Page 51 of Saving a Scoundrel
Lucius found that he didn’t care. And it felt freeing. His mother’s social ambitions were her problem. Perhaps being cut off had been a blessing in disguise. He observed his brother’s pained expression and, for the first time ever, felt sympathy for him. Edward was trapped in his role as heir; he was just trying to do what was best for his family. Unfortunately for him, that involved having to manage their parents.
“Thank you for the olive branch.” Lucius looked up at the blue sky. “I love you, too,” he mumbled.
His brother coughed into his hand. “Yes, well, we are going to the opera Friday evening. Why don’t you join us?”
Laughter rang out, and Lucius glanced over to find Ellie and Katherine being charmed by Danvers, the bastard. He turned back to Edward. “Can you have Katherine invite Miss Spencer as well? I promised Charlotte I would make sure her friend has some fun this season. Going to the opera is on Miss Spencer’s list of things she’d like to do in London.”
Edward nodded. “You know, I always thought if you ever settled down, it would be with Ellie Spencer.” He clapped Lucius on the shoulder and chuckled. “The two of you always bickered like an old married couple.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Ellie glanced sidewaysat Lucius as they walked up the carpeted steps to the second level of the opera house. He looked so handsome tonight. His black trousers fit snugly, and she couldn’t help but admire the long, lean length of him. His hair was pulled back into a queue tonight and his white cravat tied intricately. How did he manage it without a valet?
Perhaps he felt her gaze because his eyes met hers. They crinkled at the corners as he gave her a grin. Far from the awkwardness after their interlude in his office, Lucius was back to his normal charming self. Their easy friendship was back in place. She had been pleased to see him reconcile with his brother and even more pleased to receive the invitation from Mrs. Grisham to join them tonight. She’d never been to the opera before.
They followed his brother and wife through the heavy curtains into their box. Ellie stopped abruptly. Thousands of candles lit the inside of the opera house. Its shining chandeliers cast a cheerful glow over the hundreds of well-dressed patrons milling about. Deep rose-colored silk wallcoverings and velvet seats contrasted with gold-painted moldings and railings. Great swaths of gold-trimmed crimson velvet draped the stage, and below, men dressed in formal black tuned their instruments in the orchestra pit. Everything from the deep plush carpets to the fine gowns worn by the theatergoers spoke of sumptuousness and elegance.
“Wow,” she murmured.
Lucius’s deep chuckle rang out from right behind her. His breath tickled her ear. “It’s not as beautiful as you are in this dress.”
She turned her head to smile up at him. “Thank you.” His mouth was inches from hers. His eyes filled with heat. “I loved the…um, the color.” Ellie swallowed hard. How could she concentrate on words when he stared at her lips as though he wished to devour them? His lemony clean scent mixed with spicy tobacco made her want to bury her nose in his throat and lick at his pulse.
What was she doing? Lick him? Ellie took a step back, then another. She turned to her hosts. “Mr. Grisham, this is a lovely box. Do you come to the opera often?”
“Yes, Mrs. Grisham and I enjoy the music.”
“I also adore the costumes.” Katherine winked. “And not just on the performers.”
Ellie laughed and moved to stand next to Mrs. Grisham at the balustrade. Three dings of a bell rang out, and everyone below began moving to their seats. Katherine tucked her arm through Ellie’s. “I’m so glad you came tonight. I don’t think that Lucius would have accepted otherwise. I feel it’s important that Edward mend his relationship with his siblings. I have already had him write Charlotte as well.”
Ellie patted her arm. “Charlotte will appreciate the gesture. I know it has been hard for her to be cut off from her family.”
“Well, I can’t speak for Lord and Lady Markham, but I feel that family is the most important thing. And being left alone to deal with Lady Markham at family functions has been taxing.” She lowered her voice. “I wish we could cut them out. Luckily, my own family is tight-knit. We have spent a great deal of time with them, and I think it has shown Edward what healthy family bonds look like. Come, let’s sit. The performance will start shortly.”
Ellie sat in the second row with Lucius to her right, leaving Mr. and Mrs. Grisham the front seats. Lucius leaned over. “I am not a fan of the opera, rather dull if you ask me. So, if you see me dozing off, just give me a sharp elbow in the ribs.” He winked.
Ellie gave him a disproving frown.Really.She straightened her shoulders and focused her gaze on the stage as the curtains began to rise. The opera was renowned as an entertainment venue, she was sure to love it. An hour and a half later, Ellie had revised her opinion. She stifled a yawn with one hand. How many arias did one need to sing to profess their undying love anyway? The music was pleasant enough, but the play itself seemed to have a minimal plot, just lots and lots of singing.
She glanced over at Lucius. He sat perfectly still, his eyes closed. From any distance, one would assume from his posture he was avidly watching the performance. She reached over and pinched his arm hard.
He jerked awake. Blinked a few times, then turned to her. “Thanks, was I asleep long?” he whispered.
“I have no idea how long. I was trying to concentrate on the performance,” she whispered back.
“Liar. I saw you yawning. I was only half asleep.” He grinned.
Ellie bit her bottom lip. “It is a bit dull, isn’t it?”
He took her hand. “Come on, let’s go walk around before intermission when corridors fill with people.”
Ellie glanced at their hosts. She whispered, “You don’t think your brother will mind?”
“They won’t even notice we are gone.” He held his finger to his lips and then slid out of his chair.
Her hand in his, she did the same. Then they tiptoed out of the box like a couple of naughty school children slipping out of the classroom when the teacher’s back was turned. Out in the hallway, Ellie giggled. She glanced up at Lucius; she’d much rather be out here with him than sitting inside the box with all of society around them. Damn, if she didn’t miss that hideous chaise and the privacy of his office. It had been four days since she had been in his arms—four nights of dreaming about his kisses.
She took a step toward him. “Lucius.”
