Page 50 of The Captain Claims His Temptress

“Are you aware that your poor reputation has followed you? The Eatons and the Beaumonts are old friends. I will not stand by and watch you tarnish Stephen’s reputation.”

The barb cut deep and rang true, but Maddie did not have time to engage in self-loathing.

“And you are entirely too old for him,” Arabella added.

Well, that was just mean-spirited.

“And”—Arabella narrowed her eyes—“I overheard Mr. Adams telling Mr. Miller that you kissed him.”

Maddie must have misunderstood. “Mr. Adams said I kissedhim?”

“Yes. In the hallway where people could see. Everyone is talking about it. And now you are throwing yourself at Stephen.”

So, Hugo Adams started the rumors about himself and Maddie? How absolutelyMephistophelian.

Maddie darted up the staircase. Halfway up the flight, she halted and faced a smirking Arabella. “Miss Beaumont, can the daughter of a viscount court the fourth son of an earl?”

“Stephen is a second son,” Arabella snapped.

“Oh, I am aware of Stephen’s station. I am referring to Second Lieutenant Calhoun.”

“Whatever are you talking about?”

“Benjamin Calhoun is quite taken with you.” What the charming Benjamin saw in Arabella, Maddie could not say, but his doe-eyed expression while in the girl’s presence betrayed his infatuation. “If you do not reciprocate his feelings, I will introduce him to Aunt Henrietta’s friend. My aunt is exceedingly fond of him.”

If Arabella had been a puppy, her ears would have popped into the air. “Which friend?”

Maddie waved her hand, stalling, while she tried to fabricate a name. It was pointless. She was a terrible liar. “Are you interested?”

Arabella lifted her chin so high she was lucky she didn’t strain her reedy neck. “No.”

“Benjamin will be disappointed. Everyone sees the way he looks at you. And he is exceedingly handsome.” Maddie brought a hand to her heart and theatrically sighed. “Please excuse me.” She turned her back to Arabella to hide her grin.

“Yes,” Arabella called.

Maddie schooled her smile and looked over her shoulder.

Arabella frowned. “I mean, no. Er, maybe?”

“You should make up your mind because he is quite the catch.” Maddie’d search her uncle’s library for a copy of William Shakespeare’sThe Taming of the Shrewand gift it to Benjamin. She hastened up the stairs trying not to giggle.

She was almost to the study when someone behind her called, “Mrs. Spencer.” She turned to find Hugo Adams and his forlorn expression.

She needed to confront the man about the falsehoods he’d spread but now was not the time. She waited for him to catch up to her.

Out of breath, and panting with exertion from his chase, he stepped into her space. “I would be most honored if you accompany me for a boat ride tomorrow.”

Although vexed with the man, it gave her no pleasure to hurt his feelings. “Thank you for your kind offer. But my uncle has tasked me with keeping an eye on Captain Eaton, so I shall be boating with him.” Please let Stephen invite her.

“Lady Saxton may join us as a chaperone if that makes you more comfortable. I would never do anything to harm your honor. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Captain Eaton has disregarded your reputation.”

How dare Hugo. It was not the additional damage he’d done to her repute that caused her stomach to roil, it was his outright devious denial that he’d done it. Clenching her jaw, she met his gaze.

His cheeks reddened. “I have told your uncle that using you this way is preposterous.” Spittle flew from his mouth. “Captain Eaton is behaving in a most ungentlemanly manner. I will not allow it.”

Composing herself, Maddie smoothed her skirts, then lifted her chin. “Mr. Adams, I am not a young girl. I am a widow of six–and-twenty. I do not require a chaperone or a nursemaid. I will not listen to one more disparaging remark against Captain Eaton, especially from you. I know you spread salacious lies about us and Stephen betraying his unit. I know not why you would do this unless it is out of jealousy.”

“What? I would never—”