Scoundrel Read Online Free Page B

midstep.
    “There you are.”
    Lily exchanged a horrified glance with Sophie, then she stepped closer to the bushes and peered upward through the branches. From her vantage point, she saw that a man stood directly above them with his back to the terrace railing Remmington.
    How long had he been there? Before Lily’s mind could form an answer, Margaret Granger appeared on the terrace, followed closely by Lord Allen. She could see them clearly in the moonlight. Margaret looked furious.
    Lord Allen looked uncomfortable. He kept tugging on his cravat, looking anywhere but at Remmington.
    “Lady Margaret was feeling a bit out of sorts. Said she simply must have a breath of fresh air.” With that explanation made, Lord Allen lowered his gaze and fell silent.
    “I was certain I’d find you here,” Margaret purred. “I vow everyone saw you leave the ball just a few moments after Lady Lillian and Miss Stanhope.” Margaret looked around the terrace and out over the gardens, her expression innocent. “I do hope we’re not interrupting anything.”
    Remmington leaned against the stone railing and withdrew a cheroot from his breast pocket. He took his time about lighting it, then he tilted his head back and released a puff of smoke that turned blue in the moonlit night air before it slowly drifted away. “Does it look as if you are interrupting anything, Margaret?”
    “One never knows,” Margaret said. “Especially when a certain lady with a questionable reputation is involved.”
    “I’m not certain I take your meaning. Would you care to explain?” His words were softly spoken, dangerously so. Margaret didn’t seem to notice.
    “You may not be aware of this, Your Grace, but the lady is still in mourning. She shouldn’t be here tonight, much less enjoying herself in a frivolous dance.”
    “As no one has died recently in your family, I take it we are speaking of Miss Stanhope or Lady Lillian Walters?”
    “Of course it’s not me.” Margaret’s face twisted into a scowl. “My reputation is spotless, as well you know. It is Lady Lillian who behaves indecently. People are talking quite freely.”
    “I hardly think one dance is cause for talk,” Remmington murmured.
    “You’d be surprised.” Margaret snapped open her fan to beat a furious rhythm in the air. Her blond curls billowed out around her face. “I overheard quite a few interesting comments. Everyone noticed the looks exchanged when you danced with her. Many are saying she’s found herself a new lover.”
    “Truly?” Remmington sounded amazed by the news. “Me, perchance?”
    “I’m only telling you this so you will know what people are saying so shamelessly behind your back.” Margaret clicked her fan closed and began to tap it against her hand. She looked very much like an overset governess reprimanding her charge. “One person said they thought it very bad form for a man to dance with his mistress in the presence of the lady he’s courting.”
    Margaret crossed her arms and waited for Remmington’s answer to the charge. Lord Allen studied one of the potted rosebushes with embarrassed intensity. The tip of Remmington’s cheroot glowed bright orange while everyone waited for his reply. His voice remained quiet when he finally answered, his words spoken very slowly, but Lily recognized the underlying menace.
    “If I hear one word of the preposterous lie that Lily Walters is my mistress, I shall meet that liar at dawn in Regent’s Park. If the liar is a woman, I shall make certain she is never again received in decent society. Do I make myself clear, Margaret?”
    Margaret took a step backward, as if she finally realized his anger. “Very clear, Your Grace.”
    Remmington pushed away from the railing and stalked off. Lily watched the trio return to the ballroom. Margaret hurried to keep up with Remmington’s long stride; Lord Allen trailed behind.
    “Oh, my,” Sophie whispered. She wore a look of fascinated horror as she gazed up at the