Page 110 of Why Do Rogues Fall in Love?

The viscountess had risen from the chaise and was attempting to smooth her gown, although her fingers trembled as she adjusted the lace at her neckline. Her cheeks were flushed, and she looked from Cordelia to George with an expression that seemed to waver between outrage and apprehension.

"Lady Victoria," Cordelia said with icy precision.

The woman lifted her chin.

"I hardly think you are in any position to address me in such a tone."

Cordelia gave a short, incredulous laugh. "Do you not?"

Lady Victoria's eyes narrowed. "You would do well to remember your place."

"My place, madam, is beside the gentleman you have attempted to compromise."

"How dare you!"

"Oh, I dare a great deal more than you might imagine."

Cordelia took a step toward her, keeping one arm securely around George.

"I shall challenge you to a duel, Lady Victoria, and I assure you that I shall show no mercy for attempting to compromise a man who has already made his choice."

The viscountess stared at her.

"A duel?" she repeated faintly.

"Indeed. And I would advise you not to mistake my determination for an idle threat."

"Cori," Katherine whispered, sounding appalled.

Cordelia ignored her.

"I suspect the two of you contrived to drug him," she continued, her voice trembling with barely restrained fury. "I cannot yet prove it, but I intend to discover precisely what was done to him. And if my suspicions are correct, neither of you shall ever have my forgiveness."

Lady Victoria's face lost some of its color.

"That is an outrageous accusation."

"Then you should have no objection to an inquiry into how Lord Templeton came to be in such a condition."

George shifted against her, giving another low groan.

Cordelia immediately turned her attention to him.

"Forgive me, darling," she whispered, gently adjusting her hold. "We are leaving."

He lowered his head toward hers, his breath warm against her temple.

"Good girl," he murmured, the words so faint that she barely heard them.

Despite everything, her heart gave a little flutter. She managed a trembling smile. "Come along, George. You must help me a little, for I cannot possibly carry you."

He tried to straighten, though the movement seemed to cost him dearly.

"Trying," he muttered.

"I know you are."

She guided him toward the doorway, moving slowly beneath his weight. His steps were unsteady, and more than once she feared they would both tumble onto the carpet. Yet she kept her arm firmly around him, determined to get him away from the two women who had so cruelly conspired against him.