My Kind of Scoundrel by Adele Clee

Author:Adele Clee [Clee, Adele]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

Aaron held his chin between his thumb and forefinger, his expression a mix of contemplation and concentration. “Everyone knows money runs like water through Wrotham’s fingers. But to have Lady Lucille mop up his mess is downright embarrassing.”

Theo swallowed a tender piece of beef and dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Why order The Vampyre from Pickering’s library? What are the odds she would innocently pick the villain’s book?”

“Extremely poor.” Aaron reached for his wine, took a sip and looked at Miss Darrow, seated to his left. “Are you sure you’ve told us everything?”

Appearing quite revived, she nodded. “I have no need to lie or keep secrets.” Her gaze drifted to Theo. “Honesty above all else. That is our motto.”

Aaron’s mocking snort rang through the dining room. “There is no such thing, Miss Darrow. Everyone manipulates the truth for their own advantage.”

Theo did not challenge Aaron’s opinion. He had professed to be Miss Darrow’s friend when he wanted to be her lover. “You should know. You’re an expert. You ask Miss Scrumptious to close her curtains, then grumble to yourself when she does.”

Aaron shot Theo a murderous look.

“Miss Scrumptious?” Miss Darrow said.

“It’s Miss Lovelace’s moniker,” Aaron snapped. “My brothers find childish games amusing. I ask that you refrain from repeating it outside these walls. As competitors, our relationship is often strained.”

Miss Darrow’s playful shrug mirrored her teasing smile. “I’m sure Miss Lovelace would see it as a compliment. What lady wouldn’t want to be considered scrumptious?”

Aaron downed his wine. “An intelligent woman wants a man to worship her mind, not her physical attributes. I would hate for her to think I encouraged my brothers’ juvenile banter.”

“All women like to feel attractive. I’m sure men are the same, too.” The glint in her emerald eyes said she had mischief in mind. “You’re an incredibly handsome man, sir. I’m sure Miss Lovelace has a similar moniker for you. I’ve seen her admiring your physique on numerous occasions.”

Aaron placed his cutlery on his plate and pushed out of the chair. “I suspect she was looking for ways to weaken my resolve. If you’ll excuse me. I must change before we open the club.” He glanced at Theo. “I’ll require your assistance tonight. Pendleton has a death wish, and Rothley won’t rest until every lord in London is declared bankrupt.”

“I shall forsake dessert and meet you in the card room. Miss Darrow kindly offered to share her plum pie later.” While Aaron wasn’t looking, Theo smiled at her and winked. “We’ll devour it while attempting to solve a puzzling theory.”

“A theory?” Aaron said. “About the case?”

“No, about Greek Mythology and foreign cultures.”

Miss Darrow was quick to add, “Though I will devise a plan of action for tomorrow. We have many lines of enquiry. Above all, I must discover why Emily removed the bolts of silk.”

Tomorrow would be another tiring day, following pointless leads and listening to endless lies. Miss Darrow would suffer another disappointment. Her trusted seamstress was a sly thief.

“I took the liberty of having your things moved to Delphine’s old room, Miss Darrow.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.