by Dawn Brower
“I can get my wife’s tea,” Carrolton grumbled, and went to do the task. Grant shrugged. He didn’t mean any harm by offering the viscountess tea. He was being a good host. Instead of arguing, he settled into a chair near the settee.
“How are your new babies?” Lady Carrolton asked in an excited tone. “I love twins. I always wondered what it was like to be one. My sisters, Chris and Carly seem so close, and now Chris has twins of her own too.”
“They’re a lot of work,” Amelia said in an exhausted tone, “but I adore them. They’re beautiful babies.”
Carrolton brought his wife her tea and sat in the chair opposite of Grant. “They’re your children,” he said to Amelia. “Of course they’re beautiful.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Grant said and smiled at his wife. He would only take his contrariness so far. He would never disagree with Carrolton about how wonderful Amelia or their children were. To Grant, they would always be perfect.
Carrolton grunted in approval. Grant couldn’t expect actual words from him. Despite what it appeared, they had a truce of sorts. They kept things light and peaceful, even though sometimes they each wished to brawl like boys and give each other a black eye. For their wives, they remained civilized.
Grant had never imagined he could have a family, and by having one he’d find so much joy. His heart was overflowing with love. Amelia completed him, his life, and his home in so many ways. He couldn’t say it enough...loving her saved him. He’d been lost without her, but never knew it. She had claimed once that she’d always loved him. He didn’t deserve her, but he damn well was going to keep her, and nothing would separate them. Some things were worth fighting for, and his love for Amelia was definitely one of them. Even if he had to endure visits from her overbearing brother...
About The Author
USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Growing up, she was the only girl out of six children. She raised two boys as a single mother; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby, and she loves all genres.
www.authordawnbrower.com
Also by Dawn Brower
HISTORICAL
Stand alone:
Broken Pearl
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss
* * *
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
* * *
Marsden Descendants
Rebellious Angel
Tempting An American Princess
How to Kiss a Debutante
Loving an America Spy
* * *
Linked Across Time
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scheming with My Duke
Secluded with My Hellion
Secrets of My Beloved
Spying on My Scoundrel
Shocked by My Vixen
Smitten with My Christmas Minx
Vision of Love
* * *
Enduring Legacy
The Legacy’s Origin
Charming Her Rogue
* * *
Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Always My Viscount
Infinitely My Marquess
Eternally My Duke
* * *
Bluestockings Defying Rogues
When An Earl Turns Wicked
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret
One Wicked Kiss
Earl In Trouble
All the Ladies Love Coventry
One Less Scandalous Earl
Confessions of a Hellion
The Vixen in Red
Lady Pear’s Duke
* * *
Scandal Meets Love
Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)
Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)
If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)
Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)
Believe In Love (Amanda Mariel)
Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)
Love and Holly (Amanda Mariel)
Love and Mistletoe (Dawn Brower
* * *
The Neverhartts
Never Defy a Vixen
Never Disregard a Wallflower
Never Dare a Hellion
Never Deceive a Bluestocking
Never Disrespect a Governess
Never Desire a Duke
* * *
CONTEMPORARY
Stand alone:
Deadly Benevolence
Snowflake Kisses
Kindred Lies
* * *
Sparkle City
Diamonds Don’t Cry
Hooking a Firefly
* * *
Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Temptation
* * *
Daring Love
Passion and Lies
Desire and Jealousy
Seduction and Betrayal
* * *
Begin Again
There You’ll Be
Better as a Memory
Won’t Let Go
* * *
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
Heart in Waiting
Heart Lessons
A Heart Redeemed
* * *
Kismet Bay
Once Upon a Christmas
New Year Revelation
All Things Valentine
Luck At First Sight
Endless Summer Days
A Witch’s Charm
All Out of Gratitude
Christmas Ever After
* * *
YOUNG ADULT FANTASY
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
The Bespelled Knight
The Magical Hunt
Acknowledgments
This is where I thank my editor and cover artist, Victoria Miller profusely. She helps me more than I can ever say. I appreciate everything she does and that she pushes me to be better…do better. Thank you, a thousand times, over.
Also, to Elizabeth Evans. Thank you for always being there for me and being my friend. You mean so much to me. Thanks isn’t nearly enough, but it’s all I have, so thank you my friend for being you.
