Free A Taste for Scandal by Erin Knightley Page A

recommend?”
    Eyeing the platter, Lord Raleigh took a step toward the counter. Jane tried to ignore his hulking presence as he leaned closer to inspect the scones. Even surrounded by the sweet scents of the baked goods, she caught an inciting whiff of tangy citrus shaving soap.
    Fighting the urge to take a deep breath, she gave her head a tiny shake and concentrated on answering Lady Beatrice’s question. “Hmm, I rather love the orange poppy seed, but the best seller is always the chocolate. Even with the extra cost, they are always the first to go. The honey walnut is very hearty, and is really a breakfast in itself.”
    Jane hadn’t known it was possible to feel another’s gaze upon her skin until that very moment, when Lord Raleigh turned his attention to her. She tried valiantly to keep focused on his sister, but the very tips of her ears grew hot anyway.
    “They all sound lovely, but I will try the orange poppy seed, as you suggest. It seems rather . . . exotic.” Lady Beatrice’s endearing grin was finally enough to break the spell Raleigh seemed to cast over Jane.
    “Excellent choice.” Jane selected the plumpest one on the plate, wrapped it in quick, efficient movements, and handed it over to Lady Beatrice with a smile. “I do hope you like it. And you must come back to visit me again soon.”
    Lady Beatrice cut a quick glance to Richard before replying, “I intend to, Miss Bunting. And thank you for the scone. I am certain it will be the best I’ve ever eaten.”
    Jane grinned at the girl. How could such lovely sisters be related to such an arrogant oaf? Even now, he stood a little too close, as if he somehow knew that his presence seemed to addle her wits.
    She started to step away, to put distance between them so she could regain her composure, when he caught her eye and nodded toward the platter. “I’ll take a honey walnut.”
    And just like that Jane tensed all over again. She pressed her lips together. Of course he would. And he probably felt perfectly entitled to it. Wasn’t that always the way with the young men of the beau monde? Do whatever the devil they wanted without a single thought for those negatively affected by their actions? Well, she was nothing if not fair. She would be happy to let him have the thing.
    For a price.
    “Certainly. That will be five pounds.”
    He blinked, then promptly barked with laughter. “Five pence, you mean.”
    “No, five pounds.”
    He tilted his head, watching her with a hint of lingering mirth as if trying to work a riddle. “Are the walnuts of the golden variety? Perhaps I should try the chocolate.”
    “If you prefer. That will be five pounds two shillings.” There had been very little to be amused by the last two days, but it was almost worth everything she’d been through just to see the earl with his jaw slack and his eyes wide. Had anyone ever denied him anything in his entire life? Perversely, she rather hoped they hadn’t so that she could have the distinction of being the first.
    His eyes narrowed slightly, the mirth falling away. If she didn’t know any better, she would have said he seemed disappointed. “I see. A lord patronizes your establishment, and you immediately see an opportunity to lighten his pockets. You know, I had thought to come here to make peace with you, that perhaps I had been too quick to judgment, but I can see now that I am wasting my time. It is just as I originally suspected. Does your employer know you’re scamming the customers?”
    “Actually, my lord, you visit my establishment—did I mention I am the proprietress of this bakery?—and I immediately see the echoes of the business and property I lost yesterday. Before I hand out any more free merchandise to you—with or without arsenic—I thought perhaps to recoup my losses.” She waved her arm to encompass the damage behind her.
    Thick silence settled around the room in the wake of her outburst. This man was proving to be very bad for her composure