A Season for Sin

by Vicky Dreiling

  For nearly a year, Tessa had promoted the match between Anne Mortland and Lord Broughton. More than once, Tessa had feared all would come to naught, but true love and a dusting of luck had culminated in this fairy tale marriage.

  Tessa glanced at Lord Broughton. “You both look well, my lord.”

  Broughton gazed at his bride with adoration. “I am the happiest of men.”

  Tessa’s heart contracted with a yearning for something she could never have.

  Anne clasped her arm. “Tessa, look quickly. You do not want to miss seeing Jane dance.”

  Tessa lifted up on her toes to see past the crowd. She caught a glimpse of her new companion, Jane Powell, but the fast approach of two fashionable and handsome gentlemen diverted her attention. As they neared, her heart thudded. She recognized the taller man with tousled black hair. It was the Duke of Shelbourne.

  She turned round, hoping he’d not seen her. To her mortification, Shelbourne and the other gentleman approached Lord Broughton.

  “Shelbourne, Hawk, this is an unexpected pleasure,” Broughton said, rubbing his hands.

  Tessa gazed up at the chandelier, wishing she could melt like the wax oozing from the candles. When she’d run away, he’d probably thought she wanted him to chase her. Belatedly, she realized her behavior only made her look guilty and a little foolish. She planted a serene smile on her face as Lord Broughton introduced her to the duke and Lord Hawkfield. Then she curtseyed and rose to find Shelbourne gazing at her. In the light of the chandelier, she could see his eyes were marine blue and fringed by thick black lashes.

  “Miss Mansfield and my wife are friends,” Lord Broughton said. “She is the one responsible for our happy union.”

  Lord Hawkfield raised his brows in an exaggerated fashion. “I say, a matchmaker? If only I had known of your skills when my sisters were single, Miss Mansfield. You might have saved me the trouble of finding them husbands.”

  His mocking tone vexed her. She’d encountered plenty of his kind before, always quick to ridicule her avocation. “I had no idea I had a competitor. Or do you only make matches for relatives?”

  Before Lord Hawkfield could reply, the duke cut in. “His self-proclaimed talent is highly overrated.”

  She arched her brows. “Should I be relieved?”

  “He never stood a chance against you.”

  His distinctive baritone voice sent an exquisite shiver along her arms. She mentally shook herself. He’s a rake, he’s a rake, he’s a rake.

  The music ended. Lord Hawkfield excused himself and disappeared into the crowd. The duke glanced at her, and then he closed the distance between them.

  She looked at him warily. Could he not see she wished him to leave her in peace?

  “I apologize for detaining you so long earlier,” he said. “Without a proper introduction, I fear you might have taken offense.”

  He’d apologized in a gentlemanly manner, even though she was equally at fault, perhaps more so, since she’d done most of the talking. “No apology is necessary. The circumstances were unusual.”

  He inclined his head. Though he did not smile, there was a natural curve to his full lips. His was not the pretty face of a dandy, however. Oh, no, not at all. His thick brows, angular cheekbones, and square jaw were all male. Little wonder women reportedly swooned at his perfection. No, not quite perfect, she thought, detecting a faint shadow along his jaw and above his full upper lip. His valet probably had to shave him twice a day. Her skin prickled at this evidence of the duke’s masculinity.

  “There is something I wish to ask you.” His voice rumbled, a sound as rich and irresistible as a cup of chocolate.

  Her heart thumped at the low, seductive notes in his voice. She’d thought herself unsusceptible to such tricks, but evidently her traitorous body was not.

  “May I call upon you tomorrow afternoon?” he asked.

  “Your Grace, if this concerns my fan, I beg you to forget the matter.” There, that should settle his concern once and for all.

  “It is not about the fan,” he said. “I have appointments early in the afternoon. May I call at four o’clock?”

  She regarded him with suspicion. “Why not tell me now?”

  “I prefer to discuss it in private, if you are amenable.”

  In private? Did he mean to make her a dishonorable proposal? Then her common sense prevailed. A handsome rake like him would have no interest in a plump spinster.

  His mouth curved in the merest of smiles. “You hesitate. I can hardly blame you after I discomposed you earlier.”

  She lifted her chin. “I was not discomposed.” What a bouncer. She’d fled as if the engraving on his card read His Grace, the Duke of Devilbourne.

  “I will of course abide by your decision.” Then he gazed into her eyes with such intensity, she stilled like a rabbit in the woods. He drew her in, mesmerizing her with his arresting blue eyes. She felt the pull of his will like a swift current. And everything inside her said yes. “Very well,” she said breathlessly.

  “Thank you. Until tomorrow.” He sketched a formal bow and walked away.

