Duke of Scandal (Moonlight Square, Book 1) by Gaelen Foley

used to with women.
    Felicity lifted her head and passed a glance of cautious study over his face, and then a half-smile curved her lips. “You look shocked, Jason,” she murmured. “Did you expect me to have a fit of the vapors and faint over that little musical reminder of how many paramours you’ve had? Even after I caught you with those two unspeakable females the other morning?”
    He could barely speak. “I’m…not sure what I expected, actually.”
    “Come, I have known you all my life, don’t forget. I know your flaws. And your virtues,” she added with a decisive nod.
    He simply scoffed. “Virtues.”
    “Oh, they exist, beneath the roguery, I daresay,” she said in soft humor. “You’re kind and loyal and generous, and you have a measure of humility, where most in your position would exhibit only arrogance. But don’t worry. I shan’t tell anyone.” She patted him on the arm, while he stood there in tongue-tied confusion at her praise. “Your reputation as a rake of the first order is in no danger. Mrs. Brown, for her part, still thoroughly disapproves of you, if it helps to soothe your vanity.”
    “Humph. Yes. Good,” he said in wry distraction. “She’d better. I worked hard to earn my dreadful reputation.”
    “Oh, I know!” she said, laughing.
    Just then, a wheedling voice called to him from the darkness. “Your Grace? A-begging your pardon, it is I, Giovanelli.”
    Jason looked over in surprise as the Italian stepped into view, dressed as though he had just come from the opera, in a showy blue velvet coat and white breeches. But he humbly clutched his flattened bicorne hat in both hands.
    “Hmm. Good evening, Giovanelli,” Jason said, moving toward him. “Didn’t expect you to show your face here tonight.”
    The sardonic greeting made the poor fellow wince. “ Si, but I only came to learn how Herr Schroeder’s nocturne was received and to offer Your Grace my apologies once again. The muse, she is a-so difficult. I so hope the evening was not ruined?”
    “Never fear, Herr Schroeder saved the day,” Jason drawled.
    Giovanelli clapped his hands together as in prayer. “ Maria Santissima , I am so relieved to hear this! He showed me the sheet music. De nocturne, it is enchanting!”
    “We thought so, too,” Jason replied.
    “I am glad. But, still,” the Italian said, wincing, “I know how disappointed Your Grace must be in me. I am unworthy—”
    “Now, now, don’t start that again, my good man. You know I’ve no patience for groveling. I am sure you will dazzle the world in due time.”
    Giovanelli looked astonished at the leniency he was being given. Frankly, the Italian had Felicity to thank. For with Miss Carvel present, Naughty Netherford was always on his best behavior. It was just an old habit he’d formed long ago. To avoid her brother’s shooting him.
    Jason turned to her. “Miss Carvel, allow me to present the composer, Leandro Giovanelli. I’m sure you’ve heard his music. A minuet of his was all the rage last Season. He had all London dancing.”
    “How do you do,” she said with a smile.
    The Italian beamed in the presence of a beautiful lady. “Did you like-a de music tonight, signorina ?”
    “It was wonderful.”
    “When-a my new string quartet is ready, I do hope you will come to hear. His Grace has been a-so very generous to me. He is a great man!”
    “Oh, I know ,” she agreed rather too emphatically.
    Jason narrowed his eyes at her in mock indignation.
    “ Si! De duke, he cares about de beauty.”
    “In some things more than others.” She nodded, clearly referring to his infamous appreciation for the female form. “Am I to understand that the duke is your patron, Mr. Giovanelli?”
    “ Si, signorina! He has supported my humble efforts for de past two years.”
    “Is that right? And here I thought my brother’s expedition was your only current project,” she said, glancing over at him, looking impressed.
    It was Giovanelli who