More Than A Wife

By Catherine Stang

2010 EPPIE AWARD Finalist! Andre Duncan, Earl Westbrook, discovers how complicated life can be when you marry your mistress. Many of the things he loved about Corina when she was his mistress embarrass him now that she is his wife. Can he really have both a wife and a lover all in one? Convinced that she can't be a proper wife for Andre, Corina moves out and tries to persuade him to let her go. Her stubborn husband won't agree, risking further damage to his standing in society. Enter two outspoken women of the town who call themselves The Bliss Society. They offer Corina an exchange: her knowledge of sexual expertise for theirs of how to be a respectable ton wife. Does she dare hope that she can overcome a bad beginning? Will the ton allow her to? They want what their husbands give their mistresses: pleasure. Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction Read the series by Donna McAteer and Catherine Stang! MORE THAN A WIFE [BLISS SOCIETY SERIES] COURTING SCANDAL [BLISS SOCIETY SERIES]

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: Feb 1, 2009
• ISBN: 9781603134736

Book preview

Chapter 1

This was a bloody mistake, but then again, lately his life had been one big bloody mistake after another. Andre Duncan, Earl Westbrook, leaned back against the marble pillar in Riverton’s gaudily decorated ballroom, watching their party swirl around him with an undoubtedly bored expression plastered upon his face.

Odd how one could be alone even when surrounded by people. He took a drink, letting the brandy burn down his throat as he drained the glass.

He’d thought he could pick up the pieces of his old life. But he was wrong. Dead wrong. He didn’t belong here anymore either. He’d considered heading for home, but that took too much energy, so he just stood there.

Ah, so you’re hiding out in plain sight, too, Sebastian Haversham, Viscount Denton said, as he leaned against the other side of the gray pillar. One of the advantages of having a wife is that we can do this without fear of being cornered by the matchmaking mamas.

Maybe if he didn’t respond the man would just go away. One could only hope. Of course after knowing Denton over half his life, he knew that wasn’t bloody likely. The man would keep talking until he provoked a response out of him. Too bad he didn’t have a response. Not that he needed one. Denton could carry on a conversation all by himself. Besides he had no intention of explaining that his wife wasn’t here protecting him from the matchmaking mamas because she was hiding out at his country estate refusing to talk to him. Not that he knew what to say to her if she did start talking to him. He never imagined their life together could be so difficult. For his own sanity, he’d escaped to town, hoping to get back to his old life and put the pain of his disastrous marriage behind him. But that was looking less and less likely by the minute. Damn, he needed another drink.

This is one of the few times I envy you two blokes falling into the parson’s trap. Jordan Lennox, Earl Milborough, found his place at the other side of the pillar. I don’t know what possessed me to consider jumping into the marriage mart this season.

Probably dreams of a warm, willing woman in your bed every night and getting that touch only a wife adds to home. Denton sipped his drink. Don’t you agree, Westbrook?

Milborough snorted.

Not everyone is as unhappy as your parents were. If you marry the right woman it can be wonderful. Don’t you agree, Westbrook?

Unless of course she was your mistress first.

E’gad, had he said that out loud? Damn, he must have because now both men were staring at him.

Things cool off after she gets the ring on her finger, eh? Milborough turned to look at Andre with amusement flickering in his eyes. "And here I thought knowing your wife so intimately would help you two bump along and avoid the problems that usually plague ton marriages."

No, they had different problems. Ones unique to their situation. Ones he should have foreseen, but sadly did not.

To think I envied you when I first heard. The thought of teaching a virgin… Milborough shivered. I can’t say I’m surprised. It was a bit too good to be true. Marrying your mistress I mean.

As if you would do anything so scandalous. Denton poked Milborough with an elbow.

No, but it was a nice fantasy. Milborough shook his head. Too bad it didn’t work out, Westbrook.

I don’t know if I’d say that, Denton remarked dryly. Countess Westbrook doesn’t look too cold from where I’m standing. Although, I’m stunned you let her leave the house dressed like that.

Leave the house? Not bloody likely. His wife was haunting the halls of his country estate, dressed in black.

I say, Westbrook, that is your wife over there with mine, isn’t it? Denton motioned with his head.

What are you babbling about, Denton? Andre glanced over, following the direction of Denton’s gaze. The man must be mistaken.

But then again the stunning woman in the scandalous red gown standing in a cluster of women at the far edge of the dance floor did indeed look like his Corina. But that was impossible. She’'d sworn never to appear in society.

So why was she here? And why the bloody hell hadn’t he known she was in town? And where the bloody hell was she staying if not with him?

Denton chuckled. You didn’t know she was here, did you. He whistled. And here I thought this evening would be dull.

Andre swallowed hard. His breath caught in his throat. Seeing her like that reminded him of happier days.

I can’t believe she’s here, he blurted out, wishing the words back as his friends stared again.

So you really didn’t know? Milborough asked in a stunned tone.

