In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady Read Free Page A

him almost as much as the diamond.
    Leo stopped before Susanna, the spectacled Leland sister. She met his gaze, hers full of a withering disdain.
    â€œPeter,” Leo said, “tell me you believe Elizabeth is the model, because I want this one.”
    Peter frowned.
    Susanna’s brave front faltered as she stiffened. “How dare you, sir! I should not think you capable of discerning the truth. Your reputation speaks of a poor intellect.”
    â€œI haven’t seen you out and about much, have I?” Leo said slowly. His eyes lit. “You’re the bluestocking, aren’t you? You dabble in art, I believe?”
    â€œDabble?” she echoed in a frosty voice.
    â€œI do believe that makes you more likely to pose for a fellow artist. What fun! Peter, what say you?” Leo didn’t take his eyes off the woman, as if she might escape if he didn’t pin her into place with his gaze.
    Peter sighed. “Rebecca, Susanna, your brother is my friend. He has helped me in so many ways I cannot recount them all. I cannot believe you guilty of such a thing, regardless of what you say.” He studied Elizabeth. “Then it has to be you.”
    She smiled cheerfully. “I told you it was.”
    Peter leaned toward her, smiling back. “And I’ll enjoy proving it.”
    Her smile faltered.
    â€œThere we have it, gentlemen,” Leo said, his voice full of good-natured ease. “This wager will be enjoyable as is, but I think a monetary reward might give us further incentive.”
    â€œMy, what big words you use,” Susanna challenged.
    Julian gave a tight smile.
    Leo laughed, then glanced with speculation at Julian and Peter. “Shall we say…five hundred pounds?”
    Nodding, Julian knew the sum was no problem forhim, but Peter was only the youngest son of a squire.
    Peter gave a brusque nod. “Done.”
    Julian said nothing about his knowledge of the jewel. A wager was a wager, and every man had to use his own advantages.
    For a moment, he couldn’t believe his search for the truth of the lost diamond could be so close to fruition. He’d spent his adult life resurrecting the respect his title deserved, saving his property and his people. He’d never set one foot outside the bounds of propriety, approaching even the smallest investment with caution and fore-thought, including even his search for a bride.
    Now here he was, dazzled by Rebecca Leland’s nudity, lured by the diamond that had contributed to his father’s downfall—challenged by the woman herself, who faced him down as if what she’d done were a grand adventure instead of the terrible risk it really was. He didn’t understand her at all. But he would learn.
    â€œThis is useless,” Rebecca said, hands on her hips.
    She should not draw attention to her feminine roundness, not when it was so boldly painted behind her.
    â€œWe could settle this right now,” Leo responded. “You could each remove your clothing and let us see the truth.”
    The women blushed, their gazes boring into Leo disdainfully.
    But Julian didn’t really want the truth revealed soeasily. He needed the cover of the wager under which to make his inquiries.
    â€œI’m looking forward to the challenge of discovering the truth—and your motives,” Leo said. “That intrigues me most of all.”
    Rebecca pulled her cap back on her head, hiding the rich sable of her hair. “Now that you’ve had your amusement, step out of our way.”
    The cap shadowed her face, leaving her full lips highlighted in a slash of light. Julian found himself far too aroused. Before he could do something foolish—like claim her with a kiss before everyone—he stepped aside.
    But instead of marching past him, she led her sister and cousin back to the painting.
    â€œWhat do you think you’re doing?” Julian demanded in disbelief as they put their hands on the