The Importance of Being Wicked. Victoria Alexander

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СКАЧАТЬ he would have been had they been destroyed. The things that we did lose were bad enough.” She paused for a long moment and Miranda wondered if she was thinking about all those family treasures that were lost. “You must understand, Lady Garret, Winfield has not been the same since the fire.”

      “I suspect none of you are the same,” Miranda said slowly. “I can’t imagine how horrible it would be to lose those things that are irreplaceable.”

      “Life goes on though, doesn’t it? And we must carry on to the best of our abilities.”

      “Of course.”

      “I never dreamed I would call Winfield stodgy or stiff.” Lady Fairborough heaved a heartfelt sigh. “But his responsibilities seem to weigh heavier on him now than they did before the fire. It’s to be expected, I suppose, but he’s always been so lighthearted and amusing and witty. Women in particular have always found him charming. Extremely so.”

      “So I have heard,” Miranda said dryly.

      “Are you speaking of his reputation?”

      “It’s nothing more than gossip, mind you. There have been stories . . . here and there. . . .” Miranda’s voice trailed off helplessly. It was one thing to discuss a man’s amorous reputation with a friend and quite another to talk about it with his mother.

      “I am well aware of them. Most of them, anyway. Although I daresay there could be those I have yet to hear of, which is probably for the best.” Lady Fairborough chuckled. “He did have a bit of a misspent youth, but then what spirited young man doesn’t?”

      Miranda smiled weakly.

      “However, he never acted dishonorably, he never ruined a young woman’s life and he was never involved in any sort of unforgivable scandals. As far as I know, that is, and I daresay I would know.” She shook her head. “You would be surprised at the delight some people take in telling you the most dreadful stories about your offspring. However, most of his dubious misdeeds are long behind him.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Unless you are referring to his engagements, which admittedly have not cast him in the best light.”

      Miranda drew a deep breath. “One does wonder . . .”

      “As is only natural.” Lady Fairborough pressed her lips together in a firm line. “But things are not always as they appear, my dear.”

      “It’s been my experience that they rarely are.”

      “How very wise of you to understand that.” She refilled Miranda’s cup. “The earl and I haven’t been abroad in years. We intend to travel when all is settled here.” She handed her back her cup. “Including our son.”

      “What do you mean by settled?”

      “Oh, I don’t know. Nothing in particular.” She shrugged.

      “Grayson is home now and will soon be wed. I simply wish to see both of my boys settled and happy.”

      “As any mother would,” Miranda said cautiously.

      “Have you ever considered that there is something to be said for a wicked man?”

      Miranda started. “Well, I—”

      “Lord Fairborough was quite wicked when we first met.” The countess stirred sugar into her cup. “I must tell you there is nothing more fun than having a wicked man.”

      Miranda choked on her tea.

      “And then”—Lady Fairborough flashed a smug smile—“reforming him.”

      Miranda cleared her throat. “Forgive me for being blunt, but why are you telling me all this?”

      “Why?” Lady Fairborough’s eyes widened innocently. “No reason in particular, I suppose. I was simply making idle chatter. The mention of Winfield’s engagements did lead me to think about wicked reputations in general and well, there you have it.” She shrugged. “It does seem like forever since I had tea with a friend.” She reached over and patted Miranda’s hand. “And I do hope we will be friends.”

      Miranda smiled with relief. “I would like that.”

      “Now.” The countess straightened and picked up a biscuit. “You should try the biscuits, they are excellent.”

      Miranda selected a biscuit and took a bite. It was indeed very good.

      “Do tell me the latest news about your family. I can’t remember the last time I saw your mother. I read your brother’s last book. I must say . . .”

      The older lady chatted on and Miranda responded as needed. It was, all in all, the kind of chat she might have had with any friend or female relation although she couldn’t quite dismiss the growing conviction that Lady Fairborough wanted nothing more than for her son to find fiancée number four and for whatever reason, she considered Miranda a suitable candidate. That was certainly not going to happen.

      For one thing, he didn’t especially seem to like her. Admittedly, every time he had made an attempt to be witty or charming she had cut him off. She wasn’t entirely sure why. Although there were any number of reasons. Even though she had told Clara she intended to be more amenable to his lordship’s charms she hadn’t been able to bring herself to do so. Not that he had made any particular effort to charm her. Which was most annoying. But she did wish to appear professional and certainly Lord Stillwell would not flirt with her if she were a man.

      Then there was that whole business about the appeal of a wicked man. She would never admit to Lady Fairborough that she had always rather wanted a man who was a bit wicked. Not that she would ever have one. She was not the type of woman to seek out a man of that nature, and they certainly didn’t fall into her lap. She was not unattractive but considered herself more ordinary in appearance than truly pretty. Rakes and rogues did not attempt the seduction of women of ordinary appearance and reserved demeanor. Which was for the best, really. She wasn’t nearly strong enough to handle such a creature and he would surely break her heart. She would much prefer to avoid that, thank you very much.

      Still, his lordship had said she was the kind of woman who got what she wanted and would use whatever means necessary to do so. She’d never thought of herself that way. Indeed, she’d always thought she was rather weak-willed and acquiescent. His assessment had been surprising and most flattering, even if he obviously didn’t mean it as a compliment. Perhaps she was changing, evolving as it were. Or perhaps she already had. It was a shocking idea and oddly satisfying.

      Finally, Miranda gently but firmly insisted it was time for her to take her leave if she was to return to London at a reasonable hour.

      “I quite enjoyed our little chat, Lady Garret. We shall have to do it again.” Lady Fairborough accompanied her to the parlor door. “And do give my best to your mother.”

      “Lady Fairborough.” Miranda chose her words with care. “Might I say something to you in the strictest confidence?”

      “A secret?”

      “More or less.”

      Lady Fairborough shook her head in a mournful manner. “Oh, I’m afraid I’m not very good at keeping secrets. Especially if it is a particularly juicy, scandalous secret. They СКАЧАТЬ