Part 44 (2/2)
”Each week the couples will dance and compete to stay in the compet.i.tion another week,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. ”Some will be eliminated and others will remain until the very last.”
”We are to judge them?” Lady Jersey asked.
”Of course,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. ”Who better than the patronesses to make the decisions?”
”I think we need an incentive for the gentlemen to partic.i.p.ate,” Lady Jersey said. ”Otherwise, the gentlemen will return to their clubs.”
”An incentive implies commerce.” Lady Cowper fanned her face as if money were akin to devilment.
”In this case, it implies compet.i.tion, and that is something no gentleman can resist,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. ”Imagine if you will how many will be envious of those who are able to partic.i.p.ate or observe at close hand. Almack's will once again rise as the temple of exclusivity,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. And I will find my son a proper wife, so help me, G.o.d.
”It is rather bold,” Lady Jersey said, ”but we are the patronesses. Who will dare criticize if we sanction the compet.i.tion?”
”Indeed, it could result in the loss of one's voucher,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
”What will the prize be?” Lady Jersey asked. ”It must be sufficient to draw the gentlemen away from their liquor, cards, and dice.”
”Ladies, what do you say to five hundred pounds as the prize for the most elegant dancing couple? Are we prepared to contribute seventy-two pounds each?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
”That leaves four pounds unaccounted for,” Lady Sefton said.
”We will buy extra lemonade and b.u.t.tered sandwiches,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
Everyone nodded their approval.
”Well, ladies, I believe we are all prepared for the first annual Almack's dancing compet.i.tion,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
Lady Jersey observed Mrs. Norcliffe with a sly expression. ”Pray tell, how do you propose to tempt your son into partic.i.p.ating?”
Mrs. Norcliffe smiled. ”What every mother resorts to when faced with an obstinate son. I will make him feel guilty.”
Also by Vicky Dreiling.
How to Marry a Duke.
How to Seduce a Scoundrel.
How to Ravish a Rake.
A Season for Sin (e-novella).
What a Wicked Earl Wants.
Glowing Praise for.
Vicky Dreiling's Novels.
What a Wicked Earl Wants.
”Wonderful! Top pick! Four-and-a-half stars...Rife with the Regency's penchant for gossip, scandal, and matchmaking, What a Wicked Earl Wants is a delightful romance featuring a rakish hero, an innocent widow, corrupt villains, and a secondary cast of characters who add dimension, wit, and tenderness to the plot...Readers will find this a real pleasure to savor.”
-RT Book Reviews ”Absolutely loved it...I can't wait until the next one in the series!”
-Maryinhb.blogspot.com ”With amazing characters and a story line that kept me turning the pages, What a Wicked Earl Wants is another winner from Ms. Dreiling.”
-UndertheCoversBookblog.com ”I fell in love with [this] book. Who wouldn't with the romance, society, reputations, and extremely dreamy high society men?”
-ReadingwithStyle.blogspot.com.
A Season for Sin.
”A master of the genre.”
-Library Journal ”A Season for Sin is a short but sweet glimpse into Vicky Dreiling's new series. Filled with intrigue and seduction, readers are sure to enjoy this treat and the prospects of what's to come.”
-FreshFiction.com ”A delectable teaser...absolutely delicious.”
-RomanceJunkiesReviews.com.
How to Ravish a Rake.
”Dreiling secures her reputation as a writer of charming, matchmaking romances with engaging characters...her cast of quirky, unconventional characters sets her stories apart. Fans of marriage-of-convenience love stories have a treat.”
-RT Book Reviews.
”A guaranteed delectable indulgence!...Vicky Dreiling is fast becoming an absolute must-buy for Regency fans.”
-Affaire de Coeur.
”Five stars! Packed with a delectable plot, charming characters, clever banter, humor, scandal, and lots of love, this story is a winner.”
-RomanceJunkiesReviews.com.
How to Seduce a Scoundrel.
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