Enticing the Earl

ENTICING THE EARL WHEN THE WALLFLOWERS WERE WICKED DAPHNE QUINN Copyright © 2023 by Tammy Andresen All rights reserved. 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. Created with Vellum CONTENTS Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Epilogue Enraptured by the Marquess Join Swift Romance’s newsletter About the Author PROLOGUE Being robbed by a highwayman was one of the most exciting, and terrifying, occurrences in Lady Juliet Chant’s life. Travelling with her mother, the Duchess of Thurlestone, and her twin sister, Lady Harriet, to a house party, had been rather tedious. That was until the tall, bearded man had stopped the coach and insisted, at gunpoint, that they hand over all their jewels. Little did Lady Juliet know that being robbed would not be the most scandalous event for their family in that life-changing week. * * * "Now, girls, we are later than planned, so we must make the most of our time here," Mama said as the coach approached the impressive stone facade of Worthing Hall. The Dowager Duchess of Worthing, an old friend of Mama’s, had invited them all to her little gathering. Juliet knew her mother was looking forward to seeing her old friend – but, as it had been since the twins had come out into society at the beginning of the Season, the main focus would be on matching them with eligible young men. As daughters of one of the highest peers in the land, with impressive dowries, Juliet knew that Mama had expected them to make quick matches. Papa had even escorted them to the first couple of balls, before disappearing back into the world of gambling and questionable business deals that he normally occupied. But Mama had forgotten one crucial problem: both of her daughters were painfully shy. They had been introduced to all the right people and excelled in learning all of the skills of a fine young lady. And when alone, the two could talk about almost anything. But when in company, both clammed up and struggled to even talk about the weather. And so they had quickly become labelled as that most dreaded of things: wallflowers. But Juliet did not know how they could ever live up to their mother’s expectations, nor her perfection. Juliet did not think that the Duchess of Thurlestone had ever had a hair out of place or made an etiquette mistake in her life. Their mother was so desperate to make a good match for them, that Juliet did fear that at least one of them would be married off to some elderly titled gentleman, even if they were not well-acquainted. "Yes Mama," they chorused. "There will be eligible young men here. The Duke is young, of course, and still unmarried. I am sure that is why dear Elsie has thrown a house party. A wise move – I should have thought to do the same. But the numbers will be balanced, so he won’t be the only single young man, I am sure of it. We are already late. Make a good impression." Her final words were punctuated with a sharp pointing of her finger, first at Juliet, and then at Harriet. "I’m sure they will forgive us for being late, Mama," Harriet said, as the coach came to a halt. "We were robbed. It’s not our fault." "They will forgive us, yes, but we cannot gain back the time we lost. And another Season without a marriage proposal may well have you both permanently dismissed as wallflowers." Her words stung, and although Juliet was confident her mother did truly want the best for them, sometimes she wished she would sugarcoat her thoughts just a little. With her mother’s oft-voiced opinions and watchful eye, as she tried to make sure her daughters were the perfect society darlings, Juliet had a tendency to be rather graceless. It was early in the morning, and Juliet wondered if the occupants of Worthing Hall were awake yet. Nerves filled her stomach as they ascended the steps, and she anxiously checked that her brunette curls were still contained by their pins, her fingers flitting over them. Their maid had pinned them only an hour earlier, in the room of the inn she had spent the night in with her mother and sister, and so they ought to be perfect still. But she couldn’t help but check. The Dowager Duchess was not yet downstairs, but the butler showed them to their rooms, with footmen following behind with their cases. Juliet was a little disappointed to find she would not be sharing a room with her sister. Of course, at home they had separate rooms, and this house was every bit as grand – if not more so – than their home of Chantwell House. But when they travelled, they often shared a room, and she liked the camaraderie. "I believe they’re serving breakfast downstairs, whenever you’re ready, Lady Juliet," her maid, Polly, said, with a curtsey. "I’ll just go and see if Lady Harriet needs anything, if you have everything you need, m’lady." "Thank you, Polly," Juliet said. She checked herself in the looking glass and forced a smile on her face. She did not think she was vain, but she was well aware of the importance of one’s appearance when making a first impression. But there was not a hair out of place when she studied her reflection. She pinched her cheeks to encourage some colour into them and took a deep breath. She and her sister were impossible to tell apart, by most