If the truth comes out...
...there will be scandal!
In this Those Scandalous Stricklands story, Hope Strickland must find the lost items of her familyâs estate. Mysterious Gregory Drake, expert at fixing the problems of the aristocracy, is hired to help. As they embark on the search, Hope finds herself drawn to the handsome stranger. He may not be a gentleman, but Hopeâs tempted to put aside her marriage prospects for a forbidden nightâin Gregoryâs bed!
Those Scandalous Stricklands miniseries
Book 1âA Kiss Away From Scandal
Look out for the next book, coming soon!
âReaders will enjoy the strong characters, swift pace, lively wit and the wickedly fun escapades that stubborn lovers can get into.â
âRT Book Reviews on âHer Christmas Temptationâ in Regency Christmas Wishes
âMerrill pens another winner.â
âRT Book Reviews on The Wedding Game
CHRISTINE MERRILL lives on a farm in Wisconsin, USA, with her husband, two sons and too many petsâall of whom would like her to get off the computer so they can check their email. She has worked by turns in theatre costuming and as a librarian. Writing historical romance combines her love of good stories and fancy dress with her ability to stare out of the window and make stuff up.
Also by Christine Merrill
The Wedding Game
A Convenient Bride for the Soldier
Regency Christmas Wishes
The Sinner and the Saint miniseries
The Greatest of Sins
The Fall of a Saint
The de Bryun Sisters miniseries
The Truth About Lady Felkirk
A Ring from a Marquess
Those Scandalous Stricklands miniseries
A Kiss Away from Scandal
And look out for the next book
Coming soon
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
ISBN: 978-1-474-07374-5
A KISS AWAY FROM SCANDAL
© 2018 Christine Merrill
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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To Clara Bloczynski: there can be only one.
Chapter One
âI have a problem.â
In Gregory Drakeâs experience, most conversations began with exactly those words. But that was to be expected, given the unusual nature of his profession.
Gregory fixed things.
Not in the usual sense. Watchmakers fixed watches. Tinkers mended kettles. But Gregory was not a tradesman as much as a student of human nature. He fixed lives. When members of the upper classes were confronted with a situation that was difficult, embarrassing, or simply tedious, they came to him.
He made their problems go away. Quickly, quietly and without another word.
It was why he was welcome in the reading rooms at Boodleâs and Whiteâs and most of the other clubs in London. He could claim membership in none of them. But he was so often found in attendance at them, sharing hushed conversations with important people, that no one dared to ask the reason for his presence. Though society might see him as an underling, even its most august members kept a respectful distance from him, not wanting to embarrass their friends. More importantly, they did not want to annoy the fellow who could be counted on to rescue them when trouble arose.