A Scandalous Deception by Ava Stone

more of our names
attached.”
    The American laughed as well. “Or very good
company depending on who you’re asking.”
    Kelfield smirked. “I like him already.”
    “Might have been the source of a scandal or
two myself back in Boston. In fact, one of my oldest compatriots is
due in London within the week.”
    “We’ll have to see what sort of trouble we
can all get into together then,” Thurlstone teased. “Well, except
for Kelfield. His wife has him on the straight and narrow these
days.”
    Kelfield settled back in his seat, a smug
ducal expression upon his face. “I am quite happy with my path,
gentlemen. And if you had a wife like mine, you’d be happy
too.”
    If Marc had a wife like Olivia Kelfield, he’d
never go home. A haughty harridan he could do without.

     
    Lissy flipped the pages of La Belle
Assemblée, but she wasn’t truly looking at the fashion plates,
her mind was still awhirl about what to do with Fin. It was still
difficult to believe that he’d actually hit the Marquess of
Haversham, without so much as a warning.
    Be reasonable , Phoebe’s words echoed
in her mind. But Lissy didn’t know how to be reasonable with him.
He was overbearing and controlling and most stubborn. Blast him!
She shouldn’t even have to try to figure out a plan to deal with
him. He should simply just leave her in peace. He should simply
trust her to make reasonable decisions of her own. He should…
    “My lady.” Crawford, her grey-haired and
loyal butler, cleared his throat from the doorway, breaking Lissy
from her musings.
    She looked up from her periodical and nodded
at the servant. “Yes, Crawford?”
    The man stepped further into the pink parlor,
a silver salver in his hand. “From Mr. Beckford, my lady.” He
presented the tray to her.
    Luke? Lissy couldn’t remember ever having
received a letter from her brother-in-law. He was hardly the sort
who penned letters. She snatched the note from the salver and broke
the seal. Quickly, she scanned the contents.
    Dearest Felicity,
    I hate to interrupt your season, but I must
beg you to return home at once. Juliet’s delicate condition
prevents her from writing to you herself. She is in desperate need
of your company. I am afraid this confinement has been more
difficult than the last.
    Please come home at your earliest
convenience.
    Lucas Beckford
    Oh, good heavens! Lissy’s heart twisted with
pain. Was there a complication with Juliet’s pregnancy? The memory
of her own lost child, all the pain, agony and despair she’d
suffered washed over her anew. She leapt from her seat. “Crawford,
please have Annie pack my things.”
    “Is something amiss, Lady Felicity?” The old
man’s brow furrowed, and concern shone in his dark eyes.
    She shrugged and started for the room, but
she had nowhere to go, so she turned back around. “I hope not. Luke
thinks Juliet would benefit from my company. Please have Donaldson
ready the coach. I’d like to depart as soon as we are able.”
    “Depart for where?” came Fin’s baritone voice
from the threshold.
    For a brief second, Lissy’s heart stilled.
Fin would make certain everything was all right. He always did. But
then the memory of his unacceptable behavior from the previous
night leapt to the forefront of her mind. “Who allowed you
entrance?” she asked tartly.
    “Monroe.” Fin quirked her a smile. “As
Crawford was busy attending you. Now what did you say? Where are
you departing for?”
    “I’m headed home to The Chase,” she replied
coolly. “Not that it’s any of your concern.”
    “Oh.” A look of relief flashed in his eyes,
which only served to spark Lissy’s ire once more. He needn’t look
so pleased about her imminent departure. Starched stickler,
indeed.
    “So you’ll have to find some other lady to
reprimand in my absence. Perhaps you could take up a daily regimen
at Gentleman Jackson’s so you can punch fellows whenever the whim
should strike.”
    Fin turned his attention to Crawford.