The Scoundrel Takes a Bride: A Regency Rogues Novel by Stefanie Sloane Page B
Authors: Stefanie Sloane
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excitement
of it all, even though I know the danger is real.”
“I imagine your mind needs some sort of distraction from the dangerous circumstances;
otherwise, fear might overtake you. Still, Lord Stonecliffe is not a stupid man. If
there are whispers amongst your set suggesting indiscreet behavior involving you and
his brother, he’ll hear them.”
Sophia rose from the tapestry-covered stool. “The last thing I wish to do is hurt
Langdon,” she replied honestly.
Langdon had been kind, patient, and understanding with Sophia. He could have bowed
out of the gentleman’s agreement their fathers had made and looked elsewhere for a
wife. Lord knew scores of the ton’s ladies had tripped over themselves, and one another,
in an attempt to gain his favor. Langdon had politely declined their many efforts.
And, she thought with remorse, for far longer than any other man of his standing would.
Or should
.
Lettie’s words had greatly diminished the guilt Sophia suffered for her actions, with
the exception of the kiss. Her companion’s insight only underscored her rash and dangerous
behavior. Nicholas may have revealed something within himself that spoke to her soul,
but that did not change her obligation to Langdon.
“Then be very careful, my lady,” Lettie advised. “Or Lord Stonecliffe will become
a casualty in this war you and Mr. Bourne are waging. And he’ll have never seen it
coming.”
10
The Clifton Residence
G ROSVENOR S QUARE
“Do stop staring.” Nicholas continued to peruse the crowded ballroom, feeling the
weight of his brother’s gaze as if Langdon were touching him. The two stood with their
backs to the gold, silk-covered wall, well out of the stream of strolling guests circling
the edge of the dance floor.
“What makes you think I’m doing anything of the sort?” Langdon countered mildly.
His ridiculous denial drew Nicholas’s pointed attention. “Because every last person
here is doing it. And while you, dear brother, are truly one of a kind, I believe
even you cannot resist such entertainment.”
He’d woken up in a strange mood that morning; like a tiger who’d consumed more than
he should and knew it; foolish, greedy, and galled by his own stupidity.
Nicholas could not help himself last night; he’d willingly given in to the pull Sophia’s
presence always exerted. Was he delusional enough to believe her behavior indicated
she needed him for anything more than temporary comfort? Perhaps; but more than likely,
no.
Still, he’d had her all to himself. And Nicholas wanted more. The need for her pulsed
just beneath his skin, even while his brother stood beside him.
He’d never hated himself as much as he did right at that moment.
“You can’t blame them for being curious.” Langdon nodded at the throng, many of whom
were casting sidelong, interested glances at Nicholas. “You’ve been back in London
for weeks and this is the first social event you’ve attended. No doubt they all want
to get a look at the man who’s reputed to have returned from India with crates of
jewels and gold. Plus,” his eyes glinted with amusement, “there’s also the fact that
even before you left London for India, you rarely attended balls. So tonight all the
ladies wish to dance with you and all the men want to hear tales of tiger hunts and
harem girls.”
“There aren’t harem girls in India and I didn’t bring back crates of jewels,” Nicholas
bit out.
“They don’t know that,” Langdon said mildly. “You can stop most of the speculation
by dancing with a few women. They would be sure to spread whatever tale you tell them
within moments of the music’s ending.”
“I don’t feel like dancing,” Nicholas growled.
Langdon chuckled. “Then why are you here? Clearly, it’s not because you wish to socialize
with friends and family.”
“Fetch me a drink and we will see if I cannot be persuaded to behave
of it all, even though I know the danger is real.”
“I imagine your mind needs some sort of distraction from the dangerous circumstances;
otherwise, fear might overtake you. Still, Lord Stonecliffe is not a stupid man. If
there are whispers amongst your set suggesting indiscreet behavior involving you and
his brother, he’ll hear them.”
Sophia rose from the tapestry-covered stool. “The last thing I wish to do is hurt
Langdon,” she replied honestly.
Langdon had been kind, patient, and understanding with Sophia. He could have bowed
out of the gentleman’s agreement their fathers had made and looked elsewhere for a
wife. Lord knew scores of the ton’s ladies had tripped over themselves, and one another,
in an attempt to gain his favor. Langdon had politely declined their many efforts.
And, she thought with remorse, for far longer than any other man of his standing would.
Or should
.
Lettie’s words had greatly diminished the guilt Sophia suffered for her actions, with
the exception of the kiss. Her companion’s insight only underscored her rash and dangerous
behavior. Nicholas may have revealed something within himself that spoke to her soul,
but that did not change her obligation to Langdon.
“Then be very careful, my lady,” Lettie advised. “Or Lord Stonecliffe will become
a casualty in this war you and Mr. Bourne are waging. And he’ll have never seen it
coming.”
10
The Clifton Residence
G ROSVENOR S QUARE
“Do stop staring.” Nicholas continued to peruse the crowded ballroom, feeling the
weight of his brother’s gaze as if Langdon were touching him. The two stood with their
backs to the gold, silk-covered wall, well out of the stream of strolling guests circling
the edge of the dance floor.
“What makes you think I’m doing anything of the sort?” Langdon countered mildly.
His ridiculous denial drew Nicholas’s pointed attention. “Because every last person
here is doing it. And while you, dear brother, are truly one of a kind, I believe
even you cannot resist such entertainment.”
He’d woken up in a strange mood that morning; like a tiger who’d consumed more than
he should and knew it; foolish, greedy, and galled by his own stupidity.
Nicholas could not help himself last night; he’d willingly given in to the pull Sophia’s
presence always exerted. Was he delusional enough to believe her behavior indicated
she needed him for anything more than temporary comfort? Perhaps; but more than likely,
no.
Still, he’d had her all to himself. And Nicholas wanted more. The need for her pulsed
just beneath his skin, even while his brother stood beside him.
He’d never hated himself as much as he did right at that moment.
“You can’t blame them for being curious.” Langdon nodded at the throng, many of whom
were casting sidelong, interested glances at Nicholas. “You’ve been back in London
for weeks and this is the first social event you’ve attended. No doubt they all want
to get a look at the man who’s reputed to have returned from India with crates of
jewels and gold. Plus,” his eyes glinted with amusement, “there’s also the fact that
even before you left London for India, you rarely attended balls. So tonight all the
ladies wish to dance with you and all the men want to hear tales of tiger hunts and
harem girls.”
“There aren’t harem girls in India and I didn’t bring back crates of jewels,” Nicholas
bit out.
“They don’t know that,” Langdon said mildly. “You can stop most of the speculation
by dancing with a few women. They would be sure to spread whatever tale you tell them
within moments of the music’s ending.”
“I don’t feel like dancing,” Nicholas growled.
Langdon chuckled. “Then why are you here? Clearly, it’s not because you wish to socialize
with friends and family.”
“Fetch me a drink and we will see if I cannot be persuaded to behave
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