Seasons of Love: Just a Touch of Scandal, #2.5

By Caro Kinkead

Two stories to celebrate the change of seasons, and that love is often found closer than you think.

A Christmas Choice

Little Chipping's annual Christmas Assembly is considered a joyous occasion. Charlotte Dowell has been dreading the evening.

Four years ago, Charlotte's heart was broken when her father refused a match between herself and Edmund Harrington. She's nursed the flame ever since, taking comfort in her beau's infrequent letters from London, where he seeks his fortune. Much to the distress of her parents, she's also turned down offers from several gentlemen, and they urge her not to refuse Percy Bassett, whom they hope will propose during the assembly.

Charlotte is determined to refuse, pinning her hopes on Edmund's promised return. But that refusal will end the relationship which has grown between them, an idea which hurts more than she expected. Faced with a choice, she must follow where her heart leads. But will it be the right one?

A Summer Quest

Sophia Marcus knows who she wants to marry. The problem is, he's not the man her father has in mind. He believes the sizeable estate his daughter will inherit warrants a title, and he's invited a candidate to Wyldfell Priory for the Summer Market Fair.

Philip Harrington wants to marry Sophia. The problem is, six months ago his brother scandalized Little Chipping and the family has been under a cloud ever since. They're on the verge of being accepted by society once more, but it is clear Sophia's father has his sights set elsewhere.

Counting on Philip's ability to produce the finest hog at the Summer Market, Philip and Sophia hatch a plan to rid her of an unwanted suitor and raise his standing in her father's eyes. But the suitor is not without his own allies, and another scandal looms on the horizon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Caro Kinkead
• Release date: Dec 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959541004

Caro Kinkead

As a child, Caro Kinkead was told Dr. Seuss’ job was “writing books,” and decided that was her goal when she grew up – along with being a ballerina and an archeologist and about a dozen other things. A fear of snakes signaled the end of her ambition to find the next Tutankamun’s tomb, the dancing (and acting) didn’t quite pan out, but the love of writing remained, allowing her to enjoy those varied careers and more in her imagination. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Caro grew up in a family of readers, where she developed a love of science fiction and fantasy thanks to her father, and old movies and the art of costuming from her mother. These days, she and her husband share a home in the Los Angeles area with their cat, the Mighty Mu-Mu, a sizeable book collection, and more yarn than she’d care to admit to. For more information, visit CaroKinkead.com To sign up for Caro's email list, please copy and paste this link into your browser: http://carokinkead.com/contact

Book preview

Seasons of Love

SEASONS OF LOVE

A JUST A TOUCH OF SCANDAL DUET

CARO KINKEAD

Copyright © 2022 by Caro Kinkead

All rights reserved.

EBook ISBN 978-1-959541-00-4

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

For My Readers

&

The New Romance Cafe Incubator

Without them, these stories wouldn’t live

CONTENTS

A Christmas Choice

A Summer Quest

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Author’s Note

Also by Caro Kinkead

About the Author

A CHRISTMAS CHOICE

Charlotte Dowell did her best to focus on both her partner and the intricate steps of the dance. Her eyes refused to cooperate, straying across the assembly room toward Percy Bassett. I can’t avoid him much longer.

Once more, the gentleman cleared his throat, reclaiming her attention. She didn’t care for him as he showed disturbing signs of becoming more interested in her than she wished. Truth be told, she preferred Percy, but he had a question she didn’t want to answer. If he doesn’t ask, I can’t hurt his feelings.

Her gaze strayed again, this time to where her mother spoke with Sir Walter Bassett, baronet (he never allowed anyone to forget the baronet). Both appeared pleased with themselves, a sign they anticipated happy news. Why was Edmund late? His letter said he knew a way to overcome her parents’ objections, but it did her little good if he wasn’t here. 

After what seemed an eternity, the music ended. Suggestions of a promenade turned aside, her partner returned her to Mrs. Dowell, who now stood alone. Might I beg another set this evening? he asked. Perhaps the supper dance?

Her mother sighed. Alas, she is already promised. Once the gentleman took himself off, she said, With luck, by the time he comes to claim a second dance, things will be settled.

Mother...

Don’t ‘mother’ me, young lady. Sir Walter is fetching Percy. You’ve avoided him long enough. Your father wishes to announce a betrothal tonight, which will make Christmas even more joyous.

Charlotte hoped her mother would take silence as assent. Her hopes vanished as Mrs. Dowell fixed her with a firm gaze. For the past four years, we’ve indulged you, said nothing as you declined offers. Percy Bassett is most suitable. What’s more, you’ll be the lady of Bassett Park once Sir Walter is gone. You’ll stand higher than either of your sisters, which should please you after their teasing.

The memory caused a scowl, not helped when her mother continued. You are two and twenty, which would not be an issue if not for the fact you refused more than one gentleman. Don’t argue with me. You need to find a husband. Otherwise, you might find yourself forced to live on the charity of relations in your old age. You’ve enjoyed Mr. Bassett’s company until now.

It’s not that I don’t hold Mr. Bassett in high regard, she began, each word chosen carefully.

Mrs. Dowell let loose an exasperated noise. You’re still mourning the loss of that wastrel Edmund Harrington. Don’t try to deny it. Your father turned him down for sound reasons. With luck, he’ll stay in London, finding his fortune, getting lost in gaming hells, or however he spends his time. You need to recognize what’s in front of your nose, not dreaming about something which cannot be. Percy Bassett enjoys your father’s approval. I suggest you accept him. She paused. "I beg you to accept him."

Any other commands vanished as Sir Walter and his son approached. Here are the loveliest ladies in the room. How can the men of the county be so blind as to not see the beauty before them?

Mrs. Dowell laughed. You are a flatterer, but a pleasant one. Are you well this evening, Mr. Bassett?

Percy offered a slight bow. Quite well, if Miss Dowell is available for a dance.

Knowing the folly in anything but acquiescence, Charlotte allowed herself to be led toward the floor. At least he did not chatter during a set, a trait she found restful. Tonight, his silence put her on edge. She knew what he wanted to ask, and what her answer should be. She knew what her answer would be.

Where was Edmund? Once he told Mr. Dowell of the prospects he teased in his letter, Father would change his mind, agreeing to a match with the man she loved.

Is all well with you, Miss Dowell?

Charlotte ceased her woolgathering. You surprise me, Mr. Bassett. You are not given to small talk on the dance floor.

I fear I must count my steps through many patterns. A rueful grin flashed across his face. Now you know my secret.

His words provoked her own grin, natural and relaxed. Your secret is safe with me, as I do not care for gentlemen who choose the most complicated moment to ask my opinion of the weather.

Or the lady who wishes my commentary on the size of the crowd in a similar situation. One reason I enjoy dancing with you.

The compliment warmed her, until she remembered she would soon decline his honorable offer of marriage. Perhaps she should ask for time to consider. An immediate refusal would not make her parents look kindly on any approach by Edmund, no matter his prospects. A delay, though...

No sign of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington either. Might the family be enjoying a reunion upon his return from London, so delayed their arrival? 

You heard no gossip in the village, the voice whispered in her head. Wouldn’t Mrs. Harrington say something about her son coming home?

With an effort, she did not frown as she turned in the dance, scanning the room once more. Circling back, she found Percy watching her. We will reach the bottom of the set soon, he said. Would you care to step out? Your mind is not on the pattern.

My mother is hopeful of any conversation between us.

"As is my father. Their wishes do not