Page 21 of To Tame a Wicked Widow

“A worthy man of the cloth,” said the vicar reluctantly, his beetle brows and pursed lips making him look even more gargoyle than usual.

Penelope turned pea-green. “How could you, Madeline? Lord Dare has no money! I don’t want to eat pasties…oh, you are so very selfish!”

His wife’s hand clenched on his sleeve, and Ethan could only admire the restraint it must be taking not to leap forward and snatch the ridiculous woman bald.

“Enough,” said Madeline firmly. “There’ll be no more hysterics. And no more sending me your bills. The two of you need to make your own way in the world. My husband has generously offered to provide a cottage rent-free, but everything else will be your responsibility. As for you two,” she continued, glaring at Faith and Winifred, “I will tolerate no more insults. Not about my hair or my manners or my history, nothing of which I would change. But I am Viscountess Dare now, and you will accord me every respect due the position.”

“Hear, hear,” said Ethan, shooting a deadly gaze around the room, just in case anyone thought an argument might be a good idea. But Faith and Winifred were so rigidly still they could be used to decorate a garden. Mark tugged miserably on his intricate cravat, and Penelope frantically fanned herself.

The vicar frowned. “Marriage can be difficult, my lord, and you are young. Should you need wise counsel in managing a willful wife, do not hesitate to contact me.”

Somehow Ethan managed not to roll his eyes. “I consider Lady Dare a woman of strength and character. But if it sets your mind at ease, sir, know that I shall pay careful attention to the material she studies, and I’m sure with children in the nursery and discipline when required, she will be just fine.”

Next to him, Madeline quivered, and he discreetly jabbed her with his thumb so she didn’t dissolve into laughter and distract the most magnificent acting never performed on stage.

“Very sensible,” said the vicar, nodding. “As I always say, never spare the rod.”

“On my honor, I will not,” said Ethan gravely, and Madeline pressed her fingers to her lips and coughed twice.

Thankfully a knock sounded at the drawing room door, and two footmen carrying trays of champagne marched in. Exactly how great actors like Kean and Siddons managed to stay in character for hours at a time he couldn’t begin to fathom. “Ah, here we go. I’m certain you will all join me in toasting my wife.”

Once everyone had a glass, he raised his. “To Lady Dare.”

“Every happiness, Madeline,” called her mother unexpectedly, and he gave the woman an approving smile. Perhaps she might be permitted to visit again. The rest of them could go bathe in the Thames.

“To Lady Dare,” the others chorused dutifully.

Turning, he pressed his glass to Madeline’s. “To us.”

She bit her lip, her eyes bright with barely-suppressed merriment. “To appropriate study material, children in the nursery, and discipline when required.”

Oh, but she was a minx. One of the many, many things he loved about her.

“Hmmm,” he said slowly, “you appear a trifle fatigued, my lady. Do you need to retire upstairs?”

Madeline wilted against him. “I fear I am. Would you escort me?”

He nodded solemnly, the turned to their audience. “Do excuse us. Lady Dare is feeling a little under the weather, so I will see to her needs. No doubt you’ll all wish to take the time before supper to pack. I know how much you must be missing your own beds, so travel arrangements have been scheduled for first thing in the morning.”

“Thank you, my lord,” said Winifred, with the baffled look of someone who is aware they have been checkmated, but entirely unsure how.

“See you at supper, then,” he said, bowing to the room before assisting Madeline away. They walked sedately through the entrance hall and up the stairs, but as soon as they reached the second floor, Madeline hitched up her gold-striped gown and began to run toward the master bedchamber.

“Catch me if you can,” she said, with a saucy wink over her shoulder.

With a low whoop, he chased her into the room, slamming the door behind him, and stalking her movements as she kicked off her heeled slippers and headed straight for the oversized four-poster bed. “Trapped, sweetheart.”

“Oh dear,” she said with a sultry smile. “Whatever shall I do?”

“Surrender immediately and prepare to be conquered shortly afterward.”

Her laughter warmed him to the core, but not as much as when she leaped into his arms and kissed him in her deliciously unladylike way. “You know, you are going to fit in beautifully.”

“In your cunt? That fact is already well established,” Ethan replied, cupping her breast and rubbing his thumb across her rock-hard nipple. “Or perhaps you mean your mouth? Your ass?”

Madeline moaned and rubbed against him. “No. The Society. I cannot wait to introduce you to everyone.”

“Which society might this be?”