Tempting Bella (Entangled Scandalous) by Diana Quincy Read Free Book Online Page A

referring to Sebastian’s prolonged abstinence from carnal pleasures, something the two of them couldn’t begin to comprehend.
    The countess smiled at Sebastian. “There is no finer, more honorable gentleman.” He felt a twinge of guilt at her words, given his recently acquired obsession with another man’s wife.
    A missive he’d received this afternoon from Mirabella compounded his short-tempered frustration. He’d been at the townhome he would soon share with her, overseeing preparations for her return. He rarely stayed at the lavish Park Street address, usually preferring the simple comfort of the bachelor’s quarters he still kept. Just this afternoon, he’d had his things moved into the master’s chambers, anticipating Mirabella’s scheduled arrival the following day. He’d ordered fresh flowers laid out in the main rooms of the house, saving the largest bouquet for her bedchamber, the one that adjoined his through a shared sitting room. The usually solemn, empty house had been abuzz with activity as the staff prepared to finally have a master and mistress in residence. Servants had spent the past few days airing out the place, cleaning the large, empty rooms that now smelled heavily of lemon, soap, and beeswax.
    He’d experienced a surge of optimism as he strode from room to room inspecting the activity, his Hessians clicking against the marble floors, the seductive aroma of flowers wafting through the rooms. He looked forward to reuniting with Mirabella and hoped they would soon be blessed with a child. Perhaps it would draw them together. Focusing on his wife and family would help him overcome his unfathomable infatuation with the beauty from the opera, which was beyond ridiculous. For devil’s sake, he didn’t even know her name.
    It was while contemplating a hopeful future with his wife that his butler found him, bearing a note on a silver tray. In a brief, formal missive, Mirabella informed her husband that her return had been delayed, their reunion deferred for another sennight. She asked for his understanding. Sebastian scowled. His patience had already run out.
    “I say,” said Basil breaking into his thoughts. “Isn’t that Cam’s friend, David Selwyn?”
    Sebastian caught sight of his eldest brother’s longtime friend walking with a small group of people. “So it is.”
    “I hear he is finally betrothed,” Basil said.
    Selwyn’s rank did not match that of their brother, the Marquess of Camryn, but he made up for it with an obvious intelligence and a good-natured temperament. Not a particularly handsome man, Selwyn had a pleasant demeanor and took a great deal of care with his appearance and manners.
    “Isn’t he betrothed to Bromley’s daughter?” Penrose asked.
    Basil whistled. “Bromley? David Selwyn and the daughter of an earl? It’s a fine match.”
    “He is not a born gentleman,” remarked Lady Hervey. “I understand the sister married a baron. Those commoners have done a fine job of marrying their betters.”
    “Mr. Selwyn is a fine gentleman.” Sebastian did not care for Lady Hervey on account of her being both a snob and a gossip.
    “It’s a match made in heaven. Selwyn’s flush in the pockets and Bromley’s got pockets to let,” said Pen.
    Basil crossed his arms over his chest. “The perfect marriage. Bromley gets the blunt and Selwyn lands a lady above his station.”
    Spotting them, Selwyn waved his friends onward and stepped toward their box. “Gentlemen.”
    “Basil here tells us you’re about to get leg shackled,” Sebastian said after the introductions were made all around.
    The other man nodded. “Yes, I’m fortunate Lady Florinda was gracious enough to accept my suit. And how are Camryn and his lovely marchioness?”
    “They are well,” answered Basil. “They’ll be in town with the children soon enough. Charlotte isn’t one to rusticate for long periods of time.”
    “Why, look,” said Penrose, watching people strolling by, “isn’t that