Lady Scandal
Praise for Larissa Lyons
For
Deceived by Desire
~
4½ Stars from Romantic Times
- This deliciously wicked Regency romp is an irresistible tale that weaves shapeshifting lions with clairvoyance and steamy sex...an ingeniously constructed plot...
Laced with wit, scandal and true love, it’s a wonderfully entertaining escape.
For
Ensnared by Innocence
~
Obvious devotion to historical detail...
Lyons did a tremendous job of making me believe that these two people and their interactions were really part of the Regency period
...think Robin Schone’s Victorian period historicals... Bev(QB) for The Good, The Bad & The Unread
5 Stars & Sultry - I loved the moods created by the author, her detail to the period
and her gift at recreating the society in which she cast her books and characters. The authoress of this book has paid magnificent attention to the complexity of human emotion. Rae for Ecataromance
Lady Scandal
Larissa Lyons
*MAD*FACTS* 37,000 words • Hot Historical Romance • Regency
All of London is ablaze with rumors about the identity of Lady Scandal, a female brazen—and desperate—enough to advertise for a husband.
But for Juliet, the young and surprisingly innocent widow, it’s her last option if she wants to avoid another marriage not of her choosing. Her prickly, pig-headed father has threatened to marry her off once again but this time Juliet is not without resources. She hopes the unentailed lands she possesses are enough to “bribe” some rich man to swoop in and save her from another unwanted union. And she has fingers and toes crossed she can find a potential bridegroom who will make her insides melt.
Zeus Tanner, a self-made man from humble origins, has one driving goal—to reclaim his stolen birthright. When the scandalous advertisement catches his eye, Zeus believes he’s found the key to realizing his dream. But after surpassing the arduous task of obtaining an audience with the infamous Lady Scandal—who’s hidden herself behind a screen without explanation!—Zeus never imagined he’d be asked such a strange assortment of questions, given a test of manners over an atrocious scone, and ordered to disrobe and show her his chest—and “male parts”. Zeus heartily refuses to comply with this last outrageous request. Unless, he ponders out loud, the intriguing female is willing to trade her stockings and stays for the privilege...
*MAD*WARNING* Lady Scandal features flying slippers and stockings, a soaring silk neckcloth and silky undergarments, an unplanned eruption of epic proportions, and innocent licks that soon turn lust into love!
Blurbs and excerpts for Larissa’s other electronic and print titles can be read on her website,
LarissaLyons.com
.
Lady Scandal is dedicated to new and longtime friends. To my fabulous cousin M.V. and Cyberbuddy (not to mention mental twin) Tanya, your support and enthusiasm (& hours spent reading and cheering me on) mean the world. Thank you both! Larissa
Published by:
Lady Scandal Copyright © Larissa Lyons, 2011
All rights reserved, including the right to decide how to market this book. By law, no part of this publication may be copied, uploaded or transferred to illegal recipients. Please respect the hard work of this author and only read authorized, purchased downloads. All characters are fictional creations; any resemblance to actual persons is unintentional and coincidental.
Edited by Elizabeth St. John
Cover by Amanda Kelsey of Razzle Dazzle Design
Electronic publication: April 2011
•
Rev. 5.1.11
ISBN 978-0-9834711-0-3 (ePub)
At Literary Madness, we strive to create a book free of typos; if you notice an error, please email so we can correct it. Thank you.
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Prologue
The Marriage Scheme
Though Lord Letheridge applied himself with undue diligence, groping and grabbing, fumbling for a feel of his young bride every chance he could, it was all for naught. By the time he’d wed his sixth and final wife, his body refused to cooperate. So, when Lord Letheridge died without legal issue, many of his sizable properties, the unentailed ones won gambling during his misbegotten life, went to his dear wife. As did their debts.
Once funds and options were exhausted, the ever-practical Juliet, the heretofore perfectly proper and dutiful daughter (not to mention reluctantly willing wife, for all the good it never did), decided to take her future, and that of those dependent upon her, into her own creative hands.
For after seeing the hash her husband had made of things, Juliet was convinced a mere female could do no worse.
WANTED: A man for matrimony. One with well-equipt pockets.
Ideal candidates must possess blunt and plenty of it; not be overly fond of gaming nor drink. Fair of form and fine of face not essential (but certainly appreciated).
Comprehensive knowledge of estate management a boon.
In return, the chosen applicant will receive a genteel, amiable wife ready to bear his children. Female in question is of sound intellect and generally appealing countenance, is accomplished in many feminine arts, and not at all adverse to quiet evenings at home (once the roof leaks are repaired).
To be placed into your safekeeping and control upon formal marriage: rippling good lands covering parts of four distinct shires, three amazingly rundown properties, near-starving tenants, and sizable taxes due (currently in arrears).
Apply in person with all due haste to Mr. Bamber Hastings, Solicitor, village of Duffield, Derbyshire.
Applicants must supply verification of their financial worth, a vicar’s declaration of their moral caliber, a physician’s assertion of their state of health and vigor and lack of disease. Also have obtained three personal characters, including one from an inamorata stating, with no amount of equivocation, prowess pertaining to performing duties of an intimate nature.
The notice scandalized the ton.
The Times
refused to run it, only taking up the story after the advertisement appeared in several lesser papers and—appropriately named—scandal sheets.
This is the tale of applicant twenty-four…
Chapter One
Applicant Twenty-Four
Until recent months, Zeus J. Tanner counted of value four things: money, time, his mother, and regaining his stolen birthright.
When his mum passed away after a brief illness and unexpectedly pleasant marriage, Zeus’ list dwindled to three. Time, which gained the top rank when he realized how very much he wished they’d had more together. Money. Birthright.
The first he’d been forced to squander when his initial, hard-earned interview with “Lady Scandal”, as she’d been dubbed in London, was inexplicably postponed.
The second provided him comfortable lodgings at the Crown & Cup, the nearest inn to the Duffield solicitor who refused to divulge the location of today’s interview until “absolutely necessary”, just as he’d refused to justify the delay.