The Incomparable Miss Compton by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott [Scott, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Regency Romance
Publisher: Belgrave House
Published: 2001-08-24T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Malcolm returned home that night with a spring in his step. Castlereagh the Foreign Secretary and Sidmouth the Home Secretary had been quarreling for days, but, thanks to him, they were once more on speaking terms. Liverpool had pronounced the new version of the Widows and Orphans Act to be nothing short of brilliant. Wells had loosened up enough to gripe at him as he left the debate, which boded well for getting the young baron to show his passions. Life had returned to as normal a condition as possible for a leader in Parliament. He was actually whistling as he opened the door to his bedchamber. He stopped when he met Appleby’s eager smile.

“What now?” he growled.

“I am saddened to report,” his valet replied, the light in his bleary blue eyes belying his words, “that the boxes of chocolate met with the same fate as the roses.”

Malcolm sighed. So much for an easy peace. “I suppose it’s too much to hope she actually spoke to anyone on the matter. Did no one hear her complain of my treatment? Did she not berate the staff for her abuse?”

Appleby’s face fell. “I did not think to ask, my lord.”

“Never mind,” Malcolm replied, moving into the room. “You said earlier her servants adore her. Somehow I doubt she’s the type to take her feelings out on them.”

“How refreshing,” Appleby muttered.

Malcolm ignored him, sitting on the bed to tug off his boots. He had a sudden thought and paused. “Did anyone notice whether the boxes were empty or full?”

“I regret to say I didn’t ask that question either, my lord,” his valet replied.

His tone was so downcast that Malcolm could not help grinning at him. “Don’t be hard on yourself, Appleby. You’ve been rather good at coming up with information, even with the restrictions I’ve put on you to avoid encouraging betrayal. Simply try in the future to remember that it is Miss Compton’s feelings that interest me. What she throws in her trash is merely an indicator. Now, have you anything else to report?”

“Not regarding Miss Compton,” Appleby admitted with a sigh. “Although I could regale you with tales of Miss Persephone.”

Malcolm started to wave him off, then paused again. He had no interest in which suitors thronged the young beauty’s sitting room or which dress she had deigned to wear that day. However, if his valet had information that would affect Sarah in any way, Malcolm should hear it. He needed all the help he could get in finding ways to present himself in a positive light to the lady.

“What have you heard?” he asked carefully.

Appleby stepped forward eagerly. “She has cut off His Grace the Duke of Reddington without so much as a backward glance.”

“Pity.” Malcolm shook his head. “Reddington was hooked, if you ask me. The girl should have reeled him in.”

“No doubt she thought him too small,” Appleby said darkly.

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Will you tell me she’s caught the attention of someone bigger? Not many can boast of fortune or family greater than Reddington.

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