Secrets of a Scandalous Heiress by Theresa Romain Read Free Book Online

choked. “I never said—”
    â€œBut you are young and lovely, my dear. I’m sure you’ll marry again soon. Only take care to stay away from large mammals.”
    â€œI have been informed,” said Joss, feeling a bit wicked, “that Mrs. Flowers has caught the eye of half the men in Bath. And as far as I know, there are no hippopotami—is it the Latin plural?—here to endanger them.”
    Augusta folded her arms, putting her delightful bosom on impressive display over a swoop of printed cotton bodice. “Are you two quite finished? Emily, you ought to take your mineral water.”
    The countess pulled a face. “The water tastes like rotten eggs and rust. I’d much rather stay here and tease you.”
    â€œI would be pleased to join you in such a noble task, my lady.” Catching Augusta’s eye, Joss mouthed dockyard and cast a significant glance at her person. Just to make those tawny eyes narrow. At once, she dropped clenched fists to her sides. Too bad.
    Lady Tallant looked from Joss to Augusta with the sort of knowing smile that made perspiration break out between a man’s shoulder blades. “Perhaps Mr. Everett can handle the task alone, at that. I do have a responsibility to my health.” Waving off Joss’s offered hand, she hoisted herself to her feet and began a slow, careful progress toward the marble fountain from which mineral waters were pumped and served.
    â€œShe looks well today,” Augusta murmured, watching her friend walk away.
    Joss had been thinking precisely the opposite, so he settled for a noncommittal noise.
    Augusta steered the wheeled chair to a far wall of the room, waving off Joss’s attempt to take its cumbersome weight from her. “You mayn’t think Lady Tallant looks well if you have not seen her since last autumn. Since we have arrived, though, she has regained much of her spirit.” Her features clouded, and she added, “Most of the time, that is.”
    â€œYou are holding everyone’s secrets,” Joss said. “Your own, your friend’s, and now mine.”
    â€œI suppose I am.” She tugged at her pelisse, wrapping the gold-spangled brown more tightly around her gown and lovely figure. “I’ve never been permitted so much responsibility before.”
    Joss regretted the covering of the gown, but it was no more than he deserved for his earlier teasing. “And do you intend to use this responsibility for good or evil? I should have made this inquiry before entrusting you with my confidence.”
    Brandy-brown eyes met his. Held. “Are you never serious?”
    â€œRarely. Seriousness is a frustration and a liability in my position.”
    â€œHow am I to know what you really think, then?”
    â€œMust you know what I really think? I did not think that was essential among the fashionable. The opposite of honesty, in fact, is what makes high society run smoothly.”
    â€œThat might be the case, but neither you nor I has been accepted into the bosom of society. If you cannot be truthful with me, then I can’t help you. And you can’t help me.” She nodded in the direction of a lanky gentleman in conversation with the red-coated master of ceremonies. “If I’m on my own, perhaps I’ll take that man as a lover. His legs look well enough. Or maybe I’ll make a scandalous offer to the master of ceremonies. Or to one of the footmen at the next assembly.”
    â€œAugusta.” Joss had no idea what to say next. The ton bantered and flirted; they never craved earnestness. Such was the world at whose edges he usually prowled.
    â€œWhat does it matter with whom I make arrangements?” She asked. “If it makes no difference to me, it needn’t to anyone else.” Though her voice was unsteady, her features were serene. Somehow, she even managed to keep a little smile on her lips.
    â€œAugusta.” Joss reached out,