Chapter One

Was there no place for Joana to escape the whispers?

No matter how far she traveled, they were always present.

It was unusual to see a woman in the vicinity of the House of Lords – and considering how synonymous her name had become with scandal, it was even less expected. Her father, Benedict Wynn, Viscount of Thornaby, did not seem to mind, however. As they passed the entrance of the building, his sharp chin remained raised in the air with pride in his face and he seemed thrilled greeting all of his acquaintances as if he wasn’t walking alongside a disgraced daughter. He was trying to make a point. And it was unsettling.

Only months prior, Joana’s limbs would have tingled with excitement at the mere thought of being present here. Joining her father on such an important outing? She had always been intrigued by the mysteriousness of her father’s life, the nuances of how society functioned, and his part to play in it all.

But presently, it was impossible to remain excited. She was far too focused on keeping her eyes glued to the marble floor to enjoy this. Truthfully, it was unlikely anyone recognized her here, but the suffocating feeling that gripped her throat upon every glance her way was just too much to bear – all she wanted was to escape. Though she would usually feel the opposite, today, if she could somehow make her petite frame even smaller, she would have done so.

“Father, is it truly necessary that I accompany you?” Joana asked her father sweetly. She spoke under her breath, keeping her gaze diverted to the ground so as to not attract attention to herself. Anything to discourage the unsolicited eyes from lingering on her for longer than necessary. She had even taken great care to dress in drab, muted colors and kept her hairstyle modest for that exact reason.

Despite her family’s encouragement, Joana had long abandoned her pursuit of a husband. It did not matter how many eligible young men that she might encounter here in the House of Lords — she wanted nothing to do with it.

A few months ago, her life had changed for the worse. Father was trying to make her feel better, and she appreciated that…but she wished to stay indoors. Safe. In her home.

“I should have thought that this was the sort of event that would pique your interest, considering your keenness toward my personal affairs?”

Joana glanced up at her father, only long enough to see the concern knitting his bushy brows.

“I do not mean to sound ungrateful, father, I do thank you for the opportunity…” Joana trailed off, guilt nibbling at her with every word that she uttered.

Her father tried to cast aside his own worry with a smile. “Since when do you watch your words so carefully around me? I wish that you would speak to me…confide in me so that we might overcome this…all, together as a family.”

Joana forcibly composed herself. She could never confide in him. Would he even believe her if she were to tell him exactly what happened that night? And who it happened with? It hardly mattered anymore. She was ruined. Joana had stained her family’s name and reputation indelibly. How could she ever look her father in the eye knowing that he would have to struggle because of something that had happened to her?

Just that quickly, tears threatened to spill and she instantly swallowed them back. She forced a smile that did not quite meet her eyes. “Apologies, forgive my ramblings — I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend the day with you.”

For a moment, it looked as though her father was going to press the issue, but then he thought better of it. “Well…yes, the proceedings today should be rather enthralling. I think that they will be worth the listen.”

Joana offered a polite dip of her head. “It will be a rare privilege indeed,” she replied passively.

Even if she were permitted inside that room rather than being forced to linger in its vicinity — she would not attend. Even if somehow she could have disguised herself as a man to attend the debate — she would never willingly place herself that close to that many men ever again. She had learned her lesson the hard way.

As they continued on, her father rambled about something related to the forthcoming proceedings, but Joana’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“Joana?” he asked, looking at her. His lips pressed into a tight line, the concern evident. “I thought that you were interested in politics?” the Viscount pressed again after a moment. “You always have your nose stuck in books about everything under the sun. While it is certainly not befitting of a lady, I have allowed it today, and this is how you show gratitude?”

“Forgive me, it is just… the crowds…” Joana started to explain and stopped herself. It would be of no use. Her sister was the only one who had true sympathy for her plight. Her father was of the mind that they simply needed to continue showing face, keeping their heads held high, and that somehow everything would work itself out. As if they could somehow overcome the strict social conventions of the ton with relentless optimism and a mere change of scenery. A change in residence had done little to quell the whispers about her she sometimes overheard.

