“Well,” Mr. Cooper said, “there are several impassioned embraces between the main character and his lover.”
“Good grief,” Lady Elkins gasped. “I’d no idea.”
“They kiss with heated fervor,” Mr. Cooper continued, “and it is mentioned, if I’m not mistaken, that they have a rambunctious time together in bed.”
Blayne wasn’t sure what to say to that. The man wasn’t wrong, only Blayne hadn’t really thought twice about that particular scene. After all, the book was penned by a man and featured a hero who, as a bachelor, would naturally have a paramour.
Lord Elkins, however, did not look like he would ever share this opinion. His face was turning a deep shade of crimson, and his eyes, which had been hard to begin with, were now like a pair of lethal spears. “Had I known, I never would have permitted you to read such rubbish, Charlotte.”
“Papa—”
“You will bring me whatever books you have by this author so they can be gotten rid of. Is that clear?”
“My lord,” Blayne began without really knowing what to say next. “I don’t believe Mr. Cunningham’s writing is as inappropriate as Mr. Cooper suggests. Perhaps you should read one of them first before passing judgment.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wright, but I see no reason to dismiss Mr. Cooper’s opinion whereas yours clearly leaves a great deal to be desired. Not that I’m surprised, mind you. The Scots have always been more lenient than we Brits with regard to propriety.” Lord Elkins scoffed. “A country that facilitates marriage over an anvil at no more than a moment’s notice is not to be trusted.”
Blayne studied the viscount’s neck and wondered how long it might take to wring it.
“My apologies,” he said, infusing each word with the thickest brogue he could manage. “I wasnae aware a man could be judged by the country in which he was born, though I do thank ye, Lord Elkins, for bringing the notion to my attention.”
“What’s he saying?” Mr. Cooper whispered to Miss Russell. “I don’t understand the half of it.”
Blayne ignored him in favor of raising his glass. “To Lord and Lady Elkins, whose hospitality this evening has been incomparable.”
The viscount narrowed his gaze on Blayne, but said nothing else. Instead, he silently drank while everyone else did the same.
“Come, Charlotte,” Lady Elkins said once dessert was over, “let us remove ourselves to the parlor so the gentlemen can have their brandy in peace.”
Blayne dearly wished he could go with them. Suffering through another half hour or more in Lord Elkins’s company did not appeal in the least. But, protocol was protocol and on the heels of his latest argument with the viscount, he probably ought to try and make a better impression.
Catching Miss Russell’s eye as she left the table, he gave her a reassuring smile. She’d employed him to save her, not to make matters worse. It was time he swallowed his pride and got down to business.
6
Charlotte met Mr. MacNeil the following day in much the same way she had when he’d escorted her to Carlisle & Co. This time, however, they were headed for the bank so she could deposit the latest royalty payment she’d gotten from Avery.
“I’m sorry about last night,” Mr. MacNeil said as soon as he sat down across from her in the hackney. “I have a tendency to say what I think instead of what others might need to hear.”
“And yet, by some miracle, Papa had only good things to say about you this morning.”
“Perhaps on account of me telling him I voiced my support for yer choice in literature not because I approve, but because women like to believe they are given the freedom to do as they please.”
Charlotte sat up straighter. “You did not.”
His eyes gleamed with amusement. “I explained to him that in my experience, independent minded females must be allowed to believe they have a say and are getting their way. Naturally, in the end, a wise man will know how to steer them in the right direction.”
“You presented it like a tactical campaign.”
“Lord Elkins is a former field marshal, is he not?”
“Good lord.” His manipulative skill was most impressive. Until a thought struck. She frowned back at him. “Was any of it true?”
“Of course not,” he told her gently. “I merely sought to gain his approval.”
“In that case, I do believe you met with success.”
A smile teased the edge of Mr. MacNeil’s mouth until Charlotte’s stomach began to tie itself into knots. He held her gaze. “Did he follow up on his threat and confiscate yer books?”
