Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (84 page)

London

Spring, 1832

heard the bad news, it looks like the legislation will fail again,' Jack said, deftly swiping two glasses of champagne from a passing footman's tray at Lady Summersby's political soiree.

Brandon nodded grimly. 'Yes. I suppose I should not be surprised. The Reform Act has passed the House of Commons twice, only to be defeated in the House of Lords. I am at a loss as to how it can possibly succeed. We will try again, but I fear it is an exercise in futility.'

Jack sipped his champagne, trying to look as if he hadn't a care in the world. In a serious tone, he said quietly, 'I wouldn't give up. The word at court is that Prime Minister Grey will force success by threatening to create fifty new peers, Liberal peers, of course. And that will carry the bill and much else for years to come.'

Brandon gave a weary chuckle. 'I see. The House of Lords can either bow to this one victory or set themselves up to be slowly eradicated over the years.'

He raised his glass in salute to a group of passing acquain-

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tances and turned back to his conversation with Jack.

Shaftesbury would change his vote, I think others would follow without all this need for arm twisting.'

'I thought he believed in reforms,' Jack said, somewhat surprised by his friend's comment.

'I do,' a low voice said behind Jack as Anthony Ashley Cooper, seventh Earl of Shaftesbury, joined them, Nora on his arm. 'I am afraid I've become a bit misconstrued over the past months.'

Brandon fought back a smile. Apparently, Nora had set the Earl on the right path with her brand of hard-to-resist charm. In the last five months since their marriage and moving up to town, Nora had captured many hearts with her beauty and her intellect. Her

introduction into

society had been seamless. Witherspoon had been found guilty of arson and insurance fraud and the village of Stockport-on-the-Medlock had agreed with Brandon and Jack's theory that The Cat had been Eleanor

'Your wife is quite the politician. She does you credit, Stockport,' Shaftesbury said. 'She tells me she's hosting a tea for Earl Russell later this week and that we might all sit down and talk things out.'

Nora nodded, leaving Shaftesbury to stand beside Brandon.

'I do hope to bring all parties together for an enlightened meeting of the minds.' Brandon noted her eyes glowed with impish mischief.

'I think it won't matter, my dear,' Shaftesbury said.

has it that the Prime Minister is going to change our minds for us, force our hands to get his way. It will just be a matter of time and you'll have your victory. Still, I applaud your diplomacy. Now, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me.'

Prime Minister Grey made good on his threat to appoint new Liberal peers and pandemonium broke loose in the House of Lords as people began to rethink their voting options. When voting took place again on the Reform Act, Brandon found

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himself on the winning side. The House of Lords chose to approve it, under duress, of course, but approval none the less.

Brandon felt buoyed by the victory. It wasn't a complete victory. He wasn't fool enough to believe this alone would change the world. But it was a start, like his experimental textile factory that he and Nora were rebuilding together in Stockport-on-the Medlock with its safety measures, limited work day, and the non-hiring of children.

He had been invited to several rowdy parties, but he found there was only one person he wanted to celebrate with. That was Nora.

The town house was strangely dark when he arrived. To his knowledge, Nora hadn't any plans to go out that evening. He let himself in and found no staff awaiting him. Some of his elation faded. He'd been

forward to a victorious home-

coming. Nora

the vote was tonight.

Brandon went to the study and poured himself a drink. He mounted the stairs and headed towards their bedchambers.

He'd settle in and wait. Wherever Nora was, she'd most likely be home soon.

He opened the door to the bedroom and halted. Something was different. The room had been disturbed. Something moved ever so subtly from behind the curtains. A wicked smile spread across his face. The Cat was here. He liked this game.

Seductive tones spoke from the window as Nora stepped from behind the draperies clad in The black and

far too tempting. 'Hello, Stockport. I'd offer you a drink, but I see you already have one.'

'The Reform Bill passed,' he said, raising his tumbler in a half- toast.

Nora came to him and twined her arms about his neck, pressing herself firmly against his body. 'Yes,' she breathed

'I'd heard reports that a certain Earl was wreaking havoc in the House of Lords over the Act.' She reached a hand down to cup him. 'You don't disappoint.'

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Brandon thrilled to her touch. 'By that I assume you mean my oratory.' No legislative victory could make him feel as alive as he felt with Nora.

She expertly squeezed him through the cloth of his trousers.

'Is that what they're calling it these days? I hadn't heard.'

Brandon groaned in pleasure and threw back his head in genuine laughter. 'God, I love you, Nora.'