“Of course. I forgot that females were ill-equipped to handle so much excitement. Forgive my oversight, daughter. Would you prefer to withdraw to the Ladies’ gallery and regain yourself?” Benedict beamed, thinking that he was being most benevolent.

He was ignorant of the truth, but he meant well enough.

Joana latched onto the opportunity for privacy. “Yes! Please!”

She curtsied to her father before spinning on her heels.  

“And you will be all right? I could accompany you,” he offered, knowing that it was the proper way to handle the situation, but Joana was more than ready to be on her own. She could hardly breathe with as many people around her as it was.

“I shall be fine father, I promise! I should hate for you to miss a moment of your proceedings. I will be here waiting for you when it is finished,” Joana offered with a warm smile, knowing that he would be remiss to miss any of the debate himself. The older man seemed to hesitate for a moment, his fingers pressed together anxiously as if torn over what he ought to do, before ultimately nodding and hedging toward the entrance into the great chamber of the House of Lords. Joana caught but a fleeting glimpse of the splendid red-decorated interior before the doors shut once more, isolating her from the only familiar face for miles.

Her father had never once indulged her desires to explore politics or any of her other academic interests. It could not be pity alone that spurred his impromptu invitation, it must also have been something else. But whatever the dual nature was, she had little desire to find out his ulterior motives just yet.

She could feel the unwanted stares that glossed over her far more acutely now that she was unaccompanied. Perhaps going off alone was not the brightest idea. She walked quickly away from the hall, now seeking any room that would provide sanctuary to her. She wove silently through the crowds of gentlemen, careful to not even brush by their looming frames, as her heart began pounding in her ears. Eventually, the throngs of people around her started to thin and the pressure inside her chest started to lessen.

Then, she rounded a corner.

A familiar voice hit her first, freezing her on the spot. It was like the oxygen in the hallway seemed to thin all at once. Her eyes widened, focusing solely on the one thing that she had hoped never to see again in her life.

Old wounds clawed their way to the forefront of her mind. The agonizing sensation of hands grabbing at her – pawing at her while a brandy-laced voice laughed menacingly in the dark.

The realization that she was not physically strong enough to dislodge the man from her person had been terrifying. It had chilled her to the very bone that no matter how hard she pushed and scratched at that very man…he had been stronger. He had been intent on taking what he wanted from her…and there had been nothing that she could have done about it were it not for a stranger who happened to pass by at just the right time. It may have saved her dignity, but not in the eyes of the ton.  

Her vision blurred, and she reached out, her gloved hand catching on the closest wall to steady herself. It was a wonder that she did not faint on the spot.

Chapter Two

The very last thing she wanted was for that brute to discover her presence. If he saw her again, there was no telling what he might scheme.

Joana’s knees weakened as the voice of her nightmares took human form in Lord Julian, ten paces away and actively engaged in a lively discussion. He stood there wholly and utterly unbothered while her heart beat in her throat from the memory of the scandal.

Her life had been ripped asunder by his unwelcome advances and his stubbornness to accept the simple denial of her consent.

His life, however, had not changed.

Julian was able to go on as if nothing had happened. He had not been forced to uproot his entire life and everything that he had known. Rage, fear, and something that she could not quite name all roiled inside of her as she hastily retreated to the nearest alcove – it did not matter where it was or where the first door that she found led her.

Her vision narrowed as the very walls surrounding her began to suddenly close in. Her stays were too tight. The layers of her dress were suddenly too heavy. Her gloves were uncomfortably snug, numbing her hands to the touch – she struggled to even breathe.  

The door practically slammed behind her as her body fell heavily back against it with a gasp of relief, her eyes scrunched shut tightly. She pursed her lips, attempting to calm herself to little avail. She clasped her trembling hands, willing them to be still and steady, with the force of holding herself together so that she might—

“Occupied.” A man’s voice cut through her thoughts with an abundance of irritation to have been intruded upon. Joana suddenly regained herself, catching sight of the stranger. Had she been in better control of her faculties, she would have likely squealed and fled from the room with as much haste as she entered it.

