The Lady Hellion by Shupe Joanna

Author:Shupe, Joanna [Shupe, Joanna]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2015-05-25T22:00:00+00:00

Sophie let herself into Quint’s gardens. Strange to be doing this during the day, she thought with a half-smile. But she could not possibly wait until this evening, not when she had so much to discuss with him.

The rain had abated, for now anyway, and the sun was making a valiant effort to break through the thick layer of clouds. She decided to go to the terrace instead of the servants’ door. Quicker to Quint’s study that way.

Canis appeared, loping toward her as his tail wagged furiously. “Hullo, boy.” She bent and scooped him up. He seemed to be growing at an alarming rate. Quint’s staff must be taking good care of the dog, she thought as Canis licked her face.

Laughing, she climbed the terrace steps, went to the door, and threw it open. She stepped inside . . . and drew up short.

Three pairs of astonished eyes were now focused on her.

Sophie did not often use crude words, but this seemed a completely appropriate circumstance in which to do so.

Oh . . . damn.

The Earl of Winchester, the Duke of Colton, and Quint all shot to their feet. Canis wriggled in her arms, begging to be let go, so she bent to place him on the floor. She swallowed, rose, and, with as much dignity as she could muster, gave a deep curtsy. “Gentlemen.”

Colton was the first to speak. “Lady Sophia. What a . . . surprise.” His gaze cut to Quint, then slid back to her. “We had no idea you planned to join us for lunch.”

“Yes,” said the earl, motioning to the footman for another place setting. “Thank you for joining our little gathering to celebrate my return as well as Colton’s son. Because why else would you come to Quint’s—”

“—unchaperoned—” the duke broke in.

“—in the middle of the day—” the earl said.

“—through the gardens,” the duke finished.

“Colton. Winchester.” Quint glared at both his friends, his voice low and serious. “Behave yourselves.” He started for the inner door. “Lady Sophia, a word, if you please.”

“Of course,” she mumbled and trailed him into the corridor. He held the door open and shut it behind her. Instead of speaking there, however, he continued on to his study. When he shut them inside, he reached to cup her cheek. “I’m sorry. I had no idea they would—”

“No, it’s my own fault for coming in the middle of the day, thinking you’d be alone.”

“A reasonable assumption on any other day, but not this one, apparently. What would you like to do?”

“I think I must stay for lunch, no?”

Quint nodded, appearing equally unhappy about this development. “Yes, it’s probably best. Be prepared, though. They’ll not let you off easily. Stand your ground. And don’t be afraid—”

“I can handle them, Quint.” It was sweet, this concern of his. But she’d known Winchester for ages, and Colton was a lamb now that he’d become a father. Moreover, she counted both their wives as very good friends. And if there were ever two men who did not want to anger their wives .

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