Chaste and Proper

By Alea Rose

Lady Cassandra Wilson's life is about to be turned upside down, after her dearest friend Bliss Eddington runs away to America in the wake of a failed romance. Only neither lady knows, Bliss attracted the attention of someone with a nefarious scheme against her family, and in her absence, Cassie is now the focus of attention. A dashing new man enters Cassie's life, but is he friend or ultimate foe?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alea Rose
• Release date: May 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310302374

Alea Rose

Alea writes historical, contemporary and sci-fi romances, some with more erotic content. Her stories always revolve around intrigue, mystery or a psychological plot.Alea lives in the Southeast United States, within a stone's throw of the Atlantic Ocean. She happily writes books full-time. When she isn't writing, she enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends and relaxing with a nice glass of wine.Coupons for discounts on books through Smashwords can be found by sending friend requests to Alea Rose on Facebook.

Book preview

Chapter 1

He was for certain, the devil incarnate. She'd heard stories, known young ladies who'd read such clandestine writings that were furtively passed among the gentlewomen who knew better than to rely on the blushing educations imparted by their mothers before the wedding night commenced.

Lady Cassandra Wilson found herself holding such a story now, in trembling hand as she hesitated, fearing the flush of her skin might give her away, or worse, cause the document to smolder briefly before bursting into flame.

Its deliverer crowded against her back and whispered, Did you read it, my lady?

She crushed the parchment in her fist and tossed it into the fireplace. 'Tis filth, not worth the eyes of even the lowest of society.

His grin was carnal, and made its presence known by the very tone of his voice as he whispered against the flesh of her neck, Such an innocent should not have the knowledge to discern filth, Lady Cassandra. Am I to believe your virtue is less than snow-white?

Cassandra stepped away quickly. My virtue is not in question, Sir Wallace. Nor shall it be by one as baseborn as you seem to be. Remove yourself from my presence please.

He clucked his tongue softly and circled around her until he saw the full bloom of her flushed cheeks. By God, Elliott was right. You truly are as chaste and proper as they say. I'm not accustomed to losing my wagers, and the odds were fantastic that you were not so…maidenly.

Cassandra gasped as a hand flew to cover the horror and mortification that loosed the muscles of her jaw until it flopped open helplessly.

After all, everyone knows the company you've kept since childhood, and Lady Bliss Eddington did not fall far from the apple tree where Eve took her forbidden bite.

It happened quickly, without planning or forethought. At first, Cassandra was so startled by the loud crack, she jumped, fearing that a spray of cinders from the fireplace would light on her gown and burn her.

Then she felt the sting of her palm and saw the bright flush of color on Sir Wallace Lloyd's cheek in the perfect image of her hand.

His eyes darkened, lips curled into a snarl as he took a menacing step toward her.

I say, Lloyd, the lady gave you far less than you deserved, another voice rent the tension in the otherwise quiet room. Be a good fellow now, and apologize. I am certain the last thing Lady Cassandra wants is for this spectacle to become public. The shame, you see, might cause some to feel she was compromised, or that you at least gave it your best effort.

Elliott Mallory stepped close and examined the red mark on the young lordling's cheek. She's got quite the swing, eh, old chum?

I'll get you for this, Mallory. See if I don't!

Cassandra had begun to inch away from both men once they were absorbed in their clash of gamesmanship. She wanted no part of it, of either one of them. If Sir Wallace told the truth, and Lord Mallory had been spreading gossip about her best friend, Bliss Eddington, now absent more than two months after fleeing England over a broken engagement, Cassandra wanted nothing to do with him either. Even if he did appear on the surface to rescue her from the unwanted and scandalous attention of Sir Wallace Lloyd.

She retreated, quietly and slowly, and had nearly reached the terrace doors when another bang startled a cry from her lips.

Fear not, my lady, it was Mallory's voice, drawing closer with each word. Sir Lloyd has agreed that his presence in this household is no longer appropriate.

Just beyond the terrace doors was her mother's garden party, where Cassie should be, not in her father's library being accosted by the worst of London's dregs masquerading as gentlemen.

I apologize—

Not accepted, Cassie gasped when she felt his hand brush her arm. Please leave, Lord Mallory. I have less desire to speak with you than I did Sir Lloyd!

