Lessons From a Scarlet Lady
Table of Contents
Praise for
An Indecent Proposition
“Regency fans will thrill to this superbly sensual tale of an icy widow and two decadent rakes. . . . Balancing deliciously erotic encounters with compelling romantic tension and populating a convincing historical setting with a strong cast of well-developed characters, prolific romance author Wildes provides a spectacular and skillfully handled story that stands head and shoulders above the average historical romance.”
—
Publishers Weekly
(starred review)
Publishers Weekly
(starred review)
“Wickedly delicious and daring, Wildes’s tale tantalizes with an erotic fantasy that is also a well-crafted Regency romance. She delivers a page-turner that captures the era, the mores, and the scandalous behavior that lurks beneath the surface.”
—
Romantic Times
(4½ stars, top pick)
Romantic Times
(4½ stars, top pick)
“A luxurious and sensual read. Both deliciously wicked and tenderly romantic. . . . I didn’t want it to end!”
—
New York Times
bestselling author Celeste Bradley
New York Times
bestselling author Celeste Bradley
“Emma Wildes has thoroughly enchanted e-book readers with her emotionally charged story lines. . . . [A] gem of an author . . . Ms. Wildes tells this story with plenty of compassion, humor, and even a bit of suspense to keep readers riveted to each scandalous scene—and everything in between.”
—Romance Junkies
“A historical gem. . . . Don’t expect a cookie-cutter romance in
An Indecent Proposition
. Ms. Wildes places enough twists and turns in the story as more than one character finds everlasting love.”—TwoLips Reviews
An Indecent Proposition
. Ms. Wildes places enough twists and turns in the story as more than one character finds everlasting love.”—TwoLips Reviews
More Praise
for Emma Wildes
for Emma Wildes
“Of all the authors I’ve read, I believe Emma Wildes to be my hands-down favorite. . . . Ms. Wildes has once again shown her ability to present new variations of romance in all of its infinite forms. Be prepared to feel your passions grow as you read the beautifully written love scenes.”
—Just Erotic Romance Reviews (5 stars)
“Emma Wildes has an amazing flair for taking what could be considered controversial subject matter and turning it into a beautiful love story that has the reader cheering for the characters. . . . It is a truly rare and remarkable talent.”
—Euro-Reviews
“Unique, masterfully written, and engaging story lines coupled with fascinating characters are what every reader can expect from Emma Wildes. For fans of historical and Regency romance, look no farther. Ms. Wildes possesses a beautiful, flowing writing style that transports her readers to another time as the sights and sounds come to life around them. My expectations are exceeded every time I read one of her books!”
—TwoLips Reviews
“Chock-full of mysteries, torrid romances, unforgettable characters . . . delightfully fun and wicked.”
—Romance Junkies
“‘Sexy’ and ‘enchanting’ aptly describe Wildes’s latest. . . . This is delightful reading from beginning to end.”
—
Romantic Times
(4 stars)
Romantic Times
(4 stars)
“Emma Wildes is a rising star who writes incredible historical romance.”
—Fallen Angel Reviews
ALSO BY EMMA WILDES
An Indecent Proposition
SIGNET ECLIPSE
Published by New American Library, a division of
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First published by Signet Eclipse, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
First Printing, January 2010
Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street,
New York, New York 10014, USA
Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto,
Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)
Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2,
Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.)
Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124,
Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.)
Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park,
New Delhi - 110 017, India
Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore 0632,
New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.)
Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue,
Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices:
80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England
First published by Signet Eclipse, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
First Printing, January 2010
Copyright © Katherine Smith, 2010
eISBN : 978-1-101-15982-8
All rights reserved
SIGNET ECLIPSE and logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
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To Aunt Jan and Uncle Mick
with affection and a mischievous wink
with affection and a mischievous wink
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
How can I possibly thank Becky Vinter and Barbara Poelle enough? I can’t, so let me just tip my proverbial hat to these lovely, talented ladies.
I’d also like to express my appreciation for all the brain-storming moments and support to DL. There’s nothing like a good friend with wickedly wonderful suggestions.
My thanks to Jennifer, as well. You know why.
Prologue
If you have not captured his attention in the first place, how can you possibly hold it?
The entire preface to
Lady Rothburg’s Advice
, published 1802
Lady Rothburg’s Advice
, published 1802
T
he vestibule was full of well-dressed people milling like jeweled birds in their finery, just as she’d hoped. Brianna Northfield let her husband slip her velvet cloak from her shoulders and deliberately kept her back toward him, smiling and nodding at several acquaintances in the throng. He handed the garment to a nearby attendant, greeted his old friend Lord Bassford while Brianna waited, still strategically turned away.
he vestibule was full of well-dressed people milling like jeweled birds in their finery, just as she’d hoped. Brianna Northfield let her husband slip her velvet cloak from her shoulders and deliberately kept her back toward him, smiling and nodding at several acquaintances in the throng. He handed the garment to a nearby attendant, greeted his old friend Lord Bassford while Brianna waited, still strategically turned away.
This was the first step in her plan and she certainly hoped it worked, for she felt exposed.
Very much so.
Colton finished his conversation and took her arm, his gaze thankfully intent on scanning the crowd for a way to proceed toward their private box. “This way, my dear. I think we can squeeze through over by where the Earl of Farrington is standing.”
“That young woman with him is not someone I know,” she murmured, noting the beautiful young lady’s fiery hair and lush figure. “Good heavens, he must be old enough to be her father.”
“His latest mistress, I believe,” her husband said coolly as they edged through the crowd. “I’m sure they are here at the opera together simply to annoy his wife. Discretion has never been Farrington’s strong suit.”
The note of disapproval in her husband’s voice did not escape her, but at least it wasn’t directed
at
her. That is, not yet. Colton Northfield, the fifth Duke of Rolthven, did not believe in public displays of one’s private life. She had learned that much in three months of marriage.
at
her. That is, not yet. Colton Northfield, the fifth Duke of Rolthven, did not believe in public displays of one’s private life. She had learned that much in three months of marriage.
If he had a mistress, he would certainly not bring her out and flaunt the affair in front of all of fashionable London society. Neither would he purposely hurt or humiliate his wife. Brianna simply prayed he
didn’t
have a mistress, nor did she ever want him to feel he required one.
didn’t
have a mistress, nor did she ever want him to feel he required one.
His touch on her arm was light as he guided her toward the carpeted stairs that led up to the elegant box overlooking center stage. Heads turned as they passed, other friends giving greetings, and Brianna noticed more than one gentleman let his gaze linger on her and several raised brows among the ladies.
Fine. After all, she wished to make an impression. If the length of the masculine stares was a good measure, she was certainly succeeding.
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