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“And who is to be the lucky lady?”

He kept a firrip on Miss Smythe’s head They would all know in due course, but he would be damned if they would see shame in her eyes

“You h,” he said

His coer “We shall believe it, sir, e see you standing at the altar in St George’s”

Anger flared His contempt for their hypocritical opinions could not be repressed

“Then you should all hope that the lady does entle from a broken heart can be rather foolish and unpredictable I know enough about the licentious habits of ht down on the most respectable families” He considered the identities of the ladies before hiale tales of your husband’s exploits, Lady Hadden”

Their shocked gasps and sudden frantic hand gestures were evidence he had made his point

“Then … then ish you luck in your endeavour, Mr Chandler,” Lady Hadden said, ushering the wo her chicks “And reood man”

“I shall bear that in mind the next time I am in the company of your husband”

Without another word the matrons turned their backs and sauntered away from the secluded area

Mattheaited for aMiss Sone,” he whispered, pleased to feel her shiver at his touch

She gazed up at him wi

th a look of wonder “You certainly kne to put them in their place”

“The only way to beat the gossips is to play theame”

She stepped away, stared at hiest time “What do we do now?”