A Dash of Scandal by Amelia Grey

time,” Lady Lynette added in a softer whisper.
    Shocked, Millicent lowered her cup back to the saucer. Did she dare believe that of Lord Dunraven or was it mere gossip? Four women in one evening and more than one at one time? If only part of what Lady Lynette said was true then his reputation was well deserved. But… he had indicated that everything that was said about him wasn’t true.
    â€œI’m sure I don’t know what to say to that except, perhaps I’ve heard enough about Lord Dunraven and his mistresses.”
    Lady Lynette paid no mind to Millicent’s subtle suggestion they move on to another topic of conversation and added, “He’s noted for stealing kisses at any opportunity and then not offering for the lady’s hand.”
    Lady Lynette said the words as if it were the most dreadful thing that could happen to a young lady. Millicent had been kissed a couple of times on the cheek, and she had wondered what was the harm in a kiss or two, but not anymore. Those kisses had been most uninspiring. But Lord Dunraven’s kisses this afternoon had left her head spinning and her lungs breathless.
    â€œOn the few occasions he calls on a lady, he always brings the same gift without fail,” Lady Lynette continued.
    It was clear she was not ready to change the subject, so Millicent said, “Really? What would that be?”
    â€œApricot tarts. His chef is said to make the most delicious tarts in all of London.” She bent closer to Millicent. “If he brings you any, you will save one for me, won’t you? I’ve always wanted to taste them.”
    Millicent faltered for a moment, but quickly said, “Of course, but truly, Lynette, I gave Lord Dunraven no encouragement whatsoever. I do not expect him or any other gentleman to call on me.”
    â€œHe might. He danced with you.”
    â€œAnd so have many other gentlemen. Let me assure you Lady Heathecoute set up the dance between Lord Dunraven and me. He was but a reluctant participant. You have no cause to worry about him putting me under a magic spell.”
    â€œIf he doesn’t, you will be the first. Just last year Lord Truefitt suggested in his column that Lord Dunraven was seeing Lady Lambsbeth. It turns out he was seeing her in secret while her husband was in France.”
    Millicent gasped. “A married woman?”
    She nodded once. “I’m sure by now you know that Lord Dunraven is quite hard to turn down.”
    Oh, yes, I know.
    â€œLord Lambsbeth heard about it when he arrived in Town. He marched into White’s, drew his sword against Lord Dunraven, demanding a duel.”
    â€œWhat happened?”
    She sipped her tea again before saying, “Lord Lambsbeth’s friends grabbed his arm and forced him to put away his sword. Everyone knew he was much too old to challenge such a young man. I heard he and his wife immediately went back to Paris without further incident. There are always rumors about Lord Dunraven’s mistresses, stealing kisses in gardens, but nothing has ever upset him like the time he was linked to Lady Lambsbeth in the gossip columns.”
    â€œIt’s no wonder. Seeing a married woman. It could have cost him his life.” This was more proof that Millicent had been right in being so cautious where Lord Dunraven was concerned.
    â€œEvery year there is always a young lady who decides she can snare one of the earls. This year it is Miss Bardwell.”
    â€œYes,” Millicent said. “I’ve met her.”
    â€œShe tricked all three of them into dancing with her last evening. She does seem to be more forward than previous young ladies, and her father allows her wild behavior. And poor Miss Donaldson is heartsick. She fears her father wants her to marry an older bachelor who is determinedly courting her, and she is not at all delighted with his attentions.”
    â€œHow do you know all this?” Millicent asked, surprised and