Free Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) by Joan Avery Page A

intent on those who had followed Lord Percy into the room. Emily’s husband Edward stood behind Lord Percy. Surprisingly, Lord Montgomery had followed as well. Victoria had to look down, suddenly embarrassed. While their short exchange earlier had gone well, she couldn’t help but think of the liberties he had taken at the party, or rather the liberties she had allowed him. What did he think of her?
    “Miss Westwood?” Lord Percy’s question forced her to look up.
    “Yes, of course. I’d love to join you.”
    Lord Montgomery barely spared her a glance. He was, as always, inscrutable. She was determined to at least win back his respect. She would be cool and aloof. Certainly, he would stay distant and not attempt to do anything inappropriate with so many others around.
    “I think that is a wonderful idea,” the duchess said. “I am much too old for such things, but the younger women will no doubt find some exercise very satisfying.”
    “Well, come then,” Lord Percy encouraged.
    Lady Edith smiled. “You expect me to play archery in my condition?”
    Lady Edith’s pregnancy was not yet readily apparent. No doubt she was reluctant to go into confinement before the end of the holiday parties.
    “Come, my dear,” Lord Percy insisted. “Without you, I don’t think the other ladies will come.”
    Lady Edith laughed again, clearly accustomed to her husband’s entreaties. “We’ll retrieve our wraps and meet you outside.”
    Victoria was anxious to see more of the grounds Lord Montgomery had described. Archery, on the other hand, was a sport she had never attempted. But that was soon forgotten as she walked out into a brilliant sun that momentarily blinded her. As everything came into focus, she realized even Lord Montgomery’s thorough description had not prepared her for the grounds.
    She had never seen a house so beautifully set. The manicured lawns, sparkling with dew, stretched out forever. Here and there, trees had been planted in a natural array. The Thames sparkled in the bright sun well below the house. She tipped her head back momentarily and enjoyed the sun’s play on her face.
    “It’s lovely, isn’t it?”
    Her heart skipped a beat. He was behind her and very close. While she had been enjoying the warmth of the sun, the others had paired off and she was far behind them, with the only unmatched member of the party, Lord Montgomery.
    “It is.” She had to be calm. “And the sun is delightfully warm today. I had about given up hope of ever seeing it again.”
    “The fog this year has been particularly troublesome. I think it is setting new records.” He took her arm and drew her forward to follow the others. “For someone unaccustomed, it must be unbearable.”
    She panicked. Her brain was failing her. Certainly she should be able to carry on a polite conversation. But the feel of him, so close… The warmth of his hand on her arm… All of it brought back the sensations she had felt when he had kissed her.
    She walked in abject silence, embarrassed by her inability to converse.
    “Have you seen the arboretum yet?”
    She finally found her voice. “No, not yet. I do hope to see it before I leave.”
    “It’s a marvel. You should make a point of seeing it. It was built by the third duke in eighteen twenty-six and twenty-seven. It is a great favorite of mine.”
    She couldn’t answer, once more at a loss for words.
    “There you two are,” Lord Percy said. “Do come along. We’ll watch the ladies try their hand at it first.”
    A large hay-filled target with colorful concentric rings had been set up. Bows and quivers of arrows sat at the ready.
    “Edith, come. You must go first,” Lord Percy encouraged, handing his wife a bow and standing ready with several arrows.
    Lady Edith objected, “I should be fronted several points, you realize, as my condition has no doubt put me off balance.”
    “Nonsense. You are such an expert I believe you should offer the others some bonus