A Baron’s Scandalous Liaisons (Preview)

Chapter One

Marina Hensman felt a flutter of excitement and nervousness as she stepped out of the dark carriage and made her way into the dazzling lights of the ballroom. She had been both looking forward to and dreading this night for weeks, ever since her guardians, Sir John Andrews and his wife, had announced that they would be attending the Season’s opening ball in London.

She knew little about this man who was supposed to be hosting her, except that he was a former navy officer who had risen to the rank of knight thanks to his mysterious employer, and that he did not care much about her.

“Come along, Marina,” Sir John, a stout and greying man with a gruff voice and a perpetually stern expression, said, pulling at her arm impatiently. “We do not want to keep potential suitors waiting. You are already eighteen, and you are about to enjoy your debut into fine society. Can you not see the importance of this night?”

Marina followed him obediently, feeling out of place and overwhelmed, even though she had been taught every rule of etiquette a young lady was supposed to know. She had spent the last six years at a boarding school in Bath, where she had received the finest education and training in all the accomplishments expected of a young lady. She had learned to play the piano, sing, draw, embroider, dance, and converse in French, yet none of that seemed to suffice now that she was finally attending her first event of the Season.

“Keep your chin up, child, and remember to smile,” his wife, a tall and slender woman with blue eyes devoid of affection, scolded Marina. She knew that Lady Andrews did not care for her and had made it clear that she considered her a burden every time she returned home from Bath. “You have such a pretty smile—use it to your advantage.”

“Lady Andrews, I am trying to smile,” Marina said softly, feeling a knot in her stomach. “But I cannot help but feel awfully anxious. Am I truly ready for the Season? Perhaps we should wait one more year. I will be nineteen then and not fresh out of boarding school. People will notice I have no experience, and they will notice how lost I am. What should I say if anyone asks me about my family, my background?”

“Marina, how many times do we have to tell you?” Sir John snapped, keeping his voice at a whisper so only she could hear. “If anyone were to ask, you are our distant cousin, and we took you in out of charity. That is all you need to know and all you need to say. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied meekly, lowering her eyes, her gaze focused on her gloved hands. She was, in fact, not related to her guardians at all. They were not distant cousins, not even four times removed. Documents would state otherwise, but she knew them to be less than truthful.

“My wife has already made certain rumours of your sizeable dowry begin to circulate among the proper circles to spread long before tonight, so no one will be overly concerned with your parents or your past. You are a commodity for gentlemen in need of a wealthy wife, and your beauty and youth will only sweeten the deal, so I expect you to dazzle every single man that asks you to dance tonight. Do I make myself clear?”

Marina nodded, attempting to conceal her discomfort as she looked around the ballroom: ladies and gentlemen of noble birth, all dressed in their finest and most fashionable clothes. She had to face the music, literally and figuratively, making her debut into society while keeping her secrets close to her heart.

She was relieved when she spotted her best friend, Miss Sarah Milton, standing by the refreshment table—she was the Baron of Mithre’s third daughter and had been Marina’s roommate at Bath.

“Marina, you look lovely tonight. I am so glad you are here. I have missed you terribly,” Sarah, a petite young woman with rosy cheeks and a sweet disposition, took Marina’s arm the moment she saw her approaching.

“Thank you, Sarah. You are too kind.” Marina flushed lightly, still not used to compliments, even when they came from a trusted source. “I have missed you too. I do not believe I could have made it tonight without your advice.”

“Oh, nonsense. You belong here, look at how everyone notices you already, and you have yet to be introduced to anyone. When I stepped into the ballroom, no one turned to look my way,” Sarah said, sipping her champagne.

“I am certain you have been asked to dance already,” Marina protested, but Sarah simply shrugged.

“I have, but he rushed after another lady the moment the music stopped. But we are not speaking about me—we are speaking about you. Is Sir John still so intent on finding a proper husband for you before the Season is even halfway through?”

“More so than before.” Marina sighed, not daring to look over her shoulder to see if her legal guardians were staring daggers at her. “I am certain Sir John already has talked with several potential matches, and it is only a matter of time before he informs me who I am to marry.”

“I am certain he will take your opinion into consideration. He would not just give your hand to someone you have never met!”

