Scandalous Intentions Read Free

coursed through Julian at Father’s words. “I would not dare harm her reputation. Now, may I be excused? I need to rest before I call upon her.”
    A swoosh of skirts announced Mother entering the office. “Call upon whom?” She moved to Julian’s side, placing a hand on his shoulder.
    He glanced up at her and grinned before standing to embrace her. He would never stop appreciating how loving she was in contrast to Father.
    In all fairness, Father probably could not help his nature. According to Mother, Grandfather had treated Father in much the same way. Unfortunately, Grandmother had passed away during childbirth so Father never had the influence of a loving, supportive parent.
    “Good morning, Mother.” Julian released her and stepped back.
    Her green eyes, so much like his own, scanned his face. “Did I hear you say you are courting someone?” She beamed at him.
    “Yes, Lydia, he has chosen Lady Sarah Roseington.” Father cut in.
    She glanced between them. “How wonderful. She is a marvelous choice.”
    Julian’s head began to throb. He needed sleep, and, more importantly, he needed to get away from his father. Understanding his nature did not change the way Julian felt about the man.
    “I am quite fatigued. May I be excused?”
    “Very well, but remember, time is running short. Waste not a moment.”
    Mother placed a hand on his arm. “You can retire to your old suite, if it pleases you. I will have food brought up, and you have spare clothing in the wardrobe. There is no reason to travel back to London straight away.”
    “That is a novel idea, Mother. Thank you.” Julian gave a nod. “Father.”
    The hike up the stairs to his old room seemed like hours. As soon as he entered, he lowered himself onto a wing-back chair and relaxed, letting the tension of his predicament seep out of him. Laying his head back, he allowed his heavy eyelids to close.
    Several hours later, he woke still in his evening clothes. He rolled his neck to work out the kinks from sleeping upright, then stood and stretched.
    A cursory glance out the window confirmed he had slept well into the day. It had grown too late to take Lady Sarah for a ride through Hyde Park as he had planned. But then, he doubted she would have gone willingly.
    He would not give up so easily. Julian removed his evening coat and cravat, then rung for a valet to help him change. He splashed his face with cool water from the basin on the washstand before drying it with a soft cloth. The looking glass reflected his disheveled state, and he shook his head. A shadow of whiskers covered his jaw. He would have the valet give him a shave.
    A knock sounded on the door, and Julian tossed the towel aside. “Come in.”
    “At your service, Lord Luvington.” The valet bowed.
    Julian sat near the basin and stretched his legs out, closing his eyes as the man shaved his face clean. The perfect time to think. He needed to come up with a new plan to see Lady Sarah today.
    But what? He could not very well march up to her home and request her company at this late hour. Nor could he waste time not seeing her.
    The moment Father ordered him to marry a woman of sound morals, he had decided on Lady Sarah. Beneath her proper façade, he suspected there lay a woman full of passion and fire. Last night provided him evidence that his theory was correct. At least the fire was there. He did not want to be saddled with a boring lady nor a starry-eyed debutante. Lady Sarah proved to be neither.
    She had enjoyed several seasons already, putting her well past the debutante stage. He could only imagine she remained unattached because she did not wish to wed, or because she desired a love match. In either case it made seeing her all the more imperative. It would take time to sway her.
    “My lord.”
    Julian opened his eyes, and the valet handed him an ornate silver looking glass.
    He studied the man’s work before standing. “Much improved.”
    The valet moved to the wardrobe and