A Wicked Reputation (Once Wicked) by Liana LeFey

Author:Liana LeFey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Entangled, Amara, Regency Romances; Regency Historical Romance; Historical Romance; Historical Regency Fiction; British Historical Fiction; Women’s Historical Fiction; Virgin Heroine; Forbidden Love; Blackmail; Bet; Wager; Rake Reformed; Scandal; Courtesan
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)
Published: 2019-01-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Diana encountered Blackthorn far too many times in the weeks following the picnic.

When the garden gate was repaired, he called to present her with the key, as promised. But it wouldn’t do to simply leave it with a footman. No, he had to be the one to place it in her hands directly, necessitating a conversation.

Two days later, he presented her with tulip bulbs to brighten a corner of her garden she’d complained of being dull. And not just any tulips, but a rare new hybrid, quite coveted. Of course they had at once found her gardener to instruct him as to their immediate placement. They’d chatted for nearly two hours before he left again via the shared gate.

Every few days he’d found an excuse to visit her early in the afternoon, usually bearing some sort of token—a book on growing orchids, some seeds—that, while they couldn’t necessarily be construed as “gifts,” were certainly meant to please.

They met four times at mutually attended balls and danced at least twice at each. Harrow was not neglected at these events, for Blackthorn made it a point to include him in discussions while she danced with other gentlemen.

And then there were the evening card games on Tuesdays and Thursdays to which Harrow had invited him. Westing was there for some, but not all. Some nights there were others from their circle. Blackthorn managed to win them all over with his charm.

Her Tuesday appointment with Minerva was followed by a trip to Fisk’s, since both required new gowns for upcoming events. On the way back, they stopped for refreshment—and who should be at the café but Blackthorn and Westing.

By the time Diana spied them it was too late to alert Minerva and make a tactful retreat—they’d already been spotted. Her stomach dropped, but all she could do was paste a smile on her lips and pray the situation didn’t become too awkward.

Blackthorn’s brows rose high—an unpromising sign—as they were led to a table right beside his. His speculative gaze darted between them as he and Westing rose. “Lady Diana, what a pleasure.”

Careful not to clench her teeth, she did what was expected and turned to her companion. “Minerva, allow me the pleasure of introducing Lords Blackthorn and Westing. My lords, this is my friend, Lady Harrow.”

Blackthorn bowed respectfully. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, my lady.”

“Indeed, my lady,” echoed a suddenly florid Westing, also bowing.

He looked so guilty and abashed it nearly made Diana laugh aloud. In that moment, she knew he’d given ear to the sordid tales concerning herself and Lord and Lady Harrow. She took a modicum of satisfaction in watching him squirm now that the lady stood before him in the flesh.

Minerva, though she also very likely knew the reason for his blush, was the epitome of sweetness and poise. Diana watched as she favored the two men with a disarming smile. “My husband speaks highly of you both. I’m so pleased to finally meet you.”

Now Blackthorn had the good grace to flush, too, though only a little.

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.