“No, he would expect me to dance with him first and make a good first impression,” Marina replied quietly, feeling a sense of dread wash over her. “What if this suitor is unkind? Or cruel? What if he never grows to love me?”

“You should not speak that way—I am certain he will be lovely. And as for not loving you, how could any gentleman with a good head on his shoulders not adore a lady such as yourself? You will be the jewel of your husband’s eyes, no matter who he might be,” Sarah replied, encouraging as ever.

Marina smiled weakly at her friend’s words but felt no comfort in them. She knew Sarah meant well, but she also knew marriage was not a matter of love or happiness but of convenience and duty.

She was about to reply when she saw a tall, stout man approaching them, followed closely by the Master of Ceremonies. He was, of course, the first to speak, introducing both strangers so that they might dance and socialise as the Season demanded.

“Miss Hensman, may I introduce you to Sir Harris?”

“Of course, thank you,” she replied with a polite curtsy, though she was not eager to begin dancing yet.

“Miss Hensman, may I have the honour of this dance?” Sir Harris asked, bowing gentlemanly, and Marina gave Sarah a rueful look, only to receive an encouraging smile as a response. With no real reason to reject the request, she nodded and smiled daintily.

“Of course, sir,” Marina said, taking his offered hand. It seemed she had been right to hesitate, as her dancing partner stepped on her toes not once but three times until the music mercifully stopped. He had barely stopped talking about himself enough to discover more than her name.

Before Marina could attempt to return to the refreshment table, however, a second gentleman was quick to step toward her, this time without the company of the Master of Ceremonies. He was shorter and older than her previous dancing partner, which she wouldn’t have minded had it not been for the way he stared up and down at her. It made Marina feel like she was a piece of furniture he admired in a London shop rather than a young lady.

“Miss Hensman, I presume?” he asked, without waiting for a proper introduction, prompting Marina to blink with confusion.

“Yes, sir,” Marina said politely, curtsying slightly, too stunned to reply anything else.

“My name is Mr Edmund Collins. I am the son of Lord Collins of Wiltshire. I have heard much about you and your generous dowry,” he said bluntly, breaking countless rules of etiquette in a single breath.

This must be one of the potential suitors Sir John must have talked to—why else would he swiftly bring up my dowry before we have exchanged three words?

“Oh, I…Yes, of course. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Marina said, forcing a smile.

“May I have the pleasure of this dance?” he asked boldly, holding out his hand, prompting Marina to look around her as quickly as possible. She desperately wanted someone to aid her, yet Sarah had accepted a gentleman’s request to dance, and Sir John and Lady Andrews made no effort to step forward. She could have rejected him due to the improper manner in which he had approached her, yet she decided it would be safer to simply accept and then step away once the waltz ended.

“Of course, sir.” She sighed inwardly and accepted his hand, being led toward the dance floor.

He was sweaty and clammy, and he smelled of tobacco; his stare was too focused on her figure for comfort.

“How much is it, if I may ask?” he asked, his eyes gleaming with greed. “Your dowry.”

Marina felt a wave of disgust. She could not believe how rude and impertinent this man was. She wondered why he thought it was appropriate to ask such a question.

“That is a private matter, sir,” Marina said firmly, wishing the waltz was over already, yet it had just started.

“Come now, Miss Hensman, there is no need to be coy. We are both adults here, and we both know what the London Season is about. It is about finding a suitable match, a profitable alliance. And I think we would make a very good match indeed. You have the money, and I have the title and the connections.”

Marina inhaled softly, attempting to keep her composure. This man did not even seem to see her as a person but as a prize.

“Sir, I appreciate your interest, but I think it is too soon to talk about marriage,”

“Nonsense, Miss Hensman. Marriage only demands we sign a contract and exchange some vows. The rest will come with time.”

She endured the rest of the dance in silence, avoiding his gaze as best she could. She finally pulled away the instant politeness allowed her to.

“Thank you for the dance, sir,”

“My pleasure, Miss Hensman,” Mr Collins grinned, still holding her hand too firmly for comfort. “May I escort you to the refreshment table? Or perhaps to the garden?”