Excerpt: Loving My Wicked Rogue
Scandalous Gentleman Book One
Read on for an unedited sneak peek
Coming 2022
Prologue
December 1865
Lady Francesca Kendall stared at the Christmas decoration she’d made, and frowned. It was lovely to spend time with her cousin, Lady Adeline Carwyn. They were only a few years apart in age. Francesca had turned eight and ten a few months prior, and Adeline was three years older than her. Christmastide was being celebrated at Whitewood Abbey, Adeline’s home, or more accurately the home of her parents the Duke and Duchess of Whitewood. Adeline’s mother was Francesca’s father’s sister. They were close, and had a celebration with their entire family every Christmas.
“What do you think of this?” Francesca asked. She held up a star that she’d colored a pale yellow. It was plain, simple, and in her opinion, elegant. That was how Francesca hoped to present herself to the ton during her first season. She would have her comeout ball in March when the season started. She couldn’t wait until she could a
ttend balls, soirees, garden parties, and more. Francesca couldn’t understand why Adeline hated them so much.
“It is quite lovely,” Adeline said. “It’ll make a nice addiction to the tree when we decorate it tomorrow.” She held up her own ornament and asked, “Do you think it is too much?” She was painting an angel in a circular piece of clay. It was exquisite.
“Oh…” She nibbled on her bottom lip and looked back at her star. Maybe she could do better. “You are so talented. I wish I had…something.” Francesca was terrible at the pianoforte, mediocre at drawing and watercolors, and abysmal at needlepoint. In short, she had more failings than winsome attributes.
“Do not be that way,” Adeline said. Her tone held a hint of chastisement. “You’re brilliant, beautiful, and the very epitome of benevolence.” She smiled softly. “And I love you. I do not want to listen to you berate yourself, or what you believe to be your lack of marketable traits.”
She pasted a smile on her face. Francesca didn’t particularly feel pretty or desirable. Perhaps that would change after her comeout. She prayed she wouldn’t become a wallflower, or a spinster like Adeline. Francesca wanted to find love and have a marriage like her parents had. They loved each other so much it almost hurt to watch them. How possible was it for her to find a love as special and strong as theirs? “I’ll try, it’s all I can promise.” She glanced away and started to add more flourish to her star. If Adeline could create something as special as an angel ornament, surely she could make something equally as pretty. Adeline stood and wiped her hands on her apron.
“Are you already finished,” Francesca asked. “I’m not nearly done.”
“I am.” She smiled at her. “I’m weary and am going to lie down until dinner.” She did appear a bit fatigued. “When you’re done do not forget to wash and change. You have a bit of paint in your hair and on your hands. You probably brushed your hand over your hair.”
Adeline glanced at her hands and frowned. She did have paint all over her hands and the apron she wore over her gown. Francesca stared down at herself. “I will, thank you.” She should be more careful, but part of her didn’t care. She’d been trying to be creative after all.
“Will you be joining us for tea?” Francesca asked. She brushed a lock of her strawberry blonde hair behind an ear. Sometimes she wished she had golden blonde hair like Adeline. Her reddish locks were not nearly as fashionable. There was so much about herself she wished she could change, but accepted she couldn’t. Francesca needed to stop comparing herself to Adeline. It would lead her nowhere. All the negativity did not do any good, and she loved her cousin. She wouldn’t hurt her for anything and yet, she couldn’t stop being a brat, at least in her mind.
“I am uncertain,” she told her nonchalantly. “But don’t expect me. I may stay in my chambers longer depending on how I feel.”
“All right,” Francesca said absentmindedly. Francesca had turned her attention back to her ornament already, and frowned again. Maybe she’d do an outline in another color. She wasn’t certain how to make it stand out. “Have a nice rest.”
“I will,” Adeline told her and then smiled softly. “Do not fret. Your ornament really is quite lovely.” With those words Adeline left Francesca alone. She painted a thin dark yellow outline and considered it good. Perhaps Adeline was right. It was beautiful and she should stop doubting herself. She carried it over to the table to dry. They’d add ribbon to their ornaments before putting them on the tree.
Adeline cleaned up her supplies, and then left the craft room. As she was rounding the corner to go up to her bedchamber she stumbled against a man. She mumbled her apologies before she glanced up. Her mouth went dry and she lost all ability to think, let alone speak. He had thick black hair, and eyes so blue they took her breath away. In short, she was a bumbling mess. Francesca had never seen a man as beautiful as this one, and had nothing to fall back on in her interaction with him.
“No need to apologize,” he said in a husky tone. She’d somehow managed to find her breath, and shivers went down her spine as he spoke. God help her. “It was all my fault.” He had so much charm no lady would be able to resist. Who was he?
