Scandalous Redemption (Ladies and Scoundrels #3) by Amanda Mariel Read Free Book Online

did not believe he had kissed many ladies. He had wanted her as much as she had desired him. Nevertheless, where did that leave her? And what had caused him to pull away?
    The bloody scandals. She was not to blame for the scandal of her youth. However, she could not deny her later actions. She had gone to Julian and made quite a scene. That particular morsel was not ton knowledge, but Henry clearly knew of it. The Luvingtons must have shared the tale with him. Did he still believe she wished to use him in order to get to Julian, or worse, hurt Lady Luvington? She never intended on causing anyone pain. She had not even known about Lady Luvington when she went to Julian’s townhouse that day.
    When Henry had escorted her outside the night they met, she had no inclination of who he was or his relationship with the Luvingtons. Even if she still harbored hope for herself and Julian, which she most certainly did not, the idea of using Henry had never crossed her mind. In truth, she had romanticized her past relationship and clung to it over the years. Harboring hope for a future with Julian had given her strength when Akford was at his worst. Whatever love she and Julian had shared belonged firmly seated in the past.
    What difference did it any of it make? There was no way to prove herself to Lord Shillington or her peers. Leastwise, not that she could think of at present. She picked up her fan and moved to the door. She was to play the pianoforte while her cousin sang to open the nights entertaining. Vivian would be overset if she did not arrive in the music room on time.
    With her head high, Claudia stepped into the hall and made her way toward the stairs. She would not allow Henry to upset her further. Nor would she become London’s newest ladybird. Instead, she would remove him from her mind, give up the idea of taking a lover, and focus on her new life. She was finished tossing herself at gentlemen who did not return her affection.
    “Lady Akford.”
    Claudia stilled and looked behind her. “Your Grace.” She offered Duchess Abernathy a curtsey.
    The duchess smiled and moved to her side. “It seems Lord Shillington has taken an interest in you, my dear.”
    Claudia fell into step with Duchess Abernathy as they continued down the hall. “Appearances are often deceiving,” she said, tartly.
    “Are you quite certain?” the duchess pressed.
    “Indeed.” Claudia fidgeted with her fan wishing they could talk about anything else.
    “More’s the pity. He is a fine catch. A gentleman and in line for an earldom. He will make some lady a splendid husband.”
    “I will give that lady my best regards.” Claudia nearly choked on the words. What was wrong with her? She had no wish to marry him or anyone, and yet jealousy gripped her deep inside. The very idea of Henry wed to another pulled at her heart.
    “I do not blame you. I never remarried after my dear husband passed. Mind you, I would if the right gentleman came along, but I have not sought out a match.” The duchess started down the grand staircase.
    Claudia followed with a newfound desire to seat herself behind the pianoforte. Leastwise, her playing would provide a small escape.
    The duchess offered a consoling smile. “One can hardly blame you for not wanting to remarry after what you endured. All the same, I must caution you to keep the possibility open. Marriage is a wonderful thing when love is involved.”
    “Perhaps, for some.” Claudia walked beside the duchess as they started down the long corridor leading to the music room. She believed in love, but she did not believe the flighty emotion had the power to last. It did not signify at any rate. Even if she were to marry for love, she would still find herself under the control of a man and that would never do.
    No, she would not remarry. Not to anyone. Not even for love.

SCANDALOUS REDEMPTION

    CHAPTER SEVEN
    A sennight had passed since Henry stood at the back of the music room, his attention trained on