It Started With a Whisper Read online

  It Started with a Whisper

  Amanda Mariel

  Deb Marlowe

  Christina McKnight

  Erica Monroe

  Ava Stone

  Dawn Brower

  Contents

  USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel

  One Moonlit Tryst

  Also by Amanda Mariel

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  About Amanda Mariel

  Afterword

  USA Today Bestselling Author Deb Marlowe Deb Marlowe

  Love Me, Lord Tender

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  About the Author

  Also by Deb Marlowe

  USA Today Bestselling Author Christina McKnight

  The Lady Loves A Scandal

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Epilogue

  Books By Christina Mcknight

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author by Erica Monroe

  The Scandalous Widow

  Foreword

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  Also by Erica Monroe

  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author Ava Stone

  How to Land an Earl in Ten Days

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Author’s Note

  About Ava Stone

  USA Today Bestselling Author Dawn Brower

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  Acknowledgments

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books by Dawn Brower

  One Moonlit Tryst

  USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  One Moonlit Tryst

  Copyright © 2017 Amanda Mariel

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Brook Ridge Press

  Dawn, thank you for all of your fellowship. I will always value your friendship and be honored to work with you.

  Also by Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Coming soon to the Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Liaison

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Delighted by the Duke

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight

  Theodora

  Georgina

  Adeline

  Josephine

  Stand alone titles

  Love’s Legacy

  Earl of Grayson

  Coming soon

  Her Perfect Rogue

  More Than a Lady

  Connected by a Kiss

  **These are designed so they can standalone**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.

  Chapter 1

  Two of London's most notorious rogues have returned to town. They were spotted carousing along St. Jame’s Street mere hours after their return. Ladies beware and mamas keep a close eye on your daughters. No one's virtue is beyond reproach when faced with the charming nature and good looks of these gentlemen.

  -Whispers from Lady X

  Colin Brooks, the Earl of Harcourt, burst into laughter as he watched his longtime friend Reginald St. John, the Viscount of Lovell, stroll toward him with pink cheeks and a scowl. “Your arms appear rather empty considering Ginger was supposed to fall right into them.” Colin reached for his tumbler, still brimming with laughter.

  “Stuff it.” Reginald took a deep drink of his whiskey as he settled back in his chair. “She would have turned you away as well.”

  “Not bloody likely,” Colin said as he glanced across the club at the wench Reginald had been trying to charm. “Shall I prove my point?” He pushed his chair back and stood.

  Colin and Reginald had attended school together, and though they’d become fast friends all those years ago, they also had a hunger for competition. They had often chased the same skirts, bet on the same mounts, and played cards for days in an attempt to prove who possessed the greater skills.

  “Humph. You put too much stock in yourself.” Reginald lifted his tumbler and took another drink of whiskey. “Many women prefer me over your golden looks.”

  Colin chuckled, lifting his tumbler. Both men were considered handsome by most; Colin with his sandy-brown hair and light amber eyes stood an inch taller than Reginald who contrasted Colin with black hair and sky blue eyes.

  “Nonsense. I simply know how to sweep a woman off her feet better than you do. Where you rely solely on your looks, I possess an abundance of charm.” Colin pivoted on his heels and took a few steps toward the chit before Reginald stopped him.

  “Is that so? How about a wager then?”

  Colin turned back to his friend, his interest piqued. This would be one bet he was guaranteed to win. Not only because he had confidence in his skills where women were concerned, but also because the chit in question had all but offered herself to him a fortnight ago. He grinned at Reginald as he returned to his seat. “Name your stakes.”

  “One thousand pounds says you cannot get the lady of my choosing to fall into your arms.”

  Colin arched a brow. “Then we are no longer speaking of Ginger?”

  “She may not prove chal
lenge enough to put you in your place.” Reginald gave a dismissive wave of his hand.

  “Very well. You name the woman and I will gain her affection.” Colin spread his arms wide. “Any one of them will do.”

  Reginald set his tumbler down and leaned forward. “It will not be one of them, for I wish to make this a true challenge.” He smirked before continuing. “One thousand pounds says you cannot charm Lady Tabitha Pemberton into a kiss.”

  “The Pemberton chit?” Colin asked, certain he’d misunderstood.

  “Yes, and not the more amiable one either. It must be Tabitha.” Reginald’s eyes glinted, a look of pure amusement overtaking his face.

  Bloody hell, Reginald had not been kidding about making this a true challenge. The lady did not allow anyone close. He’d heard tale after tale of her suitors being turned away at the door of her family home. He narrowed his gaze at Reginald. “Not a single gentleman ever makes it inside when they come calling. How the devil am I to seduce a kiss out of her? Choose another woman.”

  “Do you suddenly doubt your roguish abilities?” Reginald chuckled, reaching for his whiskey. “You could forfeit. Admit that there are women whom you cannot have.”

  “Not a chance.” Colin extended his hand. “You have a bet.”

  The Pemberton girl would prove a challenge, but he did not fear hard work. He had no doubt she would succumb to his charm in the end. He need only approach her in a different way than her average suitors. Once he captured her interest, he would gain her affection.

  “One more thing,” Reginald said.

  Colin arched a curious brow.

  “You must succeed by season's end in order to win the bet.”

  Colin finished the contents of his snifter. “I won’t need the entire season.”

  “We will see. Now shall we record the wager?” Reginald asked.

  “Gads no. Have a care for the girl's reputation. I do not wish to see her ruined, nor do I aspire to find myself caught in the parson's noose.” Colin signaled for a refill before turning his attention back to Reginald. “This stays between the two of us or there is no wager.”

