Scandal At The Midsummer Ball: The Officer's Temptation / The Debutante's Awakening
TWO FORBIDDEN RELATIONSHIPS…ONE HOUSE PARTY TO REMEMBER!The Officer’s Temptation by Marguerite KayeColonel Fergus Kennedy must make a suitable match at the Midsummer Ball. But when this officer encounters sultry acrobat Katerina Vengarov he finds himself torn between duty…and heart-stopping, irresistible passion!"The Debutante’s Awakening by Bronwyn ScottKael Gage is the last person at the Midsummer Ball Miss Zara Titus should speak to – and anything more is definitely off-limits! But the notorious rake seems determined to awaken this innocent debutante’s every desire…"
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Suitable matches or salacious seductions?
The Duke and Duchess of Brockmore are hosting the event of the Season—and arranging the most powerful marriages in England. But when two of their promising protégés decide to take fate into their own hands, scandal abounds!
Don’t miss this sizzling duet from
Marguerite Kaye and Bronwyn Scott
Read Fergus and Katerina’s story in
The Officer’s Temptation by Marguerite Kaye
and
Zara and Kael’s story in
The Debutante’s Awakening by Bronwyn Scott
MARGUERITE KAYE writes hot historical romances from her home in cold and usually rainy Scotland, featuring Regency rakes, Highlanders and sheikhs. She has published almost thirty books and novellas. When she’s not writing she enjoys walking, cycling—but only on the level—gardening—but only what she can eat—and cooking. She also likes to knit and occasionally drink martinis—though not at the same time. Find out more on her website: margueritekaye.com.
BRONWYN SCOTT is a communications instructor at Pierce College in the United States, and is the proud mother of three wonderful children—one boy and two girls. When she’s not teaching or writing she enjoys playing the piano, travelling—especially to Florence, Italy—and studying history and foreign languages. Readers can stay in touch on Bronwyn’s website, bronwynnscott.com, or at her blog, bronwynswriting.blogspot.com. She loves to hear from readers.
Scandal at the Midsummer Ball
The Officer’s Temptation
Marguerite Kaye
The Debutante’s Awakening
Bronwyn Scott
Table of Contents
Marguerite Kaye
Saturday June 14th, 1817
Brockmore Manor House Party
Programme of Events
Welcoming Party in the Drawing Room
Exhibition by the World-Famous
Russian Acrobat Troupe
The Flying Vengarovs in the Ballroom
The drawing room of Brockmore Manor faced due west, looking out over the extensive formal gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Brockmore’s country estate. The heady scent emanating from the nearby rose arbour wafted in through the open windows on the faintest of breezes. A veritable cornucopia of English roses both inside and without, Colonel Fergus Kennedy of the Ninety-Second Regiment of Foot thought wryly, eyeing the fluttering groups of ladies, their pale afternoon gowns in stark contrast to the vibrant cobalt blue of the heavy painted silk wall hangings that gave the room the appearance of an underwater cave. The marine theme was continued on the blue damask sofas which lined the drawing room walls, where naked mermaids and grotesque sea creatures were carved into the gilded arms and legs. Similar creatures were carved into the white Italian marble fireplace, and the works of art which adorned the walls had a maritime theme.
Fergus tugged at his starched neckcloth and edged closer to the open window. A trickle of sweat ran down his back. It was unseasonably hot. It seemed his host, who had a formidable reputation for scheming and machinations, had also organised the weather. He envied the ladies their light muslin gowns, so much more suited to the heat than his silk waistcoat and heavy dark-blue coat, but a quick glance around the room confirmed that he had correctly interpreted the ‘informal’ dress code stipulated for this welcoming party as being ‘London-smart.’
Fergus was not particularly in the frame of mind to be welcomed. In fact, the prospect was distinctly unwelcome. The truth was, Fergus was beginning to have some reservations as to the wisdom of accepting this invitation and the potential consequences.
‘I have made a small wager with myself that you are Colonel Kennedy. May I pat myself on the back and preen indulgently?’
The man who stood before him was of indeterminate age. Clad in what looked to Fergus like an emerald-green silk dressing gown emblazoned with gold-and-scarlet dragons, he carried a similarly painted fan. His skin was powdered, but he had a disconcertingly determined chin, and the pale-blue eyes which shone beneath the perfectly plucked arched brows were piercing.
‘You may do both if you so wish, though attempting them simultaneously may prove problematic. Fergus Kennedy, at your service. I am afraid you have the advantage of me, sir.’
The thin mouth formed into a delighted smile. ‘I knew it! One look at those shoulders and that ramrod straight back, and I knew you must be a military man. What a shame you decided against wearing your regimentals, Colonel, the ladies do love a Red Coat. I’m rather partial myself. But where are my manners! Allow me to introduce myself. Sir Timothy Farthingale, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.’
