by Shana Galen
“Excuse me, my lord.”
The man was the earl or marquess of something, but Flynn would be damned if he could remember. He did remember he’d won a great deal from the lord the last time he’d gambled here. Apparently, the man held a grudge.
“You choused me out of three hundred pounds the last time we met.”
Flynn raised a brow and observed several heads turned in their direction. The Great Subscription Room had a concave ceiling, which ensured sound carried. “I did not chouse you,” Flynn said. “I won fairly.”
The lord stumbled forward and pointed a lily-white finger in his face. “You’ve never lived an honest day in your life. Get out before I have you thrown out.”
Several men, presumably the lord’s friends, stepped forward in a menacing show of support for the man. Flynn sighed. This was not his night. Hell, it had not been his year or even his decade. He sure as the devil was not going to retreat, which meant he was going to be thrown out, probably quite unceremoniously. At least this time he’d be fully dressed. Flynn stepped forward, mirroring the actions of the men facing him. “I’d like to see you try to throw me out.”
“Gentlemen,” a genial voice said from behind him. Flynn turned to the Great Subscription Room and watched as the Duke of Ravenscroft ambled toward them. “We are still gentlemen, are we not?” the duke asked, spreading his hands. “I came here to escape the squalls of the new infant in my home, and instead of peace, I find quite the opposite.”
The bulbous-nosed lord opened his mouth to issue a retort, but one of his friends pulled him aside and muttered something in his ear. Flynn imagined it was something to the effect that they would all be ejected if this continued. Flynn glanced at Ravenscroft, who motioned to the green-walled room, where rows of tables, each with its own lamp or two, housed games of cards or dice.
Ravenscroft led him to a rectangular table against a wall and seated himself on a red velvet couch. Flynn reached for the cards, but Ravenscroft moved them out of reach. “I would do better to hand you my blunt rather than try to best you. I have not slept in three days. Apparently, the phrase slept like a babe means one did not sleep at all, or rather, was woken at half hour intervals by screaming and wailing.” The duke lifted a decanter of brandy and poured three fingers into the snifter on the table. He surprised Flynn by pushing the drink toward him. “You look like you need it.”
“I do.” Flynn downed it and pushed the snifter back for more.
“Do you search out scandal or does it find you?”
“I am a lodestone for it,” Flynn said, taking the snifter when Ravenscroft had filled it again. Flynn leaned back in his chair. “Why did you help me just now?”
“Clearly someone has to, old boy.”
“If you are my last hope, I have fallen far indeed.”
Ravenscroft laughed. “You always did amuse me, Flynn.”
“That’s because you were generally foxed and easy to amuse.” Flynn drank the snifter down, feeling a pleasant sense of warm numbness settle in his bones. When he was numb, he didn’t have to think, to remember.
“I had another purpose for coming to your aid just now.”
Flynn fingered the snifter and waited. No one, not even old friends, did anything for free.
“Someone is looking for you. I told him I’d keep you here until he could return.”
“Does this have to do with—?”
“That revealing incident at the ball in Grosvenor Square earlier this evening?”
Flynn winced. “Touché.”
The duke smiled. “I do not think the two are related. Do you know Sir Brook Derring?”
“Derring? Is that the family name for the earls of Dane?”
“Flynn, you do pay attention.”
“Are you trying to goad me into punching you?”
“This is the earl’s younger brother. He works for Bow Street.”
Flynn rose. “What the hell are you about? An investigator? And you claim to be my savior?”
A hand clamped down on Flynn’s shoulder from behind. “You’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
“Derring.” Ravenscroft acknowledged the newcomer.
Flynn shrugged the hand off and turned to face the man. “Touch me again, and you’re dead.”
“And with that,” Ravenscroft said, rising, “I will take my leave. Flynn, let’s not meet again.” He nodded to Derring and walked away.
Derring indicated the table. “Sit.”
Flynn glanced about, noting the men who had threatened him earlier still loitered nearby, standing in plain sight under the chandelier. Perhaps now was not the best time to walk out. His gaze slid back to Derring. The man looked as though he’d been up all night. His dark blond hair was in disarray, as though he’d repeatedly run his hands through it. He had not shaved in a day or so, and his eyes were bleary. He had taken the time to dress, however. One did not enter Brooks in anything less than proper attire.
Derring leaned forward. “As you might have gathered, I am an investigator. I was hired to find a missing person. I have not found that individual—yet—but I have found your brother.”
