The Virgin and the Viscount

By Robyn DeHart

As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well, he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun at her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways.

But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever.

Each book in the Lords of Vice series is STANDALONE:
* The Scoundrel and the Lady
* The Marquess and the Maiden
* The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
* The Virgin and the Viscount

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Apr 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781649371355

Robyn DeHart

Robyn DeHart always knew she wanted to be a writer, but it took a while to discover precisely what she wanted to write. Reading Kathleen Woodiwiss's A Rose in Winter sealed the deal, and she's been reading and writing romance ever since. She should have realized she was destined for this career when her Barbies insisted on hosting elaborate masquerade parties, complete with stolen kisses in the moonlight. Researching her novels is always exciting, but when it involves eating chocolate, it's especially sweet. She lives in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, with her incredibly supportive husband and two very spoiled cats. She loves to hear from readers.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

About the Author

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2021 by Robyn DeHart. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

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Scandalous is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

Edited by Alethea Spiridon

Cover design by Bree Archer

Cover photography by liqwer20.gmail.com/Deposit Photos

FairytaleDesign/Getty Images

ISBN 978-1-64937-135-5

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition April 2021

Dear Reader,

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Liz Pelletier, Publisher

Prologue

London, 1846

Matilda Ramsey took a deep breath and smoothed her hands over her skirts. It was now or never. As of tomorrow—no, later today—the love of her life would marry her older sister. Before that happened, Tilly was determined to tell Thomas how she felt about him.

Tilly, ever practical, had no illusions that the charming Mr. Chase would cast aside her beautiful older sister. She neither expected nor wanted that. Melanie was more beautiful and poised than Tilly. Certainly, more deserving of being a wife to a gentleman from such an honorable family.

She didn’t know what she expected to happen when she revealed her feelings to Thomas. She knew only that her silly, aching heart could not let Thomas marry Melanie without first knowing that Tilly loved him.

Once Thomas and Melanie married, Tilly would never again voice her feelings. Of course she wouldn’t. She would no longer have claim to him. She would have to bury deep this hopeless, helpless love that felt like it might rise up inside her and smother her.

The only option was to tell him now how she felt. Before the ceremony. Before he was forever beyond her reach.

Both sides of each family were staying at the Glenbrook townhome in London. They’d had a pre-wedding celebratory dinner the night before that lasted until sometime after midnight. It was now pre-dawn and she was running out of time.

She didn’t bother knocking on the study door, but instead opened it and stepped inside. She’d seen Thomas come into this room an hour before and had been pacing upstairs, waiting for courage to come to her.

The study was dark, save for one lone lamp behind the desk. The large leather chair sitting behind the desk creaked but faced the opposite wall. The sound of pages from a book being turned was the only sound. In the dim lighting, all she could see of Thomas were strong, masculine legs stretched out in front of the chair.

She took a cleansing breath. I’m going to say this quickly, so please don’t interrupt.

The chair across the room moved.

Don’t turn around. I’m not certain how long my courage will hold, so allow me to say my piece without me looking upon your face.

The chair stilled and she squeezed her eyes shut and forged forward. I know the ceremony is rapidly approaching, only a few more hours. I’m certain that what I’m about to say isn’t going to change anything, but I won’t be able to live with myself if I’m not honest with you. The truth is, I love you, Thomas. I’m in love with you, and I believe marrying my sister is a mistake. I know she won’t make you happy the way I can. I understand Melanie is prettier than I am, I know that. She took a gulping breath and continued. She’s more poised and talented, which makes her more conventionally desirable for a wife. But all of that also means you wouldn’t have to worry about being jealous of other men paying attention to me because they wouldn’t, not the way they will to Melanie.

Thomas had initially expressed interest in courting her, but one encouraging look from her older sister and he’d switched paths. But she was hoping there was something left of his interest in her. Probably not enough for him to run away with her and leave her sister at the altar. Was that even what she wanted? Did she want to be that person, the one who destroyed her own sister’s happiness?

No, she didn’t.

But she also didn’t believe Melanie truly loved Thomas. For Melanie, everything was a competition despite the fact the two sisters were as different as night and day. Melanie had decided she wanted Thomas because he’d first wanted Tilly.

Beauty fades, but love endures. She winced at that last phrase. Good heavens, he’ll think she’s a lovesick goose, though that wasn’t far from the truth.

Still, he sat in silence. Oh God, what had she done? Her heart sped to an alarming rate and her breathing shallowed. Please don’t faint. That would take this already disastrous situation to an entirely new and horrifying place.

