Page 1 of The Lady's Forbidden Marquess
Chapter One
“That one.”LadyPeregrine—Pere—nodded delicately toward the right side of the crowded London ballroom.
“I’d ask which one, but I have the sinking feeling I know,” Lady Anna murmured, taking a slow sip of champagne.“Your brother is not amused,” she added, eyes sparkling.“And he thinks I’m mad for encouraging you.”
Pere shot her best friend a disbelieving glance.“You’ve never encouraged me once.I rather thought you would.But no, you’ve been the annoying voice of reason—for once.”
Anna shrugged.“I’ve tried to tell him that, but apparently, my amusement at your declaration earlier was taken as brazen praise.”
“Just because you didn’t start muttering expletives like Henley—”
“He was rather shocked,” Anna mused.
Pere blinked.“I’m surprised I’m even allowed out in society.In hindsight, telling him my scheme was a mistake.But I’ve never been one for planning ahead.”
“You are now.”
“This is different.”
“This is—certainly different,” Anna replied.“And I know I’ve said it before—”
“Don’t.”Pere faced her.“I know exactly what you’re going to say.”
“Then listen rather than just hear me.”
“If I can repeat it word for word, will you spare me the lecture?This is why my brother needs to believe you—You’re not encouraging me at all.I swear married life has made you a mother hen, and that used to be Henley’s job.Rather than one, I now have two, and it’s exhausting.”
“Are you finished?”
“No.”Pere’s voice held no heat.“You’re going to say that just because my brilliant—”
“Never once have I called this plan brilliant.”
Pere paused, glaring.
“You said verbatim.I’m just holding you to your promises.”
Pere glanced heavenward.“Apologies.As I was saying—” She gave Anna a daring look, waited for interruption, then continued.“Just because my plan is to reform a rake doesn’t mean I’ll succeed.It could break my heart because I’m innocent… sort of.”
“In all the ways that matter, you are,” Anna said.
Pere waved a hand.“And you and my dearest brother Henley do not want me to get my heart broken or… worse.”
Anna nodded.“There’s been enough talk surrounding your family—”
“You didn’t help that,” Pere teased.
Anna’s lips twisted in a wry grin.“Our gossip was being the love match of last season—”
“Yes and also marrying the brother you weren’t officially courting.Don’t forget that part.”
“There is that small detail…” Anna blushed, her blond hair making the pink of her cheeks more pronounced.
“You married the right brother, though, and Edwin needed time to get his life sorted.I’m glad he took the opportunity to travel… and escape.”
“But that only means Henley is now the one you answer to.He approves the match.”
“I think that’s the only reason he hasn’t locked me up.He knows he has the final say.”
