Read Online Love's Justice (Entangled Scandalous) by Joan Avery - Free Book Online

He had earned a reputation that was unimpeachable. And now this Westwood woman was threatening it. He couldn’t let it happen. He would regain control over his feelings. That was all there was to it.
    “I shouldn’t have said that, Monty. It was unforgivable. Lord knows, we all have our reasons.” Then he added, “There was someone else at the dice tables losing badly.”
    “Who was that?”
    “Lord Whitney.”
    Hugh took in the information for a moment before answering. “I hoped he had broken that bad habit.”
    “As did I. He has a pretty young wife, Emily. An American. I believe she brought with her a small fortune. Her father made his money in shipping. I thought Whitney had learned the perils of heavy gambling when he lost his own fortune. It seems his wife, Emily, is a childhood friend of Victoria Westwood. Since Miss Westwood has been in England, they have strengthened that bond.”
    “How bad is it? Whitney’s gambling?” Hugh asked.
    “Not bad enough to ruin him at the moment, but if he continues, he will once again be a pauper. He manages his land poorly, choosing to spend his days either here or at Brook’s. When his tab gets too far in arrears, he simply changes clubs temporarily.”
    Hugh considered the quiet man whose judgment was often poorly framed and even more poorly executed. He personally liked Whitney but he knew only too well the cost of gambling incessantly. He had been involved in Lord Whitney’s previous bankruptcy. He did not look forward to seeing the man in his court once again.
    “You said Lady Whitney is a close friend of Miss Westwood’s?”
    “Yes, that is how Edith and I met her. She had accompanied Lady Whitney on a visit to Edith. Edith was very impressed with Miss Westwood and would not let it go until we invited the woman back for a dinner. I can say she made the dinner conversation interesting. I would think you would find her very attractive. She seems to share so many of your liberal tendencies. Especially in regard to women’s rights. I remember her saying a woman’s plight was sad, indeed, since she even lacked the means to change the laws in her favor.” Percy laughed. “She is a suffragist, don’t you see. She thinks women should be allowed to vote.”
    Hugh didn’t answer. His thoughts had returned to the feisty American woman. To her mind and to her body. He had a visceral reaction to her. Whether that was good or bad, he couldn’t determine.
    “Monty?” Percy tried to regain his attention. “Did you even hear a word I said?”
    “Yes. I heard.” He didn’t elaborate. He couldn’t frame into words what he thought of the Westwood woman. All he knew was that he wanted to see her again.
    “No doubt you are going to be at Syon House for the ball?” Hugh asked. He had received an invitation from the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Percy’s parents, to their beautiful home outside of London. The distance from London meant certain guests, including him, had been invited for the entire weekend.
    “Of course, I couldn’t avoid it if I wanted to,” Percy said. “Edith always anticipates it so. She’s hoping her pregnancy won’t be showing. She’s determined to go despite her condition.”
    “Who else has been invited for the weekend?”
    “Oh, all the usual. Stanford will be there, of course, despite my objections. He is family after all.” Suddenly Percy smiled broadly. “You’re wondering if Lord Whitney and his wife have been invited? And perhaps a certain acquaintance of theirs as well?”
    Hugh didn’t respond. His friend wasn’t fooled by his demeanor.
    Percy laughed. “I will see to it personally. Not to worry.”
    “Your brandy, sir.”
    The waiter had returned with Percy’s drink. He took a sip and looked at Hugh over the top of the snifter. No doubt he would ask Edith to invite her American friends. She would be beside herself with the news.

Chapter Twelve
    Victoria was stunned by the beautiful surroundings outside the