A Scandalous Proposal Read Online Free PDF Page A

husband’s, to see to your protection?”
    â€œIf I had, would I be here now?” she replied, an edge of anger in her voice.
    To her surprise, the humorless face creased in what might be construed as a smile. “Excuse me, I meant no disrespect. Please, sit back down, Mrs. Spenser. What is it you wish to know?”
    Emily felt some of the tension leave her. “How does your office handle such a matter? Should I report any future threats to the authorities? And what…” She faltered. “What fee would you require, were I to retain you?”
    â€œFirst, I would not have you contact the authorities—not initially. Come to my office first. Most of the magistrates are honest folk, but from time to time a bad apple falls into the basket, as it were. My contacts would ascertain the background and intention of the perpetrators and proceed from there. And my normal fee would be two hundred pounds, plus the expense of hiring runners if I thought the need justified.”
    Emily tried not to gasp. Lord Cheverley was laying out two hundred pounds, plus expenses, to thwart Mr. Harding? And she had thought another ten pounds a month exorbitant!
    She forced herself to rise on shaking legs. “Th-thank you for the information, and for your time, Mr. Manners.”
    He rose and nodded. “Think nothing of it, Mrs. Spenser.” His shrewd eyes scanned her again, and she colored, sure he must have realized how staggering was the sum he’d quoted her, how impossibly far beyond her means.
    â€œDon’t distress yourself, ma’am,” he said, his tone kind. “Lord Cheverley will pursue this to its conclusion, regardless of time or expense. I have had the privilege of his patronage for many years, and one could not find a more conscientious member of the nobility. You may trust him to do the right thing, Mrs. Spenser. And I doubt you will be troubled again.”
    His attempted reassurance was nearly as daunting as hisfee. She had known pursuing the miscreant would be costly, but had never dreamed the total would be that vast. How could she allow a virtual stranger, be he ever so noble, generous and dutiful, to absorb such an enormous expense on her behalf? But then, how could she ever reimburse him?
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    Emily sat in her tiny garden, absently eating the nuncheon Francesca had insisted on preparing for her when she returned. She was still pondering the dilemma, and no closer to a solution, when a shadow fell across her teacup.
    Lord Cheverley himself stood over her. As her gaze met his, he gave her again that enticing, intimate smile. “Forgive me for disturbing you. I just wished to ascertain that the runner we sent was satisfactory.”
    â€œYes, of course. I hardly know how to thank you.”
    â€œThere’s no need.” He was looking at her intently, waiting, she realized, for her to offer her hand. When she raised it, he brought it to his lips, lingering over it a fraction longer than was proper.
    â€œI would have called last night to report the guard was in place, but I had several appointments, and ’twas late when I returned to check. I saw no lights, and did not wish to disturb you.”
    â€œYou came by last night?” she echoed in astonishment.
    â€œOf course. I told you I would. I could not have slept, had I not been assured of your safety.”
    It had been so long since someone other than Francesca had expressed any concern whatsoever for her well-being that in spite of herself, she was touched. “You are too kind. Again, I thank you. And you must allow me to defray some of the costs—the runners, perhaps—”
    He waved away the suggestion. “Certainly not. A business as clever and stylish as yours must surely succeed, but hardly needs any additional expenses at its inception. I am fully recompensed by knowing you are safe.”
    Again, she felt absurdly touched. “I do feel safe. Thank you for that.”
    His