âShh,â he breathed by her ear. âI think theyâre here.â
Her pleasure-soaked brain tried to recall whom they were expecting when she heard Lady Noughtonâs voice.
âItâs Lupercalia, Stephen.â
Jo looked up at Damian; he pressed a finger to her lips, and then they both moved to peer around the pillar. Mr. Parker-Roth stood just inside the door; Lady Noughton had ventured farther in.
âRight. Hard to forget after seeing all those naked arses flashing across Greyhamâs lawn. Iâll have nightmares about that for weeks.â Mr. Parker-Rothâs voice acquired a new edge. âIâm surprised you didnât join in, Maria.â
âI might have if youâd done so.â Lady Noughtonâs voice was low and sultry, rather appropriate given the oppressive heat.
Mr. Parker-Roth snorted. âI donât care to have frosted ballocks.â
âNo, that would never do.â Lady Noughton ran her hands down her sides and gave a slow little wiggleâJo wondered if she should practice such a move.
It seemed to have no effect on Mr. Parker-Roth, however. He turned away to examine the windows. âWhat did you drag me down here for, Maria? I was planning to spend a quiet nightââhe looked at her, his lips twisting into something of a sneerââalone with a good book.â
âI thought we might go for a swim.â The woman gave another wiggle and somehow her dress slipped down to reveal she had nothing at all on underneath.
She had a very impressive pair of . . . well, it was quite obvious why she was such a success with the male members of the ton . Jo looked up to see if a specific earl was impressed, but Damian was watching his friend.
Mr. Parker-Rothâs eyes never strayed from Lady Noughtonâs face. âItâs over, Maria. We had a pleasant association, but itâs done. Iâll send you a draft on my bank, and you can pick out a suitable bauble at Rundell and Bridge to assuage your wounded feelings.â
âBut I love you, Stephen.â Lady Noughton spread her arms wide in case Mr. Parker-Roth had perhaps not noticed her very large breasts.
He still did not appear interested, but then heâd probably had many past opportunities to examine them thoroughly. âI donât think you do, Maria. It certainly hasnât kept you from sharing your favors with an assortment of menâsomething I would never tolerate in a wife, by the way.â
She dropped her arms and glared at him. âIâll tell everyone you offered marriage, Stephen. Many will believe it; youâve been showing me very marked attention these last few months.â
âMore fool I.â He put his hand on the door. âYou may do as you like, Maria. I know it is a lie, and I imagine most of the ton will know it, too. You will only make yourself look foolish.â
âEspecially when I corroborate Stephenâs side of the story,â Damian said, stepping out from behind the pillar.
Lady Noughton spun toward him, sending her large breasts bouncing. âYou!â
Mr. Parker-Roth grinned. âDamian, I hate to say it, but you were right. I should have listened to you.â
Lady Noughton put her hands on her hipsâapparently she was completely at ease with her nakednessâand tossed her head. âPeople will only say you are supporting your friend.â
âTheyâd best not suggest I am lying.â There was more than a touch of steel in Damianâs voice. âDueling may be illegal, but I have many other methods at my disposal to make life uncomfortable for anyone who dares question my honor.â
âAnd I shall support Mr. Parker-Roth as well,â Jo said, going to stand by Damian. Not that anyone would care what a provincial spinster said, but it just didnât feel sporting to stay hidden behind the masonry any longer.
Damian scowled at her. Clearly as soon as they were
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