Allegra Gray - Nothing But Scandal

London, April 1814

Family expectationsand the guilt that came with not living up to themwere going to be the death of Elizabeth Medford.

Given that her father, Baron James Medford, had hardly been a bastion of familial responsibility himself, having amassed a mountain of gaming debts prior to his untimely death, it seemed unfair that the remaining members of the family should expect that she, Elizabeth, would salvage them by marrying Harold Wetherby. Her third cousin might have a respectable income, but the memory of Harolds sweaty hands pawing her at a picnic when shed been a mere fourteen years old was enough to convince her she simply could not, could not marry him.

And since shed otherwise been a resounding failure in the marriage mart, Elizabeth had devised a new planone to be implemented that very morning.

The moment breakfast was over, shed hastily ushered her younger sister, Charity, and their maid, Emma, out the door of the Medford town house and into Hyde Park for a stroll, ignoring her sisters nonstop stream of questions as they readied themselves.

Theyd been in the park no more than a minute before Charity faced Elizabeth and thrust out her chin. Now will you tell me whats going on? If you continue to tease me this way, I shall simply perish. She placed a melodramatic hand to her heart.

Elizabeth glanced behind them. Emma, acting as chaperone, trailed discreetly, close enough to keep up appearances but not to overhear conversation.

All right. For the past weeks weve thought of only one thing: getting a man, any man but Harold, to propose marriage to me. Now that were out of full mourning for father, Uncle and Mother are anxious to accept his suit. I am running out of excuses to delay. But perhaps there is another way out of this after all.

I dont understand.

Think. What does Harold stand to gain from marrying me?

Your connections. He wants respect, social advancement, obviously. Charity raised an eyebrow, making it clear she thought Elizabeth was cracking under the strain if she believed this was new food for thought.

Exactly, Elizabeth confirmed with glee.

I dont see where this is going.

I dont want to marry Harold, right? Well, we were thinking Id need a better offer in order to get out of it. But I dont. I simply need him to withdraw his offer.

But what would make him do that? He already knows about fathers financial situation, and even that miserable fiasco didnt make him cry off, Charity pointed out.

No, it didnt, because, poor or not, I am still a respectable member of the ton.

Charitys eyes widened. Ooohh. Elizabeth, Im not sure I like what I think youre thinking.

Elizabeth ignored her. If I were no longer respectable, if I were, say, ruined, Harold would withdraw! She nearly tripped over a root on the path in her excitement over the idea.

Its wonderfully daring, Charity conceded, not looking quite so pleased. But how would you do it? And, oh, think what Mother and Uncle would do! Theyd toss you out for certain. Youd be disowned, dishonored. Where would you go? She tugged at her hair, an old habit and a sure sign of her concern.

I could work for a living, I suppose. Elizabeth bit her lip, aware her plan had more bravado than substance. Id have to. Im good with a needle, so I could work for a dressmaker. Or be a governess. Anything would be better than being married to Harold. Id be forced to endure his touches and

She shuddered, then fought to regain control of her emotions. Her little sister didnt need to know how badly their distant cousin frightened her. Hed tried to force his attentions on her years before, and now that she was actually within his reach, he would stop at nothing until she married him. Unless, of course, marrying her would thwart his grasping ambition and hurt his precious reputation.

There was, however, one problem. Its you Im worried about. My marriage was supposed to support you, too.

Charity patted her sisters arm, her eyes softening with understanding. Do what you must, E., and dont worry overmuch about me. For heavens sake, dont marry the beast just because hes offered to keep me fed and clothed.

But in order for your plan to work, your reputation would have to be utterly destroyed, and soon. You seem to forget that in spite of Fathers penchant for scandal and debt, you, Sister dear, have no such objectionable deeds to your name.

So far, Elizabeth said.

Charitys eyes narrowed. Youve already thought this through. Youre plotting something.

Of course.

Well, for heavens sake, tell me! You know I cant stand it when you dont include me in your adventures. Charity nearly bounced in anticipation.

Elizabeth smiled serenely, though inside, her heart raced. You didnt think we came to Hyde Park merely to stroll, did you? No, Charity, Ive decided the best way to destroy my reputationand in a way that will ensure Harold never again approaches meis to be caught in a compromising situation. With a man.

Charity stopped in her tracks. Elizabeth, you couldnt.

I could.

Butbut, Charity spluttered, youd need a man willing to take part. No gentleman would ever do such a thing.

Indeed. No gentleman would.

Right on cue, Elizabeth spotted him. Alex Bainbridge, Duke of Beaufort, striding along an adjacent path. He was no gentleman. Even at this early hour, he had the sleek appearance of a night predator, a beautiful but deadly jungle cat. Since shed held a tendre for him since childhood, following his every move with fascination, Elizabeth knew he had a reputation to match that of his predatory look-alike. It was also how she knew he had a habit of walking through the park at nearly the same time each morning.

Im going to do it.

Now? Charity squealed. Wait. Are you sure there isnt some other way?

Now. Can you make yourself scarce?

Charity glanced around. Mary Sutherby and her sister are just over there. Ill join them. E., do be careful.

Careful, Charity, is exactly what I am not going to be.

Her sisters eyes grew wide with apprehension and admiration. In that case, good luck. She hurried away.