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

Vivian.”
    He jerked his head up at the interruption.
    Claudia offered a curtsy, then strolled into the room without as much as a nod to acknowledge his presence. She clearly remained cross with him. He swallowed back his unease and studied her from her auburn curls to the hem of her yellow skirts. A rosy stain tinted her cheeks and her green eyes sparkled.
    “Lady Akford, what a pleasant surprise.” He stood, offering a deep bow.
    She glanced at him. “Thank you, my lord.” She offered an amicable smile, seating herself near Lady Wexil.
    Henry could not take his eyes from her. This was the closest he had managed to get to her since the day they had kissed. His first chance to explain, but he could not very well speak openly in the presence of the other ladies. The consequences of their kiss were too great. Claudia would likely be ruined for the second time if he dared to address what they had shared.
    Duchess Abernathy stood, she looked at him, a mischievous twinkle lighting her eyes before she turned to Lady Wexil. “Would you care to join me in a stroll through the gardens, Lady Wexil?”
    Claudia’s attention snapped to the duchess before she looked to her cousin. His breath hitched at the desperation he saw cross her lovely face. He had seen snared animals that appeared more comfortable.
    Lady Wexil stood. “I would be delighted to. Claudia--”
    “I would like to discuss a private matter with you,” the duchess interjected. She looked at him and offered a little nod before taking her leave with Lady Wexil in tow.
    How had she guessed? Or was it mere happenstance?
    “If you will excuse me, my lord.” Claudia rose to her feet.
    “Please, stay.” He was not above pleading after waiting so long to speak with her.
    She straightened, her green eyes flashing. “Whatever for?”
    “I would like to explain myself. I do not wish to leave things between us as they are.” He stood, then moved to her and took her hands in his. “You once asked the same of me and I obliged. Grant me the same courtesy, Claudia.”
    Her eyes softened. “Very well, so long as you do not intend to apologize.”
    “I am not sorry for our kiss, but there are other things.” He began to lead her toward the chaise. “Come, sit and let us talk.”
    He sat beside her, his body angled toward hers. She held her shoulders back, head high, and face turned toward the floor length window. He wished she were looking at him, but perhaps having her stare at the window rather than at him would make what he had to say easier. He drew in a steadying breath. “I enjoy spending time with you and have come to value your friendship. You are a wonderful, caring, and beautiful woman. I regret we cannot be more to each other.”
    She turned her head, her icy gaze colliding with his. “Please expound, my lord. Why is it that we can only be friends?”
    He drew in a slow breath, searching for the proper thing to say, all the while wishing he could somehow change things between them.
    “Is it my past that causes you to fret?” Her frosty words were like a punch to his midsection, leaving him flustered and breathless.
    “No. Yes. No.” He floundered, unsure of how to proceed.
    She turned away again, causing a strange tug to his heart. He reached out and placed a hand on her cheek to guide her attention back to him. “Please look at me.”
    She allowed him to turn her head until she was facing him once again, but she made no effort toward pleasantness. Her mouth remained a tight line as she peered at him.
    “I care not a whit for the scandal of your youth. I believe you were an innocent victim of circumstances. A young lady swept up in first love. You did nothing wrong and paid a terrible price for it. If I could…” He shook his head. “It has no relevance.”
    She cast her gaze down. “Julian.”
    “You still love him.” He removed his hand from her cheek.
    Her eyes rounded in surprise. “You have it all wrong.”
    “Then make me understand.”