Scandal of the Season by Christie Kelley Page B

widened with amusement. “Very well, then. It was a dreadful scandal, you know. His best friend took an improper interest in me. Poor Harry had no choice but to call the man out. Can you imagine, his best friend? And when it was over, both men were dead because of me.” She shook her head with tears in her eyes. “Tragic.”
    Anthony burst out laughing. He couldn’t remember the last time anything or anyone had made him laugh, really laugh. “Well played, Mrs. Smith.”
    “Were the tears too much?”
    “Absolutely perfect.” He suddenly had no fear of her performance this week. She would play the part as if she’d been born on the stage. And it would be best for him to remember that her being here was nothing but a job.
     

    Victoria watched the serving maid close the door behind her, leaving Victoria in the company of two men with no chaperone. If any of her friends saw her now, she would be mortified. Thankfully, no one would ever discover the truth. Once this week was over, she would return to being Victoria Seaton, the pious woman who took in orphans. And she would have an extra amount of money to allow her a little freedom and security.
    Lady Whitely would not have much say in what Victoria did or with whom she interacted. As much as she owed the lady everything, Victoria had always known Lady Whitely could take it away in an instant, leaving her back on the streets with nothing.
    “Do I now get to meet this beautiful woman?” Lord Ancroft asked with a smile as he walked up to them.
    “Nicholas, this is Mrs. Smith,” Somerton said slowly. “Anne, this is Nicholas, Marquess of Ancroft.”
    Victoria curtsied and hoped she did it properly. Lady Whitely had taught her the correct way to curtsy but it wasn’t a common thing for her. “My lord,” she whispered.
    Ancroft lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the top. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Smith.”
    “And you, my lord.” She stood up fully and took the man in as any mistress would. His brown eyes sparkled as he sent her an easy smile. The unease that had consumed her all day in the carriage and then in the room with Somerton finally dissipated. Lord Ancroft seemed to know how to make a woman feel comfortable.
    “Shall we sit down?” Ancroft asked, pointing to the table set for three.
    “Mrs. Mayweather did not join you?” Somerton asked as he walked to the table.
    “She was looking for a little more than I could give her.”
    “Ahh, marriage,” Somerton said with a smug grin.
    “That is what most women want, is it not, Mrs. Smith?”
    Victoria sat in the seat Somerton held out for her. “For some women, I suppose that is true.”
    Somerton took his seat with a frown. “But not you?”
    She shook her head and rolled her eyes. “You forget I have been married, darling. Why would I want to lock myself into that institution again? It is only made so men can control us.”
    Ancroft laughed. “I like her, Somerton. It is refreshing to hear a woman speak so candidly.”
    “Yes,” he answered but gave her a curious look as if he didn’t believe her.
    The innkeeper knocked and then entered with two servants trailing behind him. One maid placed a bottle of wine on the table while the other held a loaf of warm bread in a basket. Instantly, Victoria heard her stomach rumble.
    The maid poured wine for everyone as the innkeeper told them the menu for the evening. Victoria picked up her wineglass and took a sip of the dry fruity beverage. The warmth soothed her tired body. If only she were in her own room where she could order a bath.
    “Vi—Anne,” Somerton started and looked over at her. “Did you want the fish or the roast beef?”
    “The beef, please.”
    “Are you all right?” he asked, leaning in closer to her. “You look a little dazed.”
    “Excuse me, my lords. I am just a little weary from the trip.”
    Ancroft nodded. “I understand completely. At least you are better off than my cousin’s friend.”
    “Oh?” she