The Perks of Loving a Scoundrel by Jennifer McQuiston

Author:Jennifer McQuiston
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2016-09-27T04:00:00+00:00

By half past six, it was done.

The vows were mumbled, the rings exchanged. The sure, quick pressure of West’s lips against her own told the small audience of family and friends that she now belonged to him, but the gesture sent confusion cascading through her.

No matter his earlier claims to the contrary, he’d well proven himself a hero this evening, marrying her, giving up his future for her protection. They’d put on a proper show, but did he mean for this to be a real marriage? And what did she want out of it, beyond an assurance of Eleanor’s safety? All good questions in need of answers.

But first, she had a small gauntlet of guests to survive.

Dr. and Mrs. Merial stepped forward to offer their congratulations, followed by Lady and Lord Cardwell. They welcomed her warmly, though they all seemed a bit dazed by the suddenness of it all. Eleanor drifted away on Mrs. Merial’s arm, murmuring something about “needing to find her bed and lie down for a nap.” Mary knew Eleanor wasn’t happy about the marriage. But no matter how angry or confused she might be, her sister was at least safe.

Mary could not bring herself to apologize, or regret the lengths she’d taken to ensure it.

The stooped, smiling butler who’d opened the door that morning materialized in front of them, clearly as much a part of the family as anyone else in the room. “Mrs. Westmore,” the man said with a delighted smile, bowing formally in greeting. “I am so pleased to meet you.”

“And I you.” Mary smiled, appreciating the kindness she could see on his wrinkled face.

“This is Wilson, our family’s butler,” West explained. “Enforcer of manners and all around meddler in things that ought not to concern him.”

“Whatever you wish, Mrs. Westmore, you have only to ask,” Wilson said, chasing it with a small wink. “Especially if it’s a proper prank we might play on Master Geoffrey together.”

“Oh?” She glanced up at West, who was glaring down at the servant with a mixture of affection and annoyance. “A proper prank? I am afraid only the improper ones come to immediate mind. I shall have to wrap my head around that.”

“I shall eagerly await your ideas.” Wilson bowed again before taking his exit.

“He seems nice,” Mary giggled.

“You might wish to reserve judgment until you get to know him better,” came her husband’s dry reply. “Because if you let him, Wilson will harangue you within an inch of your life.”

A sullen, dark-haired gentleman stepped forward next, and the laughter died on Mary’s lips. She had noticed the man’s belated arrival, which had come nearly at the end of the brief ceremony. How could she not? He was impossible to miss—bleary-eyed, unshaven, two buttons undone on his wrinkled jacket.

And most importantly, glowering at her from the back of the room.

“Grant!” West exclaimed, slapping the man on the back. “So glad you finally deigned to make an appearance at my nuptials.”

“Yes, well, it seems I arrived too late,” the man growled.

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