In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online

craned their necks, as if a naked woman was about to appear performing the steps of the quadrille.
    The second twin groaned. “She has the pinkest—”
    Susanna clutched her arm and yanked, pulling Rebecca against the wall. “That is enough,” Susanna said. “You know it was never supposed to go this far.”
    â€œNow don’t panic,” Rebecca said in a soothing voice.
    â€œPanic?” Elizabeth squeaked. “Did Lord Parkhurst talk about the painting to his brothers?”
    Rebecca inexplicably found herself defending the man. “They’re members, and the painting has been on display for almost a week, or so Susanna overheard. I can’t believe he would have told his brothers about our adventures last night. He is far too staid for that.”
    Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “I don’t think you know enough about him to form an opinion.”
    â€œHe told me himself that he’s never once wanted tobe adventurous. How much more dull can one be?”
    Ignoring her, Elizabeth turned to Susanna. “You will tell us your idea later tonight?”
    â€œOf course,” Susanna said smoothly. “Everything will be all right.”
    Rebecca used their commiseration to slip away. Much as she’d defended the earl, she felt angry and uneasy. After all, she didn’t know him, beyond his possession of a title and wealth, and what the gossipmongers had said about him. He could be a lying rogue.
    But the lying rogue was in the middle of a group of older ladies, talking to just one. Though she was far smaller than he, she stood before him and wrung her hands, looking out over the crowd.
    Could this be Lord Parkhurst’s mother, looking for her twin sons? She pitied the poor woman, even as Rebecca eyed the eldest son.
    Perhaps it was time for her to turn the tables on him, she thought, feeling wicked. She marched straight toward the earl, and he saw her coming as he looked over his mother’s head. If she hoped for a warning, or signs of unease, she was disappointed. He seemed unflappable.
    â€œLord Parkhurst, how wonderful to see you here!” she called, waving and giggling as she approached.
    She saw his mother’s look of recognition, even as the woman glanced up at her son.
    Lord Parkhurst took Rebecca’s proffered hand in hismassive palm and bowed over it. Thank goodness they were both wearing gloves, for the way he held her hand a bit too long made her feel breathless.
    â€œHow pleasant to see you again, Miss Leland.” He turned to the older woman. “Lady Parkhurst, may I present Miss Rebecca Leland? Miss Leland, my mother.”
    Rebecca swept into a deep curtsy, and noticed with satisfaction that the earl’s gaze dipped to her cleavage. She would use every feminine wile she possessed to defeat him, hoping that her sister and cousin would do the same. She would have to remind them of the goal.
    Lady Parkhurst bowed her head briefly, even as she smiled. “Miss Leland, I believe we have met before. I know your mother.”
    â€œOf course, my lady. But we cannot expect a man to realize that.” She smiled innocently up at the earl.
    The dowager countess sighed. “Forgive Parkhurst. He does not socialize as much as he should, which leads to ignorance.”
    Rebecca imagined it had been some time since anyone called this man ignorant. He only arched a dark brow and made no reply.
    He must have received his size from his father, for his mother was not much taller than Rebecca. Her hair was silver gray—how could it not be, after raising six children!—but it caused a striking loveliness when matched with her gray eyes.
    â€œIgnorance?” Rebecca echoed, putting a hand to herchest in shock. “Only a mother could accuse his lordship of such.”
    Lady Parkhurst smiled. “I like you, Miss Leland.” She glanced at her son. “Cheeky, isn’t she?”
    He only grunted.
    His mother gave a