Free Only Scandal Will Do by Jenna Jaxon Page A

distant relation, but one who still commands my protection. I am sure you understand that, my lord.” The grim determination etched in Matthews’s face was reminiscent of his own countenance last spring. He might yet meet this man on a field of honor.
    “Did the young woman say how she came to be wearing the cloak?” How much had Lady Katarina actually confessed to her relation?
    “I have not approached her with that question yet. I hoped you could shed some light on the subject first.”
    “I suppose if she was fleeing the house she could have picked the cloak up anywhere along the corridor. Or chanced upon it in an empty room. I am still unsure if the garment is mine, but there is the possibility. I can’t remember where I took it off.” He raised an eyebrow and affected a salacious smile. “I had other things on my mind, as you may imagine. In any case, I wish you godspeed with your endeavor.” An earnest sentiment, though his actual wishes were somewhat less so. “I will address myself to Madame Vestry at the earliest opportunity, for I certainly want no more scandal attached to my family.”
    “Thank you, my lord. I will return the garment once I have questioned the lady.”
    Duncan waved as though the cloak were a trifle. “As I said, I’m not convinced it is mine, but I hope it will aid you in your search. If that is all, my butler will show you out.”
    From his bedroom window he watched Matthews ride away from Grosvenor Square, but he saw nothing except a beautiful young woman with fiery hair, one possessed of more courage than many men he had known. And he now knew he must meet her without delay.
    Surely Lady Katarina and the earl would attend the Braeton’s ball tonight. Lord and Lady Braeton were prominent horse enthusiasts, so if Aunt Phoebe was correct and the earl had a keen eye for horseflesh, he would certainly want to put in an appearance at Linden House.
    Calling for Anson, Duncan began to divest himself of the ice blue outfit. He recalled Matthew’s words about Amorina’s confession and the knot in the pit of his stomach tightened. His underestimation of his ex-mistress’s desire for revenge might be the worst miscalculation of his life.
    Speculation that Amorina had masterminded Lady Katarina’s kidnapping in order to complete his ruin reared its ugly head again. Why else would the girl have been brought to the House of Pleasure? And Amorina would have known the sight of the lady’s luscious copper hair would ensure he bid on that tableau.
    Anson entered and hurried to remove the diamond studs and satin jacket.
    At least the trap had missed its mark and scandal, even if brewing, had not yet reached the ears of the ton . A reprieve, though a slight one.
    Duncan forced himself to focus on the hoped-for meeting with Lady Katarina. Instead of lifting his spirits, as thought of her so often did, the images coalesced into one of her brother or now Matthews calling him out.
    “Anson.”
    “My lord?”
    “The fencing outfit, please. I believe a trip to Angelo’s is warranted this afternoon.”
    “Very good, my lord.” Anson gathered the scattered pieces of Duncan’s wardrobe and headed into the dressing room.
    Now clad only in linen drawers and stockings, he groaned at the memory of Lady Katarina’s seductive hips pressing against him during their struggle. His arousal returned, insistent as always when the vision of that luscious body rose before him. He cursed. If he didn’t find the woman soon, scandal would be the least of his worries.
     
     
     

 
    Chapter 7
     
    “Kat, you cannot possibly cram another thing into that trunk.” Jack was being difficult, but dear.
    Katarina considered where her best riding boots might squeeze into the already tightly packed space. When moments of sanity surfaced, she couldn’t see how she could leave him. They had always put up a united front to their father, their governesses, the world. Being alone would be one of the biggest challenges she