Harlequin Historical: October 2022 Box Set 1 of 2 by Millie Adams

Author:Millie Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

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Returning to his box during the interval, Maxim was surprised when he saw Edward heading towards him. His face was lethargic and flushed with liquor. He caught Maxim’s eyes fastened on him. Was it Maxim’s imagination or did his expression harden for a moment before he collected himself and a somewhat false smile stretched his lips?

‘Why, good evening, Maxim.’

Maxim eyed him suspiciously. If Edward was behind the attempts on his life then, having no idea that his earlier attempt had failed, of course he would be surprised to see him. ‘You appear surprised to see me, Edward.’

‘Do I? That’s because I am.’

‘I was wondering when I would run into you. You look as if you’ve been celebrating something or other. Your face is almost the same colour as your waistcoat.’

Edward looked down at his flamboyant scarlet and gold waistcoat with pride, puffing out his chest. ‘It is rather splendid, isn’t it?’

‘It certainly catches the eye,’ Maxim remarked dryly. ‘Still, as long as the lady accompanying you tonight likes it, then I suppose that’s fine.’

‘Lady? Why, yes. Lady Devlin. She happens to be in London just now.’

‘Without her husband?’

Edward shrugged his elegantly clad shoulders. ‘Of course. We became acquainted when I resided at Netherthorpe. She’s a fine-looking woman, don’t you think?’

‘A woman who thinks nothing of taking another woman’s husband,’ Maxim made a point of reminding him dryly.

Reproach flashed in Edward’s eyes. ‘I don’t have a wife, Maxim, so that does not apply. What Lady Devlin chooses to do with her life is her affair.’

‘Her husband might disagree with you. I’ve been meaning to call on your Aunt Pauline,’ Maxim said, keen to move the conversation away from the controversial Elena Devlin. ‘Is she well?’

‘Very. I don’t know how she’ll feel when I tell her I’m to move out—when you lose your wager,’ Edward remarked with a sly look at his cousin. ‘Although you do appear to be making some headway with the delightful widow. Is that the delectable Eve Lansbury I have seen in your box? I must say, she’s lost no time in putting your disagreement behind her. Perhaps I should put it down to your powers of persuasion. You always did know how to seduce the ladies, Maxim.’

Maxim looked at him coldly. ‘The Dower House is yours, Edward.’

Edward was incredulous, and then a slow, disbelieving smile broke across his face. ‘But the wager? Good Lord! Have I heard right? Have you lost your reason?’

‘I have never been more serious in my life.’

‘I see. Would you like to explain yourself? What has brought about this change of heart? Have you no longer any wish to seduce the widow? How can you fold as easily as that?’

‘I can and I have. The wager is off, Edward. You can take up residence in the Dower House whenever you wish.’

‘Then you’re the most peculiar player I’ve ever had the pleasure of opposing,’ Edward remarked. ‘I enjoy a challenge and the pleasure is somewhat muted by the wager’s outcome.’

‘Then I am sorry to disappoint you.

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