Scandalous Intentions Read Free Page A

selected day clothes. Once dressed, Julian headed down to the dining room where he found his parents enjoying an afternoon snack.
    “You must be famished, dear,” Mother said. “Please join us. I will have the staff bring you a feast.”
    “A feast is not necessary. A snack will suffice.” Julian grinned as he reached for a finger sandwich. A maid stepped forward and filled his glass.
    “It is a bit late to call on Lady Sarah now,” Father said. “You will not meet your deadline sleeping the day away.”
    Mother sighed from the foot of the table. “Can our son not enjoy a meal? He said he is courting her. He knows what he must do.”
    “Very well, I will say no more on the matter.” Father sipped his wine.
    Thank God for Mother’s interference. If not for her, he would have come to blows with Father long ago.
    Mother looked at him. “Have you been to the opera of late?”
    “No, I cannot say that I have.” Julian took a bite of his sandwich.
    “Your father and I attended a fortnight ago. We had a splendid time.” She waved her hand through the air in a dramatic flair. “The Royal Opera House was full to capacity. All of the lords and ladies seemed enthralled as the show took place. Lady Othelia said--”
    Julian stood. “I must be getting back to London.” He gave each of his parents a nod. “Forgive me, Mother.” He loved her, but she did tend to go on at the worst times.
    “Yes, of course, dear. The day grows late.”
    A stab of regret went through Julian at the way he had just treated his mother. She did not look the least bit taken back by his abruptness. She had likely become used to such behavior from his father. His wife would never experience such ill treatment.
    Julian turned and left the room before Father had a chance to speak. When he reached the entrance, he ordered his horse brought around then stood on the massive stone porch to wait.
    He suspected his Mother’s comments were directed at him in more ways than one. A grin flashed across his face. Perchance he would see Lady Sarah after all. He tapped his foot and glanced at the horizon. If he hurried, he could make London well before dusk.
    When his beast appeared, he mounted, ordering his carriage delivered to London without delay. Julian did not wait for a response from the stable lad before he spurred the beast into motion and raced away from his parents’ estate.
    The sun passed its highest zenith hours before Julian reached his stable at Luvington house. Nightfall would be upon London in mere hours. He dismounted and tossed the reins to a groom. “See that he receives food and water right away.”
    “Yes, my lord.” The groom bowed.
    Julian moved toward his townhouse with a quick gait. He needed to get things set for this evening. If all went well, he would be in Lady Sarah’s company by nightfall. Lucky for him, the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire were acquainted with his family in a friendly way.
    His under-butler opened the English oak door to the entrance hall as Julian approached. “Welcome home, my lord,” he said as he bowed then took Julian’s gloves and riding coat.
    Julian nodded and handed his hat to the servant. “Send a footman to my office in five minutes.”
    “As you wish, my lord.”
    He strode to his office and sat at his hand carved cherry wood desk. The crisp spring air drifting in from the window cooled his nerves. He penned an invitation, then lay it flat on the desk before writing the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire’s names upon it. After flipping it over he closed it with his seal.
    Julian rubbed a hand across his face. He hoped the Havenshire’s connection with his family would be enough for them to accept. If not, his father’s status should suit. Would Lady Sarah be angry? He hoped not, but then he had enjoyed seeing her miffed at the ball.
    Not that he wished to upset her, he did not. But the way she had pinned him under her gaze proved adorable. Julian shook his head. It did not