His heavy sigh feathered the tendrils of hair at the nape of her neck against the sensitive flesh until she felt it prickle with anxiety. Cassie's tone softened. Please, I am vexed enough by your friend and his lewd behavior. I am in no state of mind to entertain more slurs directed to myself or my best and closest friend. You must leave, else I have no choice but to scream and send the entire household running to my rescue.

Mallory made a gallant bow. As you wish, my lady. If it offends to have one intervene when Sir Lloyd makes advances, I shall bear that in mind, should I happen upon him in your company at a future date.

Cassie gritted her teeth. Aye, so you will no doubt leave this room and spread your vicious words about my character as you have done to the king's niece, she said. Sir Wallace told me of your aspersions on Her Grace, my friend Bliss Eddington.

A dark shadow fell over Mallory's face when his chin dipped. "Lloyd suffers under a misapprehension that the subject of our conversation—one I might add, in which he was not invited to participate—was about the new duchess. But then, her mother Liss was on the tips of every tongue in the ton for her banishment. I have it on high authority as well that your dear friend has rejected her title, lands and wealth in favor of the Americas."

Cassandra felt anger seeping into her eyes, shaking the world about her with a fury such as she had never experienced. Idle gossip is the work of the devil. Remove yourself from my presence, Mallory.

His eyebrow quirked and quivered into a look of both rebuke and startlement. "As you wish, Lady Cassandra."

Mallory bowed again, this time without any flourish but a distinct air of irritation at decorum that prevented him from leaving the room with a resounding bang as had Sir Lloyd.

Cassie felt a pang of regret, or more aptly, disconcertion. The Mallory name was indeed powerful, and though Elliot now only bore the title of Earl, which put in on equal footing with her father, one day he would be Marquess of Hetfield.

My lord, she spoke softly before his foot crossed the threshold. My apologies. I fear my discourse with Sir Lloyd has marked my disposition unfavorably. I did not mean to offend you.

My apologies as well. When I promised St. George that I would look in on you while he was away, I did not anticipate that Wallace Lloyd would be lurking about making mischief.

Cassie's eyes widened. Thomas asked you to visit me?

He feared his abrupt departure with Lady Eddington would be difficult for you, Lady Cassandra.

Cassie will do, she said softly, as sudden tears choked her. At least when we are speaking privately.

You are troubled by the Lady Bliss's sudden departure. Thomas feared it would be so, which is why he sent me a missive asking me to explain.

Why did he not send it to me himself? she wondered.

Mallory cleared his throat. I suspect it would be difficult for him to ask you to keep the wolves at bay from your own doorstep in his absence, my lady.

Wolves? she echoed. What does that mean?

Mallory shrugged. From my jaded side of the ballroom, I took it to mean that St. George had thoughts of putting on the leg shackle like his father wants. At her confused expression, he amended, Thoughts of hearth and home, Lady Cassandra. Or was he not courting your attention?

Not seriously, she blurted with a hand that fluttered a moment before it came to rest over her heart. I mean, we danced and spoke often at events where we were both in attendance. But it was more because of our closest confidants and their blossoming…um…

Romance? he asked with a slight grin. I thought that whole scandal with Winthrop was to throw off the throng of hounds eager to marry into the Eddington pedigree.

Bliss loved… Cassie clamped her mouth shut.

Ah, so she actually grew a tendre for the Yank, did she? Bigger scandal than we assumed.

You are vile, Cassie whispered. "Why should I believe Thomas St. George would trust you to look after me as you claim?"

I can show you the note. I've been carrying it around for two months.

"No doubt showing it off to your vile companions who love dropping the latest on-dit or inventing one."

Mallory threw his head back and laughed. On the contrary, my dear. Surely you know my own family's abhorrence of scandal. Why, if my father ever suspected I did more than listen and discuss the rounds with my closest confidants, he'd no doubt strip me of my title and give it to a nephew for good measure. Oh no, I'm not responsible for starting them, but when I hear bits here and there, I confess freely that I do on occasion speculate over the validity of gossip.

And you speculated regarding Bliss's mother?

Indeed I did, he smirked. That one wasn't even particularly clever or discriminating when she took a fancy to any young lad. I know for a fact that she wanted to choose a husband for her daughter that appealed to her, so that she might…er…maintain control of the household.

Again, Cassie felt the irrational rush of fury crest in quaking waves. Are you suggesting that she had designs on seducing Bliss's husband?

I'm not suggesting it, I'm saying the lady flat out proposed it to me herself. My great-grandfather, you see, was quite the rogue and scoundrel before he settled down, a sad scandal that haunts my family to this day in baser circles.

