Page 26 of For The Love Of A Widow

“Lord Gable,” Daniel said by way of greeting as he turned to face the man, releasing Lettie’s arm and stepping in front of her. “I was unaware you favored women’s fashion.”

Lettie attempted to peek around Daniel, but he was too quick and sidestepped to block her view. Was he embarrassed to be seen with Lettie on his arm?

Maybe she was not so far off with her sense that he hid something from her—the thing that had brought about such a drastic change in him.

“No, no,” Gable said. “I am only collecting a gown for my mistress…a feisty golden-haired siren, Amberlyn. You remember her from the playhouse, do you not?” Daniel didn’t so much as nod to the man. “Oh, well, you have been absent for several months, but the woman is going to be the death of me—I swear the things she can do with her legs…”

Gable sighed, not bothering to finish the statement.

As if Daniel were more than capable of envisioning exactly what the man meant.

Lettie was not unaware of the pleasure shared between a man and a woman. Though speaking of such things publicly was highly indecorous. That a lady was present made Gable’s statement all the more unsettling.

“Ah, well. Who do you have with you, Danny Boy?” Gable stepped around Daniel and grasped Lettie’s hand, bringing it to his lips.

She could have sworn Daniel growled beside her.

“And who might you be, you tiny minx?” Gable purred as Lettie pulled her hand back from his clammy touch, the heat and moisture felt even through her gloves. “You must be the reason Danny hasn’t been much for fun of late.”

Lettie swallowed, glancing sideways at Daniel.

He did not smile nor join in the revelry with Gable, though neither did he step forward to make a proper introduction.

“I am Lady Lettie Hughes, my lord,” Lettie said, giving a curtsy. “But I am afraid it is not I keeping Lord Linwood from any merriment.”

“Oh, is that true?” Gable looked from Lettie back to Daniel. “Well, you must join me tonight. I am hosting a card game, and, well, other entertainments.”

Daniel’s eyes flashed, finally settling on Gable. “I am otherwise occupied this evening.”

Gable took Lettie in from head to toe, a lecherous grin settling. “I expect you are; however, the invitation stands.” Gable kept his stare trained on her. “Bring Lady Lettie Hughes with you, Danny Boy. But remember, clothing is always optional in my home.”

Lettie gasped but had no opportunity to rebuff the man’s insinuation.

With a tug, Daniel pulled the door wide and steered her out of the store.

“She must be quite the pleasure pot to keep you from the gaming hells, Danny Boy!”

Lord Gable’s riotous laughter could be heard as Daniel’s coachman assisted her into the waiting carriage.

The quick pace pushed the breath from Lettie’s lungs as she all but fell on her seat, a scathing retort at the ready.

“Wait here, I will return momentarily.” Daniel’s eyes dared her to move an inch, their intensity kept Lettie frozen in her seat as he pivoted and made his way back into the shop.

She careened her neck to see inside, but the draperies in the front window made it impossible.

True to his word, Daniel exited the shop after only a few minutes, pushing his black hair from his face before entering the carriage.

Daniel sat across from her, his lips taut and his shoulders stiff with tension.

The words died before making it past her lips.

“I apologize for Lord Gable’s inappropriate comments.” He called to his driver to be off and settled in to gaze out the window as they made their way back to her family’s townhouse.

The man meant to offer no other explanation for the scandalous encounter.

Lettie’s temper flared red-hot. “Did that man think me to be your—“ the word stuck in her throat, but she pushed it out, needing an answer, “your paramour? A kept woman?” Her voice rose with each word until her final question was little more than a shrill screech. “Your courtesan?”

Her fury only increased when he remained silent, giving her not even the satisfaction of a bogus explanation.