Scandal of Love by Janelle Daniels Page A

not otherwise engaged.”
    Sera couldn’t help but smile. It was Lord Bromley’s gentlemanly behavior that had always attracted her. “I would like that. As it happens, I have not promised the next dance to anyone.”
    “Excellent.”
    Leading her onto the floor, the music began. She moved easily with Lord Bromley, as they had danced many times before. It was interesting to realize she was never in love with him. She had thought the comfortable feeling she had had while in his arms meant that she was beginning to fall in love, but now she knew that it was just a deep friendship she had felt. She thought it odd how she could have been so off on her feelings.
    Unable to hold back her affection for him, she smiled. “I hope you know how much I value your friendship.”
    He looked down, returning her smile with a quirk of his lips. “I do. As much as I value yours. I want you to know…” he trailed off, trying to find the right words. “I want you to know that you can always come to me. I will always help you in any way I can.”
    The gratitude that she felt from his words swelled in her chest. She would hate to ever lose his friendship. “Thank you.”
    Gliding through a few intricate steps, they were quiet, both lost in thoughts of what-if.
    The music ended on a sweet note, seeming to echo her relationship with Lord Bromley. She had known that after the scandal and her engagement that nothing could come between the two of them, but she hadn’t realized she still harbored the dream.
    It was time to let it go. And she did.
    He brought her back to where she had been earlier and gave her a deep bow. The smile she gave him was one of regret, but there was no going back to how she had been before Quinton. After an equally deep curtsy from her, he left.
    It was interesting that she could feel so differently after one dance. She felt more free, more able to move forward with her life, unhampered by old dreams.
    “You really need to move on.”
    Hearing Victoria’s voice, Sera closed her eyes. What did she want now?
    Turning around to face her arch-nemesis, Sera couldn’t even muster up a polite smile. “What are you talking about, Victoria?”
      “Come now, Sera. There is no need to pretend.”
    Sera gritted her teeth. “Speak plainly. I’m in no mood to fence words with you right now.”
      “You must know by now.”
    “Know what?”
    Victoria studied Sera’s face before a smug smile curved her lips. “I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out yet. You must know that Lord Devericks didn’t start the rumor.” She paused dramatically. “I did.”
    Shock coursed through Sera’s veins. No, it wasn’t possible. Victoria started the rumor? Victoria caused the scandal and her engagement? “Why?” Sera asked hoarsely.
    One of Victoria’s dainty shoulders shrugged, her deep rose gown swishing with the movement. “Isn’t it obvious? I want Lord Bromley. I saw his intentions toward you were getting serious, and I had to get you out of the way so that he would focus on me.”
    Sera’s mouth dropped open. “You did all this in the hopes that Lord Bromley’s attention would turn toward you?” Sera couldn’t believe the woman’s self-centeredness. She had taken away Sera’s free will, her choice of husband, all because of jealousy.
    “Yes.” A pout slowly creased her lips. “It isn’t working out exactly how I had planned, but I hope that once you are wed he will move on and turn his attentions to me.”
    “What makes you think you are his next choice?”
    Laughter flowed melodically through her lips. “Come now, Sera. Besides you, I am the most beautiful debutant and possess one of the largest dowries. If not me, then whom?”
    “Perhaps someone less selfish?”
    “Don’t be so naïve, it doesn’t flatter you at all.” She looked up before continuing. “Ah, I see Aubrey has arrived. Well, I shall leave you two to be wallflowers. Please relay my best wishes to her.”
    Fuming with anger, Sera