Page 91 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

They made three more calls that day, each one easier than the last. Society, it seemed, had decided to embrace them—not despite their oddities but because of them. The Beast and his Lady were the romance of the season, and everyone wanted to claim proximity to their story.

"This is exhausting," Lucien said as they returned home.

"But good?"

"Surprisingly, yes."

"You sound shocked."

"I am shocked. I actually enjoyed myself."

"Lady Potts was lovely."

"She was. Though her vase collection was disturbing."

"Thistle took care of that."

"He did. Perhaps he has uses beyond chaos."

"Targeted chaos."

"The best kind."

They found the household in an uproar when they arrived. Mrs. Fielding met them at the door, looking frazzled.

"My Lord, my Lady, we have a situation."

"Let me guess," Lucien said. "Thistle?"

"How could it be Thistle? He was with us."

"Good point. Then what?"

"We have visitors."

"Visitors?"

"Your family, my Lord."

Lucien went very still. "My family?"

"Your aunt, specifically. Lady Agatha."

"Agatha is here?"

"In the blue drawing room, my Lord. With her three daughters."

"Heaven help us all."

"Who's Lady Agatha?" Arabella asked.

"My father's sister. A dragon in silk who believes everyone should live by her very specific rules."

"And her daughters?"

"Vapid, vicious, and vindictive, respectively."

"Lovely."