A deep laugh rumbled in his chest. “You are a woman of many surprises.”
“You have no idea,” she said with a giggle.
Chapter Thirteen
At Basil’s suggestion,Edwina returned to the dining room with her arms looped through Basil’s and Lexington’s. The cozy trio appeared to be lifelong friends and at ease in one another’s company. Basil, a clever raconteur, was delivering a joke, and Edwina’s face reflected her eager anticipation of what he would say. “A friend of mine recently returned from a trip to the Continent and was greatly distressed that the lady he’d been courting hadn’t written a single letter to him during his travels abroad.”
“How distressing. What did the lady say was the reason for her neglectful behavior?” Edwina asked.
“Why, she said, ‘How could I possibly write when you carried away thepenand left me with nothing but theinkstand!’”
“Oh my goodness.” The off-color jest brought laughter and brightened Edwina’s cheeks to a rosy hue.
Lex was still smiling when he locked eyes with Hammond and found the scoundrel glaring menacingly at him. The man was a complete fool if he thought that his displeasure had any effect, and Lex took great pleasure in ignoring him.
Besides, his thoughts were focused on the blissful interlude he andEdwina had just shared. He’d come to London to find a wealthy woman to become his countess but never expected to find such an angel of inspiration, or a woman who matched his sensibilities so completely. That she ignited his libido, filling his dreams with erotic possibilities, was beyond anything his waking mind could account for. He could already envision his life with her and the future they would build. God willing, with many children.
A passing footman was refilling his champagne glass when a snide voice said, “Lady Sinclair, I did not know that the earl and marquess were such dear acquaintances of yours.”
Edwina’s smile froze as she turned to regard Hammond’s leering countenance.
“Whatever do you mean?”
“A lady must always be circumspect and suitably accompanied when in the presence of gentlemen. I found your parading into the dining room like a common strumpet very unsettling and unworthy of a lady of your stature.”
“Are you insinuating that I have behaved in a way that might bring me shame?”
“Oh, of course not. However, I would not have you ill-used by some that might not have your best interests or your reputation at heart.”
“How kind of you to worry over me, but I am quite capable of managing my own affairs.”
“Oh, but Iamworried. You looked to be quite accommodating to your two willing suitors,” Hammond countered with a malicious edge.
Gasps echoed around the room as everyone seemed to stop what they were saying in mid-conversation to watch how this exchange would play out.
Lex gritted his teeth, wanting to stomp the worm into the ground for his insult to Edwina.
Mrs. Dove-Lyon, who had been speaking with Titan, turned afrigid smile on the slumlord. “Mr. Hammond, please do not make unsavory and derogatory accusations in my establishment. I will not have you insult any young lady, and certainly not Lady Sinclair. We are all here for a purpose: to enjoy a pleasant evening of interaction.”
“You, Mrs. Dove-Lyon, are a charming hostess, but I find some of your guests to be of questionable character. There are some in attendance here tonight that are considered rogues, for dallying with married women and threatening Civil Society with their antics. And a so-called lady who encourages these sorts is hardly better than a common strumpet.”
Lex had had enough. “Mrs. Dove-Lyon, Mr. Hammond has crossed the boundaries of gentlemanly conduct, and his blatant insults to Lady Sinclair and me must be answered.”
“And what do you suggest, Lord Capel?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon said with a quirk to her lips.
“A good-old-fashioned fistfight.”
“This is ridiculous,” Hammond interjected.
“Is it, Mr. Hammond?” Mrs. Dove-Lyon questioned.
“Wh-why, yes. You cannot condone a duel being fought on such shaky grounds.”
“You should have thought of that before insulting Lady Sinclair,” Lex growled.
“This is barbaric!” Hammond blustered. “You, sir, dare to call yourself a gentleman. You, who carried on an illicit affair with a married woman. A penniless earldom is all you possess due to your father’s addiction to the cards. I have taken the time to investigate your shady past and found you lacking. No real lady would ever consider you a suitable husband.”
“Why you—”