  She let out her pent-up breath. Good God, he’d seduced her into agreeing.

  Anne approached, using her fan to shield her voice. “What were you and the duke discussing?”

  Tessa thought it best not to reveal his intended visit until she knew his purpose. “Nothing of consequence.” But he wanted something from her. She suppressed a shiver.

  “He spoke to you at length,” Anne said. “You must tell me what he said.”

  “You make too much of the matter.” Why had she let him turn her head?

  “He looked at you like a starving wolf. Stay away from him,” Anne said. “He is well-respected for his politics, but even Geoffrey admitted the duke has a notorious reputation with women. He probably has one hundred notches in his bedpost.”

  Tessa scoffed. “I’m sure he has no interest in carving one for an aging spinster like me.”

  “You are only six and twenty,” Anne said. “Why must you always demean your charms?”

  She ignored her friend’s question. “Do not worry. I am in no danger of falling for a rake’s wiles.” Even if he’d persuaded her to let him call tomorrow, and she’d accepted against her better judgment.

  Anne drew closer. “He has a reputation as a legendary lover. Women throw themselves in his path. I heard he can persuade a woman to do his bidding with his eyes.”

  Tessa gulped, knowing it was true.

  Anne surveyed the crowd and grabbed Tessa’s arm. “Look, there he is now by the hearth. Do you see that woman with him? That is Lady Endicott, a formerly respectable widow—until she met Shelbourne.”

  Tessa glanced in that direction. A tall, raven-haired beauty with jade feathers in her bandeau slid her finger along Shelbourne’s lapel. Then the widow leaned against him and whispered in his ear. He turned his head and flicked her earbob.

  Tessa gasped. Stars above. She’d invited that shameless rake to her drawing room.

  His teeth flashed in a roguish grin. Then he winked at the lady and strode off.

  “How could he engage in such brazen flirtation when his sister is present?” Anne said, her voice outraged.

  Tessa swerved her gaze to Anne. “His sister?”

  “Lady Julianne,” Anne said. “She is dancing with Lord Holbrook.”

  The dark-haired young woman laughed as she skipped past her partner. Her complexion glowed with the radiance of youth, and her gold-netted gown set off her slender figure to perfection. A sliver of envy lodged in Tessa’s throat. Long ago, she’d missed her own opportunity to have a season. Most of the time, she refused to dwell on the past, but once in a while, regret shadowed her heart.

  Anne regarded Tessa. “Lady Julianne is purported to have declined more than a dozen marriage proposals since her come-out three years ago.”

  “She sounds very particular.”

  “Perhaps it is her brother who is particular,” Anne said. “Some s
ay the duke believes no man is good enough for his sister.”

  Tessa stilled. Did he mean to ask her to make a match for his sister tomorrow? No, surely he would rely on his mother’s advice. Why then had he insisted on calling?

  Also by Vicky Dreiling

  How to Marry a Duke

  How to Seduce a Scoundrel

  How to Ravish a Rake

  Praise for Vicky Dreiling’s Novels

  “Dreiling secures her reputation as a writer of charming, matchmaking romances with engaging characters. Though her plotlines are classic, her cast of quirky, unconventional characters sets her stories apart. Fans of marriage-of-convenience love stories have a treat.”

  —RT Book Reviews on How to Ravish a Rake

  “Regency matchmaking, rakes, rogues, innocence and scandal: oh what fun! Dreiling knows how to combine these ingredients into a delightfully delicious, wickedly witty slice of reading pleasure.”

  —RT Book Reviews on How to Seduce a Scoundrel

  “In her lively debut novel, Vicky Dreiling has penned a fresh, engaging take on Regency matchmaking that brims with clever wit and repartee.”

  —Nicole Jordan, New York Times bestselling author on How to Marry a Duke

  “A tale chock full of warmth, wit and tenderness.”

  —Samantha James, New York Times bestselling author on How to Marry a Duke

  “A terrific romp of a read!… Vicky is a bright new voice in romance.”

  —Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author on How to Marry a Duke

  “Dreiling’s Regency romance debut is, in a word, enchanting… How can Tristan honorably back away from his public courtship? And how can Tessa’s reputation in high society survive? Dreiling not only solves the dilemma; she also makes readers care about the delightful couple through their witty repartee and her expert storytelling.”

  —Booklist (Starred Review)

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  When Lord Benjamin Archer’s one chance for redemption is destroyed by corrupt London antiquarian Hector Ellis, he vows to take what Ellis values most—his daughter Miranda. Forced to hide his face behind masks, Archer travels the world hoping to escape the curse that plagues him so that he can finally claim his prize.

  But once Archer returns home to London, will it be revenge he seeks? Or will the flame-haired beauty ignite new, undeniable desires?