Cassandra's jaw sagged open again. Surely not!

"As I said, it is no secret in baser circles of the ton, but I'm both relieved that you'd never heard it before and ashamed that you know the truth from my own lips. Do keep that bit to yourself. The family has worked hard to put those old scandals away."

May I see the note Thomas sent you? she asked.

Slowly, Lord Mallory crossed the space separating them and held the note out slightly beyond her reach as he stared at her. By the by, I do understand why he wanted to make sure someone was looking out for you.

I have a chaperon for that, Cassie said. The missive, if you please.

Shall I expect the arrival of this derelict chaperon any moment now, or should we inject the proper decorum into this discourse and move our conversation—separately of course—into your mother's garden party?

The note please. My mother trusts me. She knows I'd scream before allowing some foolish man to compromise me.

Mallory passed the note over and watched Cassie's lips move as she read it.

I had to abruptly leave to look after Miss Eddington. She's going to the Americas, and I've agreed to try to reason with her to return home. News of this will spread, Elliott, and hurt Bliss's dearest friend, Lady Cassandra Wilson. Please look after her for me in my absence. Vultures will descend. You know this better than anyone save myself.

You know it better than anyone? Cassie echoed the end of the missive.

I believe I explained it already, my family and our history of dark scandals.

Sure, more than a generation past, she said. This sounds like something far more recent.

Well, my family is quite powerful these days. Any who might like to stir an old pot are met with the full force of our influence, he said with a shrug. Or do you doubt me? I am, after all, only an earl.

My father is an earl as you well know, Cassie peered through narrowed eyes. While I appreciate that Thomas thought enough to look out for me in his absence, it would seem his choice of protector is somewhat incompatible with my temperament. Do you agree?

One corner of Elliott Mallory's lips turned upward. It would appear so, yes, though your dislike of me does not abrogate my responsibility in this matter. Therefore, rest assured, my lady, I can keep watch from afar and perhaps alert your family should I hear your name being dragged through the Eddington mud.

But I don't need—

Regardless of your admirable loyalty to the duchess, you do need to protect your name, lady, Mallory interrupted. I presume the garden party, the events you attend nightly, the one your dear parents hosted for you on the night of your come out were indeed marriage-minded events. Should the Eddington scandal spill over onto you, it most certainly would whittle away your chances of finding the most respectable husband you deserve. Now that I know Thomas is not likely that gentleman, my presence is even more necessary. So, until he returns or the scandal of Liss Eddington dies down in favor of a newer, more savory tidbit, I am obliged to keep my promise to watch out for you.

But Thomas can't have known you'd agree, Cassie argued. So in that case, I release you from your obligation and will tell Thomas myself that you mustn't have received his request because you were not around to watch over me.

Mallory laughed. "Not the behavior one would expect of a gentleman, Lady Cassandra, nor would Thomas believe I refused any request he made. His man will be able to confirm the message was indeed delivered, so you're stuck with me until he returns.

Might I suggest you pray that he convinces Her Grace to return home where she belongs with all due haste?

I take back what I said, Cassie said with simmering ire. You aren't the devil, but you certainly may go to him. Now preferably, if you don't mind.

Elliott grinned as he watched her flounce out of the room in high dudgeon and shook his head. If Thomas wasn't interested in such a prime piece, he'd lost his mind. Lady Cassandra Wilson possessed a deadly combination for any man: intelligence, beauty and spirit.

But Elliott wasn't so deluded to believe Thomas had no interest in the lovely lady, which put her strictly off limits in his mind.

Too bad, he murmured. I wouldn't mind getting to know this one better at all.

Chapter 2

Only a few select gentlemen had been invited to Lady Wilson's garden party, and Cassandra was on a mission to discern whether or not Lord Mallory was on that list, if so why, and if not to have him promptly ejected.

Her heart sank when just as she reached her mother, she heard her father call out to the man in question, greeting him warmly and asking if he'd had the pleasure of meeting Cassie at any of the social events of the season.

Elliott's eyes twinkled with mischief, no doubt wondering how Cassie would respond if he admitted they had spoken, in fact a few moments ago, or if he feigned ignorance.

Instead, the pompous lord sidestepped the question all together by posing one of his own. Who in all of London town hasn't aspired to meet your lovely daughter, Lord Wilson? he asked.