Flynn felt his world tilt and spin. He gripped the edge of the table to keep from falling out of his chair, and he closed his eyes against a wave of dizziness. Derring was still talking, saying something about shocks, but all Flynn could hear was the howl of the wind. That was strange, was it not? He was inside.
His hand snaked across the table toward the decanter of brandy Ravenscroft had left behind. The hand looked as though it belonged to someone else, though he recognized the stain on the thumb of the glove as well as the sleeve of the coat. The hand trembled, and Derring finally took pity, lifted the decanter, and filled the snifter to the rim.
Flynn gulped it as a dying man gulps the elixir of immortality and pushed the snifter back. Derring shook his head. “I need you sober.”
“No, you don’t.” Flynn looked Derring in the eye. “You do not want to see me when I’m sober.”
“I will have to take that chance because you are to come with me to Bath. Now. Tonight.”
Flynn shook his head. “I’m not going to Bath.” Good God, his mother was in Bath, taking the waters or some such nonsense. He did not want to be obliged to call on her. She’d only shake her head at him and look disappointed. He hated it when she looked disappointed.
“Your brother needs you,” Derring said. He reached across the table and caught Flynn’s hand before he could rise.
“My brother is dead. He died years ago. I killed him.” The words echoed in Flynn’s mind, taunting him as he’d been taunted his entire life since that day so long ago.
Acknowledgments
Heartfelt appreciation and gratitude go to
My editor, Deb Werksman;
My agents, Danielle Egan-Miller and Joanna MacKenzie, and Abby Saul too;
My assistant Gayle, who takes care of all the administrative stuff so I can write;
My web mavens, Maddee and Jen at xuni.com;
Danielle Dresser, my publicist, whom I adore;
My fellow writers at the Brainstorm Troopers, the PBK Moms, the Jaunty Quills, and the West Houston RWA chapter;
My friends and supporters, Tina, Sharie, Tera, Laura, Jo Anne, Emily, and Amy;
The Shananigans;
My family, especially my husband and daughter;
And last, but not least, my readers.
About the Author
Shana Galen is the national bestselling author of fast-paced, adventurous Regency historicals, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice The Making of a Gentleman. She taught English at the middle and high school levels for eleven years. Most of those years were spent working in Houston’s inner city. Now she writes full time. She’s happily married to a man she calls Ultimate Sportsfan and has a daughter who is most definitely a romance h
eroine in the making. The family is owned by two cats Baby Galen named Mickey and Maisy. Shana loves to hear from readers: Visit her website at www.shanagalen.com, download her free author app for exclusive content and first looks, or see what she’s up to daily on Facebook and Twitter.
The Truth about Leo
by Katie MacAlister
New York Times Bestselling Author
Can Dagmar flee Denmark
Dagmar Marie Sophie is a poverty-stricken Danish princess whose annoying royal cousin is about to have her stuffed away in a convent. When she finds a wounded man unconscious in her garden, she sees a way out of her desperate situation.
By lying to Leo?
Leopold Ernst George Mortimer, seventh earl of March, and spy in the service of the king, finds himself on the wrong end of a saber and left for dead. He wakes up not remembering what happened…in the care of a beautiful woman who says she is his wife.
Back in London, Leo—with the help of his old friends, the eccentric Britton family—sets out to unravel what he’s forgotten… Is Dagmar truly the wonderful, irrepressible woman who makes his heart sing, or is she a dangerous enigma bent on his destruction?
Praise for Katie MacAlister:
“Delightful...MacAlister’s comic genius really shines!” —RT Book Reviews
For more Katie MacAlister, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
A Midsummer Bride
by Amanda Forester
One unconventional American heiress can be even wilder than the Highlands…
Outspoken American heiress Harriet Redgrave is undeniably bad ton. She laughs too much, rides too fast, and tends to start fires pursuing her interest in the new science of chemistry. And despite her grandfather’s matchmaking intentions to the contrary, Harriet has no interest in being wooed for her wealth.
Duncan Maclachlan, Earl of Thornton, would never marry to repair the family fortunes. Or would he? When he saves Harriet from a science experiment about to go very, very wrong, all bets are off…
Praise for A Wedding in Springtime:
“This entertaining novel is a diamond of the first order…The clever combination of wit, romance, and suspense strikes all the right notes.” —Booklist Starred Review
“Forester promises her fans a warm, humorous jaunt through Regency England—and she delivers with a cast of engaging characters and delightful intrigue.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Amanda Forester, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
To Charm a Naughty Countess
by Theresa Romain
Caroline, the popular widowed Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has no wish to remarry. But when the brilliant, reclusive Duke of Wyverne—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled with him as ever.
