A Marriage Most Scandalous (Scandalous Ballroom Encounters Book 2) by Victoria Vale Page B

smirk. “This united front you spoke of … I suppose you think your step-mother and I will play some part in it? The Viscount of Perth, shielding his heir from the cruelty of gossip and scorn.”
    Sheridan had counted on his father’s influence to see them through this time, but realized now he shouldn’t have. The viscount had always been a stickler for propriety, thus the many lessons in how one should expect one’s wife to behave.
    “I won’t involve myself, since you have commanded me to stay out of your affairs,” he continued when Sheridan didn’t answer. “Neither will your brother or stepmother. I won’t allow it.”
    He had no doubt of that. He also knew his family would never go against the viscount. His brother, the second son, barely clung to the fringe of their father’s good graces. Their stepmother, a young chit of an age with Cecily, did not have a defiant bone in her body—thus the reason the viscount had chosen her.
    “Do what you must,” Sheridan replied, shrugging. “I will do the same.”
    Baldwin studied him in silence for a moment, anger and frustration emanating from him in tangible waves. After a while, he nodded, as if coming to a decision.
    “I still expect you to vacate the premises,” he declared. “If you wish to carry on without my influence, you shall do so without my money. I expect you gone by morning, or you are cut off. If you plan to go against me, I do hope you’ve been wise with your bride’s dowry.”
    Retrieving his coat and hat from a footman, he left through the open door, which the butler closed behind him as he descended the front steps.
    Ignoring the curious stares of the servants, Sheridan turned and made his way up the stairs.
    His valet sat in the dressing room, giving various servants rebellious glares while they rifled through Sheridan’s things. He shot to his feet when his master entered, panic widening his eyes and anger setting his jaw.
    “I told them I would have no part in it, but they carried on without me. I warned them you would not like anyone but me packing your things, and that I would not do so unless I heard the order from your mouth. They proceeded to go against my wishes, and have likely ruined your shirts and cravats with their careless handling.”
    He fought back a smirk. James could always be trusted to fly into a tizzy over shirts and cravats no matter the situation.
    “It’s all right, James,” he said. “Have you seen my wife?”
    “In her chambers,” James replied, “changing into her traveling clothes. Is it true that we are departing for Edenwhite?”
    Sheridan felt one of his hands curling into a fist. Not the first time this evening he’d felt like punching something. Without answering the question, he passed through the door separating his dressing room from hers, then entered her chamber.
    She sat in an armchair near the fire, hands folded in her lap. She’d changed into a demure carriage dress, and a small valise rested at her feet. His heart wrenched when her tear-filled eyes lifted to meet his.
    Forcing a smile, he came farther into the room. Dismissing her maid, he knelt in front of her chair and took her hands in his.
    “What’s this?” he asked, nodding toward the valise.
    “I am ready to leave,” she replied.
    Reaching up, he swiped away a tear with his thumb.
    “We are not going anywhere.”
    Shaking her head, she stood. “I heard your father, Sherry. Every word. We cannot afford to remain here more than a few weeks without your allowance. Besides, perhaps he is right. The best thing to do is leave until the gossip blows over.”
    “But what about your ladies’ group and your charity work? You were so excited about coming before the start of the season.”
    She sobbed, falling against him and burying her face against his chest. “They don’t want me anywhere near them! They asked Penelope to inform me that I am no longer welcome.”
    Anger rose up in him as he held her, wracking his brain for a