Page 32 of His Scandalous Viscountess
Then Wolf motioned another couple forward. “And this is Lord and Lady Brougham.”
The handsome blond man would have made Greek statues weep for his beauty, and with his equally lovely wife by his side, they made a stunning pair. He, too, bowed over Julia’s hand. “A pleasure, my lady.”
“Julia, please. Such formality seems a bit overdone, as you are all friends of Wolf’s.”
She drew her hand back, only to have Lord Brougham’s wife pull her into an embrace, as well.
The women were quite the hugging group, weren’t they? Julia smothered the laugh that threatened to escape.
“Please, call me Emily. It’s a good thing you’ve given in to the informality already. Theo is a bit of a runaway locomotive when she has determined she will be friends with someone.”
The pretty brunette winked at her, and then cast a fond smile at Theo.
The other woman merely grinned. “She’s not wrong.”
And then she shrugged as everyone chuckled.
Another knock heralded the arrival of the last of their party, though a lone man walked in. He was around the same height as Wolf, but his hair was as dark as night. In contrast, his eyes were bright blue—though something dark lurked behind them, making the fine hairs on the back of Julia’s neck rise up. While the man appeared pleasant enough, there was a menacing quality to him.
“Flint, you’re late,” Wolf said, by way of greeting.
He tugged at his coat sleeves. “Apologies, I ran into a few issues.”
Wolf’s brow rose, but he quickly shifted topics. “And where is Linc?”
“Afraid he won’t make it. Came down with whatever Dunmere has.”
Wolf groaned. “Well, doesn’t that beat all?” He frowned and looked at her. “Sorry, Jules. Seems Ros’ suitor is not going to make an appearance this evening.”
Disappointment and worry seized her lungs. “Oh, no.”
“Who isn’t making an appearance?” Ros asked, as she floated into the room, glowing and smiling at the group.
Sometimes it unnerved Julia how quiet her sister could be, even when wearing layers of crinolines and fabric. “The man who’d agreed to act as your suitor has taken ill, I’m afraid.”
Ros’ smile faded. “Oh, why, that’s terrible news. I do hope he will be all right.”
The dark-haired man stepped forward then, his gaze locked on Ros. “It’s just a cold. He should be fine in a few days.”
Her sister looked up at him, and seemed to hesitate before she spoke. “Th-that’s good.”
Did her sister just stutter?
Julia had never heard a misfired syllable from Ros in all her life. How odd. “Well, I suppose we shall have to close ranks around Ros then during the ball. I had hoped having an obvious suitor would stave off Wallthorpe.”
“I’ll act as her suitor.”
The dark man—Flint—boldly made the offer as he stepped closer to Ros.
She immediately turned a fetching shade of pink.
Wolf looked as worried as Julia felt. “Are you sure, Flint? It can’t be just for tonight. This issue may drag on for a bit.”
Flint stole another look at Ros, and then nodded. “I’ll not let anything happen to such a lovely lady.”
Julia’s internal alarm sounded as she watched the byplay between the two. “Wolf, perhaps you should introduce your friend, before we make any changes to the plan?”
“Apologies, Lady Wallthorpe, Mrs. Smith. May I present Lord Flintshire?”
