Scandalous Intentions Read Free Page B

signify. As long as she showed herself, he would be happy.
    A footman knocked on the door frame, causing him to glance away from the invitation in his hand.
    “Enter.” Julian stood and met the servant halfway. He handed him the invitation. “Deliver this to the Marquess and Marchioness of Havenshire without delay. Have someone send my valet up to my suite on your way out.”
    “Yes, my lord.” The footman rushed from the room.
    Pulse quickening, Julian trekked to his room. He needed to see Lady Sarah. Father’s words bounced around his head, and urgency filled his soul. But something more tugged at him. He genuinely liked the lady, and there was no denying his attraction to her. A far cry from love, but a fire had undeniably flared in him when he touched her at the ball.
    Julian exhaled a deep breath and began to prepare for the evening.

SCANDALOUS INTENTIONS

    CHAPTER THREE
    “My lady.”
    Sarah peeked up through her lashes at the young maid who stood before her. She closed the astronomy book on her lap and tipped her head up as the maid curtsied.
    “Lady Roseington requests your presence in the drawing room.”
    Sarah nodded. Once the maid left, she pressed her lips together, heart sinking. What could mother want that required interrupting her? Father promised to bring out his telescope so they could observe the heavens. Now it would have to wait.
    Still clutching the book, she stood and straightened her taffeta skirts with her free hand. She strolled across the cobblestones toward the townhouse. Had something awful happened? Her chest tightened with each step she took.
    Whatever this was about, it must be of the utmost importance, as mother rarely sent for her. The need seldom presented itself. They saw each other several times a day, prearranged for outings, family gatherings, and social events. The last time mother summoned her, it was due to a family crisis. She quickened her pace.
    Entering through the door in a most unladylike way, she passed her book to the butler and continued toward the drawing room. Pray, let everything be as it should.
    The moment she entered the drawing room, her gaze met Mother’s. She sat on the settee, sewing. Bright sunlight poured through a stain-glass window and washed Mother’s pale blond tresses in a kaleidoscope of color while she slowly pulled a needle through the cloth she held in her gloved hand.
    Sarah took a calming breath and tried to steady her shaking hands. Nothing seemed amiss.
    Mother set her stitching aside and studied Sarah. The slightest trace of amusement lit her turquoise eyes.
    Sarah moved farther into the room. “You wanted to see me.” She arranged herself on a velvet wing-back chair near the settee.
    “Yes, dear. We received an invitation to attend the opera tonight at Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House.” Mother grinned. “I wanted to ensure you would have plenty of time to prepare.” She took Sarah’s hand in hers. “It appears my interpretation of last night’s events were accurate.”
    “To what interpretation do you refer?” She nibbled her bottom lip and waited for Mother’s reply. Please, let it not have to do with Julian Carrington.
    “Why, your admirer of course. I told you Lord Luvington appeared to be smitten with you. He has invited us to join him in his private box. It is so wonderful.” She squeezed Sarah’s hand before releasing it.
    Sarah straightened her back and averted her gaze. “It is awful, Mother. He is a notorious rake.” She glanced back at Mother. “No good can come of this.” She stood and paced to the hearth before turning back. “Think of my reputation.”
    “Mind your manners, Sarah. Think of the damage to all of our reputations if we refuse. It would be rude to deny the invitation if for no other reason than his father is a duke.” Mother peered at her. “Do, come, and sit back down. Your reputation will not be tarnished simply from being in his company.”
    Sarah did as Mother requested, exhaling as