“But make no mistake, young man,” Dahlia said to him, “you’ve married one of the most intelligent, principled, talented young ladies in this great nation. And custom and propriety be damned, if you prove to be a rapscallion I will help her leave you behind. Duke’s son or no.”
Instead of arguing, Ben kept his expression grave and only said, “Yes, ma’am. If I prove to be a rapscallion I shall do all I can to help you.”
Dahlia gave a bark of laughter. “Impertinent, too, I see? Well, I suppose you’ll rub along well enough together then.”
Then, as if she’d done what she came to do, she turned to Maitland and Daphne, who had waited behind her like retainers. “You may take me back to Beauchamp House now. I’ve seen m’niece and it’s clear she won’t be able to leave this place for a while.” She gestured to the doorway where curious exhibition goers were beginning to trickle in.
“I shall see you and your vicar at dinner, Sophia,” she said with a regal nod before turning to offer her arm to a bemused Maitland, who pulled a face, but escorted her out as his gentlemanly training dictated.
“Why do I feel like I’ve just survived a typhoon?” Ben asked as he and Sophia watched them leave.
“Because you have,” Sophia said with a shake of her head. “You most assuredly have.”
“I see where you get your backbone from,” he said with a grin. “Will you be like that at her age? Shall I prepare myself to be ordered about?”
“Most assuredly,” she nodded. “Prepare yourself.”
“I’m prepared for anything so long as you’re with me,” he told her, turning to face her fully, taking her hands in his. “Together, we are unstoppable.”
“I love you, Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle.” She looked up into his dear, handsome, sweet face, her heart full with love for him.
“Not as much as I love you, Lady Benedick,” he said kissing her nose. “And just so you know, I also have a deep appreciation for your intellect and your work as an artist. Just in case that gives you some sort of extra appreciation for me.”
“I don’t need any extras from you, Ben.” She pulled him down, until his mouth was hovering a breath from hers. “You’re perfect just as you are.”
His eyes softened, in that way they only did when he was looking at her.
“So are you, Wallflower,” he said closing the distance between them. “So much more than perfect.”
Don’t miss the next Studies in Scandal novel from Manda Collins
One for the Rogue
Coming soon from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Also By Manda Collins
Duke With Benefits
Ready, Set, Rogue
Good Dukes Wear Black
Good Earl Gone Bad
A Good Rake is Hard to Find
Why Lords Lose Their Hearts
Why Earls Fall in Love
Why Dukes Say I Do
How to Entice an Earl
How to Romance a Rake
How to Dance With a Duke
Praise for Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series
DUKE WITH BENEFITS
“A delight to see a classic Regency hero so smitten with a truly unusual heroine. Driven by multiple passionate scenes and the hunt for a murderer, it’s a swift and intense read. A bluestocking Regency romance of unusual intensity.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Intense romance.”
—Publisher’s Weekly
“The romance is lovely, with both hero and heroine falling into love the way people do in life outside of books—in a slow tumble and a sharp drop, all at once.”
—New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean
“This is a terrific historical romance … I definitely have to recommend.”
—Night Owl Reviews (Top Pick!)
“A delightful book full of romance, intrigue, and mystery, Duke with Benefits should be on your to-buy list for July!”
—Romance Reviews Today
“A delicious romance with a curious mystery thrown in to spice things up!”
—Fresh Fiction
READY SET ROGUE
“Displaying a deft hand at characterization, a superb ability to craft an engaging plot spiced with intrigue and danger, and a remarkable flair for graceful writing richly imbued with a deliciously crisp wit, Collins launches the Studies in Scandal series on a high note.”
—Booklist (Starred review)
“Ready Set Rogue has an assortment of bold, brilliant female characters and showcases the strength and resourcefulness of women.”
—Fresh Fiction
“This story is classic Manda Collins, her writing is witty, smart and is full of surprises. This series is going to be a keeper to read again and again.”
—The Reading Wench
About the Author
Manda Collins spent her teen years wishing she’d been born a couple of centuries earlier, preferably in the English countryside. Time travel being what it is, she resigned herself to life with electricity and indoor plumbing, and reads lots of books. When she’s not writing, she’s helping other people use books, as an academic librarian. Visit www.mandacollins.com to learn more. Or sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Epilogue
Also By Manda Collins
Praise for Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
WALLFLOWER MOST WANTED
Copyright © 2018 Manda Collins.
Cover design by Kerri Resnick
Cover Illustration by PixelWorks Studios
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
www.stmartins.com
eISBN: 978-1-250-10991-0
Our eBooks may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, ext. 5442, or by e-mail at [email protected].
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / February 2018
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
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