Simply Scandalous Read Online Free PDF

was so far below her that the idea of her actually returning his secret passion was ridiculous.
    He closed the paper and began to fold it carefully into a neat square. Despite the confusion of his feelings, he didn’t want Christian to stop Emily coming to the kitchen. He lived for the sight of her. He groaned. And how pitiful was that? He was pining like some love-struck swain from a bad play.
    Ambrose looked up at the closed kitchen door. He would have to find a way to extricate himself from this situation without hurting Emily or losing his friendship with Christian. Unfortunately, he just couldn’t think of a single way to do it without destroying something—probably himself.

3
    R ichard paused at the door into the members’ dining room and let his narrowed gaze travel across the assembled diners. The lighting was low and not helped by the dark wainscoting and thick curtains. He finally spotted Adam near the window and made his way through the closely packed tables to his friend’s side.
    â€œGood evening, gentlemen.” Richard bowed. “May I join you?”
    Jack Lennox looked up at him and smiled. “Mr. Ross! What a delightful surprise. Mr. Fisher said that you might drop by.”
    Richard pulled out a chair and sat down. “Your brother hasn’t accompanied you out this evening, Mr. Lennox?”
    â€œAlas, Vincent is still suffering from the indignities of our sea voyage.” Jack winced. “He is not a good sailor.”
    â€œI can only sympathize,” Adam replied. “I don’t travel very well myself. Even the motion of a carriage makes me nauseous.”
    Richard shuddered. “Yes, I remember that about you now, my friend. I hope never to have to travel in your company again.”
    All the men laughed, and Jack poured Richard a glass of red wine that already stood open on the table. Richard realized he was beginning to wonder about the mythical twin brother no one had actually seen. The dinner menu at the club tended to be rather limited, but Richard didn’t mind. He’d rather eat a good steak and kidney pie than some of the more fanciful creations his father’s chef put on the table.
    â€œMay I ask how the Sinners’ Club acquired such an interesting name?” Jack Lennox inquired as he finished his first glass of wine.
    Richard and Adam exchanged glances; then Richard smiled. “I’m not quite sure. I believe it was Lord Keyes’s father’s idea. He was one of the founding members of the club, and Keyes is the current membership secretary.”
    â€œI wonder if I would stand a chance of gaining membership?” Jack mused. “I have certainly sinned. How is membership decided?”
    â€œOn an individual basis by a committee, I believe,” Richard said. “You need two established members to put your name forward for consideration.”
    Adam smiled at Richard. “I’m sure that if you wished to apply, we would be more than willing to support your application, Mr. Lennox.”
    â€œThat would be very kind of you.” Jack nodded to them both. “I will certainly consider it.”
    The three of them sat back as the waiter delivered their food, and the succulent smell of roast beef and steak and kidney pudding rose from their plates.
    â€œAh.” Jack Lennox inhaled slowly. “I’ve missed this.”
    â€œA plate of roast beef?” Richard inquired. “I thought the French believe English cuisine to be fit only for dogs.”
    Jack Lennox met his gaze, a challenge flashing in his blue eyes. “But I am English, Mr. Ross.”
    Richard refused to look away. “Oh, yes, that’s right. I had quite forgotten.”
    He returned his attention to his plate, listening to Adam talk about the weather and the appalling state of the roof on his father’s country house—innocuous subjects that would lull most men into a false sense of security. Adam had always