A Grand Deception by Shirley Marks

Author:Shirley Marks [Shirley Marks]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Regency Romance, Romantic Comedy, Historical Romance
Amazon: B009L2GQQK
Goodreads: 16097198
Published: 2012-09-27T15:54:00+00:00

The footman heralded, "The Earl of Brent," at the ballroom doorway of Devonshire House that evening.

The announcement came as a shock to Muriel. She hadn't thought her brother had received an invitation to the Devonshires' ball-but here he was.

Freddie stepped through the double-door portal and glanced about the room. Once he spotted Muriel, there was no stopping his progress to share her company.

"What are you doing here?" She regarded her brother's slightly rumpled attire. He was wearing the very same clothes he'd worn that afternoon! "I'm quite certain you bespoke a dance at Almack's. I had no idea you were to attend tonight's ball."

Muriel had been busy looking for Lord Caldwell, who was to partner her for the next set. Across the room she spot ted Sherwin, making what she thought was a fairly inconspicuous attempt to capture her attention. Was it wrong of her to wish to communicate with him rather than stand up with Lord Caldwell or converse with her brother, who stood waiting at her side? She could not say exactly what had changed her opinion of him or when it had happened. But to Muriel, Sherwin now seemed the best choice of companion by far.

He moved his mouth, forming words that she deciphered: Do you think we should share a dance this evening?

"I hadn't meant to, but I've heard-" Freddie turned to see what had captured Muriel's attention.

Muriel's answer to Sherwin was just as silent. After what the Duchess put us through this morning, I think it would be a good idea. I would hate to disappoint everyone. She snickered, unable to believe she actually looked forward to dancing. It was so unlike her.

Freddie acknowledged Sherwin with a slow nod. "Good Gad, don't tell me Amhurst participates in that speechreading nonsense as well."

"It's far more private than sending a footman around with a billet doux." Muriel felt quite certain her brother resented the ability because it was one he could not master.

"From what I hear, you'd know all about that." Freddie was behaving very peculiarly. It was as if he was privy to some secret.

She sincerely hoped it was not hers.

"I've just come from-" He began very anxiously but came to an abrupt halt.

What was that smell? Muriel sniffed, trying to discern the scent. Cigar smoke? Spirits?

"Never mind where I've been." Freddie seemed to choose his words carefully to avoid any accusations. "The point is that I heard from-" He stopped again. "It doesn't matter who told me-"

"Oh, do get on with it," she urged him, growing more impatient as time went on. "Lord Caldwell will arrive to claim his dance soon."

"He may not wish to keep your company once he learns that you are meeting a man without the benefit of a chaperone." Freddie sounded cross and yet, at the same time, unexpectedly protective. "I take it he is no gentleman if you must steal off to see him."

It shocked Muriel that he knew. How did he ... How?

"Suffice it to say, I do know of your sordid activity, and if it were to come to Father's attention .

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.