The Five Kisses by Karla Darcy

appreciate the scandal that would erupt if word of this became known. I cannot stress this enough and hope you will be discreet about your background when you arrive in London.”
    Blaine’s eyes darkened at the thought of such a deception but she was wise enough to take her aunt’s words to heart. “I will be careful, ma’am. But what about the children and the neighborhood?”
    “It seems to me,” Lady Yates continued, “that we shall have to put it about that you have gone to London to care for an aged, and no doubt crotchety, relative. Perhaps a cousin of your father’s. The Meriweathers never did anything with any great success, except breed. Always whelped with the steady frequency of rabbits.”
    At this latest outrageous comment, Blaine fell into whoops of laughter. The amusement did much to encourage her for the coming adventure. Although part of her still feared the unknown, there was a core of excitement that she could not gainsay. There was an air of fantasy to the plan, almost as if she were going to a masquerade ball. She would hold to that thought and then she would not feel so shattered at the thought of parting from her family and all she held dear.