Free A Gentleman's Guide to Scandal by Kathleen Kimmel Page B

Damn it, he’d fought so hard to put this foolishness aside. Of all the inconvenient—
    â€œMy lord.”
    â€œMm.” Colin straightened a cravat that had been perfectly set a moment before, earning a pained look from the valet, and exited the room. He adjusted his cuffs as he traversed the hall, smoothed his hair as he descended the stairs, and tugged the hem of his waistcoat as he approached the musical sound of women’s voices. Elinor and Phoebe were in the drawing room, dressed for travel.
    â€œGood morning,” he greeted them.
    Phoebe snorted. “Barely,” she said.
    â€œDon’t snort,” Colin said chidingly.
    â€œWhy is it that when mother isn’t here, you try so very hard to replace her?” Phoebe asked peevishly. “And why are you so late a-bed, lazy bones?”
    â€œA late night, that’s all,” Colin said, and could not help a sideways look at Elinor. She trailed a finger down the side of her neck, the corners of her mouth pinched. She didn’t appearangry, at least, or frightened. She also did not look as if she were caught up in the memory, shamefully, thrillingly repeating it in her mind. He tore his eyes from her. “I hear that you are departing my superlative company. May I ask why?”
    â€œMrs. Hargrove is in need of diversion,” Elinor said, forcing him to return his gaze to her.
    â€œAnd I haven’t seen her in
ages
,” Phoebe said. “And I’m not likely to once she’s laden down with a wiggly little infant. Not that I don’t like infants. I hope to have a litter of my own someday, but you must admit the little things are quite time consuming.”
    â€œIt’s only that it seems like a sudden change of plans,” he said.
    â€œI got bored,” Phoebe said. That he could believe. She was much like he had been at her age, and women’s pursuits did not do nearly enough to use up her abundant energy. And after the last incident in Hyde Park, their mother had placed strict limits on her riding excursions. Some things were just not safe to do sidesaddle, even if they were within the bounds of propriety. Which they had not been.
    â€œDo you have some objection to the outing?” Elinor asked. He could not read her tone. Was she amused? Scornful? Outraged? She spoke with the serenity she so often projected, and his palms began to sweat.
    â€œNone, of course,” he said. “So long as . . .”
    â€œYes?” she prompted.
    â€œWell,” he said. “Mrs. Hargrove . . .”
    Phoebe blew out a dramatic breath. “Honestly, Colin, what do you think of me? It’s not as if a day in her company will have me . . .” She trailed off, as if suddenly remembering the many servants that would overhear.
    â€œI have no fear that you’ll turn to a life of larceny,” he said. “You’re entirely too clumsy. I am sure you will have a delightful time.” And perhaps by the time they got back, he would have exorcised the memory of that kiss from his mind. As it was, the tilt of Elinor’s head caught his eye, and the recollection of her lips against his got hold of him around the throat.
    â€œWe should go,” Elinor said. “We don’t want to be on the road after dark.”
    â€œOf course,” Colin said. Phoebe leapt up immediately and swept out past him into the hall, leaving him momentarily alone with Elinor. Well, not quite alone; his sister was only in the hall beyond, and the door was wide open. But his mouth felt stuffed with cotton. He dropped his voice.
    â€œAbout last night . . .”
    â€œWhat about it?” Elinor asked. She meant to pretend it had never happened, he realized. Well, she might manage that feat, but there was no way he would be able to.
    â€œI must apologize,” he said. “I was very drunk. I never would have kissed you, if I hadn’t