But, that would likely mean crashing into the brute known as Lord Julian…

Joana swallowed painfully and fought to steady herself. She tried to speak but her voice left her.

The man’s brow arched in curiosity. He exhaled, and then after a brief moment, spoke again. “Pray, are you well, Miss?”

It was clear he was merely speaking out of politeness; his tone lacked sympathy, but his hazel eyes bore deep into her gaze, making her skin shiver.

With a casual sweep of his hand, he pushed his chestnut locks away from his face, affording her a more intimate view of his features. And her gaze fell to his each minute detail—the warm, sun-kissed hue of his skin, the tantalizing softness of his pursed lips, the way his head tilted to the side as if to study her, and the manner in which the sleeves of his shirt were inappropriately rolled up, revealing heart-quickening hints of his muscular arms. The panic inside her did not subside, but something about his presence reminded her more of a novel hero rather than any…real person. He was incredibly handsome and held an enticing charm about him that left no room for doubt.  

“…My Lady, perhaps?”

His velvety voice stirred her from her thoughts and her eyes snapped to him. Despite his nonchalant and rather scandalous appearance, she didn’t quiver, nor did she feel the urge to run away. The strange man didn’t take another step closer, but his eyes traveled up and down her form as if admiring her, and she gulped audibly in hopes of controlling her nerves.

With great effort, she composed herself. She pushed down her true feelings and took the chance to adopt the mask of a prim and proper Lady of society. A Lady she once was.

“Y-yes,” Joana stammered foolishly before catching herself. She smoothed her hands down the skirts of her gown, eager to escape the conversation amicably. She had made a mistake. That was all. She would not slip up like that again. “I am quite well. I did not mean to intrude upon you, well, whatever it is that you are doing. I should take my leave…”

As she focused properly, it appeared that he was standing alone in this room, presumably content in keeping his own company, but she couldn’t be sure.

“You claim so, yet you appear to be on the verge of swooning,” he paused, an intimate concern etched in his sharp features. Joana, at the sound of passing footsteps from outside, stiffened and looked back at once, afraid Julian would enter the room. The man didn’t seem to miss her reaction. “Hmm. Curious. Am I correct in my assumption that you are hiding from something, or rather, someone?”

Joana remained silent. But realizing he wouldn’t be satisfied without a response, she nodded ever so slightly.  

“Then you have certainly presented me with a mystery to solve.”

 “…You give me far too much credit, My Lord,” she replied, her voice low. She was not sure what he meant. The cold, detached way that he spoke provided her without any further understanding.

“Indeed?” he asked dryly, reaching closer. Joana held her breath, her back touching against the door. “Dare I ask who you are so intent on hiding from? And why?”

Joana couldn’t remain blind to the fact that he was a possible Rake. The way he studied her body, the way his warm voice gradually took on a flirtatious note, the way he was dressed… Everything about it pointed at the fact. And his effect on her did not help things, only encouraging his seduction.

A pang of guilt seized her. She shouldn’t be feeling this way. She was supposed to want to quiver away at the sight of a strange man, she was supposed to tell him to stop his advances. But when he finally stood before her, his towering frame looming gracefully over hers, she felt anything but fear.

“Please, just allow me a moment here to catch my breath and then I shall be on my way,” Joana almost pleaded, her voice a breathless whisper.  

“Of course. Perhaps you can offer me your name in the meanwhile? Or the name of whoever you are hiding from?” The man gracefully folded his hands behind his back. The move only served as a comforting one, reassuring her that the gentleman before her shared no likeness to Lord Julian. And meant no harm. It was a dangerous feeling. “What if I promise that I can help you in the matter?” he whispered mischievously.

“That is a very dangerous thing to promise, My Lord, as it could be any number of nefarious things that I require assistance with,” Joana whispered back matter-of-factly. She could feel the panic lessening from her chest with every word spoken between them.

