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Chapter One

June 14, 1799

Number 22, Charles Street

London residence of the Dibbleshires

Lady Xenobia, I adore you!”

Lord Dibbleshire’s broas beaded with sweat and his hands were treer contain hten you about the depths of my emotion!”

India ed not to step back, but it took an effort She tried to suh she wasn’t positive that smile even existed

Whatever she came up ould be better than an utterly inappropriate shriek of Bloody hell, not again! Daughters of uably mad marquesses—did not shriek More’s the pity

The smile didn’t seem to work, so she trotted out her standard answer: “You do me too much honor, Lord Dibbleshire, but—”

“I know,” he responded, rather unexpectedly Then he frowned “I ainst ment and while I realize that there are those who consider your reputation to be sullied by your profession, I know the truth The truth shall prevail!”

Well, that was so But before India could comment on the truth (or lack thereof), he toppled onto his knees “I will marry you, Lady Xenobia India St Clair,” he belloidening his eyes to indicate his own shock at this declaration “I, Baron Dibbleshire, will marry you”

“Please do get up,” she said, resisting the urge to groan

“I know that you will refuseto your inestimable modesty But I have made up my mind, Lady Xenobia The protection of my title—and, of course, yours as ill overcoht to which you were driven, a point I shall make early and often The ton will accept usthey will accept you, once you have the benefit of beco Baroness Dibbleshire”

Aggravation marched up her spine like a troop of perfectly dressed soldiers True, her reputation was tarnished by the fact that she refused to stay hohter of a marquess, technically a Dibbleshire would be lucky to dance with her Not that she cared about such things Still, her godmother accompanied her everywhere—even now Lady Adelaide Sas likely within earshot—and if nothing else, Adelaide’s chaperonage had ensured that India remain as pure as the driven snow despite her unfortunate occupation

Who would have guessed that taking on the task of ordering people’s lives would have tarnished her lily-white wings?

At thatrooan to pound She never should have agreed to Lady Dibbleshire’s plea that India refurbish her drawing rooe it was to strip the roos

“Howard, what in heaven’s na the whole situation even more farcical than it already was

Dibbleshire sprang to his feet with surprising ease, inas over his breeches “I have just inforreed to become my wife!”

India’s eyes were leam of sympathy in Lady Dibbleshire’s “His lordship has misunderstood,” India told her

“Alas, I have no doubt of that Child,” Howard’s mother said, “every time I think that you have demonstrated the depths of your siain”