Read Online A Proper Scandal by Charis Michaels - Free Book Online

tell me?”
    â€œOh,” she mused, fingering the hem of each dress, “you know the answer to that. If I had told you he was coming, you would have refused. You refused anyway. You always refuse. Honestly, I hardly see what could be so harrowing after fifteen years. ”
    â€œThat’s because you have no idea about that which you speak. The passing time makes no difference. It only matters that I am not ready .”
    â€œBut what if you’re never ready? This is my fear.” Lillian held up the ivory silk, and Elisabeth made a face. The countess nodded and moved on to the next.
    â€œHow can I make you understand?” asked Elisabeth. “The . . . ordeal we suffered together does not translate into the direct need to meet again. Ever. Despite your years of asking, suggesting, wheedling—and now delivering the man to our dining table. And he doesn’t even recognize me—thank God. My one saving grace.”
    Lillian opened her mouth to counter this, but Elisabeth forged on. “Surely you know that most reasonable people would say my history with this man calls for the opposite of a reunion, surprise or otherwise. It has been prudent and self-preserving to stay away from him.”
    â€œTrue, perhaps, but lucky for you, I am not most reasonable people. Certainly I am not prudent.” She pulled the lavender gown from the bed and held it high. “The lavender, I think, don’t you? Come, let us try it.”
    Reluctantly, Elisabeth crossed to her aunt and turned, allowing her to unfasten her perfectly pleasant, exceedingly comfortable blue muslin.
    â€œI would never have pressed,” continued Lillian, “if I had not seen your reaction to him.”
    â€œWhat reaction?” Elisabeth craned around. “He cornered me! In the stairwell! Whilst I harangued Stoker. I hardly looked at the man at all.”
    â€œNot tonight , Elisabeth. Before.” She jostled Elisabeth this way and that, working the gown from her shoulders.
    â€œWhen before? Before what? I’ve not seen the man in fifteen years, and you’ve never met him in your life. It’s his first time to dinner; you’ve said so yourself. You’re making no sense.”
    â€œAm I not?”
    Elisabeth let out a noise of frustration and dropped her face into her hands. Her stomach churned with frustration and anger, and the sickening, nervous stew of it almost outweighed the anxiety of seeing him again. Almost.
    The countess filled the silence. “I’ve said nothing about it, mind you. I do try to honor your privacy, darling. But that doesn’t mean I have not seen it, all these years. The blushes and the bright-eyed interest. If anyone even utters his name, in any stray piece of inane gossip . . . ”
    â€œThis is ridiculous,” Elisabeth said reflexively.
    â€œRidiculous, is it? What of the newspaper clippings? For years you have followed him in the papers.” Elisabeth stepped out of the blue dress and hugged her shoulders against the coolness of the room. Her aunt had seen the brand on her shoulder many times, but Elisabeth hated the scar to be exposed, even in private.
    â€œI can read about the man and wish him well without making his acquaintance,” Elisabeth said lamely.
    â€œOr you could meet him again on your own terms. As the beautiful young woman you have become.”
    Elisabeth shook her head. “You misconstrue my interest.”
    â€œDo I? I do not misconstrue your gratefulness to him for his rescue.” Her aunt leaned over the bed and picked up the lavender dress, giving it a gentle shake. “How much have we heard about this young man? You would speak of little else over the years. We know virtually nothing about what happened the night your parents were attacked. We have respected your privacy. But forgive me if I have clung to the few details you are able to share. The rescue. This man. And now, he’s waiting to have dinner