Scandalous Liaison Read online

  Scandalous Liaison

  Amanda Mariel

  Contents

  Also by Amanda Mariel

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Excerpt

  Chapter 1

  About the Author

  Afterword

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  * * *

  Copyright © 2018 Amanda Mariel

  All rights reserved.

  * * *

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

  * * *

  Published by Brook Ridge Press

  Also by Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Scandalous Liaison

  * * *

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Delighted by the Duke

  * * *

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  **Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight**

  Theodora

  Georgina

  Adeline

  Josephine

  Lady Archer’s Creed boxset

  * * *

  Scandal Meets Love series

  Love Only Me

  Find Me Love

  Coming soon to the Scandal Meets Love series

  If it’s Love

  * * *

  A Rogue’s Kiss Series

  Her Perfect Rogue

  Coming next to the A Rogue’s Kiss series

  Her Perfect Scoundrel

  His Perfect Hellion

  * * *

  Standalone titles

  Love’s Legacy

  One Moonlit Tryst

  One Enchanting Kiss

  Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace

  * * *

  Wicked Earls’ Club

  **Titles by Amanda Mariel**

  Earl of Grayson

  Coming next to the Wicked Earls’ Club

  Earl of Edgemore

  * * *

  Connected by a Kiss

  **These are designed so they can standalone**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)

  A Gypsy’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)

  A Duke’s Christmas Kiss (Tammy Andresen)

  * * *

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.

  This one is for all of the fans who asked for the Duchess of Abernathy’s story. Thank you for reading and loving the Ladies and Scoundrels!

  Prologue

  England, 1822

  Lady Grace Brighton, daughter of the Viscount and Viscountess of Forton entered the ball room with a heavy heart. Tonight would undoubtedly be one of the hardest nights of her life. At seventeen, she should be enjoying the season not dreading what was to come. Nonetheless, her course had been set.

  With dread lacing through her, Grace made her way to the veranda. Mr. Lewis Duffield would be awaiting her under the branches of their tree. The same one he had carved their initials into a fortnight ago. The scenario would have set her belly all a flutter a couple of nights ago, but now everything had changed. Where the butterflies should be, Grace felt an unpleasant churning, twisting her belly into knots.

  She gathered her skirts into her gloved hands as she hastily made her way around a marble column, then down the stairs and toward the torch lit garden. If she tarried over long, people would notice. A situation she could scarce afford when so much hung in the balance. Father and Mother were counting on her. She could not let them down even if it destroyed her heart to honor their wish.

  The dew covered grass dampened her silk slippers as she hastened down the garden path toward the old lime tree. The cool night air bushed against her skin and hundreds of stars sparkled overhead. But the peaceful setting did nothing to cool her nerves, or sooth her upset. Her heartbeat increased as she drew closer to her destination—closer to Lewis.

  Grace slowed her rampant pace and fought for composure as she took the final steps, closing the distance between her and Lewis. She saw him cast in the glow of the torch light, his eyes sparkling and black hair gleaming as she left the path. The familiar fluttering she experienced every time she was near him returned to her belly but did nothing to erase the dread filling her soul.

  A wide smile spread across his face. “My darling Grace, come let me hold you.”

  “Oh, Lewis.” Forgetting her duties for a moment, she cast herself into the warmth of his embrace. What she would give to stay safe in his arms for all eternity. Unable to control her emotions any longer, a shudder racked her shoulders as the first tears seeped from her eyes.

  “What is it, darling?” Lewis stroked her hair with his comforting hand as he held her close.

  How was she to tell him they could no longer be together? Every part of her wished to deny the fact. She longed to run away with him. To start a new life with the man she loved. She would give almost anything to stay with him, but she could not toss her family to the wolves.

  “All will be well. There is no need for tears.” Lewis continued his attempt at comforting her. He dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. “We are together now. I will keep you safe.”

  She had given Lewis her heart months ago and found herself powerless to take it back. All the same, she had a duty to her parents, to the family title and the ton, at least according to mother and father she did. Personally, Grace couldn’t give a fig about the title or the ton, but she could not make the same claim about her parents. She would sell her soul to protect her family.

  A chill trickled through her, raising goosebumps on her flesh. If it killed her, and it well might, she would do right by her family. She had to. What other choice did she have? Without her, they would be destitute. Cast out into the London streets to fade into the chaos of the great city. Forgotten by all, and left to fend for themselves without the means or necessary skills to survive their harsh new reality. She simply could not sentence them to such an existence.

