Page 22 of The Lady Loves A Scandal

He could fairly visualize Sybil’s confused expression—the way a single cocoa brow would raise, her lips would press into a frown, and she’d stumbled over her words. None of this would take away from her exquisite beauty. It would only serve to lull Charles into a false sense of chivalry. He would want to help her, assist her in any way possible, just to dispel her unease.

“I am Mr. Charles Smythe.” With amused chagrin, Gideon watched Charles bow grandly as if Sybil were the queen. “Lord Galway and I grew up together. My father worked as the Galway steward for several decades.”

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Smythe.”

“Do call me Charles.”

If anyone in Gideon’s household thought it peculiar that Lady Sybil had arrived at Gideon’s door—obviously unchaperoned and long past the socially acceptable calling hour—they did not breathe a word of it.

At that moment, Sybil glanced over Charles’ shoulder, spotting Gideon lurking down the hall, her eyes narrowed on him.

“We were enjoying our evening repast,” Charles said, nodding back down the hall. “Would you care to join us?”

“I…well…I came to speak with…” Sybil stumbled over her words as she glanced between Gideon and Charles. “I suppose I should join you, or I fear your food will grow cold.”

Gideon had remained hidden long enough. Stepping into the foyer, he greeted her. “Good evening, Lady Sybil. I was not expecting you. In fact, I believe I specifically said not to—“

“Heavens,” Charles snapped as he held out his arm for Sybil. She glanced at it for only a second before determining the man posed no danger and set her fingers at his elbow. “It appears everyone in this household has abandoned their manners. Luckily, I am here, the perfect gentleman.”

Sybil giggled. Actually giggled.

In the last few minutes, Charles had gone from utter terror at what the letter held to charming London gentleman.

It was obvious his friend had missed his calling. Sybil’s radiant smile as she stared up at Charles sent a jolt of pure jealousy through Gideon. Odd how the appearance of a beautiful woman had them both forgetting the letter from the courts.

Gideon slipped the missive into his shirt pocket and followed the pair as they walked by him toward the dining hall.

“Jackson,” Gideon called to the lingering footman. “Please, have a place setting added for Lady Sybil. She will be joining us for the remainder of our meal.”

Chapter 7

3 January 1816

Another woman? Tell me, kind readers, that this author is mistaken. It is rumored that Lord Galway did not leave to pursue his interest in pirating, nor did the intrigue—and coin—of a life as a highwayman steal him from our great town. No…another woman? I shan’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes.

~ Lady X

Sybil did her utmost to remain tranquil and composed at Gideon’s dining table as the man to her left, Mr. Charles Smythe, regaled her with tales from the viscount’s childhood by the Scottish border. Inside, she was reeling from the fact that Gideon had such a close confidante and friend he’d never spoken of to her.

Smiling and nodding, as any enthralled woman would do while listening with rapture to the men jesting back and forth, Sybil could not help casting furtive glances in Gideon’s direction.

It was with great abandon that she’d told Gideon everything about her past—before he learned of her less than stellar upbringing in France in the gossips—yet, he’d kept so much of who he was and where he came from to himself.

“…and so, Giddy and I—“

“Giddy?” Sybil asked, raising a brow at Gideon. “I must say, I have never heard anyone call Lord Galway Giddy.”

To his credit, Gideon’s cheeks flamed, and he made at least an attempt to look sheepish. “Yes, it was what my mother called me when I was very young. A play on Gideon, obviously, but also because I was fond of horses.”

“And he’d neigh before he spoke,” Charles laughed. “He not only had a fondness for horses, but he actually thought himself one until he was what…” He paused and looked at Gideon for input, but the viscount remained silent. “Age fifteen?”

“Come now, Charles,” Gideon boomed. “It was closer to five.”

“All right, all right…I find myself exaggerating the details for the amusement of our guest.” Charles laid his napkin next to his untouched plate. “I find I am helpless to do anything but make certain Lady Sybil is having a marvelous time after her less than hospitable welcome.”

“I assure you, Charles, my arrival was a shock to everyone, including Lord Galway.” Sybil saw Gideon cast his friend a veiled glance as she tried to make excuses for him. “Besides, my mere presence here is highly scandalous, do you not agree?”

Sybil took a sip from her wine goblet to keep from glancing in Gideon’s direction. She knew bloody well he was angry with her. He’d specifically instructed her not to call on him, but what other choice did she have? Gideon was keeping things from her, and she doubted Charles’ presence at his townhouse was even the half of it.