Page 56 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"You should definitely help," Arabella agreed, also not moving.

They looked at each other for a moment, then simultaneously decided that Mrs. Fielding could spare one towel.

"We're terrible pet owners," Arabella observed.

"We're learning."

"We're enabling."

"That too."

Morrison appeared in the doorway, his expression suggesting news of importance. "My lord, a letter has arrived from the Desclaires."

"The invitation to the ball?" Arabella guessed.

"It would appear so, my lady."

Lucien took the letter with obvious reluctance, breaking the seal as if it might contain something poisonous. Which, given Cassandra's involvement, it might.

"A ball in honour of Lord and Lady Blackthorn's recent marriage," he read. "How thoughtful."

"It's a trap," Arabella said.

"Obviously."

"We're still going."

"Apparently."

Morrison cleared his throat delicately. "Shall I send acceptance, my lord?"

"Yes," Arabella said before Lucien could refuse. "And Morrison? We'll need to order from London. Evening clothes suitable for a ball."

"Of course, my lady. I'll send for the modiste immediately."

After he left, Lucien pulled her back into his lap. "You're determined to drag me back into society."

"I'm determined to show society that the Beast of Blackthorn is actually a man. A good man. My man."

"Your man?"

"Aren't you?"

"I suppose I am." He kissed her, deep and possessive. "Just as you're my woman."

"How primitively territorial."

"You bring out the primitive in me."

"Just me? Not Cassandra?"

His expression darkened. "Cassandra brings out the murderous in me. There's a difference."

"She wants you back."

"She wants what she can't have. If I suddenly became available, she'd lose interest immediately."

"You don't think she loved you?"