“No, thank you, sir,” Marina replied firmly, pulling her hand away from his grip, knowing he would only grow bolder if she allowed him to carry on further. “Please excuse me.”

Without waiting for an answer, she quickly entered the crowd, praying that he didn’t follow behind her.

Chapter Two

Laurence Highview was not in a good mood—he had been dragged to this dull ball by the Baron of Rosenthal, Marcus Williams, who claimed it would be good for him to mingle with society and find a suitable wife. If Marcus had not been his hunting partner and close family friend, Laurence would have adamantly refused, yet here he was, sipping a glass of wine and scanning the room with a bored expression.

He saw nothing but the same crowd he had seen all too many times, even if the faces and titles changed from Season to Season. Simpering ladies making their debut, scheming mothers and pompous lords. He felt stifled and restless in this environment.

“Why did you bring me here?” Laurence asked, frowning at the red-headed man standing by his side. Though he was considered a tall and athletic young gentleman by all accounts, his friend still stood three inches above him, forcing Laurence to look up whenever they spoke. “You know I loathe these affairs.”

Marcus, who had served in the navy before inheriting his title from his late bachelor uncle, could only chuckle. Laurence could not comprehend how his old friend remained optimistic after his painful past. He had lost his late wife to childbirth only a handful of years before this night.

“Come now, no need to be sour. Look at the bright side. There are plenty of beautiful young ladies eager for your attention. Surely you can find one who catches your eye.”

“Beautiful? Perhaps. But also boring, shallow, and empty.” Laurence snorted. “They are like dolls in a shop window.”

“You are too harsh, Laurence. Not all ladies are like that,” Marcus protested, shaking his head. “My Bethany was bright and charming, and I am certain there are several ladies here who could impress you with their wit and interests if you simply gave them a chance.”

“That is hardly fair! How can I argue with you now?” he shook his head, looking away. “You know I cannot waste time with this dance or with visiting. I have more pressing matters to worry about. My father’s debts are piling up, and our lands are in need of care.”

“Yet you find time to hunt and ride your horses,”

“And you accompany me often if I remember correctly,” Laurence replied bitterly, only for the baron to chuckle again.

“That I do, but I do not try to find excuses to neglect my social obligations. You are the son of a viscount and the heir to a title. You have a duty to your family and your name to find a suitable wife and secure your future. And believe me, my old friend, marriage will bring your heart great joy if you give it a chance.”

“Suitable wife? That is a joke. Surely you mean a wealthy heiress who will bail my lineage out of the troubles my father created? No, thank you. I do not wish to marry anyone for love or money. I value my freedom too much.”

“You cannot stay a bachelor forever. You need a wife and children to carry on your legacy, someone to share your life and happiness with.”

“I plan on letting my family line die with me.” Laurence scoffed, shaking his head and finishing his wine.

“Argue with me all you want, but you agreed to come already. As long as you are here, why not enjoy one dance or two?”

Laurence scoffed but found no arguments to reject his friend’s logic.

“Very well, but only to prove optimism alone cannot make a dull ball any more enjoyable.”

***

Marina sighed with relief as she spotted a familiar face near the east windows, Sarah’s cousin by marriage, Lady Danielle. She remembered how kind and friendly she had been to her when she visited Sarah at Bath, even though she was the only daughter of the Earl of Harewood and, as such, she was higher in rank than either of them. Danielle had become a good friend through the years, even inviting them to spend a few weeks at her family’s estate during the summer.

Danielle, a tall and graceful woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes, smiled brightly when she saw Marina. She was clad in a blue silk gown that complemented her fair complexion, looking every inch the daughter of an earl.

“Danielle, I am so glad to find you here.”

“Marina! How lovely to see you in London. How have you been?”

“I have been well, thank you,” Marina replied politely, but her voice betrayed her anxiety. Danielle knew her too well to believe her lie.

“Is something wrong?” She gently led her away from the crowd.

“That man over there,” Marina whispered, tilting her head to subtly guide her friend’s gaze toward Mr Collins. “He introduced himself and then asked about my dowry the instant we started dancing.”

“That is outrageous.” Danielle gasped, holding Marina’s arm tighter. “How dare he treat you like that? Worry not—if he dares approach us, we can walk over to my father. He will stop any further nonsense.”

