Page 83 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Estate management. Crop rotation. The fascinating world of drainage systems."

"You'll be the most popular guest in the county," Arabella said dryly.

"I don't want to be popular. I want to support my wife."

The simple statement, delivered without fanfare, made Arabella's chest tight with emotion.

"That's... that's very sweet."

"It's practical. If you're going to insist on being social, I might as well be there to glare at anyone who's inappropriate."

"Your glaring is legendary," Julian agreed. "Remember when you made that French Earl cry?"

"He was trying to cheat at cards."

"You didn't say anything. You just looked at him."

"It was a very speaking look."

"It was a terrifying look."

"Good. Terror is useful."

"You're not terrifying anyone during morning calls," Arabella said firmly.

"Not even a little?"

"No."

"Can I at least look imposing?"

"You can look however you naturally look."

"So, imposing then."

She laughed and kissed his cheek, causing Morrison to suddenly find the ceiling fascinating and Mrs. Fielding to develop an urgent need to check on the kitchen.

"We're embarrassing the staff," Lucien murmured.

"We're being happy. They'll adjust."

"Will they?"

"They adjusted to Thistle."

"That's different. Thistle has charm."

"Are you saying you don't have charm?"

"I'm saying my charm is more... selective."

"Your charm is perfectly adequate."

"Adequate. How flattering."

"Would you prefer excessive?"

"I'd prefer accurate."