How to Catch a Wild Viscount

by Tessa Dare

“Rubbish. Utter rubbish.” “It isn’t rubbish,” Cecily protested dutifully. Friends, after all, were supposed to support one another, and if Portia wanted to write gothic novels, Cecily would encourage her.

“That’s it. I shall put aside my novel for the evening and work on my list instead.” “Your list?” Denny asked. “What kind of list?” “My list of potential lovers.” Cecily coughed. “Portia, surely you don’t . . .” “Oh, surely I do. I am no longer in mourning. I am a widow now, financially and otherwise independent, and I intend to make the most of it. I shall write scandalous novels and take a dozen lovers.” “All at once?” Brooke quipped. “Perhaps in pairs,” she retorted, without missing a beat.

“Ignorance and superstition are the true curses. Their remedy is education.

“What sort of answer would you like to hear?” “An honest one.” “Are you certain? It’s my experience that young ladies vastly prefer fictions.

“A thin line separates boldness from stupidity.”