Page 22 of How to Start a Scandal

‘A hedgehog?’ Dalton’s hand remained locked with Violet’s even though she was properly standing. ‘It looked rather like a cat.’

Violet, self-consciously and yet reluctantly pulled her hand from his large, warm one and brushed at her skirts in an effort to smooth the crumpled muslin. ‘He is a cat. His name is Hedgehog.’

Dalton narrowed his eyes. ‘Is he wearing a bonnet?’

Violet turned to where he stared at Felicity carrying the rotund creature by its armpits.

‘I almost lost you,’ Felicity cooed. ‘That was very naughty.’

Hedgehog glowered up at her from beneath a layer of pink organza this time.

‘Yes,’ Violet confirmed. ‘He is wearing a bonnet.’

‘The poor wretch,’ Lord Dalton muttered.

Felicity marched her way over to them, Hedgehog swinging in her grasp. ‘Aunt Violet,’ she said in a chastising tone. ‘You ought to know better.’

A chill trickled down Violet’s back. Had Felicity seen her almost kiss Lord Dalton? The hellion of a child would tell all of London with boisterous tone.

If such a thing fell on the ton’s ears, it would be quite the scandal. And Violet was keenly aware of what a scandal could do to one’s standing in society.

‘I beg your pardon?’ Violet asked in a manner she hoped did not reveal her horror.

‘To be outside without your bonnet.’ Felicity lifted Hedgehog in indication of Violet’s face. ‘Look at how red your cheeks already are. You’ll have freckles soon for certain. Mother says freckles are most unbecoming.’

So great was the force of Violet’s relief, she could have laughed aloud. It was such an innocent offence compared to the one nearly committed. The one Violet wished she could still commit.

Even now, she kept her attention averted from Lord Dalton lest the ‘the sun’ hasten the redness of her face further.

‘Thank you for your concern,’ Violet said. ‘This is our neighbour, Lord Dalton. Lord Dalton, this is my niece, Lady Felicity.’

‘My parents are Lord and Lady Erstworth.’ Felicity’s small chest puffed with importance. ‘Do you know them?’

‘I’ve not had the pleasure of an introduction,’ Lord Dalton said.

Felicity nodded in understanding. ‘They are very busy. I hardly see them myself. Isn’t that right, Hedgehog?’ She nuzzled the cat to her face and rocked him so his dangling feet swung back and forth. The look on his face was not one of amusement or joy.

‘I think we should get Hedgehog inside,’ Violet said in an effort to intercede on the creature’s behalf. ‘Lest he end up with freckles.’

Felicity peered under Hedgehog’s bonnet. ‘Do cats get freckles?’

She didn’t wait for the answer before carrying the feline from the garden and into the house, leaving only Lord Dalton and Violet. Except this time, he was in her garden with her. Alone.

It was improper. And delicious.

Would he try to kiss her again?

She truly hoped so.

Alas, he did not. Instead, he stepped back to put space between them and his lips twitched in the hint of a smile. ‘It was a pleasure, Lady Violet.’

It was a fortunate thing she could not get freckles from blushing or she’d be covered with them on every inch of her body by now.

‘For me as well,’ she said quietly.

He backed towards the gap in the hedgerow while facing her, as though he could not bear to look away. ‘Wednesday night, then?’ he pressed.

She ignored the nip of trepidation. After all, it was far from a marriage proposal. Her secrets could remain safe and she could enjoy at least one more dance before finally entering the futility of spinsterhood.