The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron Page A

dear.” Lady Melbourne frowned on her briefly and then smiled. “I see sometimes waiting can bring the best rewards. I do like your handsome young man. You are both invited to the dinner and dance next week at Almack’s.”
    “Thank you, Lady Melbourne,” Caroline said.
    Damon smiled at the older woman. “You are looking very lovely this morning, my lady. I am glad you are one of the first to know that I have won the hand of my lady.” He nodded toward Caroline. “After all my years abroad, she quite literally took my breath away the first time I saw her.”
    Caroline stared at him. He did seem to be overdoing it a bit.
    Lady Melbourne snapped her fan shut and teasingly hit his hand with it. “You are a handsome rogue and full of yourself, but I do think I am envious of your Caroline.” With that she sat back and motioned her driver to move on.
    “Well done, Lady Caroline. We have convinced Lady Melbourne. She will tell others of our news. Our job is done. Would you like to return home?”
    Caroline nodded. She needed to think. Damon confused her. He had an air of mystery about him. Never had she known anyone who could turn charm on so easily. She feared she herself might be susceptible.
    Damon helped her down and walked her to the door. “I will see you tomorrow evening for the family dinner. And you will not go out without me tonight.”
    “Already giving orders?”
    His expression became a mask of stone. “You will learn it is best to follow my suggestions.” With that, he turned and left.
    “Hah, suggestions,” Caroline mumbled to herself, going inside and up to her room. She had not planned to go out tonight but it wasn’t because he ordered her to stay home. Damon had best learn she would not always follow his commands. She took off her bonnet and unpinned her hair. To calm herself, she slid the brush through her natural waves.
    Being with Damon kept her on her toes, never knowing what to expect next. She liked a calm atmosphere, no drama. But her world had changed topsy-turvy and she doubted it would ever be the same.
     
    * * * *
     
    Damon came in his barouche carriage to escort Caroline and her parents to his aunt and uncle’s townhouse. Hannah, he explained, had gone earlier to help her aunt.
    Caroline had chosen a pale-blue silk gown with lace at the neckline and sleeves. Her hair was in a loose chignon with curls escaping around her neckline and face.
    Damon took her dark-blue pelisse from the butler and placed it around her shoulders. His hands lingered momentarily, and he stood close to her. The warmth from his hands and all along his body seeped into her, making her heart race and her face flush.
    “As usual, your taste is impeccable, my dear,” he whispered in her ear.
    The tone of his words awaken a fiery sensation in the lower section of her body. She quickly stepped forward, putting space between them. Caroline glanced back and caught his knowing smile and the flicker of something else in his eyes. She was glad to get in the carriage with her parents close.
    The Sommerplaces’ townhouse was large and grand. The lounge, where the butler escorted them, was decorated with gold wallpaper. A huge fireplace covered one wall and sent heat to the four corners of the room.
    Chippendale furniture had been arranged in several separate groups, creating more than one sitting area and giving an illusion of privacy. It was a comfortable room, pleasant and inviting.
    Lady Sommerplace patted a spot on the sofa beside her. “Please join me, Lady Caroline. We must get better acquainted.”
    Caroline sat on the edge of the seat with her back rigid.
    “My dear, please do relax. I am pleased my nephew, Damon, has chosen to marry you.”
    “You are?”
    “Yes. You will do well together. I heard of you and your endeavors and believe you are exactly the type of wife my nephew needs.”
    Caroline glanced across at Damon talking to his uncle and her father. It seemed strange to see him being so polite to her