Wicked Nights With a Proper Lady (36 page)

Genny pulled away to look up at him. “What do you mean she’s ruined?”

“Exactly what I said.”

“You mean…”

“Yes, it was her in the maze.”

Genny’s hand came up to her mouth to cover her O of surprise. She was obviously shocked by the news. “It was
her
? You didn’t…”

Of course Genny would want to know if he’d been the one to spill Lady Hargrove’s secrets. It all came back to the trust issue. He couldn’t blame her for questioning his integrity. “Not I.”

He was rewarded with a smile from her.

“Now, tell me how you ended up here.”

“At the dowager’s?”

He gave a slight nod.

“That’s an interesting and rather long story.”

“I’ve nowhere else to be except here with you.”

She indicated the sofa. “Shall we sit?”

He grabbed her hand and led her over to the seating area.

“I wanted to confront her,” Genny started. “I was so angry that our affair had not only been discovered but subsequently announced to the world that I wanted to blame someone.”

“You should have blamed me.”

“Oh, I did.”

Leo chuckled. Her hands were folded in his. He massaged her fingers one at a time. He had been carrying his mother’s wedding band in his pocket since he’d left the Carletons. Would she accept it now?

“I confess, too, that I wanted to see what kind of woman would go to such great lengths to ruin someone she doesn’t even know.”

“And…”

“I was surprised by the dowager. She’s not anything like I imagined before meeting her.”

“Jez has always been an outspoken woman who knows exactly what she wants and how to get it in life.”

“Except the lands and estates tied up in the title,” she reminded him.

“True. But that has to do with legalities beyond her control. If it was a request in the will that she get nothing on her husband’s death, everything would be different. She’d find a way around it and make the estate hers. But it’s all entailed.”

He slid closer to her, wanting no space to separate them. Wanting to take her in his arms again and feel her warm body crushed to his.

“I thought most estates were set up that way.”

“Yes, but one usually leaves their spouse with the means to support themselves and live a comfortable life after their death.” God, it had only been a few days and he’d missed her terribly.

“Even though I don’t agree with her plans for Charlotte, I do understand her reasons behind the decision.” Her gaze was pensive when it met his. “Your friend is very sad, and as much as I wanted to hate her, I simply couldn’t.”

Leo smiled. “Jez does have a way about her.”

“She invited me to stay here until she is thrown out by the new earl.” Genny’s brows scrunched up. “Do you really think he’ll toss her out without caring what happens to her?”

“Yes. I do.”

“It’s rather dreadful that I spoke so highly of that man to my cousin.” Genny sighed and leaned her shoulder against the back of the sofa. “I hope Charlotte can convince her father to change his mind.”

This time she took the initiative to tangle her hands through his. Was she accepting him back into her life?

“Genny?”

She leaned closer. “I know what you are going to say, Leo.”

“Do you?” His hand fell to her thigh.

“Yes, you want me to agree to marry you.”

“And will you?”

“I’ve had nothing but time on my hands for the past few days.” She scooted closer to him on the sofa. “I was so angered by the whole scenario that I failed to truly listen to what you were telling me.”

She rested her head back on the sofa and looked at the ceiling. Leo reached up and touched the ivory hair comb he’d given her. It was buried deep in the twisted bun at the back of her head. It brought a smile to his face. She turned and put her cheek in his palm.

“What is your conclusion?” he asked.

“I remembered the things you said to me. About watching over my cousin while spending time with me.”

Leo brushed his thumb over her parted lips.

“It occurred to me that you never intended to stop Charlotte from marrying and that you would make sure your friend had no chance to persuade her otherwise, either.”

He leaned in closer to her mouth. He was going to taste her soon. “Will you marry me?”

“There can’t be any more secrets between us, Leo. Not like that one.” The palms of her hands slid over his chest and stopped.

He inched a little closer. “Never again, then.”

“Do you still love me?” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Always.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out the chain and ring. “I believe you forgot something when last we parted.”

A smile lit her whole face on seeing the ring.

“I don’t think we need the chain anymore,” he said, freeing the ring from the chain.

“But we aren’t married yet.”

He grinned. “I have something else in my pocket if you care to take a look.”

She reached inside and pulled out the folded parchment. “What is it?”

“A special license. I don’t believe we’ll wait till December to say our vows.”

She grasped his coat and pulled him down to her lips for a kiss. When she pulled away she said, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

He took her hand and slid the ring on her wedding finger exactly where it belonged, then laid claim to her mouth and heart before she could take her next breath.

