The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

“May I be of some assistance, Lady Sesily?” Sesily stood and leveled him with a cool look. “A decent gentleman would already have proffered his handkerchief.” She’d never liked him. None of them had. Not that he’d deserved their liking. “I would not like to give you reason to find me lacking, but . . .” There was not much he could do with a wild beast in his arms. “No need to worry, Haven,” Sesily said, her spirits clearly restored. “I find you immensely lacking without any additional reasons.” He blinked. “I am heartened to see you are feeling so much repaired.” “Knowing I ruined your boots does help matters along.” “I see you are as charming as ever,” he said dryly, lifting the animal in his arms. “And with significantly more cats.” The cat protested with a mighty yowl. So much for the feline gods. Sesily reached for the animal. “Only a monster would punish a cat for an unavoidable owner infraction.” “Oh, for God’s sake,” he said, “I’m not punishing the damn cat. If you take him from me, I shall find you a handkerchief.” “No. No one is taking the cat. The cat is going back into his basket until Sesily has a room.” Sera stepped down from the carriage, basket in hand, heading directly for them. “And a bath.”