Saved By Scandal's Heir. Janice Preston

walked past him into Edward’s study with a smile of thanks before focusing on Edward, standing before the window, hands behind his back. He maintained his silence until the door closed behind Smithson.

      ‘What the blazes were you doing at Tenterfield Court?’

      She stared at him a moment. ‘May I sit?’ Her tone was icy. It did not hurt to remind him that she was a lady and his stepmother and that he was, supposedly, a gentleman.

      ‘Of course.’

      Edward tilted his chin to indicate the visitor’s chair set in front of his vast mahogany desk and then rounded the desk to stand on the opposite side. Harriet sat with a twinge of disquiet, tucking her feet under the chair and loosely clasping her hands in her lap.

      Very formal. I feel like a child about to be scolded.

      Edward sat down, then frowned at her, his fingers drumming on the desk. ‘Well?’

      Harriet blinked, taken aback by the contempt conveyed by that one word. ‘Why, I wished to make some enquiries on behalf...’ She faltered as his expression blackened. She gripped her hands together and drew a steadying breath. ‘On behalf of a friend of mine.’

      ‘A likely tale, madam.’

      Harriet stiffened. ‘I can assure you I am speaking the truth,’ she said with as much calm as she could muster. ‘Why would you think otherwise?’

      ‘You stayed for two days and nights. With no chaperone.’