I know I told you not to turn around, but please say something, she whispered.

The chair turned then and she came face-to-face not with Thomas—whom she’d expected—but rather his older brother Sullivan. The second son. The soldier…older, taller, and much more handsome brother.

Tilly’s hands began to sweat and her insides knotted.

Sullivan stood and walked around the desk, leaning his long frame against the heavy mahogany. He smirked at her.

What am I to say? He crossed his arms over his chest. Your declaration wasn’t for me. He clicked his tongue. A pity that.

Humiliation flamed her cheeks and nerves scattered through her body. She bent over to try to catch her breath. Of all the people to have witnessed this, why did it have to be him?

Sullivan was the most arrogant, irritating, frustrating gentleman of her acquaintance.

No. He did not even deserve the title of gentleman.

Yes, of course, as the second son of a viscount, he was a gentleman, but he didn’t behave like one.

He already teased her relentlessly on a regular basis, calling her Freckles. Such an original moniker based on the annoying marks that covered her entire body. She fought the urge to roll her eyes at the thought. No, now would be a splendid time for her to simply drop dead, stop breathing, evaporate into thin air—anything that would bring this horrible moment to an end.

Freckles, do you truly want to ruin their wedding? His dark brown eyes met her gaze, and shame flooded her, and something else that made her skin prickle with warmth.

She swallowed, shook her head. What could she say to him? He could ruin her if he told anyone about this. What had she been thinking?

Please, she managed to say, but the rest of her words died on her tongue. Oh God, he was going to ruin her. Or at the very least lord this over her for his own entertainment.

One brow arched. Please what?

This, this didn’t happen. No one can know. I beg of you, my lord. God, she loathed that he’d have this power over her. If he were a true gentleman, he’d offer to forget all about this, ease her embarrassment. Instead, he stood there and watched her as if he could see inside to her very soul. She shifted on her feet and clasped her hands tightly in front of her, uncertain of where to put them, as a wave of pure hatred rose within her.

Finally he nodded. Whatever you wish.

You won’t tell him?

He lifted his broad shoulders into a shrug, a gesture at once both careless and arrogant. Dismissive and rude. I have no reason to.

She felt her jaw clenching.

Of course he wouldn’t promise not to tell for the right reasons. He wouldn’t promise because it was the honorable thing to do. The noble thing.

No, Sullivan had no such honor. No such nobility. Instead, he wouldn’t tell because he couldn’t be bothered to. And perhaps because it amused him to have a secret of hers.

No, Sullivan wasn’t a gentleman. He was an absolute and total ass. Of that she was certain.

He searched her face, his expression softening a tad. I suspect you have no real reason to want to ruin their nuptials.

No, I do not. She shook her head vehemently. This was a gross display of misjudgment on my part.

Very well, Freckles, I shall keep your secret. He winked then walked back around the desk to return to the chair.

She bolted from the room. He would keep her secret now, but what about the day when he no longer felt compelled to protect her? When he lost patience for keeping her secret? What then?

Her worst enemy knew her darkest secret. All she could do now was wait for the moment when he would wield that information against her.

Sullivan fell back onto the settee and blew out a breath. Was it just me or did that ceremony last unusually long?

His older brother, Roderick chuckled from his spot in the adjacent leather chair. I’ve attended shorter weddings.

Sullivan thought back to the night before, or rather earlier this morning when Matilda had sneaked into this very study. Her secret admission had surprised him. If he was honest with himself, it angered him as well.

He’d always anticipated being bested by his older brother. Roderick was two years his senior and was everything an older brother and heir should be—smart, clever, and quick-witted. He was a good man, so coming in second had never bothered Sullivan. But losing to Thomas… no, that had been unexpected, not to mention damned irritating.

Thomas had all the appearance of charm and honor, but none of the substance. He was a sniveling, conniving, manipulative bastard. Roderick knew it. Sullivan knew it.

He’d always assumed Matilda was clever enough that eventually she would see it, too.

It turned out the only thing Sullivan hated more than being bested by Thomas was being wrong about Matilda.

Of course, now Thomas was married to Matilda’s sister. Still, she wanted Thomas.

The war in the Indies had ended and he’d been home for several months. In that time, he’d been intrigued by the tall, unconventional beauty. However, she’d taken an instant dislike to him. And now, finally, he understood why—she’d been harboring romantic feelings for his younger brother.

Plans to find your own bride? Roderick asked.

