempting to repair his deplorable reputation by spending time with her?
    The thought held merit. Perhaps she had discovered how to get rid of his unwanted attention. She released the strand of hair she had been fiddling with and grinned. Could it be so simple?
    Pushing off the plush velvet bench, she moved to the call cord. A newfound lightness added a bounce to her step. After summoning her maid, Sarah positioned herself by the arched window and grabbed hold of the muslin curtain with one hand as she stared out at London. Contemplating. If she were indeed correct, it would be imperative to make Lord Luvington see her as less of a lady. Could she carry out a plan to drive him away without harming her reputation?
    How unfortunate Amelia could not be here now. She would have a plan. Sarah giggled at her involvement in last season’s shenanigans. She could hardly believe Amelia convinced her to help. And the Duchess of Abernathy as well. The way the three of them plotted was utterly scandalous.
    If only Amelia were not expecting her first babe, she would be here to help. When she left with the Duke of Goldstone for Scotland, she had all but guaranteed she would return for this season. Alas, nature had other plans, and who could bemoan a new life?
    A creak drew Sarah’s attention, and she looked at the doorway. Her maid, Greta, entered. “How may I be of assistance, my lady?”
    “I require help getting ready for the opera.” Sarah offered a slight grin.
    “I will have the tub sent up right away, my lady.” She