Look for these other sensational novels by

TIFFANY CLARE

THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS

THE SURRENDER OF A LADY

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE

Available from St. Martin’s Paperbacks

PRAISE FOR TIFFANY CLARE
and her captivating novels …

“Tiffany Clare writes a swoon-worthy romance filled with rich details and vivid characters. Any readers wishing for a bold and sweeping historical romance need look no further—Tiffany Clare is a treasure of an author!”

—Lisa Kleypas,
New York Times
bestselling author

The Secret Desires of a Governess

“With its irrepressible heroine, deliciously dark and dan-gerous hero, and suitably atmospheric setting, Clare’s latest impeccably written novel cleverly references the classic gothic romances of Victoria Holt and Madeleine Brent, while at the same time incorporating plenty of the steamy passion and lush sensuality found in today’s brand of sexy historical romances.”

—
Booklist

“With its brooding hero and dark backdrop Clare brings an updated gothic twist to her latest novel. By incorporating the themes and red herrings of a classic Victoria Holt or Daphne du Maurier, she entices readers to keep turning the pages to uncover the mystery and savor the highly sensual romance.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“This is an entertaining throwback to the Victoria Holt legendary Gothic tales as Tiffany Clare employs all the elements from the innocent female, to the foreboding castle to the brooding hero inside a romantic suspense thriller. Abby and Elliot are terrific lead characters while the support cast, especially his son, the villagers, and her family, make for a wonderful Victorian Gothic romance.”

—
Midwest Book Review

“
The Secret Desires of a Governess
is excellent reading material for those who like their romance novel with explosive love scenes and a good solid plot.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“Hauntingly sensual,
The Secret Desires of a Governess
is a compelling read that will have readers hoping for more.”

—
Single Titles

The Seduction of His Wife

“In her second captivating historical romance, Clare turns up the sensual heat with a sizzling, sexy tale of a husband and wife engaged in a seductive battle of wits that proves to be splendidly entertaining.”

—
Booklist

“Steamy.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“The second chapter of Clare’s trilogy is as bold and alluring as this exciting newcomer’s first book. Clare takes a ‘second chance at love’ romance, twisting the theme into a highly sensual tale of passion and suspense. But there’s also humor, created by secondary characters, and love to round out a tantalizing read.”

—
RT Book Reviews
(Top Pick)

“An arousing and amusing Victorian reverse romance!”

—
Fresh Fiction

“An exciting and imaginative read that captivates the imagination and arouses the senses. Suspense, intrigue, and passion abound in this historical romance.”

—
Romance Junkies

“[
The Seduction of His
Wife
] will draw you in.… You’ll find yourself riveted.”

—
Night Owl Reviews
(Top Pick)

“Tiffany Clare has penned another superb and masterfully crafted romance.
The Seduction of His Wife
has all that I love in a book: humor, suspense, sigh-inducing romance, and fan-your-face, sizzling sex scenes. Ms. Clare’s first book,
The Surrender of a Lady
, was a bold and daring story, and her latest book is equally as entertaining. If you’ve never read a Tiffany Clare book, run to your nearest bookstore. You don’t know what you’re missing!”

—
Romance Dish

The Surrender of a Lady

“A unique, unforgettable, sensual love story sweeping from the harems of the east to staid Victorian ballrooms. Watch out for this sizzling new talent to rise to the top.”

—
RT Book Reviews

“Exotic, bold, and captivating. Tiffany Clare’s rich, sensual prose is delightful indulgence!”

—Alexandra Hawkins, author of
All Night with a Rogue

“Dazzling, daring, and different! Exotic and erotic!
The Surrender of a Lady
will have you turning the pages until you finish, no matter how late it gets. Tiffany Clare is a brilliant new talent in historical romance.”

—Anna Campbell, author of
Midnight’s Wild Passion

“Tiffany Clare has written an exceptionally exciting and heart-wrenching story of devotion and survival of a young mother, sold into the most despicable of circumstances … Fast-paced, full of suspense, and totally exciting with each turn of the page. A new and refreshing plot has been woven for the reader.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“Emotion-packed … a heartrending, very sensual historical romance that will touch your heart.”

—
Romance Junkies

About the Author

Deciding that life had far more to offer than a nine-to-five job, bickering children in the evening, and housework of any kind,
TIFFANY CLARE
opened up her laptop to rediscover her love of the written word. Tiffany writes historical romances set in the Victorian era. She lives in Toronto with her ever-patient photographer husband, two mischievous children, and one hyperactive cat. Tiffany loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website at
www.tiffanyclare.com
.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

WICKED NIGHTS WITH A PROPER LADY

Copyright © 2012 by Tiffany Clare.

All rights reserved.

For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

www.stmartins.com

eISBN: 9781466814905

St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / November 2012

St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.