  Reginald nodded. “Very well, but do not think your word will be enough to make you the victor. I will require proof.”

  “Indeed. And that is why you will attend every society function I do, starting tomorrow night with the Baxtor masquerade.”

  “For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to attending balls.” Reginald gave a smug grin.

  “Hang onto that good humor while you can. I imagine it will fade considerably as you watch yourself lose our bet.”

  Colin would use the mystery of the Baxtor ball to his advantage. Pique Lady Tabitha’s interest under the cover of intrigue, and by night's end, she would be well and truly ensnared if for no other reason than curiosity.

  Chapter 2

  Many elite members of society will be attending the Baxtor masquerade ball this evening. It is rumored that London's most sought-after debutantes, the Duke of Montrose’s daughters Lady Tabitha and Lady Priscilla, will be among the crush. More's-the-pity everyone will be concealed behind masks, but as you well know, no one can remain hidden forever.

  -Whispers from Lady X

  Lady Tabitha Pemberton could think of nothing she enjoyed more than a crowded ballroom. The music, good cheer, and fine clothing always put her in good spirits, and she never grew tired of flirting and dancing the night away.

  Tonight she attended the Baxtor masquerade dressed in a muslin gown of the palest pink, her hair piled atop her head and threaded through with lace strung pearls. A mask of ostrich feathers, lace, and pearls concealed her identity, adding an air of mystery. Most importantly, her parents had relaxed enough to enjoy themselves rather than spending the night scrutinizing her and her twin sister Priscilla’s every move.

  She smiled at Priscilla, who stood beside her at the refreshment table. “I could scarcely help but notice that you danced two sets with the same man.”

  Priscilla’s brows drew together. “It could hardly be helped.”

  “Hogwash,” Tabitha said. Before embarking on the season, Tabitha and Priscilla had agreed that neither of them would marry until next year. They wanted to enjoy their first season. To be young, meet all of the eligible lords, and attend as many society events as possible—most importantly, they wanted to allow themselves time to enjoy being single and free before getting leg shackled.

  “He is rather persistent, though I assure you there will not be a third. Regardless, this is a masquerade, so he does not know who I am.” Priscilla waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “I will not become part of tomorrow's scandal sheets, nor will I allow myself to be captured for marriage.”

  Tabitha lifted a flute from the table and took a sip. “Then you might pay more mind to our agreement.”

  “I have. It is always at the forefront of my mind.” Priscilla’s brows drew together, causing her forehead to furrow. “I tell them all that I will not marry before next season. Besides, this is a masquerade, so he does not know who I am.”

  Tabitha did the same, but it rarely dissuaded her suitors. Every morning brought a new wave of callers and fresh flowers. Aside from being a duke’s daughter and having a large dowry, she and her sister were also considered great beauties, diamonds of the first water. Their refusal to wed this season no doubt annoyed many marriage-minded men, though their parents supported them wholeheartedly.

  She glanced at the gentleman Priscilla had danced with. “Were you able to guess who he is?”

  “Lord Fairchild. I recognized his voice the moment he spoke.” Priscilla waved her fan with an air of nonchalance.

  “If you recognized him with such ease, what makes you so certain that he did not figure out your identity as well?”

  Priscilla frowned. “Point taken.”

  It was a game played by all at masquerades. The mystery and intrigue allowed people to behave more freely, but that was only half of the fun. Guessing one another’s identities made up the rest. Tabitha had discovered the identity of every man she’d danced with before their set was done, and at least a few had figured out who she was as well. “I simply wish for you to be careful.”

  “I will be.” Priscilla lifted a glass of lemonade from the refreshment table. “Though I must say, you are taking this all too seriously.”

  “On the contrary, you are not being serious enough.” Tabitha spied her next dance partner heading her way and graced him with a bright smile. He nodded, offering his own grin from behind a black and silver mask as he continued toward her, his domino flaring out behind him.

  Tabitha turned her attention back to Priscilla. “Don’t allow them to get too close.” She pivoted and glanced over her shoulder. “Never more than one dance, dear sister.”

  “Indeed.” Priscilla lifted her glass to her lips.

  Tabitha hooked her hand through her dance partner’s proffered arm and allowed him to sweep her out onto the dance floor. She’d cease fretting over Priscilla and enjoy the evening. There was nothing more she could do for her sister at any rate.

  Putting Priscilla out of her mind, she chanced a glance at her partner. His mask hid most of his features, and to her amusement she did not recognize the light amber of his eyes any more than the strong line of his jaw. Excitement blossomed within her, as she did enjoy a good mystery and had long ago grown bored with her current flock of suitors. Not that there was anything wrong with them. Every gentleman that pursued her had his own merit and charm. If she were marriage-minded, several of them would hold her interest—but alas, she was not.

  Having led her onto the parquet dance floor, he bowed. “I have been looking forward to our dance all evening, fighting my way through your crowd of admirers to reach you.”

  “Surely there are a great many other ladies you wished to dance with.” Tabitha gave a flirtatious smile.

  “None as beautiful as you, my lady.”

  “Come now, you cannot even see my face.” She teased as they
rose up on their toes then back down before twirling around to face each other once more.

  “I have no need. Your golden tresses, captivating violet gaze, and feminine charms tell me everything I need to know.” He trailed his gaze over her body, his eyes twinkling as they rose to meet hers once again.

  Tabitha pushed back the thrill of desire that swept through her. “My but you are a charmer.”

  “A woman as stunning as you deserves nothing less.” They turned to the side, then to face each other again as they made their way up the line of dancers.

  “I’d wager you’ve said that to all of the ladies you have partnered this evening.” Tabitha laughed.