Page 46 of How to Start a Scandal

‘Oh, indeed they are. The loveliest by far.’ He tilted his head at her. ‘Even when adorned all in black with her beautiful face covered.’

Beautiful.

Lottie had called her beautiful. Indeed, when Violet stood before the mirror and opened her heart to what Lottie told her, Violet had even felt beautiful.

The very thought of it bolstered her confidence.

She made her way over to the hedge separating their properties and gave him a coy smile. ‘Is it not mysterious?’

He wasn’t wearing a jacket or cravat and his shirt was untied at the neck, revealing his strong throat. Such an appearance was decidedly improper and intimate.

‘Oh, very mysterious.’ His gaze skimmed her face, flicked down to her bosom, visible through the parted cloak, then darted away.

Violet almost chuckled at that. Lottie had been right. Men could not help themselves. Even the good ones.

‘Dare I ask what illicit activities you’ve been engaged in this evening?’ He lifted his brow in a very earl-like manner.

Her face flamed hot and she was glad for the shadows cast over the darkened garden. She ought to make up a benign lie. Gambling would be an optimal choice.

It was not unheard of for ladies to don disguises such as the one Violet now wore and attend gaming hells. But if he probed her with questions or for answers, ones he well knew the answer to from his past experiences, she would certainly falter.

‘May I guess?’ he asked.

Violet swept her hand to him, palm up in invitation. ‘By all means.’

‘There is only one reason I can think that would have Lady Violet Lavell, notoriously missish wallflower, slinking through the night in a disguise.’

Violet lifted her chin, giving him her full attention.

He strode towards the gap in the hedge. ‘You’re burgling the homes along Grosvenor Street and you plan to abscond with your booty to a faraway island.’ He made his way through the gap with two large, careful steps. ‘Or you’re attending private lessons from the very courtesan I asked you about.’

Violet wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. She regarded the firm soil underfoot and knew such a thing would be impossible. There was nothing for it but to tell the truth.

‘You’ve caught me.’ She put up her hands in surrender as he stepped closer. ‘Do you think diamonds or rubies for my first day sailing in search of an island to inhabit?’

‘Sapphires,’ he answered without hesitation. ‘With the blue of your eyes and the brilliant ocean at your back, you’ll look utterly enchanting. Dare I ask if you need a second in command for this ship you intend to...commandeer? I do have considerable experience in battle.’

‘Very well,’ she replied breezily. ‘I’d considered hiring a pirate, but I believe you’ll do quite nicely.’

‘I hope not to disappoint.’ There was a note of sensuality hovering above his words.

Violet’s skin flushed with desire and her heart doubled its beat.

He stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them and carrying with him that clean, wonderful scent of his soap and sensual tease of warm male. ‘Why are you, of all women, seeking out Lottie?’ he asked.

She parted her lips, uncertain what to say.

‘If that is indeed where you’ve been.’ His brows furrowed. ‘Unless you have a lover...?’ The question hung in the air with uncertainty.

‘No,’ Violet gasped. ‘Of course not.’

Seth’s mouth curled into an easy smile that made her recall the feel of his kiss.

‘Yes, I’ve been seeing Lottie.’ Violet glanced away with her admission, too embarrassed to watch his expression as she confessed.

‘Because you can’t get a husband?’ Seth probed.

Violet sighed, hating how her whole body burned in what must be the greatest blush in all of London. She couldn’t tell him of her plans with her gossip column, so she had no choice but to lie. ‘Yes,’ she breathed.