Lord of Sin (Distinguished Rogues Book 10) by Heather Boyd

Author:Heather Boyd [Boyd, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: www.Heather-Boyd.com
Published: 2019-08-05T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Julian kissed Martha King’s wrinkled cheek. “You’re looking lovely tonight, Martha,” he promised.

“That is what you said to me yesterday.” Martha King wrinkled her nose. “Sweet words won’t change anything. You owe me for this.”

“I will owe you if you smile and say nothing about it to anyone.”

The lady scowled at him. “It’s a good thing I like you so much. You know it’s not too late to put you over my knee again.”

Martha had been Julian’s family housekeeper when he was a boy, but had married very well for herself. “I’d like to see you try.”

Martha laughed and sent him on his way to greet the next couple coming through the door.

Julian had liked Martha very much, and he’d been pleased when she had married a man who adored her and given her children of her own. The families had kept in touch over the years.

She was influential now, too.

Julian escorted his aunt into the drawing room. “She will hound you until you give her what she wants,” Aunt Hesper warned in a low tone.

“Don’t you dare tell her, but I like the opera. She thinks I’ll be pulling out my hair.”

Auntie looked at him with a worried expression. “Have you given any thought to how you’ll pay for the box?”

“Not yet, but I’m sure I’ll think of something eventually.” There had been no fixed date when he must take Martha to the opera, though, so he had some time to work everything out.

“I hope the Hayes family appreciate your sacrifice,” Auntie complained.

“I’m sure they would if I planned to tell them. You keep your lips buttoned about it, too.”

Aunt Hesper grumbled and wandered off to speak to friends nearby.

Julian saw Sullivan not far away and strolled over to him. They shook hands. “I wasn’t expecting to see you tonight.”

“Your aunt said I had to come, or she would never speak to me again,” Sullivan complained.

Julian grinned at his friend. “Some men might have welcomed that silence from her.”

“Nonsense, I like your aunt. She’s not the same battle-axe she used to be, though.”

“The years have definitely mellowed her, that and the wine she constantly consumes,” he grumbled quietly.

Sullivan laughed. “She used to lecture us about the perils of overindulgence. I should send her a barrel of it to see what she says in response.”

She’d probably thank Sullivan, and mention she’d be happy to receive the rest of his wine cellar as well. “I’m pretty sure she’d blister your ears,” Julian murmured as his eyes snagged on a welcome sight—new arrivals.

Mr. and Mrs. Hayes had arrived, Lavinia standing between them. Following was Portia, looking as lovely as ever…on Montrose’s arm.

Julian stared across the room in consternation. “What the devil is he doing here?”

“Mrs. King neglected to mention he was coming, but this should make for an interesting evening,” Sullivan murmured. “She could have warned us.”

“She certainly should have,” Julian agreed. He hoped he could keep his dinner down. He was very hungry tonight, but looking at Portia’s hand anywhere on Montrose made his stomach rebel.

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