Free Wolfishly Yours by Lydia Dare Page A

some benefit to smelling that rotten odor. It’s worse than the docks in June,” Livi said. “The fish wash ashore and the ships come into port. The men smell like they’ve been at sea for months and didn’t have a pot of water to wash themselves in.” She inhaled slightly, which made her cough. “I think this is worse.” She winced.
    Sophie dropped her head into her hands beside her. Livi was probably making a mess of things. “Do you remember we discussed appropriate topics of discussion?” Sophie hissed at her. “Unwashed men do not fall into that category.”
    “Did I hear something about unwashed men?” a voice asked from behind them.

Seven
    The smell of unwashed men? Bon Dieu. She’d made a mess of it, hadn’t she? Livi glanced over her shoulder at the man. He was tall, with broad shoulders, and his handsome face was completed with a nose strong enough to match his jaw. “Lady Sophia.” He bowed in the tutor’s direction.
    For the first time since Livi had met her, Sophie wore what appeared to be a genuine smile. “Henry Siddington, what brings you to Bath?” she asked pleasantly.
    “Robert Hayburn invited me to accompany his family,” the man said. He adjusted his jacket and looked a bit awkward for a moment. “I couldn’t find a good reason to decline.”
    The duchess snorted and the man grinned at the old woman.
    “The fact that he’s a reprobate, a ne’er-do-well, and a drunkard were not enough for you?” Sophie asked, without even breaking the serene look on her face. Sophie shook her head at the tall fellow. “Certainly, you can find better company.”
    “One would think so,” the duchess agreed.
    The man arched a brow at the tutor. “Certainly, you can still skewer a man without even holding a sword.” He clutched a hand to his chest as though her words had wounded him. “Pray introduce me to the lady, Sophie,” he said.
    Another gentleman who called her Sophie. Interesting.
    “Oh, where are my manners? Miss Liviana Mayeux, this is my cousin Henry Siddington. I’ve known him since he was in short pants. We have played together most of our lives. Until we grew too old to play, that is.”
    Mr. Siddington looked offended. “One is never too old to play, my dear cousin.” He turned his full gaze toward Livi. “Enchanting to meet you, Miss Mayeux,” he said.
    “Henry.” Sophie tapped the man’s hand. “I’ve need of you for a few moments this evening,” she said. “You do plan to attend the Longboroughs’ musicale, do you not?”
    “I’d hoped to avoid it. I’d rather listen to Robert blather about his latest conquest than listen to young misses struggle to stay on tune.” He shuddered, which brought a smile to Livi’s face.
    “And his conquests are many and varied,” Sophie tossed in.
    Talk about improper discussions.
    “Yet you seem to have avoided falling into his trap,” Mr. Siddington said. “Bravo for you.” He clapped lightly and dramatically. Then his face softened. “Truly, how are you finding your position with Lady Radbourne?”
    “Heavens.” Sophie sighed heavily. “Everyone wants to know the same thing. Is there a wager on the book at White’s that Lady Radbourne would throw me to wolves or something?”
    Wolves? A sputtering sound escaped Livi at hearing that particular turn of phrase. Did the man know of Lycans? Mr. Hadley had made it seem as though no one knew of such things.
    Mr. Siddington cast Livi a confused expression before turning his attention back to his cousin. “I suppose none of us are accustomed to seeing you in a subservient role. You can’t blame us for that. You know you always have a place with me, Soph,” he said gently. “And I won’t even force you to wash chamber pots or bring tea.”
    Livi tried to hold in a giggle, but to no avail. She couldn’t imagine Sophie bringing tea or washing chamber pots. Mr. Siddington was quite amusing. And handsome. And he seemed to be friendly enough. Her laughter drew his