His Scandalous Kiss: Secrets at Thorncliff Manor: 6 by Sophie Barnes Read Free Book Online

we have not yet established that you are in fact a gentleman. For all I know, you could be a
     scoundrel.”
    “I can assure you that I am no such thing.” Dipping his head, he whispered close to her ear. “In time, you will learn that
     I value honesty and dependability. That I consider a man’s honor to be paramount to his character. So I would be much obliged
     if you would refrain from suggesting otherwise, even if you only meant to do so in jest.”
    Briefly closing her eyes, she gave a little nod. “Forgive me,” she whispered, regret marring her features. “I did not mean
     to insult you in any way.”
    “I know.” The music gradually faded and their movements slowed until they came to a gliding halt. Stepping back, Richard offered
     Lady Eleanor a bow while she curtsied in return. He didn’t like the tone he’d just taken with her, but it was too late for
     that now. “Will you join me for a walk in the garden?” he asked, stiffly offering her his arm. He was suddenly desperate to
     smooth away the tight expression that he’d caused.
    “As lovely as that sounds, I am not so sure that it is going to be possible,” she said, her eyes fixed on a spot directly
     behind his left shoulder.
    Turning, Richard winced as he spotted an older woman bearing down on him with Lady Duncaster in pursuit. “Your aunt, I presume?”
    “Yes. With Mama and Papa abroad, I am presently under her protection.” She looked up at him with calmness in her eyes. “No
     need to worry. She is not as fierce as she looks. Just be polite.”
    Squaring his shoulders, Richard stood his ground as Lady Eleanor’s aunt came to a halt before him. She was a slim woman with
     delicate features, possessing a chin that was sharper than most. Her dark brown hair was streaked with random lines of silver,
     and in front of her eyes, she held a lorgnette surrounded by a vast array of colorful feathers.
    “Signor Antonio,” Lady Duncaster said, coming up alongside her, “May I present my dear friend, Lady Foxworth?”
    “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Countess.” Reaching for her tiny hand, Richard bowed over it while hoping that
     his gallantry would win him her favor.
    “Thank you,” she said as she peered up at him from behind her lorgnette. “You clearly have me at a disadvantage. Will you
     please tell me who you are? I should also like to know why you presumed to have the right to dance with my niece in such a
     scandalous manner.”
    Every muscle in Richard’s body grew taught. Was it just his imagination, or was his cravat more restrictive now than it had
     been earlier? With rigidity, he met Lady Foxworth’s assessing gaze. “I must apologize for allowing myself to get carried away
     during the dance. It was not my intention to offend anyone. As to my name . . . I am afraid that Signor Antonio will have
     to suffice.”
    Lady Foxworth pressed her lips together in a firm line of disapproval. Beside him, Richard sensed Lady Eleanor’s surprise.
     Like her aunt, she’d probably expected him to reveal himself when asked to do so.
    “Unfortunately that is not good enough,” Lady Foxworth said. “Not when I am responsible for my niece’s reputation.”
    “I can vouch for his character,” Lady Duncaster said with a hasty look in Richard’s direction. “Signor Antonio comes from
     a very respectable family—a family with whom an association would be a coup.”
    Raising her chin a notch, Lady Foxworth was silent for a moment and Richard realized that he was holding his breath in anticipation
     of what she might say next. “I have always trusted your judgment,” Lady Foxworth eventually told Lady Duncaster, “but I am
     afraid that my conscience will not allow me to do so in this instance. Unless I am made aware of Signor Antonio’s exact identity,
     then I am afraid that I cannot allow him to continue socializing with my niece.”
    Closing his eyes on the finality of her words, Richard expelled the breath