Read Online Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds) by Kathleen Ayers - Free Book Online Page B

rigid, as if a fireplace poker,
held her in place.   How incredibly ladylike and prim was Miss
Dunforth. He wanted to throw her skirts over her head and make her beg him to
take her.
    She looked
away, unconsciously biting her luscious lower lip.  A rebellious, tiny
curl, almost as if it had heard his earlier thoughts, sprung from her coiffure.
    Sutton shifted
slightly.  His cock stood at full attention.  The Badger’s appearance
today reminded him that leather breeches were unforgiving.  He treated
Miss Dunforth to a polite, interested smile.
    “How long
have you been in London, Miss Dunforth?”
    The Badger choked
as he addressed her directly.  The opal eyes flashed at him in
annoyance.  He had the odd sensation she wished he would ignore her
completely.  Impossible.
     “A
fortnight only, my lord.”
    “Lady
Dobson’s was the first social event Miss Dunforth has attended.  Her uncle
engaged Lady Dobson as Miss Dunforth’s sponsor,” Miranda piped in helpfully,
plopping another piece of raisin cake into her mouth.
    Sutton
watched Miss Dunforth’s reaction to his sister’s recitation.  Her hands
twisted in her lap and she studiously avoided his gaze.
    So that was
her cause of distress in Lord Dobson’s library.  Her uncle launched her
into society and expected to find her a suitor.  The look on her lovely
face told Sutton she was none too happy about it.  A smart girl, one with
ambition would be screaming that the Marquess of Cambourne compromised her
honor at Lady Dobson’s. Her uncle should be here demanding marriage. 
Curious.
    “Sutton?” 
His grandmother banged her cane on the floor in a demand for his attention
    “Sorry,
woolgathering.  I was just wondering if Miss Dunforth’s uncle had the
opportunity to introduce her to anyone that suited her.”  An unwelcome
spurt of jealousy welled in him as he waited for her answer.
    Miranda
regarded him with astonishment.  The question was much too personal for a
first meeting.  His grandmother gave a calculated look of surprise that he
would show such interest in their little guest.  The question bordered on
rudeness.  Sutton didn’t care. It was suddenly very important to him.
    The Badger raised
her chin defiantly.  Annoyed. He could tell by the set of her jaw. Brave
little Badger.  She wanted to throw something at him.  He could
tell.  Then she winced painfully and dramatically.
    “Forgive me,
my lady,” Miss Dunforth moaned in false pain to the Dowager. “I suddenly feel
quite unwell. My heads feels as if it is splitting. I beg your forgiveness but
I must take my leave.”  
    “Indeed?” 
His grandmother tried to sound shocked.  Grandmother was not a stupid
woman.  She noted Sutton’s interest in Miss Dunforth.  ”Your headache
came on so suddenly.” 
    He nearly
laughed out loud. Badgers tended to be crafty little creatures.
    Miss
Dunforth tried to look ill.  A hand fluttered to her temple.  She
grimaced again as if in terrible pain.  She was a terrible liar and a
worse actress.
    “Miss
Dunforth?  Alexandra?  Are you sure you must leave?”  Miranda
pouted. “I wanted to show you the library. We haven’t even talked about the
latest Lord Thurston novel.”
    “I am so
very sorry, but I find that my head aches terribly.  My constitution is
delicate at times, or so I’m told.”
    “Indeed.”
The Dowager gave a small snort of disbelief.  “And you a sturdy lass from
Hampshire. Who ran a farm.  Alone.”  His grandmother’s knowing gaze
flicked to him, then to Miss Dunforth.
    “Miss
Dunforth, I do hope it’s not that sudden illness I’ve heard is making the
rounds of the ton .  Young ladies suddenly struck down as they drink
their tea.   You must get home immediately before you find yourself
unable to do so.”  Sutton composed his face into one of bland concern knowing
it would irritate the little Badger.  He was not disappointed.
    Miss
Dunforth, Alex, looked as if she would argue with him, saw