“Ah, that is precisely what I was hoping for.” His hand came to rest on the carved oak door behind her, effectively imprisoning her within his embrace. She was unable to tear her eyes away from his chest, captivated by the sight of one undone button on his linen shirt, which unveiled a tantalizing glimpse of his chest hair and the graceful contractions of his muscles in his every breath. “Since I have returned to town, I find my days quite humdrum…nefarious sounds exciting. Don’t you agree?”

Joana was unable to speak with him standing so close to her. She could not string words together, the taste of his hazelwood fragrance overwhelming her tongue.

“In the event our paths cross once more, perhaps you can promise me that you will give me a clue to your mystery?”

The eye contact that the man effortlessly maintained was both thrilling and intimidating all the same. He was standing so close to her, it was clear he knew what he was doing.

Or, perhaps he was merely aware of how his proximity to her made heat flush under her skin in a way that she could not explain. Before she could further relish his closeness, he abruptly withdrew. A coldness spread through her, but she recovered rather quickly.

“I shall take your silence for agreement to my terms, mysterious lady,” he grinned. “But will you let me leave, or do your nefarious schemes involve me too? The proceedings are about to begin and I can hardly be late again, but I think I could make an exception,” he whispered mischieviously.

Joana realized then that she was still blocking the door and awkwardly shuffled away from it.  

“Shame,” the man smirked. His hand reached for the door and he brushed past her, as his gaze, warm and intoxicating, lingered on Joana for a breath too long, before he sauntered from the room entirely. Only to poke his head back in a moment later. “Might I at least inquire as to your name?”

Joana shook her head demurely. If he desired her to be a mystery – so be it. At least then, her ruined reputation would not be able to precede her. He was the first man in months to speak to her without looking at her as if she was a pariah. Perhaps that was why she felt a little more comfortable in his presence.  

She ought to have asked him his name in return, but she was mute. As the door shut gently behind his retreating figure, a strange emotion kindled within her, spreading a pleasant warmth throughout her being. Perhaps today would not be a waste after all.

“Ah! Denver! Pleasure to see your face!”

Joana’s breath suddenly hitched. Chills ran down her spine as she heard the mysterious man address her greatest enemy so cordially. For, Lord Julian was Earl of Denver. Curiosity compelled her to steal a glimpse from around the corner of the door, and she found the mysterious man with his arm around Lord Julian’s shoulder, chuckling about something…

She should have known it was all too good to be true.

Chapter Three

“You mean to tell me that you hid out in the Ladies’ gallery all afternoon?”

Joana had no desire to dignify her sister’s incessant questions with an answer, but she also knew that the woman wouldn’t be so easily deterred in her quest for information. As her younger sister had been stuck home all afternoon instead of being permitted to accompany them on their venture into town, she was more than a little nosy.

“You did not miss out on anything at all. I assure you of that, Katherine,” Joana sighed. Though she should have known that it wouldn’t be nearly sufficient to satisfy her sister’s curiosity.

“Nonsense. I know there is something that you are not telling me, dear sister. Do not forget that I know you best of all. You can’t hide anything from me!” Kate flopped down onto her sister’s bed while their maid, Bessie, busied herself with Joana’s hair.

“I am not hiding anything from you,” Joana pointedly focused on the seams of her skirts rather than her sister’s expectant gaze. “Do you think there’s a particular reason we must be so dolled up for supper this evening?”

“Ah, ah, ah! Don’t change the subject.” Kate brandished a finger in Joana’s direction. “Now, I know for certain you are hiding something. Tell me what happened today!”

Joana sighed. “I almost ran into…him.”

The smile slipped right off of Kate’s face. Suddenly, her sister’s teasing nature disappeared and was replaced with a fiercely protective demeanor. She slid off the bed and came to kneel in front of her sister so that they could speak more softly. “What happened?” Joana was grateful for the comforting presence of her sister’s hands in her own as she spoke.

“I’m…I’m quite certain he didn’t see me. I found the nearest room and hid there until the proceedings were over. Father had to come look for me.”

“Well, that does explain his mood when you arrived home. Did you tell him the reason?” Kate asked.  

Joana shook her head. “No. I was far too embarrassed. Father wanted so badly for today to go well and I did not wish to ruin yet another day with my dramatics.”