“Thank you, that is a relief. He did not seem to want to let go of me. I wish Sir John would not consider him as a proper suitor.”

“Of course, he will not, dear. How could anyone find such an awful man a good prospect?” Danielle reassured her, but Marina wasn’t so certain. No one knew how ruthless Sir John could truly be, and she did not dare confess the truth about her family to anyone, even her closest friends, even to help them understand why she was so horribly concerned about her future.

“You are right.” Marina forced herself to smile, deciding it was best to change the subject. “Has your night been any better than mine?”

“Better than having a man introduce himself and ask about my dowry? Yes, of course, most anyone has,” Danielle replied jokingly, and Marina giggled earnestly for the first time since she had arrived. “I have yet to meet anyone that captured my eye, unfortunately. I remain hopeful, however, and so should you.”

“Marina, Danielle. There you are. I have been looking all over for you.” Sarah’s voice prompted them to turn around. “I saw you dancing with another gentleman, but then you practically rushed away the instant the music ended. Is everything all right?”

“Nothing we cannot handle, dear cousin,” Danielle replied with a smile, waving her hand casually. “I am glad you found us.”

Marina understood why her friend so quickly dismissed the subject, as Sarah was quick to worry whenever those she cared about suffered in the slightest. She didn’t wish to ruin her night as well, so she followed Danielle’s lead, downplaying the incident.

“It was nothing, Sarah. Just a rude gentleman who kept stepping on my toes.”

“Oh, that sounds awful. I am certain the next gentleman will be an utter delight.”

“Your dancing partner surely seemed like one.” She grinned, watching her friend flush furiously. As Sarah told them every detail of the conversation they had shared as the music played, Marina wondered if the night would get any better from that point on, or if every single potential suitor that approached her that Season would prove to be worse than the one before.

Chapter Three

“It pains me to admit you might be right about one of the perks of being here tonight. There are indeed some beautiful young ladies in attendance,” Laurence remarked as he glanced around the ballroom, his eyes finally landing on three lovely women standing near the east windows. They seemed to be engaged in a lively conversation, laughing and smiling at each other. Though he usually avoided flirting with peers due to their annoying adherence to the strict moral values that annoyed him to no end, he could not deny that one of them stood out to him more than any other woman that night. She had fair skin with blushing cheeks, brown hair that shone under the candlelight, and pale green eyes that sparkled with intelligence and kindness.

She was wearing a stunning white gown that accentuated her slender figure and graceful movements, and Laurence could not help but indulge in lascivious thoughts as he admired her from afar. He imagined how her cheeks would flush even further if he were to draw her against his body, how she would gasp with delight when their lips met. How silky her skin must be, how lovely her curves under his fingertips…

“Who are they?” he asked Marcus, nodding toward the trio. His friend followed his gaze and smiled knowingly.

Maybe that dreadful night could be redeemed after all. He would not find a wife here; that was out of the question, yet a companion that could provide him with both pleasure and delight for a few hours?

“Ah, I see you have noticed Lady Danielle.”

“Which one is she?”

“The one in blue, with dark hair and hazel eyes. She is the daughter of the Earl of Harewood, a very influential and respected family. I met her at a previous ball, and we had a pleasant conversation.”

“She was not the one that caught my eye, however beautiful she might be. I mean the one clad in white.”

The one clad in white had indeed caught his eye and flamed a fire in his loins that greatly improved his mood. He allowed himself to admire her beauty from afar, his gaze exploring the contours of her lithe, delicate body. He could almost feel her smooth skin underneath his fingertips, her lips parting to gasp his name as they lost themselves in a passionate embrace, preferably without that silly gown getting in the way.

That would be indeed delightful, and Laurence smirked to himself, wondering if she was the kind of woman who would allow herself to be seduced out of wedlock. Those rosy lips held so much promise.

“Well, I have not been introduced to her, to be perfectly honest. I do not believe I have seen her before, either. She is quite lovely, though, is she not?”

“A magnificent creature,” Laurence agreed at once, feeling that heat rising from his loins, and he allowed himself to cling onto it before sighing, and adding: “She seems awfully prim and proper, however.”

