Taming His Scandalous Countess by Viola Morne Read Free Book Online Page B

they'd been friends since the war, so he
simply shrugged.
    "It's the gossip I can't stomach.
Pack of nosy old women." Snow signaled a footman for his own glass.
    Frost took a sip. "Can't blame
them. You've given them so much to natter about. The elusive Earl of Snow weds
the Widow of Woe. That's what Grub Street called her. Quite the scandal in its
day."
    "Don't call her that."
Snow picked up the Times and leafed through it.
    Frost lifted a brow. "Do I
detect a frisson of dare I say it, loove?"
    Snow snorted. "Love? I swore
off that long ago. Call it convenience with a touch of lust."
    He remembered Isabelle's lush
curves in her bath this morning. He'd gone back to his room to spend himself,
helpless with desire.
    "More than a touch."
    "Ah, I'd heard she was
handsome. Thought she must be, to tempt you. Any money?"
    Snow shrugged. "Her portion
was moderate. I need an heir and she's an enticing piece. She was living with
her brother, practically a prisoner. She wanted an escape and I wanted
her."
    "And yet, I feel you are
leaving so much out." Frost looked him over shrewdly. "You've chosen
your shackles. I suppose you'll learn to live with them."
    "I haven't tried shackles
yet." Snow grinned. "Silk scarves...now that might be more
appropriate."
    "You intrigue me. Is she
docile?"
    "Where would be the fun in
that? Her obedience is something we're working on."
    Frost gave a wistful sigh.
"Almost you convince me to take the plunge myself. You must allow me to
meet your paragon."
    Snow eyed him thoughtfully.
"Soon, but not yet, I think."
    "You know how I always like to
share your enthusiasms, my dear Snow." Frost ran an elegant finger around
the rim of his brandy glass.
    "I remember." Their eyes
met. Snow was the first to look away.
    *
* * * *
    Isabelle stared at the guest list
with increasing dismay. The elite of the ton were all there, including
many people she had known during her first marriage. Lord and Lady Merritt. No,
it was too much.
    "You asked to see me, Lady
Snow?"
    Her husband's secretary, Nigel
Trent, portfolio overflowing with papers, bowed awkwardly.
    "Thank you, Mr. Trent. I have
a question regarding the guests for our evening reception. There is someone on
that list whom I do not wish to invite."
    Trent frowned. "I'm afraid his
lordship himself has already approved the list."
    "Do you mean you will not
honor my request?"
    Trent blinked. "No, my lady,
of course I am only too happy to serve you. The dilemma is that only his
lordship can make changes. Those were his instructions."
    Isabelle pressed her lips together.
"Thank you for your time, sir."
    Trent stiffened slightly at the
obvious dismissal. "It was my pleasure, Countess." He bowed again and
left the room. Isabelle marched over to the bell pull.
    "Warwick, is my husband at
home?"
    "I believe he is in the study,
my lady."
    "Very well, don't bother to
announce me." She stomped down the hall and hammered on the heavy oak
door.
    "Enter."
    Snow looked up from his desk.
"My dear, what a pleasant surprise. You do not usually beard the lion in
his den."
    Isabelle stood in front of Snow's
desk. He remained seated, which made her feel like a schoolgirl about to be
chastised.
    She clutched her skirts. "It's
about the guest list for the reception. There is someone on it whom I never
want to see again."
    Snow leaned back in his chair.
"Pray enlighten me, my love."
    "It's Lady Merritt. She was my
sister-in-law and she, well, she despises me. I don't want her coming
here."
    Snow set down his pen. "And
yet I plan to invite her. Her husband is an old friend of mine, as well as some
sort of second cousin. I'm sorry."
    Isabelle sucked in a breath.
"I won't have it. I won't have that odious woman here, spreading her
poison and ruining the evening."
    Snow picked up his pen and made a
notation on the paper in front of him. "I don't believe I asked for a
debate on the matter. The invitation will stand."
    Isabelle ground her teeth.
"No! You cannot invite that woman!"
    Snow looked up.