“Dramatics? He assaulted you, Joana, there is nothing at all about that which was your fault. It’s a crime he’s walking around breathing dry air. Oh, how I wish I could…I would…break his nose…or spit on him or something equally terrible!” Kate fumed.

A soft smile graced Joana’s lips. “You wouldn’t have the faintest idea on how to break someone’s nose, Katy.”

“I could learn with the proper encouragement,” Kate insisted with a feigned pout.

“Oh, that would be the day. First, Father will remind us of how he was cursed to have a house full of women and then he will pass out of a stroke from your mentioning that you wish to take up pugilism!”

Kate giggled. “Perhaps the vein in his neck will stick out again as it always does when he tries to control his temper.”

“But all he ever does is manage to turn his whole face purple instead,” Joana laughed as they teased their father. The lady’s maid’s hand tightened on her hair and forced her head back center for the finishing touches.

“Might I suggest the pearls for this evening’s attire, My Lady?” Bessie asked.

“Pearls? For supper?” Joana asked, swiveling in her seat.

“Your mother has asked that you look your best this evening,” Bessie replied in her soft voice.

“Is mother having company over? She did not mention anything to me…” Kate asked. “I think I would have noticed if she was suddenly puttering about the house for supper guests.”

“You heard nothing?” Joana asked her sister. If there had been a secret to ferret out, Kate would have done so. “You don’t think that this has something to do with Father insisting on bringing me with him to the House of Lords this afternoon, do you?”

“Did you meet with anyone in particular?” Kate inquired. “Was he parading you around like a show pony?”

“No. Well. Nothing like that. I only met one gentleman, but he—” Joana clamped her hand down over her mouth – she had not meant to say that part out loud.

“You sly fox!” Kate beamed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I knew something must’ve happened. You are sitting on an even bigger secret and I demand to know what it is!”

“Oh, do you hear that? Why, I believe that is the supper bell. We should make our way to the dining room.” Joana rose from her chair hastily. “No pearls tonight, thank you, Bessie.”

“Do not turn your back on me! Who was he? Was he handsome? What did you talk of?”

“I do not know! And yes… yes he was, I suppose,” Joana grinned over her shoulder. She hurried gracefully down the corridor and stairs to the dining room, but Kate was not to be ignored now that she knew there was gossip at hand.

“Oh, how I wish I could have romantic tales to share with you. You know that I must live my life vicariously through you, sister. Scandal or no scandal – have pity on your poor, neglected, spinster-bound sister,” Kate whined.  

“Oh, stop that.” Joana entwined her arm with her sister’s as they walked. “You are still so young. You’re creating a tempest in a teapot.”

“I shall be the judge of that.”

“Ahem. Ladies.” Their mother, Abigail Wynn’s stern voice cut through their lively conversation as the sisters came upon the dining room. But more shockingly, they were no longer alone.

Breath trapped in Joana’s lungs and she almost spun around to leave again when she noticed a familiar face among her parents. She bit her lips as she pondered every possible reason this could be happening. She could hardly determine who was more surprised this evening – herself, or the intriguing stranger from earlier who now sat across the table, his intense gaze fixed upon her. Worse, he had been purposefully seated beside her usual seat.

Could he possibly have discovered my identity already?

She had given him nothing at all. Though it was fun to suspend disbelief with her sister, she had already decided that she was not going to like him whatsoever for he could not be that great of a person if he considered Lord Julian Bansfield to be among his acquaintances.

“Ah, Your Grace, these are my lovely daughters I was just speaking of, Katherine and Joana,” their father introduced them politely as they curtsied in greeting.  

“A Duke!” Kate whispered out of the side of her mouth.

A Duke?

Joana simply shrugged, her eyes still wide in disbelief. If she told her sister that this was the man from before, she would never let it go. She would cling to it until she had discovered every single breath that passed between them.  

“Why is he here?” Joana muttered back. It was not as if she could possibly have any more marriage prospects – no, the unfortunate incident – as father called it, with Lord Bansfield put an end to that for good.  

