Society's Most Scandalous Viscount by Anabelle Bryant

sessions, he plays through the night and laments about the outcome the following day. He rarely wins but he believes his success is imminent, and I daresay he’s been bitten, the fever hot in his blood. Unlike your skill with the game, he lacks control, which could explain his exuberant fascination with me. More than once, he’s mentioned his desire to improve his skill, but his funds are lacking. I believe he wishes to impress me, or perhaps, acquire enough money to prove he’s worthy of my affection.” Her mouth lifted though no true happiness showed. “You could happen upon the table where he’s playing, win his every shilling, and then once you hold his vowels, persuade him to abandon his attentions in exchange for the accommodation note.”
    â€œIt will become another scandal.”
    â€œOnly if you lose and cause a scene.”
    â€œI don’t lose.”
    â€œPrecisely.” She offered one of her conciliatory smiles.
    â€œYou’ve put a lot of thought into this, haven’t you?” He eyed the brandy and considered pouring another glass if for no other reason than to wash away the suspicion in his tone.
    â€œI’d label it consideration.”
    â€œFor yourself, no doubt.”
    â€œIt’s a good plan that leaves all participants unscathed. Laurence will have his debt forgiven and I will avoid censure for an inadvertent assumption. I’m here for one night only. Tomorrow I’ll begin travel to London, with or without you.”
    Her expression eased and he searched for any sign she regretted her actions. Any of them. But he saw only what she chose to show him. “Hazard is a game of chance. Any money Laurence loses reverts to the house. There would be no opportunity to accept his vowels. Your plan has more holes than a sinking ship.”
    â€œI wouldn’t know what happens within hells and pleasure gardens, places men go to ruin their reputations and soil their titles.” She eyed him with a gleam of warning. “But I’m sure you’ll contrive a plan to stop Laurence’s aggression.”
    â€œAnd what will I gain for this valiant manipulation?” Sarcasm fell heavily on the last two words.
    â€œMy promise to avoid scandal in the future, of course.”
    â€œI’ve received that promise before and it’s never been kept.”
    â€œI can’t take responsibility for the unfortunate turn of events that plague me. Your father holds that honor.”
    Kellaway was too clever to engage in a debate as to where fault lay in consideration of his parents. His mother had taught him all the wrong emotions and his father had proved them true. Years before he’d reached his majority their deficient guidance fell into obsolescence. He was a self-made man in every respect, whether the qualities proved admirable or reprehensible. He’d assist his mother this final time and then cut loose from the web of lies she’d tangled around their family.

Chapter Nine
    Angelica awoke from the dream,
the nightmare
, confused and panicked, her heart thumping a frantic beat. She pushed the coverlet aside with haste and sat up, fumbling for the lantern key on the bedside table, exhaling in relief as the soft glow chased away the remnants of fear and trepidation. It couldn’t be late. She narrowed her eyes and focused on the clock on the mantle, measuring her breaths with the mark of passing time. The hands displayed half ten.
    She’d gone to bed early and claimed fatigue when Grandmother inquired, simultaneously hiding the truth that she wished to escape the temptation of Benedict’s proposition.
    If you seek experience, I’ll aid you in your quest.
    A thrilling shiver passed through her and she pulled the coverlet up to her chin, closing her eyes tight.
    I’ll show you pleasure, ease your tension. I sense your unrest, see it in every inch of you.
    Here was the adventure she wished to embrace, if only she