No. I suspect my work is not done with the East India Company and I’ll be called up to travel east again. There’s no reason to saddle a woman with that burden. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Besides, I believe you’re the one of us who actually requires a wife. Need to secure your heir.

You become viscount if I don’t have an heir, Roderick said.

"Precisely why you should find yourself a wife."

Roderick laughed again. You know if you want her, you should court her.

His stomach plummeted, not an easy feat considering he was horizontal. Who? he asked, feigning ignorance.

Don’t think me daft, dear brother. I’ve seen the way you look at Melanie’s sister. Nothing wrong with brothers marrying sisters.

There were five Chase brothers: Roderick, Sullivan, Thomas, Ulysses, and Franklin. Their father, Quinton, had gone with a strange alphabetical naming strategy, but he’d died during their mother’s fifth and final pregnancy so she’d named the last boy something different to spite him. Or at least that’s what they’d always assumed. She had an overt fondness for Franklin and Thomas.

I’m a soldier, Sullivan said. I don’t need a wife.

But you want her.

He briefly considered denying it, but Roderick was far too observant to be fooled by an outright lie. I will admit to finding her unconventional beauty rather appealing, but that doesn’t mean I want her for a bride.

Unconventional beauty? Roderick asked with a scoff.

Sullivan turned a sharp eye to Roderick. You don’t think she’s beautiful?

He shrugged, examining his tumbler of whiskey. She’s too tall.

As are we all, Sullivan blurted, surprising even himself. I wouldn’t want a bride I had to bend over to look in the eyes.

Roderick slanted a glance from his drink to Sullivan. I thought you said you didn’t want a bride?

I don’t. Sullivan downed his own drink.

But if you did you would want her to be tall?

Yes.

Like Matilda?

He felt his jaw clenching. No. Not like Matilda.

Not someone who was in love with his younger brother. Not someone too blinded by Thomas’s charm and wit to see the cunning beneath his smiles.

But you admit she is beautiful? Roderick asked. Albeit unconventionally so.

Unbidden, the image of Matilda as she’d been last night rose in his mind. The delightful dusting of freckles across her fair skin. The blaze of her cinnamon-colored hair as it glowed in the lamplight.

She was unlike any other woman in London.

She is a poppy in a field of wheat, he mused aloud.

And then was instantly irritated with himself when Roderick smirked. Ah, that dark red hair of hers rising up in a field of simpering blondes. I see your point. It’s a good thing you don’t want her, though, isn’t it?

For the first time since they’d both reached manhood, Sullivan wanted to punch his older brother.

Chapter One

Five years later

Tilly stood in the ballroom eyeing the dancers. Several of her friends had recently married, and of late she’d found herself standing mostly alone at these parties. She was all right with that. People were tedious at times.

My dear Matilda, a man’s voice came from her side.

She glanced up to find her brother-in-law. Good evening, Thomas. Are you finding the ball to your enjoyment?

I’m enjoying it much more now. He gave her a smile. I was hoping you would dance with me. Your sister was supposed to dance this next waltz with me, but she has disappeared.

Tilly smiled and nodded. I would be delighted. Though she no longer felt anything more than sisterly affection for Thomas, she could still recognize he was a handsome man. Not as handsome as his scoundrel of a brother, but still pleasant to look upon. Since he and her sister, Melanie, had been married, Thomas had softened some around the middle. His hair had thinned in places and grayed in others. But his blue eyes still shone brightly and his smile was as warm and charming as ever.

He placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and led her onto the dance floor as the swells of the music began to play.

The musicians are quite talented, she said.

Indeed. It makes for pleasant dancing.

They were silent for a few measures of the music, moving together seamlessly across the floor.

Your height makes you a perfect dance partner, Matilda.

Thank you. She’d always felt her height was a nuisance, so it was nice to be complimented. She smiled up at him, but found him staring across the room with a frown. Tilly turned her head to see what had bothered him so and found his brother, Sullivan, leaning against the wall. What troubles you, Thomas?

He glanced down at her. I’m frustrated with my brother. It isn’t anything you need worry yourself with.

Perhaps not, but it is often helpful to express your frustrations to a friend.

He exhaled slowly. Too true. As you know, when my older brother passed two years ago, I took over managing the estates.

Tilly nodded. The eldest Chase brother, Roderick, had died in a shooting accident. The entire family had taken it hard, especially Thomas. Now she gave Thomas’s shoulder a sympathetic squeeze as they danced. Yes. Because Sullivan was still away.

Exactly. Thomas slanted her a doleful