Free Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds) by Kathleen Ayers

his
grandmother watching her, and changed her expression to one of illness. 
“Possibly, my lord.  There are all kinds of ill humors and vile
things to be found in London that I, growing up in Hampshire, am not
accustomed to.  I was likely exposed to something at Lady Dobson’s,
which didn’t agree with me.”
    Most women
did not compare Sutton to an ill humor or vile thing . Her subtle
insult made him want to laugh out loud.  Or kiss her senseless.  He
strode over to the settee. “Please allow me to escort you out, Miss
Dunforth.” 
    “That’s not
necessary, Lord Reynolds.” The Badger stood.  “I am quite capable of
finding the front door myself.”  She gave a false wobble, and pretended as
if she would faint at any moment.  “Lady Reynolds, Miranda, I bid you good
day.  My apologies again.” 
    Sutton leaned
over Miss Dunforth, Alex .  “I insist.”  The look of horror on
her face was so comical he bit his lip to stifle the laughter bubbling up
inside of him.
    She ignored
his arm, prickly thing that she was, and proceeded to the door determined to
see herself out.  She stopped only when his grandmother spoke.
    “I would
take it much amiss, Miss Dunforth, if Sutton didn’t see you out.”
    Alex’s
shoulders slumped as she paused for effect and whispered.  “I don’t wish
to trouble Lord Reynolds, my lady.”  The pathetic tone in her voice had an
edge to it. “Your footman is right down the hall.”
    “It’s no
trouble at all.”  Little coward. He held his arm out again, daring her to
take it.
    Alex’s
fingertips brushed the top of his arm lightly, as if he was a leper she didn’t
wish to touch but was forced to.  
    “You cannot
be too careful, my dear Miss Dunforth.  A headache can make one so weak
and dizzy.  I would not have you fainting in the hallway.  Sutton
will put you in my carriage, least you collapse on the steps.”  The
Dowager commanded in a severe tone, but her eyes twinkled in delight.  “It
has been a most illuminating afternoon, Miss Dunforth.  I cannot
wait to further our acquaintance.  We shall call on you soon, won’t we
Miranda?”
    Miranda
nodded and took another bite of the raisin cake.
    Sutton led
the subdued Miss Dunforth out of his grandmother’s parlor.  She looked
like she was being escorted to the gallows instead of being seen to the waiting
carriage of a Marchioness.  He heard the laughter of the Dowager behind
him.  No doubt his grandmother would be full of questions. 
    ***
    Alexandra
felt the heat of Lord Reynolds through her fingertips.  The sensations
seeped down her arm, through her chest and lodged between her legs.  Her
emotions vacillated between anger at his high-handed behavior, embarrassment at
his acknowledgement, and a nervous, filmy excitement that rushed through her in
waves. 
    As always,
Alexandra tried to think logically.   She decided that his goading of
her was nothing more than dismay in finding her taking tea with his
grandmother.  Fine.  She could understand his confusion.  She
would explain the situation to him. She would likely run into him again, if she
were to further her acquaintance with the Dowager and Miranda so she would like
to smooth over any misconceptions he may be under.  She couldn’t fault him
in thinking that most women would try to use their previous meeting as
leverage.  Her irritation abated, though she still thought him a conceited
ass. She snuck a look at his beautiful profile. 
    “My Lord,”
Alexandra turned, taking a deep breath.  His eyes were so green and
mesmerizing that it took her a moment to continue. “Please let me
explain.  I met your grandmother purely by chance at Lady Dobson’s, and
she invited me to tea.  My appearance is in no way related to our unfortunate
meeting last night.  My discretion is assured.”  Surely he didn’t
wish for anyone to know that she’d witnessed his assignation with Lady
Fellowes.  Or, their previous meeting. She certainly did