Never Trust a Scoundrel by Gayle Callen Page B

railway director’s daughter to marry the grandson of a duke.”
    â€œI believe that’s what they were thinking,” he said dryly. “And her dowry is quite impressive.”
    That was a mistake. Surely Grace had little or no dowry. But she only smiled, as if she weren’t offended.
    â€œAccording to the ladies at the dinner party last night,” she said, “you have another new scandal.”
    He tapped his chin. “Let me think. There are so many.”
    â€œThe new earl of Martindale?”
    â€œAh, the land recently released from entailment. He needed money more than land.”
    Her smile faded. Had she thought it wasn’t true?
    Martindale had come to him out of trust, because although he needed the money, he’d asked Daniel to hold on to his land for him, rather than sell to an unscrupulous buyer who wouldn’t eventually sell it back. And Daniel would honor the request.
    She believed his motives the worst. People usually thought so of him—he’d noticed it from the time he first went to school. And he’d always played upon their beliefs, enjoying the scandalous reaction to whatever he did.
    But he was pursuing Grace for the basest of motives. She should learn not to think well of him, or she’d be disappointed.
    â€œAre you busy this afternoon, Daniel?” she suddenly asked.
    He glanced over at her in surprise. “Nothing pressing.”
    â€œWould you like to attend a picnic with me?”
    Now that was an interesting idea. He immediately began to think of ways he could lure her away from whatever party she was asking him to join. Romance hidden behind trees could be exciting.
    â€œI would be happy to attend,” Daniel said.
    He saw her relief and wondered why she would think he wouldn’t want to be with her—considering that he was attempting to seduce her. Up to this point, he was proceeding slowly, allowing her imagination to engage her as well. But perhaps it was time to pick up the pace.
    â€œYou may call for me at noon,” she said, and then glanced at him with amusement. “You do have a carriage, do you not?”
    â€œI do. And you will be pleased with its privacy.”
    She arched a brow and looked away. “This event is in the middle of the day, sir.”
    â€œYou’ll be surprised what we can do in the middle of the day,” he said, thinking about secret gardens even as he wondered where the picnic would be held. He would let her surprise him.
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    When Daniel called for her that afternoon, Grace stared at the closed carriage in surprise, wondering if he thought he’d have clandestine privacy with her in there. Then she watched his face when her lady’s maid followed her down the stairs. She thought she glimpsed a brief tightness in his eyes, but he only nodded to Ruby, who eyed him with open curiosity. Grace used his distraction to quietly give the address to the coachman, who bobbed his head in acknowledgment.
    Grace gave Daniel a bright smile, and he bowed to her. It was a bow of surrender, she knew, for she’d already taken the first victory of the afternoon. As if she’d go off in a carriage alone with him!
    Even though a secret part of her would like to. Heavens, but she was enjoying herself.
    â€œMr. Throckmorten, this is my maid, Ruby,” Grace said. “She arrived from Hertingfordbury just yesterday.”
    â€œYour house is getting more crowded by the minute,” he observed.
    And he had been a part of that. Did he regret hiring the servants now?
    â€œThere are people on every floor at all times of the day and night,” Grace said brightly.
    A corner of his mouth lifted in a smile.
    She knew she was practically challenging him to try to gain access to her home so easily, as he had the other night. Knowing his sense of competition, he’d try.
    Daniel helped Ruby into the carriage, to the maid’s surprise, and she settled into a corner and looked