Read Online Never Love a Scoundrel by Darcy Burke - Free Book Online

eyes.
    “There she is,” said Lady Dunthorpe boldly from the circle gathered around Locke. All of them turned their attention to Lydia, including her quarry.
    Locke moved forward through the circle. His gaze was purposeful, and his lips curved into a smile Lydia was sure could charm the hardest of hearts. “You’re Lady Lydia?”
    He was seeking her out? Was it because she’d met Lockwood yesterday? Whatever the reason, she could scarcely believe her luck—at last. “Yes.”
    “Shall we take a spin?” he asked with a dashing smile.
    Lydia glanced at the dance floor. The set was nearly half over. “The next set?”
    He presented his arm. “No, I meant a stroll about the ballroom.”
    No dance? Lydia suffered a jolt of disappointment. Hopefully she’d dance later. For now, she had to be satisfied that she’d drawn Locke’s attention at all.
    She shot Audrey an apologetic look. Audrey’s mouth lifted in a small, knowing smile. She inclined her head as if to say, “Go on,” and then retreated to the perimeter.
    Lydia took Mr. Locke’s arm, and he led her away from the goggling circle of women. “You do realize this is a bit improper since we haven’t been formally introduced.”
    He exhaled softly. “Right, I should have realized. Do you want to stop?” His gait slowed.
    “Not at all.” She’d be forgiven such a transgression because people were too afraid of Lady Margaret’s wrath to deride her niece. Not to mention, everyone was eager to solve the mystery of his sudden appearance and they’d pin their hopes on Lydia finding success.
    “You were looking for me?” Lydia asked, curious as to why.
    “I understand you had tea with Lockwood yesterday.”
    Her pulse quickened. Was she about to become the first person to hear him admit they were half brothers? “Yes.”
    Locke inclined his head toward people as they passed. Lydia didn’t bother to register their identities; she was too intent on Locke.
    “How was he?” he finally asked.
    Overwhelming. And not in a bad way. “He was very pleasant—and honest.” What did Locke want to know? He was proving every bit as reticent as Lockwood. Which wasn’t surprising. The two men were circling each other like the cocks on the farm back in Northumberland.
    He turned and led her along the back of the room where the doors were open to the cool night air. “And what did you discuss?”
    “Mr. Locke, are you going to tell me why you’re so interested in Lord Lockwood?”
    He slid her an inscrutable look, and his mouth curved into an indulgent smile. “Don’t pretend you don’t know the gossip. Didn’t it originate with your aunt?”
    She didn’t flinch from his gaze. “Are you confirming it?”
    “If your aunt spread this information, and one can presume you are an intimate of your aunt’s, shouldn’t you already know the answer?”
    What a pair of frustrating men! Neither wanted to come right out and say it. But Locke was right—she already knew the truth. She pursued a new avenue. “Why have you come to Town now?”
    “If you tell me what you and Lockwood discussed yesterday, I shall tell you anything you want to know.”
    Anything? Aunt Margaret would be thrilled. Lydia, on the other hand, suffered a pang of anxiety. She’d so been hoping to permanently improve her reputation, and here she was, being asked to gossip about Lockwood. “He spoke briefly of his mother—that she is well and may return to London.”
    “Indeed?” His tone carried a hint of surprise. “I’m glad for him if that’s true.”
    He was glad for Lockwood? While Lockwood likely wanted to exact revenge against him. The relationship between these two men was beyond curious. Lydia burned to know more—and not for the purpose of sharing what she learned. “He also said you scarred his face.”
    Locke didn’t react. He merely slid her an amused glance and said, “Did he?”
    Lydia refrained from glaring at him in exasperation. “Did you? And before you attempt to