Free When Marrying a Scoundrel by Kathryn Smith

estimation?”
    Vienne blinked, her eyes huge with surprise. But before Sadie could apologize for her rudeness, the Frenchwoman burst out laughing—a reaction that dimmed Sadie’s own regret.
    “All these years.” Vienne shook her head, still chuckling. “I’ve been your friend for years and I’ve never known you could be such a delightful bitch.”
    A small smile curved Sadie’s lips. “I was going to apologize, but you can forget about that now.”
    “My dear friend”—the amusement faded from Vienne’s expression, replaced by genuine concern—“I am so very sorry you have to face this painful reminder of your past. I would take it from you if I could.”
    Were that but possible. Sadie’s throat tightened, and her mouth twisted slightly. “He’ll be gone soon enough, and if he convinces Mr. Kane to evict me, then I will find another spot.”
    “That’s the spirit,” Vienne enthused. “Although, if Trystan Kane is fool enough to break his lease with you because his prick of a partner has his nose out of joint, then he is not the man I believe him to be.”
    For a moment, Sadie wondered just what kind of manthat was. She knew little of Trystan Kane other than her own dealings, but he and Vienne had a history together. She wasn’t certain of all the details, but she wondered if perhaps they’d had an affair.
    As curious as she was on the subject, she wouldn’t ask. Vienne would tell her if she wanted her to know, and Sadie had other things—more important things—to think about.
    “I should go,” she said, finishing her coffee. “Mason is taking me to the theater tonight and I have a million things to do before he arrives.”
    A dreamy smile floated across Vienne’s well-shaped lips as her gaze drifted toward the portrait of herself as Delilah above the mantel. “Mmm, Mason. You should do him , my friend.”
    Sadie chuckled, her own gaze drifting to the painting as well. Mason had done an exquisite job as always. Vienne looked both seductive and dangerous draped in lengths of flimsy silk, a dagger in one hand, a thick hank of long black hair in the other. “You didn’t sleep with him, did you Vienne?” she asked, as the horrible thought occurred to her.
    Her friend’s smile turned wicked. “If I had, he would not yet have the strength to chase you!”
    They laughed together, and Sadie was relieved. It would be too uncomfortable to spend time with—be courted by—a man who had shared Vienne’s bed. Not only would she wonder if she was being compared to the sensual Frenchwoman, but she would wonder if there were feelings there as well. She didn’t like being thejealous sort, but she recognized it within herself. Better to avoid such situations altogether.
    “I try to avoid entanglements with men my own age,” Vienne admitted coyly. “The older man has such subtle confidence, and the younger…” She chuckled. “The younger, has such enthusiasm! But a man the same age? He has too much confidence and not enough enthusiasm.”
    “Too bad you could not combine the two,” Sadie remarked with surprising good humor given her day. “A younger man with all the stamina of his age but the confidence of someone older.”
    Was it her imagination or did Vienne pale just the tiniest bit? “Yes,” the other woman agreed, no longer smiling. “It is too bad indeed. Enjoy the theater. You must tell me all about it, and the delightful Mr. Blayne, tomorrow.”
    She was dismissed, Sadie realized without injury to her feelings. She hugged her friend and left. One of the footmen sent for her carriage and soon she was on her way back to Pimlico, suddenly drained of all energy.
    A hot bath was what she needed. And a glass or two of wine. Oh, and a lovely evening with a handsome, attentive gentleman. That would fix her up, right quick like. Maybe Vienne was right. Maybe she should take Mason as her lover. He was certainly attractive, and she knew he fancied her as well. He was a delightful dancer and a