Page 98 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Lord and Lady Blackthorn! How wonderful that you could join us. I trust your rooms are satisfactory?"

"Perfect, Your Grace," Arabella replied, managing not to look like she'd spent the morning being violently ill.

"Excellent. We have a lovely ride planned through the grounds. Nothing too strenuous."

"Delightful," Lucien said in a tone that suggested it was anything but.

The Duchess laughed. "Still not fond of society, Lord Blackthorn?"

"I'm fond of my wife. Society is a necessary evil that comes with her."

"How romantic. In a backwards sort of way."

"It's his specialty," Arabella said. "Backwards romance."

"Forward romance is overrated," Lucien countered.

"Is there such a thing as forward romance?" a familiar, unwelcome voice asked.

They turned to find Cassandra, resplendent in a crimson riding habit that made her look like a particularly venomous flower. She was accompanied by someone Lucien didn't recognize—a dark-haired man with calculating eyes and an unpleasant smile.

"Lord and Lady Blackthorn," Cassandra purred. "How lovely to see you again."

"Lady Velott," Lucien said coldly. "I understood this was an invitation-only gathering."

"Oh, it is. Dear Mr. Harrington here was invited, and I'm his guest." She gestured to her companion. "Have you met? He's recently returned from France."

The emphasis on 'France' made Lucien's jaw tighten.

"I haven't had the pleasure," Arabella said, though her tone suggested it wasn't a pleasure at all.

"Charles Harrington," the man said, bowing. "I've heard so much about you both. The lake story is quite famous even on the Continent."

"Infamous, more likely," Arabella replied.

"Oh no, definitely famous. Romance and heroism, all in one. Though I heard another version recently..."

"Did you?" Lucien's voice had gone dangerously quiet.

"Something about it being staged? A desperate attempt to trap an earl?"

"How fascinating," Arabella said sweetly. "And who told you this version?"

"I couldn't possibly say."

"Couldn't or won't?"

"Is there a difference?"

"Usually, yes. Couldn't implies inability. Won't implies cowardice."

Harrington's smile faltered. "I beg your pardon?"

"Oh, did that sound like an insult? How clumsy of me. I meant it as an observation."

"A rather pointed observation."

"I'm known for those. Ask anyone."