Perfect Scandal_The - Scandal 03 (2011) by Delilah Marvelle

Author:Delilah Marvelle
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Neighbors, Man-Woman Relationships, Regency Fiction, Aristocracy (Social Class) - England - London, London (England), London (England) - Social Life and Customs - 19th Century, Regency - England, Fiction, Romance, Historical, Authors, General, Love Stories
ISBN: 9780373775545
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2011-03-01T08:00:00+00:00

SCANDAL TEN

Imagine a person being called upon by all of society to speak a language they have never even heard of. Imagine that same person being told they must speak this language or lose all they hold dear. It is neither fair or realistic, in theory, and yet, such is the role women play when becoming wives. Though love may not always assist a woman in speaking the same language as her husband, it will offer assistance in one of the most demanding roles known to humanity. Honor love, even if your marriage is one of convenience. I know nothing of such roles or of being a woman, but I have seen these parts played by the best. To this day, I believe love was the only thing that kept my father happy throughout my poor mother’s horrid last year, when she suffered from a melancholy no quack could cure. To be sure, there is no greater gift or curse than love.

—How To Avoid A Scandal,

Moreland’s Original Manuscript

MOONLIGHT BATHED the small terraced courtyard in a haunting, fuzzy gray glow as Moreland swiftly steered Zosia out toward the coach house and through the open gates. He paused before the open door of an unmarked, black-lacquered carriage whose outside glass lanterns remained unlit.

Moreland leaned toward the young footman who held the door and instructed in a low, quiet tone, “We wait for Benson. After we depart, you will stay here with the rest. Don’t untie any of the servants until morning. That will give me enough time to be well out of reach. Come morning, return to the house. My secretary will call with fifty pounds in hand for each of you. I will not be informing you of anything more. That will keep you and everyone else out of harm’s way should the authorities get involved. Tell them you know nothing and you were only following my orders. My barrister will oversee the rest.”

The footman bowed his dark head. “Yes, my lord.”

Moreland leaned away, adjusting her weight in his arms and added, “When Benson arrives, knock. I will knock, in turn, for you to signal to the driver to depart.”

“May God see you through your journey, my lord.”

Moreland offered a curt nod. “I thank you for those words and your service.”

Turning her sideways, Moreland guided Zosia gently into the coach, leaning forward just enough to place her onto the cushion of the seat inside.

Stripping his greatcoat, Moreland cloaked her with its heavy, soothing warmth. She inhaled the scent clinging to it, which smelled just like him: cardamom.

He stepped up and into the upholstered space, falling back into the seat across from hers, causing the entire carriage to sway. He snapped his fingers and the footman folded up the steps and secured the door.

Moreland gestured toward her. “Lean back against the seat. I don’t want you falling.”

She smiled and tapped her one bare foot against the cold floor of the carriage assuredly. “All I need is one foot to uphold myself.” She

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