  Grace drew in a slow breath. Resigned to her fate, she pulled away enough to look up into Lewis’s tender, green eyes. His gaze would haunt her memory forevermore—the love and tenderness she witnessed in their depths would be with her always. A steady reminder of what she’d sacrificed.

  “Grace, my darling” He swept the tears from her cheeks. “My love, whatever it is, you can confide in me. Trust me, darling. I will see you through it.”

  She drew on every ounce of courage and strength she possessed and stepped out of his reach. There was no choice in the matter. She had to tell him what happened. What was expected of her. She had to break his heart.

  He stepped toward her, but before he could reach her, she turned her back to him. The words would never come as long his gaze was locked on hers. She could not watch his heart shatter. Grace opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again searching for the proper words. The ones
that would make this easier on both of them, but none existed.

  Blast, this was impossible.

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his hard chest before whispering in her ear, “Everything will be okay. Tell me what is wrong and let me help you.”

  “You cannot help.” A fresh batch of tears blossomed and trailed down her checks. “I am to marry the Duke of Abernathy.”

  Lewis stiffened behind her, his breath hitching. “You can’t. Not when you are in love with me.”

  “God how I wish it were not so.” She turned in his embrace to look up at him and her soul shattered. “Father signed the betrothal papers yesterday. He plans to announce the engagement tonight.”

  Panic gripped Lewis’s expression. “Run away with me. We can leave now. There is no need for you to wed a man you do not love.” He implored her with his gaze. “Grace. Do not destroy what we have. Hold onto our love, to me, with both hands.”

  She nibbled at her lip and averted her gaze. Her chest heavy and tears flowing freely, Grace squeezed her eyes shut. She did love him with all she possessed, but it did not change a thing. She had to honor her parents. Had to protect her family.

  “Damn it, I love you,” Lewis said, his voice cracking with emotion.

  She returned her gaze to his, her heart shattering beyond repair. She had to make him hate her. Make him believe they were ill fated from the beginning. Perhaps then he could walk away. Move on with his life. Maybe even find another to love.

  A lump formed in her throat at the very idea, but still, she wished him happiness. He deserved a lifetime of love. The last thing she wanted was for him to spend his days and nights mourning their relationship.

  Squaring her shoulders, Grace peered at him. “Sometimes love is not enough. My life is in England. Yours is in America. We were doomed from the very beginning.”

  “Grace.” He tightened his hold on her. “You cannot mean that. Come away with me.”

  “I cannot.” She stepped out of his embrace and held one hand in front of her to stop him from recapturing her. “I must return to the ball and to my future.”

  He took one tentative step toward her. “You are wrong. Your life is with me. Let me take care of you. Allow me to cherish you; to love and provide for you.”

  Grace closed the distance between them, placing one gloved finger on his lips. “Do not make this harder on us. You have to let me go.” Every moment she spent here with him weakened her resolve more. If she did not end their time together soon, she may never return to her responsibilities for god knew, her heart belonged to Lewis. “There is no choice. I must honor the agreement my parents made. I…it is my wish to do so.”

  She turned and strode toward the garden path.

  Lewis caught up to her. Grabbing her elbow he halted her. “Grace.”

  She swallowed hard. “Please. Don’t.”

  His gaze filled with hurt and without a word, he released her.

  Grace made haste toward the shelter of her home. Toward the life her parents had planned for her. By months end she would be the Duchess of Abernathy, but her heart would forever belong to Lewis.

  Chapter 1

  London 1845

  A loud cracking sound filled the air at the exact moment that the carriage floor quivered beneath Grace Stratton’s slippered feet. The carriage jostled, swaying from side to side as she struggled to remain seated. She tightened her hold on her pet tiger and glanced at her companion, Eliza. What the devil was happening?

  The carriage came to an abrupt halt emphasized by Eliza’s shocked scream. The girl righted herself on the leather and velvet seat then placed her hand on her chest. “Mercy. Are you alright, Your Grace?”

  She’d told the girl a dozen times that she need not refer to her in such a formal way. Every time Grace protested, Eliza countered, pointing out that a barons daughter had no business addressing a duchess by her christian name. It mattered not that they had become friends. Grace gave Eliza a shaky smile. “Fine, thank you.”

  “And Jasmine?” Eliza looked at the orange and black stripped cat nuzzling against Grace.

  “She is well too. Only a bit shaken.” Grace stroked her hand down the cubs back. “What of yourself?”

  Eliza pushed a loose tendril of fiery red hair out of her eyes. “I’m unhurt.”