Michael must save his family fortunes by wedding an heiress, but Caroline has vowed never again to sell herself in marriage. She offers him an affair, hoping to master her long-lasting fascination with him—but he remains steadfast, as always, in his dedication to purpose and his dukedom.
The only way she can keep him near is to help him find the wealthy bride he requires. As she guides him through society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart again. But if she pursues the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the life she’s built and on which she has pinned her sense of worth. And if Michael—who has everything to lose—ever hopes to win her hand, he must open his long-shuttered heart.
For more Theresa Romain, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Once Upon a Kiss
The Book Club Belles Society
by Jayne Fresina
The Perfect Hero
When handsome, mysterious Darius Wainwright strolls into town, the Book Club Belles are instantly smitten with his brooding good looks and prideful demeanor. It’s as if he walked out of the pages of their favorite new novel, a scandalous romance called Pride and Prejudice. But Justina Penny can’t understand why her fellow Belles are starry-eyed in the newcomer’s arrogant presence—surely a wicked Wickham would be infinitely more fun…
An Unlikely Leading Lady
Justina is the opposite of Darius’s ideal woman—not that he’s looking for romance. But when he discovers her stealing apples from his uncle’s orchard, he can’t resist his own thieving impulse. A stolen kiss from the mischievous Miss Penny leaves Darius wanting much, much more. If it’s a dashing villain she desires, Darius is more than willing to play the part…
Praise for The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine:
“Eminently witty.” —Publishers Weekly
“Decidedly humorous, as well as sensual…a true charmer of a read.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Jayne Fresina, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
In Bed with a Rogue
Rival Rogues
by Samantha Grace
He’s the talk of the town
The whole town is tittering about Baron Sebastian Thorne having been jilted at the altar. Every move he makes ends up in the gossip columns. Tired of being the butt of everyone’s jokes, Sebastian vows to restore his family’s reputation no matter what it takes.
She’s the toast of the ton
Feted by the crème of Society, the beautiful widow Lady Prestwick is a vision of all that is proper. But Helena is no angel, and when Sebastian uncovers her dark secret, he’s quick to press his advantage. In order to keep her hard-won good name, Helena will have to make a deal with the devil. But she has some tricks up her sleeves to keep this notorious rogue on his toes…
Praise for One Rogue Too Many:
“Filled with humor and witty repartee… Grace woos readers in true Regency style.” —Publishers Weekly
“Charming…Grace captures the essence and atmosphere of the era.” —RT Book Reviews
For more Samantha Grace, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less
Tricks of the Ton
by Elizabeth Michels
Their love sparks in the stables
After years away from home, Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall, is attacked by a hired hit man on his way back to London. But with an injured horse and no shelter, Andrew becomes the unintentional houseguest of the Moore family.
But it’s bound to be a bumpy ride
Katie Moore could always be found at the stables—until her riding accident. Now she locks herself away from Society—embarrassed by her injuries. While Katie tends to Andrew’s horse, the two are at odds about everything, except their feelings for one another and the danger that they’re about to discover on the road ahead…
Praise for Must Love Dukes:
“Michels’s fast-paced debut is sweet and…accurately depicts the difficulties faced by nineteenth-century aristocratic women.” —Publishers Weekly
For more Elizabeth Michels, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Mischief by Moonlight
Regency Mischief
by Emily Greenwood
Be very, very careful what you wish for…
With the night so full of romance…
Colin Pearce, the Earl of Ivorwood, never dreamed he’d desire another man’s fiancée, but when his best friend goes off to war and asks Colin to look after the bewitching Josie Cardworthy, he falls under her sparkling spell.
Who can resist mischief?
Josie can’t wait for the return of her long-absent fiancé. If only her beloved sister might find someone, too… someone like the handsome, reserved Colin. A gypsy’s love potion gives Josie the chance to matchmake, but the wild results reveal her own rowing passion for the earl. And though fate offers them a chance, a steely honor may force him to reje
ct what her reckless heart is offering…
Praise for A Little Night Mischief:
“Fun, lighthearted, engaging, and will grab you from the first page. A must-read!” —My Book Addiction Reviews
“Love, love, loved this book! I was up till early-morning hours finishing it.” —Books Like Breathing
For more Emily Greenwood, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com