No. She’d sworn never to set foot in society, because she believed everyone would shun her. I’d told her the other women, would in time, overlook her past.

I wouldn’t hold my breath on that score, Denton said softly. But since my wife seems to have a hand in this matter, I feel it is only fair to warn you that if my wife and Francine Weatherby brought her here, then you’re in big trouble.

I see our women are at it again. Rolland Weatherby, Marquis Renford strolled over with two drinks in his hand. He offered one to Andre, who accepted it without taking his eyes off his wife. You’re going to need this to get ready to deal with the Bliss Society.

What? That got his attention.

I can barely control my wife, but Renford here has let his run wild. Denton shook his head. She gives them all sorts of ideas about how men should… Well, this isn’t a discussion for polite society.

Renford snorted. Darcy has you wrapped around her finger. Admit it. Besides you like her ideas, especially the… He coughed. You’re right, this isn’t a proper conversation to be having here.

Interest flickered in Milborough’s eyes. Don’t stop on my account.

Denton wiggled his dark brows. Sorry old chap, but this is a conversation for married blokes. You have to have a wife to be on the receiving end of the Bliss Society’s wisdom.

And here I thought this conversation was going to get good. Milborough glanced at the other men, raising his hands. I’m going. I need to dance anyway. That is if I can remember whose dance card I signed.

The men were silent for a moment as they watched Milborough walk away.

Do you envy him? Renford asked.

Hell, no. I’m finally figuring Darcy out. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to start over again. I wouldn’t be in Westbrook’s position again, either. Unless…

Unless what? Andre snapped, not liking the way the two men were looking at him.

It seems that our wives were intrigued by the fact your wife was once a mistress, Denton said.

Although a little less so when they learned she was unhappy. Renford took a sip of his drink.

Andre blinked. His wife had shared that with strangers. How did they meet my wife? To my knowledge she never ventured out in polite society even after we were married.

Renford shrugged. They sought her out.

Andre choked on his drink. And you let them?

Aren’t you discovering for yourself that wives have minds of their own? There is very little controlling them; unless you want to live in constant turmoil.

I just assumed…

That a well-bred woman would be more manageable? Hardly. Ours, or at least mine, has ideas of her own.

Oh mine has plenty of those, too. Denton shook his head. "Some of them I actually enjoy.

Since I’d guess my Darcy was the instigator of this little adventure it’s only fair that I be the one to warn you what you’re up against. Denton leaned closer, whispering in his ear. I’m not sure how my wife and Francine became the ones to go to for advice on finding marital bliss, but they have. I supposed our rocky start saw to that. You see old chap, the only way you get to join the Bliss Society is by having trouble… Denton glanced at Renford.

In the bedroom, Renford finished as he downed the last of his drink. Of course, there may come a time when you don’t complain, but now…

Renford’s words were lost in the roar of blood pounding in his ears.

* * * *

Do you think we did the right thing warning Westbrook? Denton snagged another glass of punch.

From the looks our wives are shooting us, I’d say not. But I still think it best not to walk into their den cold. Besides, it’s fun being on the watching rather than the receiving end of Bliss Society’s plots.

Speak for yourself. I rather enjoy dealing with Darcy when she’s all worked up.

Renford laughed. The evening definitely gets heated.

Do you have any reservations about them mingling with Corina, Duncan?

A few. Darcy has had enough trouble with her reputation. But I doubt that would stop her once she makes her mind up. Her loyalty and willingness to defend others is one of the things that I love about her.

Francine too. She looked past all the gossip about me. Renford sat his glass down and leaned back against the pillar.

Did Francine say anything to you about Westbrook’s wife?

Not a word. I only know that they went out to visit her because my driver told me. The man is such a mother hen when it comes to my wife.

I knew something was up when Darcy got extra affectionate with me. Now I understand why she was attempting to smooth my possible temper. This is one adventure I probably wouldn’t have condoned if I’d known what they were up to. Not that my opposition ever stopped her before. Denton laughed. Once Darcy sets her mind on something, she plunges forward and damned be the consequences. She trusts that my wealth and title will protect her.

And it has.

True, but there are some circumstances that even money and a respectable title can’t smooth over and fix.

I hope you aren’t thinking that this is one of those times.

I’m thinking they may be on thin ice here. The Duncans have a complicated relationship made more so by the social stigma surrounding Corina’s past. Marriage solved some of their problems, but it also created new ones. I’m just not sure our wives realize what they are getting themselves into.

Renford nodded. This might be their biggest challenge yet.

* * * *

Don’t stare, Corina, but Westbrook is coming this way. Darcy’s voice rose with an excited twitter.

I always thought he looked dashing in his evening clothes, Francine said.

Corina agreed. Her husband was a handsome man of medium height with light brown hair and the bluest eyes that changed color with his mood. One minute they were azure, the next steel-gray, and the next almost hazel. Not that the other