  All of London looks forward to the Dowager Duchess of Clayworth’s annual ball. For no matter how hard the serious society matron strives to host an elegant event, scandal always ensues…

  Seven years ago it was a young Serena Donovan and Jonathan Dane who shocked the ton when they were discovered in a most compromising position. Tonight they return for the first time as the Earl and Countess of Stratford. And while Serena hopes for a quiet evening to introduce her younger sister Olivia to society, Jonathan’s only desire is to pick up where he and Serena left off…

  Though innocent Olivia secretly longs for the kind of passion her sister shares with her husband, none of the men she’s met spark a fire inside her heart—least of all the notorious Marquis of Fenwicke. When his request for a waltz turns into something sinister, Olivia must use her wit and wiles to evade a powerful peer who vows if he can’t have her, no man shall…

  SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN

  As the madam of Aphrodite’s Grotto, the most infamous brothel in London, Coral Smythe knows everything possible about men’s needs and desires. Yet she’s never experienced the love of a single man—not even that of Captain Isaac Wargate, whose hawklike eyes stare at her with both condemnation… and lust.

  SEVEN NIGHTS OF ECSTASY

  Captain Wargate heartily disapproves of the sensuous madam who always wears a golden mask. She lures his officers from both his ship and their duty. But when Coral herself is offered up as the prize in a game of chance, Wargate impulsively enters… and wins.

  SEVEN NIGHTS OF LOVE

  Now the puritanical navy captain has just seven nights to learn everything he can about the mysterious madam and what she knows of a man’s desires. But when Coral is threatened by the new owner of Aphrodite’s Grotto, will Wargate take a chance on the woman beneath the mask… and on love?

  Fiona Ferguson wants nothing more than to flee Miss Lavinia Chase’s Finishing School. Rather than the safe haven the girls’ families presume it to be, the school is intent on making its charges conform to the rules—by any means necessary. For Fiona, the only thing worse than staying at the dreaded “Last Chance Academy” would be abandoning the friends she’s made there. But when she receives word from home that her sister is in trouble, Fiona plots her escape…

  A devoted spy in service to the Crown, Alex Knight takes his duties very seriously. His latest assignment—to ensure that the incorrigible Fiona remain safely at school—turns out to be far more of a challenge than he expected. After matching wits with the fiery Scottish beauty, he learns that the greatest danger of all… begins with a kiss.

  Look for these books in Vicky Dreiling’s charming series!

  Available Now

  Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne, is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. Love is not necessary—nor desired. But how to choose among a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London’s infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she’s not the most captivating woman he’s ever met…

  Helping a devilish duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she’s determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife—she’ll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the duke’s affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan’s desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker’s number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.

  “An enchanting debut, full of humor and heart.”

  —Madeline Hunter, New York Times bestselling author

  Available Now

  Miss Julianne Gatewick is in a pickle. It started when her brother’s best friend—for whom she’s long nursed a secret tendre—agreed to act as her guardian for the Season, only to seduce her with a risqué waltz. But when the music stopped and the expectant ton waited for Marc Darcett, Earl of Hawkfield, to claim her as his own, he made his disinterest clear. Rather than succumb to humiliation, Julianne does what any self-respecting, recently discarded young miss with a wicked sense of humor would do. She secretly pens a lady’s guide to enticing unrepentant rakes… and it becomes the hottest scandal sheet in London.

  Every honorable rake knows that friends’ sisters are forbidden. But suddenly Julianne has a spark of mischief in her eyes that Hawk can’t resist. Try as he might to push her away, he spends his days listening for her laughter and his nights dreaming of kissing her senseless. He’s always avoided innocents and their marriage-minded mothers, but has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?

  “This was an enchanting tale that had me grinning from ear to ear. The chemistry between Marc and Julianne was flammable and only needed a spark to set it off.”

  —Seducedbyabook.com

  Available Now

  SCANDALOUS DESIRES…

  Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can’t, she’ll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security—if little else. What she doesn’t count on is the inappropriate—and irresistible—attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extrao
rdinaire Will “the Devil” Darcett…

  DEVILISH DELIGHT

  When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton’s shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn’t simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he’s mended his wicked ways…

  “To be nominated for a RITA once, is quite the honor… twice, is crazy amazing… but three times in one year? That should tell you that if you are not reading this author already, then you should be, because if you aren’t, you are really missing out!!”

  —Seductive Musings

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  Contents

  Cover Image

  Title Page

  Welcome

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  About the Author

  A Preview of What a Wicked Earl Wants

  A Preview of How to Marry a Duke

  Also by Vicky Dreiling

  Praise for Vicky Dreiling’s Novels

  Newsletters

  Copyright

  Copyright

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.