How to Handle a Scandal by Emily Greenwood

Author:Emily Greenwood [Greenwood, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2016-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

Ten

Tommy left the tavern late that afternoon, having bought several rounds of ale for those present and met more of his neighbors. He knew he’d lingered in the tavern to avoid Eliza, which was a stupid thing to do since he’d shortly see her at Hellfire Hall. But he was having trouble accepting that he had a wife.

Wives were for settled men. They brought wifely concerns, like talk of dishes and cutlery. And babies, of course, though now that was no longer an issue.

It wasn’t that he was glad about what had happened with the baby, which he supposed was what she thought. He just hadn’t been able to make peace with the idea of becoming a father before she’d had the miscarriage.

He’d dreamed of her last night, the first time that had happened since he’d left for India as a besotted youth, and he’d awoken with his teeth clenched in refusal.

Now that she’d gotten up from her sick bed, she seemed different. Contrary. She certainly wasn’t trying to maintain a decorous look now; she’d been wearing another snug pink gown that showed the tops of her breasts. And her hair had been in a girlish plait that had made him think of untying the ribbon fastening and running his hands through it, damn it all.

She stirred far too many feelings he didn’t want: attraction, the need to protect her because she now carried his name, and the dregs of his anger. He was sorry about what had happened with the baby, but he damned well didn’t want to talk about it, if that was what she had in mind.

He took the long way back to Hellfire Hall, stopping by the houses of several tenants to visit with the families and check on the progress of some repairs he’d commissioned. The estate had been sorely neglected, which he’d known when he’d bought it, but the buildings had all been solidly constructed, so while the tenants’ homes were old, they were at least sturdy.

He’d already told his manager to arrange for new roofs and paint and fencing for most of the houses, and he was pleased to see, as he rode past several of the homes, that work had already begun.

By the time he’d turned his horse toward the manor, it was late and the weak autumn light was beginning to fade. As he drew near the hall, the welcome scent of hot, fresh bread mingled with a delicious roasted aroma met him, the best thing he’d smelled since he left behind the curries of India.

After stabling his horse, he made for the door that led to the kitchen, where his appearance surprised Cook.

“Sir Tommy!” the woman said as she turned from a hot oven with a roasting pan in her arms.

There were plates of various foods on the table—quite a lot more than would be needed by one gentleman and his wife—and among them was a plate of fresh rolls. He swiped one and took a bite.

“Delicious.” He gestured with the remaining portion of roll.

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