Read In Pursuit of a Scandalous Lady for Free Online Page B

dancers already performing a quadrille in the center of the ballroom.
    â€œI wonder where their mother is?” Rebecca asked.
    â€œI do not remember seeing much of her recently, since two of Lord Parkhurst’s sisters have married,” Susanna answered.
    â€œHow many siblings does he have?” Rebecca tried not to sound too eager for information.
    â€œJust one more sister, not yet out of the schoolroom.”
    â€œAnd he’s the eldest, in charge of them all.” Elizabeth shook her head.
    â€œOverbearing, I imagine,” Rebecca said. “I could tell that last night.”
    â€œHe seemed rather commanding to me.” Susanna eyed her too closely. “And you met him toe to toe.”
    Rebecca shrugged.
    â€œAnd enjoyed it,” Susanna continued, her voice mildly accusing.
    â€œI did, and I don’t regret it. If we are to be stuck in this situation, we must have fun. I am glad you sketched with Mr. Wade and, Elizabeth, I’m happy that Mr. Derby called on you. How many more shopping expeditions can we go on, after all?”
    Both women sighed, and together they all looked back at the main floor.
    â€œDo you think the other two men will appear?” Susanna asked softly.
    Rebecca grinned. “Of course. They want to win, too. We have to make sure we win.”
    â€œI have a thought for how we might do that,” Susanna began.
    â€œTell us later,” Rebecca said, catching a glimpse of the earl alone, now that his brothers had deserted him.
    â€œBut—”
    Rebecca started to sail out into the crowd, only to have her arm grabbed from behind.
    â€œWait!” Elizabeth hissed in her ear.
    Rebecca realized she’d almost run right into Lord Parkhurst’s brothers. They had met up with several other young friends on the edge of the dance floor, too close to their hiding place.
    â€œI didn’t want you bowling them over,” Elizabeth said in a softer voice.
    â€œI’ll head toward the musicians on the right,” Rebecca said. “You two go left, as if you’ve just emerged from the hallway beyond. If either of our mothers see us, they won’t think we’re up to something.”
    â€œThey always used to know when we were up to something,” Elizabeth said, smiling at the memories.
    â€œWe may not be girls anymore, but we can still have fun,” Rebecca said with feeling.
    Before them, the group of young men all suddenly guffawed loudly, clapping each other on the back. In their midst, the tall Delane boys, the earl’s brothers, seemed to be holding court. Rebecca didn’t know their names, but that would be useless, because she couldn’t tell them apart.
    â€œWe saw the painting,” one twin said, elbowing his brother, who snickered.
    There was a gasp from their admiring friends—and from Elizabeth at Rebecca’s back.
    â€œWe cannot be surprised,” Susanna whispered. “Overhearing a discussion between men was how I first heard where the painting was hung. That’s why my plan is necessary. I could tell you about it—”
    â€œShh!” Rebecca said.
    One of the young men grumbled, “You’re both only members of the club because your brother is an earl. And who is going to go against his sponsorship?”
    â€œStop being so jealous,” one of the Delane brothers said, “or we won’t sponsor you when it’s time.”
    â€œCan’t it be time soon?” a freckled redhead askedplaintively. “How else will we see the painting?”
    â€œIt’s stunning,” said a Delane twin. “Totally nude—”
    â€œThere is a scarf,” the other said.
    Rebecca was indignantly thinking the same thing—as if the scarf made it somehow more acceptable, she realized, holding back a laugh.
    â€œShe might even be here!” the first twin said. “My brother heard she’s one of the ton. Can you believe that?”
    They all