by Kelly Bowen
August frowned and reached for his knife, trimming the end of a quill absently. It was ironic, really, that he knew so little about a woman he’d been unable to forget, even after all these years. He knew Miss Clara Hayward had a reputation for graciousness, propriety, and common sense—by all reports she was a damn paragon of politesse. The ton, while unsure what to make of her as a debutante, seemed to have enthusiastically embraced the idea that the woman guiding their young charges was one of them—from a family of means, breeding, and good taste. That, combined with limited availability and exorbitant fees, had made her school as popular with the most elite of London society as it had with those young ladies on the fringes of the upper crust who possessed dowries large enough to buy all of Westminster. Even peers with staunch traditionalist views, who closeted their daughters or sisters with governesses, had weakened at the opportunity for their female relations to take part in painting instruction given by Thomas Lawrence or to be coached in the cotillion or quadrille by Thomas Wilson. One did not have to enroll in the entire curriculum to participate in individual classes.
An unorthodox system to be sure, but one that had proved shockingly successful. August had to admit he admired Miss Hayward’s business model. It was the sort of thing he looked for in the many acquisitions he made.
It was almost unfortunate that none of that would be enough to save the school once it was his. Which also evoked a peculiar feeling of regret if he thought about it for too long. And that was utterly unacceptable because inane emotion had no place in lucrative business, no matter how unforgettable Clara Hayward may have been.
About the Author
Kelly Bowen is a RITA Award–winning author who grew up in Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba and earned a master of science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. But it was Kelly’s infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance. When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields. Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process. Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey.
Learn more at:
http://www.kellybowen.net
@kellybowen09
http://facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Bowen/636626389706813
DON’T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SEASON FOR SCANDAL SERIES
Captain Maximus Harcourt, the unconventional tenth Duke of Alderidge, can deal with tropical storms, raging seas, and the fiercest of pirates. But he’s returned home from his latest voyage to find a naked earl—quite inconveniently deceased—tied to his missing sister’s bed. And he has only one place to turn. Now he’s at the mercy of the captivating Miss Ivory Moore of Chegarre & Associates, known throughout London for smoothing over the most dire of scandals.
Noah Ellery left the glamour of the London aristocracy to pursue a simpler life in the country. He’s managed to avoid any complications or entanglements—that is, until he lays eyes on Elise and realizes there’s more to this beautiful woman than meets the eye. But when Elise reveals her real identity—and her true feelings for him—the runaway duke must confront the past he left behind…to keep the woman he loves forever.
Gossip said he was an assassin. Common sense told her to stay away. But Angelique Archer was desperate, and Alexander Lavoie’s club offered a surefire way to make quick money—until she got caught. Instead of throwing her out though, the devil offers her a deal: come work for him. Refusing him means facing starvation, but with a man so sinfully handsome and fiercely protective, keeping things professional might prove impossible…
Also by Kelly Bowen
A Season for Scandal
Duke of My Heart
A Duke to Remember
Between the Devil and the Duke
The Lords of Worth
I’ve Got My Duke to Keep Me Warm
A Good Rogue Is Hard to Find
A Lady’s Guide to Skirting Scandal: A Short Story
You’re the Earl That I Want
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