  The carriage door swung open causing Eliza to screech once more as Grace jumped a fraction at the sudden intrusion. Settling back, she nodded at her coachman. “Do not keep us in anticipation.”

  The coachman folded his hands in front of his abdomen and gave a firm nod. “I’m afraid we hit a rather deep rut in the road and have broken an Axel as a result.”

  Grace handed Jasmine to Eliza. “Be a dear will you?”

  “Of course.” Eliza accepted the tiger with a smirk, then settled the cat on her lap.

  “I’ll have a look at the damage.” The coachman helped Grace down, then led her around to the back of the conveyance.

  Grace, stood behind her carriage inspecting the broken axle. The noon day sun warmed her face and exposed shoulders while a warm wind blew her skirts around her ankles. Delightful as the day was, the peaceful surroundings did nothing to calm her rising upset. The longer she examined the split and splintered wood, the faster her heart beat and mind raced.

  She massaged her temple for a moment before turning to her coachman. “What are we to do about it?” She asked, then prayed he’d have a good solution.

  One that would not detain her overlong.

  “Your Grace, I’m afraid we will have to send for the coach-maker. An axel is not an easy thing to repair.”

  She trailed her gaze along the large crack once more. The last thing she wished for was a delay to her travels, but she supposed it could not be avoided. She closed her eyes and sighed. Pray let her make it to Scotland in time for the little Evangeline’s christening. So long as that happened, all would be well.

  Grace returned her attention to the coachman. “What do you suggest?”

  “There is a coaching inn about half a mile down the road. Allow me to unhook the horses and escort you there to wait while we arrange for the repairs.”

  Grace gave a nod. “How long to you suppose it will take to set my carriage to rights?”

  “I’m sorry Your Grace, but I do not know. If there is a skilled carriage maker in the area, and he is not busy, you could be ready to travel again on the marrow. Otherwise… I’m sorry, there is no way to predict how long you will be delayed.”

  She patted her chignon then smoothed her wrinkled skirts. She’d left London three days prior in order to travel to her nephew, The Duke of Goldstone’s, estate. He and his wife, her dear friend, Amelia where christening their baby daughter Evangeline in a sennight. Grace was to be the babes godmother, and nothing would prevent her from reaching her destination—least of all a broken axel.

  Grace squared her shoulders ready to take command of the situation. “Very well. But leave the horses hitched for now. Instead barrow two of the outriders mounts for us and instruct them to stay with the carriage. For the time being, Eliza and Jasmine will remain as well.”

  “As you wish.” The coachman gave a bow then strolled around the back of the carriage toward the pair of outriders waiting there.

  Grace turned her attention toward the road ahead of her, and waved one of her other outriders closer. She gave him a warm smile when he approached.

  “Your Grace.” The man dismounted then bowed.

  “I would like for you to ride ahead to the inn. When you get their make an inquiry to see if there is a local carriage maker or repair man. If so, fetch him at once. Tell him the Duchess of Abernathy sent you. That should help persuade him.”

  “Straight away, Your Grace.” The outrider bowed once more before returning to his mount before galloping toward the inn.

  Returning to the carriage door, Grace peeked inside. “Eliza.”

  She looked at Grace, but continued to pet Jasmine. “Yes, Your Grace.”<
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  “The carriage is in need of repairs. You are to remain here and care for Jasmine. I am leaving some outriders as well.”

  Eliza nodded. “Where are you going?”

  Grace leaned against the carriage door. “I’m riding ahead to the inn. As soon as arrangements are made, I will return.” Grace could not be certain that all would work in her favor, but regardless she would come back or send someone for Eliza, Jasmine, and her truck.

  “Very well,” Eliza said.

  Jasmine lifted her head and yawned showing off her impressively large teeth before settling back against Eliza.

  Grace turned from the carriage and sighed, glancing at the clear blue sky. At least it was a pleasant day for riding—not a cloud in sight and a nice breeze to keep her comfortable. What a pity she could not change into her riding habit. There would be no dignified way for her to ride in full skirts. Nonetheless, she would make do.

  The coachman led one of her stallions around the carriage, bringing it to a stop beside her. “Allow me to help you mount, Your Grace.”

  She bobbed her head, gathered her skirts high in one hand, then placed a slipper covered foot into his waiting hands as she grabbed the saddle—something she would not have had if they’d taken the carriage horses. Once she was seated, Grace did her best to situate her skirts over her legs all the while wishing she’d wore boots.

  The coachman glanced at her, his gaze remorseful. “I do apologize for not having a proper sidesaddle, Your Grace. Might you rather stay here while I go ahead and make the arrangements?”