Cassie's father beamed. Allow me the honor, he said. Lord Elliot Mallory, this is my daughter Lady Cassandra, and my wife, Lady Charlotte Wilson.

Madam, he said with a polite bow to her mother before planting a swift kiss to the back of her hand. He turned to Cassie, bowing just as formally but without the kiss.

Cassie wanted to roll her eyes.

Henry, I wasn't aware that you were so well acquainted with the Mallory family, Charlotte said, still beaming at the handsome young lord.

Can't say that I'm well acquainted, he admitted, but we had occasion to chat at White's last week, and I invited him to attend your latest event. Glad to see you were able to work it into your schedule, Mallory.

The pleasure is mine, he replied. Unanticipated freedom this week, you see. Thought my father would have me tied to estate business all week long, but somehow or other, word reached him at Hetfield that I'd been making the rounds this season. His hope springs eternal, I think, that one day, I'll find the girl he'd like to welcome into the family.

Cassie snorted softly at such a bald-faced whopper and stepped away with a softly uttered excuse. She didn't want to hear another word from the slick devil's mouth, though she cursed herself silently for vacillating back and forth—was he a devil or just worthy of meeting him soon?

Cass, her mother chided softly at her back as she followed her. Don't be rude. Surely you know how well connected the Mallory family is. That young man will one day hold the title of Marquis.

I'm aware, she hissed. I don't like him Mother, but if Father is so keen on him, perhaps he can marry the man.

Cassandra!

What? she snapped while still maintaining her ladylike façade.

You're not still pining over the St. George lad, are you? I heard that he went chasing after the Eddington girl—

"Bliss, Mother, and he didn't go chasing after her. He's escorting her to the States so she can talk to…" Cassie clamped her mouth shut.

To the Winthrop boy? Charlotte's eyes widened. Cassie, what do you know about that whole affair?

Thomas is Noah Winthrop's closest friend. Bliss is my closest friend. There is no pining outside that between Noah and Bliss. Misunderstandings aplenty between them, but much love as well.

I've never heard of anything so ridiculous in my life, Charlotte spoke in a low whisper. She's the niece of the king. She can't possibly marry a commoner, or one of those dreadful colonists either.

Noah's family is more noble by blood than ours, Cassie hissed. He's descended from the Duke of Eastleigh. Or hadn't that made the rounds loudly enough for you to hear?

Keep your voice down, darling. People are beginning to stare.

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mother, but I'm not particularly concerned that someone might overhear our conversation. God forbid someone learn the truth for a change! Excuse me."

Everyone in the vicinity heard her, and whispers followed as she fled from the garden.

What on earth? Henry asked as he caught up to Charlotte with Mallory in tow.

It's nothing. She's upset over this scandal with her friend Lady Bliss.

Duchess, Mallory corrected gently. From my perspective, I believe your daughter has good reason to be upset, Lady Charlotte. It would seem that both Her Grace and her intended have been viciously maligned.

Do tell, Henry huffed. The boy is an American.

Mallory shook his head. My father is close to the king as you well know. Winthrop's blood is as blue as the king's—descended from the Eastleigh ducal line if you must know. Why, my father was conversing with the Duke, Eddington himself when it came to light who Winthrop was.

My goodness! Charlotte fluttered one hand in front of her. We had no idea.

Her Grace the Lady Bliss isn't in line for succession, so the king granted the title and estate back to Winthrop. Last I heard, the boy was planning to reject all of it and return to the colonies, another gentleman piped up.

Not so, Mallory said. Of course there is business to be resolved across the pond, which is where they are now. Thomas St. George went along to look after Bliss, he said.

You're close with the St. George boy, aren't you? Henry asked.

Close enough, Mallory nodded. Good chap. Honorable. He'd make a fine choice for Lady Cassandra, sir.

Charlotte blushed hotly. If only they shared that sort of interest. Cassie swears they don't, that they're merely closest confidants of the happy couple, I suppose.

Mallory smiled. A relief for a good number of wife-seeking gentlemen this season, I imagine. Though perhaps Thomas merely left before he had the chance to declare his intentions to the lady, so good news might be a premature presumption.

Charlotte locked arms with Elliott and led him toward the refreshment table. But you're participating in parties this season, yes?

Peripherally only, I'm afraid, Mallory smiled. I didn't have the heart to tell my father that I don't feel quite ready for hearth and home just yet.

