Read To Love a Scoundrel (Zebra Historical Romance) for Free Online Page B

Stoneham as quickly as possible."
    Eleanor nodded her agreement. "But who? I've already had two Seasons, you know."
    "Yes, and perhaps you should not have been so
choosy," Selina scolded. "After all, nearly any gentleman is better than Frederick Stoneham."
    Eleanor could not argue that point.
    "I cannot sit idly by and watch your poor, fragile
heart get trampled on once more by that scoundrel."
Selina patted her on the shoulder. "Do not fret, Eleanor.
I will think of something"
    Eleanor only hoped she'd be quick about it.
    "Devonshire? What would he be doing in Devonshire?" Henley poured a generous amount of brandy
into an intricately cut glass and handed it to Frederick.
    "My fear is that he plans to set sail from Plymouth.
Of course, it's entirely possible that he's not in Devonshire at all. Maria's in no shape to determine just what information is credible right now." Frederick took a long
draught of the brandy, savoring the full, smoky flavor as
it burned a path to his stomach. "I've no idea where she
obtained her information, though she claims a reliable
source"

    Henley nodded sharply. "Still, the lead is worth pursuing. My youngest brother George resides in Devonshire. He has a lovely estate south of Plymouth, on
the coast. He'll have no objection to aiding us"
    "Us?"
    "Of course. I'll travel there with you"
    "I cannot ask that of you, Henley, with you so newly
wed. And to lovely little Selina Snowden-however did
you manage it, a cowhanded old chap like yourself?"
    Henley raised one dark brow. "You're acquainted
with my wife?"
    "Since long before she put her hair up. Gloriously
fair hair, if I remember correctly." Frederick attempted
a lascivious smile.
    "It is, indeed." Henley eyed him coolly, clearly taking
Frederick's bait.
    There was no need to involve Henley in such unpleasant business. He would take care of Eckford himself. "I
must say, I'm eager to reacquaint myself with your wife,"
he said with a leer. "Is she home at present?"
    Henley's scowl gave way to a wry grin. "I say, you had
me going for a moment there, Stoneham. Indeed, you
shall reacquaint yourself with my viscountess, and we
shall all travel-together-to Devonshire. I will hear
no more objections."
    Frederick shook his head. "Despite any promises you
might have made my brother before his untimely
demise, you owe me nothing" Henley was a good man,
a man of worth. Frederick knew he did not deserve such
a champion.

    "Charles was a very good friend, indeed, but he's
been gone more than a decade now. You've been my
friend in his stead, all these years"
    "Not so good a friend as to get invited to your wedding, Isee," Frederick grumbled.
    Henley had the good grace to look uneasy. "I'm sorry
about that, Stoneham, old boy. But with all the talk surrounding you these past months, I decided it best-"
    "Do not worry yourself over it, Henley. I shall do my
best to overcome the slight," he quipped.
    "Yes, well. Ahem. Anyway, Charles did ask that I
watch over your welfare in his absence, and it has been
an honor and privilege to do so, though God knows I've
failed you more than once. I will aid you in this"
    Frederick shifted his weight uncomfortably, wishing
he could dissuade the man, yet grateful for his tenacity
at the same time.
    "Now," Henley said, clapping him on the back. "Shall
we go and find my wife?"
    "I'd like nothing better. I hope you don't think me ungrateful, Henley. I do appreciate your support. I only
wish I could spare your involvement in such an unpleasant situation as this."
    "Nonsense, old boy. Come now, let's adjourn to the
sitting room. I'm willing to bet Selina is wearing the
carpet thin, awaiting to receive you"
    Frederick wasn't sure the woman would be quite so
pleased to see him. Still, he nodded and followed Henley
down the narrow corridor, vaguely wondering if Lady
Eleanor remained in the woman's company. If so, his reception would no doubt be icy indeed.
    Henley paused beside an arched oak