Mr. Notorious and the Nefarious November by Shana Galen & The Rake Review

Author:Shana Galen & The Rake Review [Galen, Shana & Review, The Rake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

Munro dared not move. Had he heard her correctly? Beatrice loved him?

Beatrice loved him!

He wanted to open the window and shout the news to the rest of Mayfair. He wanted to race into the house, take the steps two at a time, burst into her bedchamber, and kiss her senseless.

But he had two more tests.

He could face two tests—he could face a dozen—if he’d have her at the conclusion.

He heard the crunch of gravel under wheels and finally roused himself and stepped out of the coach. He and Beatrice had driven about London so long, Lavinia and her parents were home.

He waited for them on the walk in front of the house, watching as Lavinia exited first. She had a dreamy look every bride should possess, and Munro vowed to strangle Ramsbury if the man ever took that look away from her.

Next came her parents, Judith stiffening visibly when she saw Munro. Arthur put his arm on his brother’s shoulder. “Care for a drink before going up to bed?” Arthur asked.

“I could use one,” Munro admitted.

“I’ll see you both in the morning,” his sister-in-law said as she started up the stairs.

“Actually,” Munro said, “I wanted to speak with you, my lady. Would you join us?”

She turned sharply and narrowed her eyes at him. “What can you possibly have to say to me?”

Munro gestured toward the stairs to the drawing room, and she gave a small nod.

A few minutes later, Arthur had poured Judith a glass of wine and handed Munro a snifter of brandy. He sat on the couch beside his wife and drank from his own brandy. “What’s this about, Munro?”

Munro’s gaze met Judith’s and lingered. She shook her head and pointed at him with her wineglass. “Don’t try and use those eyes on me, Munro Notley. I’m immune to your charms.”

“I’ve never once tried to charm you, my lady. I’ve never treated you with anything other than the respect owed to my brother’s wife and a viscountess. Do you not agree?”

She sipped her wine again. “Yes.”

“Then why don’t you like me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve never said I didn’t like you.”

“When you stare daggers at me, you don’t really need words.”

“I don’t—”

“Judith,” Arthur interrupted. “You don’t like him. You’ve made no secret of that fact to me. You might as well tell him why.”

She turned her head to give her husband a look that Munro was glad had not been directed at him. He suspected Arthur would be sleeping alone tonight as punishment for siding with Munro.

Judith set her glass on the table and stood. Munro made to stand as well, but she motioned for him to stay where he was. “You are correct, sir, that I do not like you. You wouldn’t be here if Lavinia didn’t beg and plead. I would have been happy never to see you again. And for my sister never to see you again.”

“Beatrice? What does this have to do with her?”

“Everything,” Judith said, sweeping one of her arms in an arc to encompass the room, and seemingly, the world.

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