“My darling daughters. His Grace, Ewan Rayfield, The Duke of Richmond has graciously accepted our dinner invitation. Isn’t that delightful, Joana?”

Eyes turned expectantly to Joana and an uneasiness churned in her stomach.  She would feign ignorance and pretend nothing was amiss. Yes, that would be the best course of action. Treat him like a stranger so that nobody would suspect a thing. “Of course. It is lovely to meet you, Your Grace.”

“Meet me?” Ewan’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Yes, I suppose one could say that.”

“Have you met my daughter before, Your Grace?” Benedict’s voice pitched up a notch.

“Indeed, although at the time, I was unaware that she was your daughter. We met earlier this afternoon…outside of the proceedings. It seems fate has brought us together again,” he said with a twinkle of mischief in his eyes that no one except Joana seemed to catch.

Father’s face was already beginning to turn purple. He would be very displeased that she had, naturally, not mentioned a thing about it.

Silently, with her eyes firmly set on the tabletop and nothing else, Joana lowered gracefully into the seat beside Ewan, her heart hammering against her chest.

“And for what purpose is His Grace honoring us with his presence at dinner this evening?” Joana murmured, but her words seemed to fall on flat ears as her father was already engaging the table in another lively conversation. It was as if she had not spoken a word at all to everyone, except the Duke, who brushed his arm against her and smirked as he reached for his fork.

And it was like that for most of supper. Anytime she tried to get a word in edgewise, Father spoke over both herself and Kate.

Mother wasn’t much help. She was always of the opinion that women ought to be seen and not heard.

Oddly, every time that Ewan attempted to speak to herself, Father would interrupt him as well. Nothing about the goings-on presently helped her understand the Duke’s reasons for being here in the least. How did Father even know him and why was the man being so very cryptic about the whole thing?

Thoroughly irritated and feeling slighted, Joana was greatly relieved when the men adjourned to Father’s private office for port and pipe. The moment that the men were no longer in the room, mother rose to excuse herself quietly. She had hardly touched her meal but neither daughter commented on it.

“Why do you think Father invited him?” Kate asked quickly before either of them rose from the table.

“There can only be one reason for Father to have invited a gentleman over, and it is certainly not for talk of politics over port,” Joana murmured reluctantly.

“Perhaps they became acquainted during the proceedings? That would be plausible…” Kate said. She sat up straighter in her chair as if that would somehow allow her to see through the walls into her father’s private office.

“Perhaps, but it is unlikely. You are far too intelligent to squander your time on speculation, dear sister. No. Father is likely arranging yet another… marriage match.” The words felt foreign on her tongue just as she said them and her eyes grew wide in fear.

“With a Duke?! Is that not reaching a little?”

“Were it not for my recent scandal, then no. I would say it would be perfectly reasonable. The question is, which one of us is he attempting to sell off?”

Unlike all the other countless teas and soirees she’d been subjected to during her brief debut season…there was a traitorous feeling of intrigue inside of her. But there was also the matter of his friendship circle that gnawed at the back of her mind and gave her enough reason to steer away from him for the coming weeks if his visits became more frequent.

Kate fidgeted in her seat. “I think he was rather taken with you. He was attempting to engage you in conversation for the entirety of the evening, and as he is no stranger—”

“I understand your implication, dear sister…but you may be attaching undue significance to it.”

“He is quite handsome, would it truly be so terrible? A marriage to a Duke would do wonders for your reputation…for all of our reputations…” Kate trailed off, lost in thought.

She did not need to say what they both understood to be true. It would be far simpler for Kate to find a husband if her sister was married. If the shadow of scandal no longer hovered over their heads, Kate would not have to struggle so much as she had done in her past season.

Joana loved her sister more than anything in this world. She was the only person who had faithfully stood by her side and never once put any accusation for the assault on Joana’s shoulders. And it was Joana’s duty, as the eldest sister, to marry first.

Thankfully, she was spared from responding when the butler entered the dining room.

“Lady Joana, your father has requested your presence in his office.”

Look out for the full release on the 26th of October!