His Lady Mistress

Elizabeth Rolls105in the ink pot and scrawled, Verity Scott. Without a word heresealed the note and handed it to Clipstone.‘Very good, my lord.’The moment the door closed behind the patently agog butler,Richard asked, ‘Who the devil is this girl and why is shestill asleep?’ He took a mouthful of brandy.‘Verity Scott. My bride,’ announced Max, ignoring the secondpart of the question. He didn’t want to think about thereasons she had for being totally exhausted.Richard’s face turned purple and a fine mist of brandysprayed across the desk as he choked on the cognac. A muffledsquawk from behind the door suggested that Clipstone’sdiscretion had been soundly defeated by his curiosity.When Richard could finally speak, he spluttered, ‘Why,you double-dealing bastard, Max! Why in Hades didn’t youtell me?’Shame lashed Max. ‘I’m sorry, Ricky. I...I know after Ipersuaded you to leave Oxford and come home, but youmustn’t think this materially alters your expectations—’‘What the deuce are you talking about?’ interrupted Richard,plainly incensed. ‘The devil take my so-called expectations!I want to know why my only surviving brother saw fitto marry without even giving me the chance to stand up forhim! I can stand up, you know, despite this curst leg!’Despite his anger and frustration, Max grinned. ‘Probablybecause I’m not married yet.’‘Oh.’ Richard subsided slightly. ‘Well, that’s all right then.When’s it to be, and who the blazes is Verity Scott? Apartfrom your intended bride, of course.’‘As soon as I can get the licence. And I’ll be grateful foryour support.’Richard tossed off the rest of his brandy and poured another.‘Rather sudden, isn’t it? Do you want to tell me aboutit?’Max sat down in a large leather chair. ‘I compromised her.Or rather, to be quite accurate, she trapped me. Which is why