One Scandal Too Many: A Regency Historical Romance (Havenwood Academy Book 1) by Dawn Brower

Author:Dawn Brower [Brower, Dawn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2025-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Declan stared at the area where he’d had the servants set up the lawn billiards. The iron rings had been placed strategically around the back lawn to resemble the pockets he had on the table in his game room. The lawn would serve as the game board here. The rules would be similar to those of billiards, but with a few key changes. There would be no cue ball, which made scoring points different as they played.

Now to assemble the players. He glanced at his two friends. “We need a fourth gentleman for this to have even numbers.” He nodded toward the ladies he intended to approach. “There are four of Havenwood’s students gathered there. We cannot invite three and let the other one be a spectator.”

“That is true,” Foxmoore agreed and furrowed his brows. “Who shall we ask, then?”

Amberwood sighed. “I’d rather not play at all.” He blew out a breath. “But since I am, I would rather have another gentleman I did not loathe to be a part of the game.”

“A valid request,” Declan added. “And one I agree with. Do you have anyone in mind?”

“I do,” Amberwood said. “And as it happens, he just arrived.” He gestured toward a tall gentleman with dark auburn hair. He was a Scotsman whom Declan knew well. His estate was a half days’ ride from his own, and other than Havenwood, he was his closest genteel neighbor.

“Viscount Kendal?” Declan asked.

“Yes,” Amberwood told him. “He will make it all the more entertaining. He has a competitive streak that I envy.” He grinned. “And he’ll play, that I can almost guarantee.”

Declan nodded. “All right. You go invite him, and I’ll convince the ladies they’ve always wanted to participate in a game of lawn billiards.”

Amberwood and Foxmoore headed in the direction of Viscount Kendal and Declan went toward Charlotte. There were other ladies with her, of course, including the two chaperones entrusted with the students’ care He paused as he reached them and bowed slightly. “Ladies,” he greeted them. “I trust you’re all enjoying yourselves.”

“It’s rather humdrum,” one of the ladies said. He hadn’t been introduced to this girl. She had raven black hair and gray eyes that almost appeared silver in the light. “But I suppose that is the reason we’re allowed to attend. Not a scandal in sight.” She sighed as the lack of excitement seemed excruciating for her.

“Melisande,” one of the chaperones chastised her. “We’re to avoid such things as scandals. There is nothing wrong with a respectable soiree.”

Melisande laughed. “You’ve never experienced a scandal then, have you, Miss Abernathy?”

Miss Abernathy’s hair was nearly as dark as her charge’s, although her eyes were not the same alluring silver. Instead, they were a bright green that almost flared with anger at the young woman’s words. “You will be on your best behavior. What I have or have not been privy to doesn’t apply to what is expected of you, you silly girl.”

Declan cleared his throat. He had to stop this before it got out of hand.

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