A Proper Scandal (Ravensdale Family Book 2) Read online

  She wiggled out of his hold, peeking at him over her shoulder. “Perhaps.”

  Grace waited by Minnie’s dressing room and ushered her sister inside, winking at Alex. “I’m not my sister, Mr. Marwick. Your charms don’t work on me, much. You know the rules. You have to stay out here. Boyd should be here sorting out the rest of the arrangements.”

  He laughed, turning before she rushed up, straightening the tie on his tux.

  “I’m going to be glad to have you as a brother, in truth this time.” Grace, the name personified, daintily pinned on a corsage. “Thank you for loving my sister, for your kindness, for fighting for her when the rest of the world turned their back.”

  He swallowed, his stomach suddenly knotting. “Gracie, you’re—”

  “I’m a great many things, Alex. Or so everyone tells me. I’m a girl in love who wishes only to have a chance at having my happy ending as you find yours. Congratulations.” She left, entering Minnie’s dressing room before poking out her head once more. “No peeking. We’ll be out shortly.”

  The wedding filled the papers, fashion designers all but tripping over themselves to design the wedding gown of Minnie Ravensdale. It was going to be the event of the season, even if society did not fully embrace an actress marrying the Irish tycoon from Whitechapel. There were those who had turned their backs on the Ravensdales, and others, with the encouragement of the Duke of Ashbornham allowed them to remain in the good graces of society.

  The wedding would be large, the guests including some of the biggest names in Europe. And it wouldn’t be happening as planned for June.

  Alex stood in front of the priest, Boyd standing right behind him. The theater was empty, the curtain once again raised. A grand piano had been wheeled in for Grace. She exited the dressing room, winking to the two men, then waving to the rest of the Ravensdales, who sat in the front row as she took her seat at the piano.

  The bridal march began softly, quickly filling up the theater with the same riotous beat that echoed in Alex’s chest as Minnie emerged, dressed in a simple white dress and lace veil. Her stage makeup was gone, and instead of the large bunch of roses, she held a small posey as she proceeded up the small aisle Boyd had made with some carpeting from the props department. She was the girl who smelled of roses, the one he fell in love with who was bed sheets and sunshine; those hazel eyes.

  He couldn’t help it as she approached. Alex grabbed her hand for wanting to kiss her, then bowed and pressed his lips against her knuckles. “Lovely, as always.”

  “And equally charming,” she whispered, her eyes brimmed with tears, a wide smile spread across her lips. “Are you going to regret this?”

  “Marrying you?”

  “No, eloping.”

  “My darling, what’s another scandal between the two of us?”

  They both turned toward the priest, their hands clasped together.

  The End

  Note to my Readers

  I want to thank you, yes you, my lovely reader! I hope you enjoyed A Proper Scandal. I appreciate the time you took to read this book and would love to hear what you think. Please consider leaving a review—whether on Goodreads or wherever you prefer. Reviews help other readers discover new books and help us authors, too!

  If you’d like to hear more about my new releases, please consider signing up for my newsletter. I’d love to hear from you, too. You can connect with me on Twitter @beckapaula or on Facebook. I also have a reader group that includes lots of exclusive teasers and giveaways. And you can visit my website to learn more about my contemporary and historical romances.

  Stay tuned for the third book in the Ravensdale saga series, SOCIAL GRACES, out Summer 2016.

  SOCIAL GRACES

  The Ravensdales Series, #3

  Even unrequited love falls under the rules of society…

  Since she was first introduced as a child piano prodigy, Lady Grace Ravensdale has been the darling of the London ton. Unlike the rest of the rowdy Ravensdale family, she follows society’s rules, acting always as a proper lady should. But Grace harbors a secret that she only shares with the keys of her piano—she’s in love with the gardener’s son.

  And even if it’s possible, can it overcome the scars of war?

  Growing up at Burton Hall, Theodore Nash was considered one of the Ravensdales—even if his station was so far beneath them. But as he grew, Grace became more than a childhood friend. Knowing he couldn’t have her, he leaves to fight in in Boer War to bring honor to his family. Taken as a prisoner of war, everyone Theodore loves thinks he’s dead until he returns to London blinded and badly scarred four years later.

  Theodore’s return challenges everything Grace has known. Suddenly, her engagement to a titled violinist doesn’t seem so fitting, nor the wedding that’s supposed to rival all weddings that season. With Theodore, Grace is free to be the less than proper lady everyone has come to expect. With all of society against them, can their love survive?

  Coming Summer 2016

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  Acknowledgements

  This book wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for you, my readers. So thank you! The Ravensdales are a rowdy bunch and I’m so grateful I get to bring you their stories. I’m especially thrilled to write a heroine such as Minnie. She was inspired by a slew of women of the Belle Epoque period who pushed boundaries and faced both social scorn for their behavior and praise for their beauty. Sadly, most didn’t find their happy ending. I’m glad Alex is a horrible pickpocket with a soft spot for an independent and spirted woman like his darling Min.

  I’d like to thank my editor, Heather Webb. I’d also like to thank my copy editor, Meghan Hogue for polishing up my words.

  I’d like to thank Molli Moran and Sybil Bartel who cheered me on during this project. They’re support meant the world to me.

  And of course I’d like to thank my husband. He’s the inspiration behind every hero I write, and has shown me that happily ever after is just the start.

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