Ten Ways to Ruin by Christie Kelley

Author:Christie Kelley [Kelley, Christie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: regency romance, romance, historical romance, Historical, Rakes, sisters, Spunky Heroines
Publisher: Christie Kelley
Published: 2020-11-30T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Emma glanced out the carriage window as they slowed to a stop on King Street in front of the hallowed institution of Almack’s. Her nerves tingled as she disembarked. She’d never thought she would be nervous about getting banned from this dreadful place finally. While she’d endured the balls over the years, Almack’s was about as dull as a conversation with a rock. The patronesses were the most demanding group of ladies Emma had ever met.

“Come along, Emma.” Her mother clasped her elbow and tugged her toward the door.

“Of course, Mamma.” She still wondered how her mother managed to secure these exclusive vouchers each year. Mamma was the niece of Baron Greyson, but he hadn’t moved about in Society for over a decade. Emma assumed Lady Huntley's influence had something to do with it.

They walked into the assembly room, and the overwhelming odor of pungent food hit her nose. The patroness of the evening sat on her dais overlooking. Upon entering, Countess Lieven waved with her fan to indicate that they come close to her.

“My lady,” Emma and her mother said with a curtsy.

“Yes,” the countess said with a look of disdain. “Miss Drake, I must take it upon myself to ask you to leave and not return this season. I will inform the other patroness.”

Her mother shuddered as if she might faint. Emma clutched her mother’s elbow. How dare this haughty woman attempt to eject her out when she hadn’t even done anything yet!

“Might I inquire as to the reason?” Emma asked quietly.

“It has come to my attention that you were seen in a certain gaming hell dressed as a boy.”

Her mother gasped before saying, “My lady, that is a falsehood in the extreme. My daughter has never done such a thing.”

“It happened nearly a fortnight ago, Mrs. Drake. I received the information from an excellent source tonight.”

A source? Who the devil would have spoken to her about that adventure? Only a few people knew of her folly, and Emma trusted all of them implicitly. All except Mr. Kingsley. That meant the devil himself must have spoken to her.

“Come along, Mamma. I don’t believe I wish to dance here tonight.” Emma led her mother out the door before she created a scene. Holding her head high, she walked out the door. The gossips would love to hear how the countess denied Emma entrance. One more foible for a Drake sister.

And she shouldn’t care. This was what she’d wanted. Except she wanted to be the one to make it happen. She wasn’t supposed to be banished for something that no one should even know of.

“Take me home, Emma.”

“Of course.”

“Please tell me what Lady Lieven said wasn’t true,” her mother said when they were finally secluded in their carriage. “I couldn’t endure it.”

“There must be some misunderstanding, Mamma. I must speak with Susan tonight to find out if she knows anything about this matter. I will go to her as soon as we get you home.”

“Thank you, my dear. I’m not sure my nerves can handle much more tonight.

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