“Stop attempting to find excuses, old friend. Come, I will request Lady Danielle to introduce us to her companions, and you may ask your lady in white to dance.”

Laurence followed Marcus reluctantly, though he had to admit he could barely keep his eyes off this mysterious debutante. She had a delicate face with a small nose, full lips, and a slender neck adorned with a simple pearl necklace. She moved with elegance and poise but also with a hint of shyness and reserve, not overtly seeking to draw attention to herself, unlike some of the other ladies he had met.

Maybe she would be different in even more ways. Maybe she would gladly follow him out for a stroll in the gardens, where they could enjoy a moment of privacy away from prying eyes.

***

“Look who is coming our way.” Danielle nudged Marina gently and whispered in her ear. “The Baron of Rosenthal and his friend…I have not been introduced to him yet, but I am fairly certain he is the Viscount of Birchton’s only son. They are both very handsome and eligible, do you not think?”

Marina turned her head and saw the two gentlemen walking toward them with confident strides. They were indeed very handsome, but in different ways. The Baron of Rosenthal was very tall and muscular, with red hair and freckles that gave him a friendly and cheerful look. He wore a navy blue coat that matched his eyes and a white cravat which contrasted with his skin. It was, however, the Viscount of Birchton’s son who captured her attention. He had black hair that curled slightly at the ends, warm brown eyes that seemed to pierce her soul as he stared directly at her, and a strong jaw that gave him a masculine and handsome appearance. He looked like a rogue and a gentleman at the same time, and Marina felt both drawn and intimidated by him.

“Good evening, Lady Danielle. You look lovely as ever.” The Baron of Rosenthal smiled warmly, bowing politely, his smile boyish despite being at least ten years Marina’s senior.

“Good evening, my lord. You are too kind.” Danielle replied effortlessly, and Marina wished she could conduct herself with such natural charm.

“May I introduce you to my friend, Mr Laurence Highview?” he asked, gesturing to his companion.

“Of course, my lord. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr Highview.”

“Good evening, Lady Danielle. The pleasure is mine.” Laurence bowed slightly and spoke in a low voice that was masculine and enticing at the same time.

“Allow me to introduce you to my cousin, Miss Sarah Milton, and my dearest friend, Miss Marina Hensman,” Danielle continued with the proper protocol without skipping a beat, since she was used to the art of introductions.

Marina could hardly believe it could be true, but it seemed that Mr Highview’s eyes were fixed only on her, as if he did not notice anyone else in the room. He nodded and smiled politely at Sarah, but his gaze quickly returned to Marina once more, making her feel both flattered and nervous.

“Miss Hensman, may I have the honour of this dance?” he asked, extending his hand to her.

“Yes, Mr Highview. I would be delighted.” Marina flushed and could not help but smile at his invitation, accepting his offer all too quickly. The instant her fingertips touched his hand, Marina felt a tingling sensation that seemed to somehow travel all across her skin in the span of a second. Her heart skipped a beat, as if it was suddenly coming to life. His touch was firm yet not unkind, and she flushed as his thumb rolled over her palm, a hidden little caress no one but the two of them would ever know about.

Her stomach fluttered with anticipation for what was to come, and she found it hard to look away from that hypnotising stare.

His smile was dazzling as he led her to the dance floor, where the orchestra was playing a lively waltz. Her gaze met his brown eyes, which seemed to glimmer with mischief and curiosity.

She found herself enthralled by his handsome countenance, by his delightfully enticing smile. Marina would not mind a man such as himself courting her, whispering sweet nothings into her ear and lavishing her with attention.

She wouldn’t mind following him to her wedding bed after they became husband and wife. Wasn’t that the reason most bachelors and unwed ladies were there, to begin with? To find a husband or a wife?

If she had to wed anyone, she certainly would fancy it being a young man of such manners and such dashing good looks.

“You are quite the breathtaking beauty, Miss Hensman,” he spoke boldly, prompting Marina to flush even further than before. There was a boyish charm to his boldness, however, and his smile put her at ease even though they had only just met.

