Lady Beauchamp had a habit of imbibing large amounts of wine at social functions-really, at any function save breakfast-and people seemed to avert their gazes, deftly avoiding the loud, opinionated woman as if she were a knot of rats.

Though anxious to quit her aunt’s company, she prayed her association with her father’s sister would forestall any strange possibility that either of the Devine brothers should come near. What an atrocious display! Such a lack of decorum!” If my dear Harriet hadn’t just received an invitation to the ball, I’d think they were deliberately flashing their cards so that I might see. What great fun is this! Just think, soon even you could have a chance to be a duchess!” Using her fan, her aunt made a stabbing gesture toward four young ladies chatting excitedly by the foot of a grand staircase. “That’s why you’re here, why we’re all here. “Oh dear,” Lady Beauchamp exclaimed, closing her fan with a snap. “Let me assure you I haven’t the slightest inclination to receive one.” Madelyn lifted her chin and pretended to look about the room. It’s said miracles happen all the time.” She started to giggle, but a hiccup cut her short. “There are still two more cards to be presented, yes? You could be so fortunate. Her aunt’s stale breath was a clear indication the woman was good and foxed. “Don’t look so forlorn.” Lady Beauchamp waved her fan vigorously in a vain attempt to mask a belch. She could scream, making a frenzied dash for the French doors in the adjoining room, or she could retain her composure and nod agreeably. Miss Madelyn Haywood nibbled on her bottom lip as she weighed her choices. Perhaps one day you’ll blossom into a beauty like my Harriet.” “All hands! All hands on deck, I say,” Lady Eugenia… “So tell me,” Charlotte murmured from behind her glass of…Īn hour later Madelyn sat opposite Charlotte in the cushioned… “His gaze has been fastened on you since the moment…Ī wide, shallow puddle sheltered from the sun by a…

The next morning, there came a knock on Madelyn’s bedchamber… Pulling the thick, ivory coverlet up to her nose, Madelyn…īelinda and Bernadette continued to poke about the hall with…

They were loaded in a wagon like sheep at the… Madelyn looked up into eyes of blue flame and a… The next afternoon, Madelyn was still recovering from the astonishment… Perhaps if he banged his head hard enough on the… “Arming oneself with bow and arrow when one’s rivals are… Gabriel took one look at Miss Haywood and instantly regretted…īy noon the entire household knew exactly where Madelyn had…įour days later Madelyn was forced to admit that the… “You’re throwing me to the wolves?” Madelyn’s heartbeat tripped as…

At the Bride Hunt Ball by Olivia Parker