Page 23 of Holly & Folly

“This host prefers the truth to flattery.”

“As do I.”

They regarded one another.

“Good,” he said. “How can I persuade you to pretend to be enamored with me, then?”

Miss Prescott laughed, just as he had hoped she would. “The true concern you should have is that when you know more of me, you will not wish to be near me at all, to say nothing of pretending to be enamored with me.”

He straightened, regarding her intently. “Try me. What is it you did?”

She swallowed. “Very well. I…” She faltered, as though finding it difficult to say aloud. She pressed her lips together determinedly and lifted her chin. “I…”

“Shot a footman.”

Her brows snapped together. “What?”

“Did you shoot a footman?”

“Of course not.”

“I am certain he would have deserved it if you had. Very well. Go on.”

She looked a bit flustered, and he waited a few moments for her to gather herself.

“I…”

“Infiltrated White’s?” he suggested.

She stared.

“An impressive feat.”

“Undoubtedly, but not mine. Why would you assume it? Or that I had shot a footman?”

“When I asked Mr. Cole whether he knew what had caused you to fall under Mother’s disapproval, he could not remember the scandal attached to your name. Those were the ones that came to mind first. I confess, I am a bit disappointed. I maintain a hope, though, that the truth is even more shocking. The more scandalous, the better, as far as I am concerned.”

Miss Prescott let out a disbelieving laugh. “I find you quite strange, Lord Dalmeer.”

He merely smiled and waited.

“If you must know⁠—”

“Beyond a vivid but passing curiosity, I have very little interest in your scandal, Miss Prescott. It is you who insists on telling me.”

She stared at him as though looking at a fantastical creature. “There is no scandal at all which would give you a disgust of me or make you think twice about pretending, in your words, to be enamored with me?”

He shook his head, only to stop suddenly. He put up a finger. “If you were known for murdering your suitors in cold blood, I might think twice. Then again, I rather think I would enjoy the challenge.” He tilted his head and surveyed her. “Is that your scandal?”

Another incredulous laugh burst from her. “Could you rely upon me to tell you if it was?”

Archie grinned. “I am becoming more and more attached to the idea. What a game it would be!”

“Then, you will be disappointed to discover I have never murdered a suitor in blood cold or otherwise.”

He frowned. “Hm. You had better tell me the real reason for your besmirched reputation, then.”

She smoothed her skirts, her color heightening again. “A year ago, I…” She let out a breath, and the next words came in a rush. “I nearly eloped.”