“Thank you, Mr Highview. You are very kind,” she replied coyly, trying to sound polite and composed. She was tempted to return the compliment, to tell him just how handsome she found him, how his arms seemed to be strong and his chest broad under his neat clothes, how he seemed to have the body of a man used to riding and hunting every single day. But Marina held back such words out of fear of being considered too vulgar, too forward.

“Not at all. I am merely stating the truth.” His voice was low and raspy, and Marina felt her breath growing irregular as they danced, enjoying the relative intimacy that music granted ladies and bachelors during the Season, the one time they could speak without their chaperones eavesdropping on every word. “Tell me about yourself. Where do you come from? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Marina wished he hadn’t asked about her past at all. She had gotten lost in the fantasy of this handsome gentleman staring at her like she was the only woman in the room, but reality came crashing down on her head all at once. The idea of kissing those lips, of those strong arms pulling her close once they were engaged, had been so tempting, but now she needed to focus on the present.

She did not wish to reveal anything about her family or her past for fear of being judged or rejected. Even the lie Sir John expected her to repeat was too painful for her to utter, and so she decided to give him vague and general answers, hoping he would not press further.

“I come from the country, sir,” she replied, choosing her words carefully. “I enjoy music and painting, among other activities. Especially Mozart and Beethoven, yet I believe everyone in attendance tonight would share the same sentiment. I also adore reading and getting lost in a good book.”

Though he nodded and smiled politely, she could tell he was not impressed or amused by her answers. He seemed bored and indifferent, as if he had heard the exact words from dozens of other ladies before.

Marina felt a twinge of disappointment and frustration, wishing she could find a way to impress him but weary of speaking more freely, fearing she could reveal more than she was supposed to.

She wondered if he regretted asking her to dance and if he wished he had chosen someone else instead.

She decided to try a different approach and ask him some questions instead, hoping to spark his interest and show him that she was not a dull and timid lady.

“What about you, Mr Highview? Where do you come from? What are your interests?”

“I am a Londoner, Miss Hensman. I was born and raised in this splendid city and have never wished to leave it. As for my interests, I am fond of hunting and riding,” he replied, and as his piercing brown stare focused on her eyes once more, he seemed to look straight into her soul. “Have you ever gone hunting?”

Marina wished she could impress him, yet she was also painfully aware that she had to be careful with her words and actions. She could not reveal that she had once ridden her horse further from her group than was appropriate, following gentlemen enjoying a hunting party back when she was fifteen, out of innocent curiosity. She could not reveal that the headmistress had severely reprimanded her for her impulsive decision.

“I have never gone hunting, no.” She shook her head but added with a faint smile, “Yet I do admire your courage and skill. I imagine it must be an exciting and rewarding activity.”

---

“A Baron’s Scandalous Liaisons” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

Beneath Marina Hensman’s modest but fiery spirit lies a burning desire for love. Entrapped in a web of deceit, she becomes a pawn in the cunning schemes of her guardians, who manipulate her dowry to ensnare a gentleman and secure her a suitable match. As she grapples with the fear of a loveless union, Marina’s path intertwines with Laurence, an arrogant and irresistibly seductive Lord, at a dazzling ball. Their lives collide in a tangle of obligation and intrigue, thrusting them into an arranged marriage neither of them desires.

Can Marina follow the passion burning within her, even if it means defying everything she has been taught to believe?

Laurence Highview, the rakish son of a Viscount, has to save his family fortune from crippling debts and his father’s reckless habits. Bound by the duty to secure a wealthy wife, his freedom fades as he becomes captivated by Marina’s gentle nature, defying their initial animosity. As they peel back the layers of pretense, scandalous feelings ignite within him, fueling his untamed lust.

Will Laurence find true happiness next to Marina, or will he be trapped in a maze of deception and greed?

Passion and loyalty collide as Marina and Laurence dare to forge their own destiny, their love searing and consuming amidst a world fueled by lies and greed. As their sizzling connection deepens, they must unravel the secrets that bind them, defying the forces working against their happiness. Will they emerge triumphant, defying the odds and breaking free from the suffocating constraints of society? Will their sinful romance be the flame that burns through the darkness, guiding them to a future where their desires and hearts are no longer held captive?

“A Baron’s Scandalous Liaisons” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get your copy from Amazon!