But even as he spoke, his eyes darted in the direction Cassie had fled. Elliott struggled to conceal the smile that threatened to break when just the very hem of her dress peeked out from the shrubbery next to where her parents listened with rapt interest to his every word.

Oh surely not, Charlotte replied. Such a handsome man as yourself must have the most eligible ladies eager for your company. Surely if you met the right one.

Oh for heaven's sake, Charlotte. When I was his age, I didn't feel it was time to settle down yet either. You must be about St. George's age, yes?

Thomas is a couple of years older, he chuckled. Still, I'd rather my father not learn my interest isn't quite as serious as he hoped. Then again, I could meet the girl that steals my heart if I don't get called back to Hetfield. Perhaps if I were to call on your lovely daughter, say tomorrow morning? We might ride together through Hyde Park—with her chaperon of course.

That would be wonderful, Lord Mallory. Perhaps you could have luncheon with us after your ride.

It would be my pleasure, he said. If you'll excuse me, I see someone I'd like to pass my father's felicitations to.

Such a nice young man, Henry, don't you agree? If she could garner the interest of one such as the Mallory lad…so much more than I'd hoped for our little daisy in the rose garden.

Cassandra seethed from her concealment where she'd eavesdropped on every word that devil snake of a seducer told her parents. Riding with him tomorrow? Well, she'd make sure that never happened, and if the scoundrel insisted on coming to lunch, Cassie would make sure she knew all about this scandal allegedly attached to the Mallory name and mention it to her mother. That invitation to luncheon would be rescinded faster than it was offered.

Do you often hide in such places to listen to conversations to which you haven't been asked to participate? Mallory whispered in her ear.

Cassie jumped and clapped a hand over her mouth to cover her startled cry.

Henry, did you hear that?

Probably one of Cassie's pets getting a tail mashed. Speaking of the chit, where do you suppose she's gotten off to this time?

They moved back to their guests, no doubt looking for the daughter for whom the party was held in the meantime.

You're the most dastardly, low…oh! Cassie fumed. I can't think of anything awful enough to call you!

Even after I defended your best friend's honor? he asked, smirking.

Was it all a lie? Cassie asked, genuinely curious while still maintaining her air of disgust and disdain.

No, it was the God's honest truth as I heard it, he said, raising his hand in affirmation. On the way back to his side, that same hand plucked a leaf from Cassandra's hair. You must've had to lean in quite close to the foliage to overhear every word. If you're that curious, you may ask me anything.

What I'll ask is that you leave this house and never return.

Elliott shook his head and sighed. I don't understand it. A known liar and rogue spins a yarn, dragging my quite honorable name into it, and even though I've offered proof to you that my intentions aren't a bit nefarious, you still believe him. Why is that, Cassie?

Don't call me—

You told me I could, so long as we were in private, which we are. Elliott gazed at her intently. You baffle me, Cassie. I must admit, for the first time in my life, I am intrigued by the drama of a lady, even though it has been my experience that these types of machinations should be avoided at all costs.

Then by all means, avoid away, she swept one hand away from her body.

I'd like to, but a gentleman has nothing if his word is so carelessly given. Besides, when we were formally introduced, I neglected to take a standard liberty, the loss of which I cannot bear for another moment.

Before Cassie could flee, warned by the predatory look in his eyes, Elliott Mallory's arm twined around her waist and pulled her against his chest.

She gasped, precisely the reaction he'd hoped for, and Elliott bent to kiss her. It was swift and soft, not nearly as evocative as he'd have liked, given her gasp-parted lips.

Cassie pushed against his chest, and he politely stepped backward.

That sir, was no standard liberty!

True, he said, reaching out and clasping her hand. He lifted it to his lips for a lingering kiss. Elliott slid one finger over her palm. Is that more acceptable to you, beautiful Cassandra?

She swayed unsteadily under the wave of unfamiliar sensation, the weakness that invaded her knees of a sudden, the tightness in her chest that made it difficult to draw breath, the fluttering in her stomach.

Elliott gripped her waist gently with both hands. Extraordinary, he murmured. Your eyes look the color violets just now. If St. George hadn't asked me to guard his place on your dance card… he ended on a sigh.

Cassie gathered her wits and stepped back, still trembling. Please leave, and don't return tomorrow. If Thomas is truly your friend, you must respect his feelings.

But you've denied that he has any desire to court you, Cassie. Perhaps I've realized exactly how intriguing you truly are and would like to express sincere interest.

Then I should add liar to your list of flaws, she said.