Free Earl of Scandal (London Lords) by Mary Gillgannon

William in a cozy backroom of the barn with Bob, the two discussing horse-training methods. Bob smoked a pipe, while William drank from a silver flask. The groom looked up guiltily when Christian cleared his throat. “My lord, I was just having a nip to keep warm.”
    Christian nodded. “You might as well enjoy your comforts while you can. We’re leaving now.”
    “But, I thought the Cassells had asked us—that is, you, sir—to dinner.”
    “We don’t want to impose. Given the condition of the roads, I thought it best that we set off.”
    William nodded obediently, and after stuffing the flask back into his coat pocket, hurried out.
    William and Bob hitched the Northrup team behind the grays and Christian climbed up and took the reins, while William rode in the tiger’s seat at the back. Although Christian had hoped that Merissa would come to see them off—and give him one last fond memory of her beguiling face—it was Elizabeth who hurried across the yard as they were about to set off.
    “My lord,” she cried. “You’re certain that you won’t honor us by joining us for dinner?”
    Christian bowed. “The honor would be all mine, but I’m afraid I can’t.” Elizabeth moved nearer, her smooth brow creased with concern. “Pardon me, sir, for intruding, but did something happen between you and Merissa? She came into the house looking so out-of-sorts.”
    “No, nothing happened.”
    Elizabeth exhaled a sigh. “I’m so relieved. She’s so poor at guarding her tongue. People who don’t understand her forthright nature are sometimes prone to take offense.”
    Christian smiled, thinking of just how “forthright” Merissa was. Poor Elizabeth would be even more distressed if she knew the cause of her sister’s moodiness. Christian abruptly decided that he was doing the right thing. He would not for the world destroy Elizabeth’s trust in him. Nor did he want to hurt Merissa, whose impetuous nature drew him like a moth to a flame.
    He bowed again to Elizabeth. “Your servant, Miss Cassell. I’m deeply indebted to you for your kind hospitality. I pray that our paths will cross again someday.”
    Elizabeth gave him a blindingly lovely smile; then he clicked to the horses and the curricle set off. As they turned onto the lane, Christian allowed himself one backwards glance at the neat farmhouse. He could swear he saw Merissa’s face at one of the parlor windows. The sight aroused an ache in his chest. As he turned onto the road leading to Derlingham, a gust of cold wind caught the curricle, and Christian had the strange sense that he had left the warmth and beauty of summer behind.

Six
    “Devon.” Christian advanced quickly into the drawing room and shook his host’s hand. “I say, you’re back earlier than expected.”
    “I told you that we don’t like to stay in London any longer than necessary. Caroline was miserable with missing the boys.”
    “Ma’am.” Christian bowed to the elegant blonde beauty holding a chubby-cheeked baby in her arms. A small red-haired boy stood beside her. “Delighted to see you again, Lady Caroline. You’re looking as lovely as ever.”
    “Bosh! Don’t be so formal, Christian. Come over and give me a kiss.”
    Christian went and pressed his lips to Caroline’s cheek, then gravely shook hands with young Rafe.
    “And kiss Michael, too,” Caroline insisted, holding out the baby. “You’re his godfather, after all. You should get to know each other.”
    Christian bent to kiss the infant’s downy cheek. To his surprise, the child didn’t smell of dirty nappies but had a clean, sweet scent.
    As his lips brushed the child’s forehead, the baby reached out and grabbed a handful of Christian’s hair. “There now.” Christian disengaged himself. “If you want to spar, you’ll have to grow a bit. I believe I outclass you in weight altogether.”
    Rafe giggled. The baby burbled and gave him a toothless grin. “See, he likes you,” Caroline said.
    “Nonsense,