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

by Sarah MacLean

“It was never real, Lady Felicity,” he said. “You were a ruse.” She nodded. “I know. Anyone with eyes in their head could see that you and the duchess were for each other and no one else.” “Anyone but the duchess could see it, I think you mean.” He could not keep the frustration from his tone. “I think she sees it, too, you know,” she said. “But far be it from me to get involved.” “You’re standing in my bedchamber holding my wife’s sister’s cat, so I think you are rather involved already,” he pointed out. She nodded, a smile playing over her lips. “That may well be true.” “As a matter of fact, I cannot think of a less appropriate location for you than in my bedchamber holding my wife’s sister’s cat.” The smile broadened. “Are you planning to debauch me in some way?” “I am not.” “Well then I think I am perfectly safe. Also, the cat seems to dislike you.” Mal looked to the white animal, who appeared perfectly content in Felicity Faircloth’s arms. “I thought we’d reached a détente, honestly.” The cat yowled. “Oh, yes, it seems so.” She paused. “The point is, I think my person is quite safe with you.” “There was a time when I would have been disappointed with that assessment.” Felicity smirked. “I imagine you were younger then. And less besotted with your wife, which puts a considerable damper on a man’s dangerousness.” “Definitely younger, likely not at all less besotted with my wife.” “That seems to be a problem for you.” “Considering I regularly lose her, I would have to ag...