Page 25 of Saving a Scoundrel
He turned to rest his forearms on the railing. The breeze blew warm against his face. He had decided that marrying Katy Macdougal would be the best thing for him. He needed to grow up and secure his future. He certainly couldn’t whore around forever.
Susanna turned as well to face the water. Her elbow poked him gently. And when he glanced over at her, she sent him a cautious smile. “Sorry, I’m far too nosey.”
“It’s fine. Let’s talk about something else. Did you finally receive your letter from Charlotte?”
Her expression brightened. “Yes, the day after Hawksridge’s dinner party. She sounds ecstatic. The two of them are deliciously happy.”
Lucius couldn’t help but wince. It was true. Charlotte and Daniel were disgusting these days. Not that he would have it any other way. Charlotte deserved all the happiness in the world. Perhaps this summer, he would see if he could take some time away to visit them. Surely Castell could do without him for a week or two.
“And are you planning to be well behaved this season?” he teased.
Susanna let out a huff of indignation. “I’ve already promised to be good. I don’t want to ruin Ellie’s opportunity to enjoy London’s entertainments.”
“Speaking of entertainments, have you seen this list of hers?” he asked.
“No, but I know it exists. It wouldn’t be Ellie if she didn’t prepare a list of things to accomplish.”
“Lady Ashby,” a voice called out. “Have you met my sister Miss Emily Clarkson?” Lady Clarkson strolled up with her younger sister in tow.
Susanna swiveled to greet them. “No, I haven’t had the pleasure.”
Lucius wandered away as the ladies began conversing. Lady Clarkson was a nitwit, and he had no inclination to meet the lady’s sister. He headed over to a servant that held a tray of fresh strawberries. Popping a berry in his mouth, he turned to watch Ellie and Danvers converse. They sat across from Lady Dearborn and Miss Macdougal. Haverty stood next to Danvers, and he butted into their conversation. Haverty blathered on about his racehorse, which was, according to him, favored to win at Ascot next week.
Katy glanced up at Haverty’s brag. “I love horse racing. My father has taken me to the races in Newbury. He places bets for me, and I always pick the winners.”
Haverty turned his attention to her. “Do you now? Do you know a lot about thoroughbreds then?”
“Well, no. But I can spot a winner when I see one.” She grinned.
“I do know about thoroughbreds, and Lord Haverty, I’m sorry to say, but your horse doesn’t have a chance against Highflyer. He will win Ascot, in my opinion.” Susanna stepped forward to join the conversation.
“Nonsense!” Danvers said. “Haverty’s horse is far superior to Kent’s nag.”
Lucius turned his attention back to Ellie. She had stayed very quiet during this heated debate. In fact, she looked decidedly green. He noted the slow rise and fall of her chest as she took measured breaths.
She reached out a hand and gripped Danvers’s arm. “Lord Danvers, might I have a bit more lemonade?”
Danvers, to his credit, immediately turned his attention back to her. He waved a hand. “Carlton, more lemonade for Miss Spencer.” The steward rushed over to refill her glass.
“Thank you.” She took a small sip.
Danvers stretched his arm across the back of her chair and leaned forward to speak low into her ear. Lucius couldn’t hear what he said, but Ellie looked very uncomfortable. He glanced over at Lady Dearborn, wasn’t she supposed to be monitoring these things? Then in the next moment, Ellie stood abruptly and raced to the railing. She cast up her accounts over the edge.
Shit.Lucius glanced at Danvers. The man looked aghast at the sounds of Ellie retching over the side. Lucius strode over to where she stood and laid a hand on her back. He rubbed gentle circles between her shoulder blades. When she finished, she lay her forehead on the wood railing. He made what he hoped were soothing sounds. “All done?”
She nodded without raising her head. “Is everyone watching?” she whispered.
He matched her low tone. “Afraid so, luv.”
Susanna appeared at his elbow. “Oh, dear. Ellie, how do you feel?”
“Like death should come for me now.” Ellie let out a small moan.
He turned to Susanna. “I think I will take her down to the other end. Give her a few moments to recover without an audience.”
Susanna nodded. “I will distract everyone. Leave it to me.”
Lucius wrapped an arm around Ellie’s shoulder and gently guided her to the other end of the ship. They picked their way around coils of rope and past several buoys hanging from a line. At the front of the boat, he directed her to sit on top of a large wooden crate. Then sat down himself on the crate next to her. She still looked green around the edges, and the intense look of concentration on her face told him she still felt unwell.
