Page 1 of To Wed in Scandal (Scandal in London 2)

LONDON, 1713

THE OAF HAD finally left—but not without a parting gift. The thought of Montgomery finding the snake she’d secreted in his coat pocket brought a fierce grin to Sabrina’s lips. She rather hoped he discovered it on his way home, for it was particularly satisfying to picture him trapped in the close confines of the carriage with the slithering reptile loose about his feet.

With delight, she imagined Montgomery leaping out onto the street, his conveyance continuing on its journey without him. He might even land in a large, noisome puddle. Face-first.

She smothered a laugh as she crept into Mama’s room and hid behind the door. Being the youngest and smallest, her job was to listen in on her parents’ conversation and report back to her sisters. It was especially important now, as the topic of discussion would surely be Montgomery’s visit today. Papa wanted him for Eugenia, even though she had expressed strong wishes to the contrary.

She could not agree with Eugenia more. The man was simply horrid.

Sabrina reflected upon his many offenses with growing irritation. After her first few attempts to sabotage his suit, he’d taken to calling her the Red Pestilence. He had done it again today as he was leaving—and worse, he’d yanked one of her loose curls as he’d said it. Even now her cheeks burned. The thought of him as a brother-in-law was positively galling. It could not be countenanced. Thus, her slippery little present.

Last week, she had put ink in his tea. The result had been spectacular—and Papa had been livid. At least this time, no one but Montgomery would bear witness to her japery.

She shrank back as Mama sailed into the room, Papa close on her heels and already arguing in favor of Montgomery.

“Elizabeth, you know he’s the best possible match. They are of an age, they already know each other and are on friendly terms, and he’s—”

“She’s in love with Afton,” answered Mama.

Papa let out an exasperated sigh. “She’s young. She can learn to love Montgomery.”

“You know it doesn’t work that way, Harry.”

Her quiet reply was followed by silence. Sabrina peeked through the crack, just as Papa moved to stand behind her mother and place his hands on her shoulders.

“I know, my dear.” Again, he sighed, only this time it sounded resigned. “Very well. I shall allow her to choose between them. Montgomery would provide a better life for her, but if it is her wish, I will give Afton my blessing.”

Mama turned in his arms, and Sabrina caught a flash of her delighted smile. “I knew you’d see reason.”

“Reason has nothing to do with it,” answered Papa with a chuckle. “I simply know better than to cross you when you’ve set your mind on having things a certain way. Now, I have a surprise for you.”

Sabrina watched as he produced a gilt box and held it out to her mother, who took it and opened the lid. “It’s lovely, Harry. Thank you.” Her voice sounded strange.

“Here, let me see it on you,” he said softly.

“No, not just now,” her mother quickly answered. “I must change for dinner, and it wouldn’t go well with the gown I’ve chosen.”

His face fell.

Stretching up, she placed a kiss upon his cheek. “I’ll wear it for you later,” she promised. “Run along now, and let me dress.”

His disappointment vanished, replaced by a roguish grin. “I could play lady’s maid,” he suggested.

“You know better than that, Harry.”

With a sigh, he released her. “Very well, my dear. I shall see you downstairs shortly.”

Sabrina shrank back as he passed. When the sound of his footsteps had faded, she again peered through the crack.

Her mother stared at the necklace in her hand, her expression grim. “I wonder what the new one looks like,” she muttered as she opened the bottom drawer of her jewelry box and tossed the necklace into it.

What does she mean?

Her mother finished her toilet and left the room. After waiting several minutes to be sure it was safe, Sabrina came out of hiding and ran over to the chest. Opening it, she took out the rejected gift: an emerald necklace. Even at her age, she knew quality when she saw it.

A noise at the door made her jam the necklace back into the drawer and shut it.

Jane, Mama’s lady’s maid, entered and squealed when she saw Sabrina there in the shadows. “Oh! You gave me a fright! Playing in her ladyship’s things again, are we?”

Sabrina nodded.

Jane smiled. “I shan’t tell. Only you’d best be getting back before Mrs. Tellane misses you.”

Her governess had been taking a brandy-assisted nap when she’d tiptoed out to deliver her gift to Montgomery, but Sabrina knew better than to mention it. She left, grateful for not having to explain herself. As she

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