She shook her head still unable to speak. What was wrong with her? So he was gorgeous. That shouldn’t matter! If she had any chance of having a successful season she had to learn to use her voice. “My lord,” she curtsied. “It was indeed my fault. I cannot let you take the blame.”
His lips tilted upward into a sinful smile that promised he could be quite wicked if a lady let him have his way with her. Francesca had never been so tempted to offer herself to a man before. But to be fair, no men like this one lived near her home in Kent. “A gentleman would never let a lovely lady as you carry such a burden.” He held out his hand to her. “Why don’t you stroll with me. I’m only here until morning and I find myself a bit lonely.”
She frowned. Francesca should help out and spend some time with him. This was her aunt’s house, and she did know the layout, and what might appeal to him. “I am afraid we’ve not been introduced…”
“Then let’s rectify that.” He brought her hand up to his lips and pressed down in a soft kiss. “I am Matthew.”
That was not at all what she meant. Using his surname was absolutely scandalous, and she shouldn’t do it. She tilted her head to the side and studied him. What did this man hope to achieve by being wicked with her? “Matthew?”
“Yes,” that rich tone of his voice was a weapon and a gift. More importantly he seemed to understand that and used it to his advantage.
“Do you not believe it’s too familiar?” He was an enigma. Why would he not want to know more about her, or her him?
“Not at all,” he said smoothly. Matthew stared intently into her eyes, and it made her want to believe everything he said to her. “I do believe you and I are destined to be…acquainted. Why stall the inevitable?”
Francesca barely held in a sigh. Was he right? Were they somehow meant to be? “I am Francesca,” she acquiesced. “How do you feel about conservatories?”
“I love them,” he said. “Is there one here? Will you show me?”
Francesca nodded. “The duchess has a lovely orange tree. It’s one of the best conservatories in all of England, though perhaps not as wonderful as the one at Seabrook, I do love it.”
He looped her arm with his. “Lead the way dear Cesca,” he said in a tone so intimate it filled her with warmth. “And tell me about Seabrook. Have you visited there often?”
He didn’t know who she was… Francesca smiled. She should tell him that the Marquess of Seabrook was her great uncle? Perhaps later. She liked this interaction with him and adored the shortened version of her name he used.
They reached the conservatory and Francesca was relieved no one else was there. That gave her more time alone with him. She led him to the orange tree. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
“Not nearly as much as you are.” She glanced at him and sucked in a breath. She may have never experienced desire, but she understood it existed. This man stared at her with so much need it made her insides quiver. She wanted him, and she decided she should have him.
“You say such sweet things Matthew.” Her voice was soft and filled with the same need reflected in his eyes. “How sweet are you?”
“Let me show you,” he said as he leaned down, and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was soft, coaxing, and as sweet as he promised. Then it turned into something much more passionate and consuming. He brought his hand up to her breast and dipped a finger underneath her bodice. He stroked her nipple and it hardened at his touch. The need between her thighs deepened and she didn’t quite know what was happening.
He pushed the bodice down and lowered his head, sucked in that tight nipple, and she nearly screamed with pleasure. Sweet wasn’t the right word. Matthew was a wicked rogue, and Francesca was falling in love with him. Nothing could stop the feelings spreading through her now.
He lifted her skirts and
slid his hand between her thighs. She moaned as tiny quivers rocked her body. “You’re so responsive,” he whispered in her ear. “I want you.” He groaned as he slid a finger inside her. She pressed herself against him. She wanted him to.
And she decided to give herself to him, body, soul, and especially, all the love in her heart… “Yes,” she said. “Yes…” She promised herself she would not regret any of this. He was her destiny, and she’d never believed she’d be so lucky to find the man of her dreams before she started looking. Sometimes fate could be surprising in the best possible ways, and the pleasure Matthew made her feel…simply marvelous.
Chapter 1
March 1866
Francesca was a fool… How could she have believed he loved her? She’d been hoping, and hoping for weeks now, and it was time to accept he didn’t care for her at all. He’d seduced her, and it hadn’t been particularly difficult either. She’d fallen willing into his arms and hadn’t regretted that choice.
Until now…
She slid her hand down her belly and fought tears. Her dilemma could no longer be ignored. She had feared her condition and wished it away, but doing either didn’t change anything. Francesca didn’t know what to do. This was not a situation she’d ever believed she’d find herself in.
Her heart hurt. When Matthew hadn’t come for her she should have realized then he’d used her. She’d made so many excuses for him, and she couldn’t change that. She couldn’t change any of it. If she wasn’t facing the consequences of her choice she’d have eventually found a way to forget him, or at least not cry as much at the loss.