Wickeds Scandal (The Wickeds) by Kathleen Ayers Read Free Book Online Page A

wind
ruffled his light colored hair and she caught the light masculine scent of
him.  She thought of Lord Reynolds and the smell of cinnamon.  “I am
quite shy Miss Dunforth and not at all good at courting.  Which is why I
agreed to our meeting.”  One slender hand reached up and stroked his
beautifully tied cravat.  “Your uncle wishes you to marry and I
–well – I am in need of a wife.  My father, who is quite
elderly, and I are estranged.  I was quite the social disaster in my youth
and much too naïve.  I acted foolishly and brought some shame to my
father.”  He held his hand up.  “Nothing nefarious I assure
you.  I made a cow of myself over a woman.  I became quite
despondent. I was the laughingstock of the ton .  I’ve been loathe
to pursue a woman since.” 
    “I will not
agree to marry a man I do not know.”  Alexandra stated firmly.
    Mr. Runyon’s
nostrils flared and a glint of anger flared in his ice, blue gaze.  He
smiled kindly again and Alexandra thought she must have been mistaken.
    “Your uncle is pressing me to sign a betrothal agreement, but I have been very clear with him
that I would not force you.  We should try to know one another better
before making such a decision.  I wish a joyful marriage, Miss
Dunforth.  I do not want an ill beginning.”  He stroked his cravat
again.
    Alexandra
regarded him.  Mr. Runyon appeared to be nothing more than a kind, gentle
man who seemed a bit shy.  Having witnessed the way nearly everyone
gossiped since her arrival in London, she did not doubt the cruelty he’d
received.
    “Surely
there are dozens of more appropriate women, Mr. Runyon.  I have been
raised far away from London and am not as sophisticated as many women.  Also,
I am considered to be long in the tooth and on the shelf.”
    His gaze
shifted from her questioning look. Shyly, he looked back at her face.
    “As I
stated,” he cleared his throat nervously, “because of my prior disgrace I fear
that many of the ton ’s families find me inadequate for their
daughters.  Something of a milksop.  I was so young and stupid. 
Chasing a girl who strung me along. “I am pleased that you are not familiar
with my previous embarrassment.”  His eyes bored into hers as he clasped
her hands.  “Miss Dunforth, I am certain we would get on, as I find you
have a most pleasing disposition.”
    “But my
uncle –“ A plan formed in her mind.  One that filled her with
remorse but one that could save Helmsby Abbey and those she held dear.
    “Leave your
uncle to me, Miss Dunforth.  I will tell him we are getting to know each
other better and will sign the betrothal contract when we are ready.  If we are ready.” He winked at her like a conspirator.  “My attentions will
at least keep your uncle from casting his net, will it not?” 
    Mr. Runyon
gave her a very firm look, his eyes full of protective furor.
    As long as
her uncle assumed that she and Mr. Runyon were betrothed, Odious Oliver would
not attempt to find another suitor.  She was certain her uncle didn’t know
his control over her ended soon.  If she could just use Mr. Runyon,
for a bit.  
    Mr. Runyon
looked so earnest.  Honesty emanated from him. 
    Eventually,
after she explained, Mr. Runyon would understand her deceit.  
Alexandra gave Mr. Runyon what she hoped was a dazzling smile.  “Mr.
Runyon, I would be honored to accept your terms.”
    “Wonderful! 
Simply wonderful!  I feel certain we shall form a strong friendship that
will grow into much more.”
    Alexandra
ignored the twinge of guilt at his words.  She forced herself to push it
aside.  She would do what she must. 
    Mr. Runyon
stuck her hand into the crook of his arm.  “Come, Miss Dunforth.  I
shall escort you to your waiting carriage.  I desire to call on you later
in the week, business permitting, would that be all right?”
    She nodded
and smiled her assent as Mr. Runyon led her back through the ballroom to the
carriage where her