Breathless by Anne Stuart

they’ll see us sitting here and head in another direction, making life a great deal simpler. But don’t we have more interesting things to discuss? For instance, why you greeted me with icy reproach? Have I done something to offend you?”
    For a long moment she said nothing. And then she met his gaze fearlessly. “You’re playing the game…and I’m well out of it. I can simper and smile and say ‘of course not’ and you’d pursue it and I’d laugh and hide my face behind my fan. But I don’t have to do that anymore. I spent four hours alone in your company ten days ago, having a wonderful time, the best I’ve had since I can remember. We talked about everything, and I thought we became friends. Good friends. And then I heard nothing from you for ten days. I was left to assume that the feelings of friendship were one-sided and I’d been foolishly optimistic, and then you stroll into my life again as if nothing had happened.”
    â€œI assure you, I don’t stroll,” he said, his voice cool. “So you’re angry that I haven’t paid enough attention to you?”
    It sounded so petty. She should have simply lied, as everyone else did. “Yes.”
    He surveyed her for a long moment. “Honesty is a very unsettling trait. It’s not something I’m used to.”
    â€œI’m sorry. You have many friends, I only have one. I put too much importance on a simple conversation and…”
    â€œStop it!” he said sharply, his silken voice becoming harsh. He took a deep breath. “I didn’t pursue our acquaintance because I was afraid your family would get wind of it and interfere. And I didn’t want to embark on a friendship that would be terminated abruptly.”
    â€œBut why should my family object to our friendship?”
    â€œMy reputation precedes me. I’m afraid I’m quite notorious, and I’m known to have some most unsavory acquaintances. Most families bar me from the door.”
    â€œMy family doesn’t tell me what to do. I live my own life, independently. If we choose to be friends, then they have nothing to say in the matter.”
    â€œAre you certain?”
    â€œOf course I am.”
    â€œThen ride with me tomorrow. In full view of everyone. At four in the afternoon, we’ll ride down Rotten Row and give the old biddies something to talk about.”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    There was an odd look in his pale eyes, one almost of triumph, but at that moment there was a muffled double knock on the wall, and the earl rose, leaning heavily on his cane. “Then that’s settled. May I drive you home?”
    Miranda shook her head. “I came with my friend, and I need to find her.”
    â€œAh, yes. Miss Pagett with the miserable fiancé.” He was leading her away from the mysterious room, chatting amiably. “I’m afraid you’re having a very deleterious effect on your friends, Lady Miranda. You’re leading Miss Pagett astray.”
    Miranda flushed. “I tried to stop her.”
    â€œAnd yet, here you are, and for that I’m indescribably grateful. Shall we go in search of her?”
    â€œNo need,” she said as they turned the corner. Jane was sitting in a corner, her loo mask gone, an odd expression on her face. And then she saw Miranda and her relief was plain as she rose on unsteady feet.
    â€œYou go to her,” Lucien said, releasing her arm. “I doubt Mr. Bothwell would appreciate his future wife being introduced to the Scorpion. I’ll pick you up at four tomorrow. Be ready.”
    â€œBut…” He’d already walked away, disappearing into the crowds, and Miranda moved ahead, catching Jane’s trembling arms in hers.
    â€œJane, dearest, did something happen? You look upset.”
    Jane’s laugh was a little shaky. “You won’t believe it when I tell you, but you’ll have to wait until we