Under the Marquess's Mistletoe by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor [MacGregor, Janna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-16T16:00:00+00:00

Tristan looked in the billiard room, Lady Bentley’s sitting room, then Lord Bentley’s study. Before he spoke with Lucinda about payment, he wanted to find a private location and ensure that his brother was out of sight.

“Bridebourne,” Lucinda called out in greeting at the end of the hall.

He made his way to her side. “Hiding from me?”

“Hardly.” Lucinda smoothed her hand down her midsection and smiled.

But the telltale flutter of her hands didn’t escape his notice. She was nervous, and deservedly so. Tonight, he’d deal with her demands, then on the morrow, send her on her merry way with good riddance.

“There’s a few minutes before we’re expected back into the ballroom. Let us settle this business.” Tristan motioned down the hall where a small sitting room that was reserved for Lady Bentley’s use. “We can go in here.”

The only redeeming grace was that once he finished with Lucinda, then he’d get to spend his evening with Sophia alone. Though he didn’t look forward to the subject of the conversation, he wanted that time with her.

No. He needed that time with her. He’d do everything within his power to address any of her reservations about being with him.

Lucinda sat in a floral club chair and folded her hands in her lap. “I imagine this won’t take long.”

“No.” Tristan unbuttoned his coat, then sat in the sofa opposite of her.

Before he could ask what she was doing, Lucinda had come around and sat right beside him.

“What was the matter with your chair?” he asked. He felt his lip tug in an unwelcome sneer.

“If I don’t look at you, I’ll be able to negotiate better.”

Tristan cringed slightly at the shrill sound of her voice. Without acknowledging her, Tristan pushed over a small silver tray containing candied jellies her way. Perhaps she would choke on one.

He could only hope.

She turned slightly, then leaned his way with a smile.

The gesture reminded him of how Newberry leaned over Sophia that first night and whispered something into Sophia’s ear.

Hot waves of jealousy washed over him. He tilted his head to the ceiling and exhaled. He should be with Sophia instead of having to deal with his brother’s lover. “Let us make this quick.”

“I want another two thousand pounds,” Lucinda said softly. “Then I’ll leave your precious brother alone.”

Tristan bit his cheek. “You said the exact same thing the last time when I agreed to pay you a monthly allowance. Why should I believe you this time?”

Her hand slowly moved up his thigh. “Don’t be so solemn. It’s Christmas, darling. It’s a time for goodwill and being generous to those who are less fortunate.”

Tristan grabbed her hand before it covered his groin, then turned and stared at her. “Do not touch me. Ever.”

“Spoilsport,” she whined softly. Give me three thousand, and I’ll leave all three of you alone.”

“All three of us?” he asked.

“You, your precious brother, and your precious other fiancée.” Lucinda blinked her eyes. “I could tell her we’re lovers. Three thousand will keep my lips sealed.” She held her fingers to her mouth and made a locking motion.

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