Seductive Scoundrels Series Books 4-6: A Regency Romance by Collette Cameron

Author:Collette Cameron [Cameron, Collette]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Seductive Scoundrels
Publisher: Blue Rose Romance
Published: 2020-06-15T18:00:00+00:00

Crispin tossed back his last swallow of champagne and returned the nod Mathias, Duke of Westfall, sent him from farther along this side of the ballroom. Earlier, they’d discussed horseflesh—a stud Westfall wanted, to be precise. Depositing the empty flute on the tray a passing black-and-crimson-liveried footman carried, he casually surveyed the milling crowd, seeking Jessica Brentwood.

He’d dared to claim a waltz with her, although his common sense rebuffed him for the foolish impulse. Sutcliffe had asked him to dance with his sister-in-law, and Crispin was only too willing to honor his friend’s request. Never mind that notion had been at the forefront of his mind since he’d ascended the steps to the house.

Laughing, Nicolette Twistleton and Ophelia Breckensole, along with Rayne Wellbrook and Justina Farthington, hurried from the ballroom. Ladies never seemed to be able to seek the retiring room unless they did so en masse.

It made him grateful to have been born a male.

Across the way, near an elaborate column, the Dukes of Pennington, Kincade, and Asherford engaged in earnest conversation. Victor, the Duke of Sutcliffe, danced with his duchess, as did the Dukes of Dandridge and Sheffield. Each was nauseatingly content in their wedded state, and he couldn’t help but envy them.

If compelled down the marital path forced upon him at present, Crispin would leave his duchess at his remotest estate while taking himself off to India. Or China. Or the Americas, regularly. He and Lilith Brighton were as compatible as oil and water, and he’d be damned if he’d impose his presence on her or hers upon him.

Even his closest friends didn’t know of his less-than-gallant intentions. He rather suspected they’d point out how unbecoming cowardice was, as well as abandoning one’s spouse. Except, he wouldn’t precisely be abandoning Lilith. She’d want for nothing, and he would have to return to England annually, at the minimum, to inspect his properties.

Chagrin chafed him, and he glared at the chalked floor. It wasn’t her fault that he felt nothing for her and never would. His heart was too full of another.

Earlier in the day, he’d learned the Sutcliffe household was to attend the Westfalls’ ball this evening, and he’d immediately altered his plans so he might see Jessica. It wasn’t the first time he’d done so, which made him a complete assling. But as long as no one else suspected his tendre, he’d continue to do so.

Miss Jessica Brentwood was an enchantress and had consumed his musings for months. He’d secretly admired her from afar for as long. Nonetheless, he’d been diligent not to make overtures or give anyone cause for gossip or speculation.

After all, he was betrothed.

Not, by God, of his own free will.

And that frustration chafed raw and sharp. Gnawed at his peace and kept his mind in a constant turmoil. He did not desire the union with Lilith Brighton. Never had. Never would. How was he to escape the cursed match?

No, the real difficulty was dissolving the contract without ruining lives.

What about my life?

Somehow, he must make it so.

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