Scandal's Mistress by C.J. Archer

Author:C.J. Archer [Archer, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-04-23T21:00:00+00:00

Leo turned to see the ruddy face of Lord Enderby. The pockets of flesh at his jowls wobbled into a supercilious smile revealing yellow-gray teeth.

“Lord Enderby,” Leo said, mustering as much politeness as he could without vomiting up his breakfast.

“I’m surprised you dare show your face at court,” Enderby said, adjusting his black doublet over his grossly protruding waist.

If Leo put a fist into Enderby’s pug nose, he’d probably be thrown out, or worse, end up in Newgate. It might be worth it. Thankfully, before he had to think of a retort, Charles Grayshaw approached and clapped Leo on the back.

“Finally you’ve returned to bask in the glory of Her Gracious Majesty like the rest of us, you old dog!” Grayshaw turned to Enderby. “Please move, sir, you are getting in the way of my basking.”

Enderby spluttered so hard spittle stuck to his moustache. He looked like he wouldn’t move an inch but then the queen herself lifted her head, covered by a cap trimmed with pearls, and smiled in their direction. Enderby bowed but it was shallow thanks to his lack of a waist. When Grayshaw bowed, he touched one knee to the floor, swept his hat along the flagstones, and remained that way until the queen laughingly told him to rise.

Grayshaw smiled back and a collective sigh came from all the women. He took a step forward, as if the queen had beckoned him. But she had not and he stopped and waited. Her Majesty looked past him to Leo.

She beckoned him with her fan. “Lord Warhurst, isn’t it?” she said as Leo approached. She held out her hand for him to kiss. Leo wasn’t surprised to see that his mother wore more rings than the queen. “It has been some time since you were at court, my lord.”

“Almost a year, Your Majesty,” he said. “Too long to be away from your glory.”

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