Scandal of the Season by Christie Kelley

Mr. Chester to do what he believes is best.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    Anthony sat back against the squabs and glanced over at her worried face. “Why the sudden hurry to be at Farleigh’s?”
    “I have a job to do. I would prefer to do it and be finished,” she retorted.
    “And receive your payment.”
    She smiled tightly at him. “Exactly. I’m glad to see we understand our positions. I am here only to pretend to be your mistress. Just remember it is nothing more than an act. When we are alone together, our relationship is…is nothing more than employer and employee.”
    “I understand perfectly, Miss Seaton. You are my employee and nothing more.”
     

    Victoria took Somerton’s hand and climbed down from the carriage. She had to admit that after four hours in the coach, she needed a break away from him. His presence overwhelmed her in the confining space. And his questions intimidated her.
    At least now she would have peace for a night. The idea of spending a night alone sounded heavenly. No children waking her at all hours of the night. She couldn’t remember the last time she had a full nights sleep.
    “Let’s go,” he said, holding his arm out to her.
    “Yes.”
    As they reached the door to the inn, it swung open. A large man with brown hair and a wide smile greeted them. “Somerton! Are you on your way to Farleigh’s?”
    “Ancroft, I haven’t seen you in months,” Somerton replied with a slight grimace.
    Ancroft looked over at her and smiled, revealing deep dimples in his cheeks. “I can see why. You must be keeping yourself very busy.”
    Heat flashed across her cheeks with his implied meaning. She hoped Somerton would set the man straight but then realized he could not do that. She was here to play a part.
    There was something familiar sounding about his name but she couldn’t place him. Had one of the women next door mentioned him? She didn’t think that was it because they were usually discreet. Why did she know that name?
    Somerton pulled her closer. “Very busy, indeed, Nicholas.”
    “Are you staying the night too, then? The weather has taken a nasty turn,” Ancroft said, looking up at the snow falling from the clouds.
    “Yes. Hopefully, we shall be able to make it the rest of the way tomorrow. And speaking of the nasty weather, I need to get this lovely woman out of it.” Anthony moved forward.
    “We should dine together tonight, Somerton. The three of us.”
    “Nicholas.”
    Victoria sensed the warning Anthony gave the other man but didn’t understand why.
    “I already procured a private dining room and would prefer the company of an old friend and perhaps, a new one.” Ancroft winked at her.
    “Very well, dinner at seven,” Somerton replied. He stepped forward dragging her along with him.
    “Good day, sir.”
    As the door shut behind them, Somerton said, “It’s ‘my lord’ to him.”
    She stopped and pulled her arm out of his grip. “And exactly how would I know that since you never introduced us?”
    “We will discuss this upstairs.”
    Irritation at his manners washed over her. “Since I shall be in my room with the door securely locked, I doubt that conversation will take place.”
    He pulled her close enough that she could feel his hot breath on her cheek. “But you are mistaken because I would never let my mistress sleep alone.”
    Her heart pounded in her chest. He couldn’t possibly mean what he said. This was all an act. She wasn’t, couldn’t, wouldn’t be his mistress. She couldn’t look away from his intense stare.
    “B—but we are at an inn, not the party,” she stuttered.
    “And yet, already the Lord Ancroft knows we are together. So together, we shall stay…all night.”

Chapter Eight

    Anthony walked up the creaking staircase with Victoria trailing behind him. Damn Nicholas for being here. With him here, Anthony had no choice but to keep her in the same room. As he opened the door to their room, he confirmed his suspicion. The one bed in