A Dangerous Collaboration (Veronica Speedwell, #4)

by Deanna Raybourn

He means to seduce you, you know,” Stoker said after the viscount had left.

“Stoker, I am twenty-six years of age. I have traveled around the world three times, and I have met scores of men, some of whom I have known far more intimately than you can imagine. I promise you, I can smell a burgeoning seduction from across the room. I am no fainting virgin,” I reminded him.

“My dear Miss Speedwell, two minutes in and already you are causing a scandal. Whatever shall I do with you?”

“I am no stranger to impropriety. It troubles me not in the slightest,” I assured him. “After all, I work for a living. I am hardly a lady.”

“I think you underestimate how interesting a person you are,”

“Try not to use your kennel manners. We are guests.”

“Don’t be understanding and accommodating. It is upsetting.”

I ought to have known better than to marry an outcomer, but I loved him and who can argue when love will have its way?”

“I didn’t know any virtue tempted you,”

If I were to admit the depth of my feelings for him, I risked the ruination of the dearest thing in the world to me—his friendship.