Sin With a Scoundrel: The Husband Hunters Club by Sara Bennett Read Free Book Online Page A

in much the same way as her brother, who didn’t seem to do much at all. Charles went to a gentlemen’s club, where one had to be a member, but as far as she knew all they actually did there was drink whiskey and smoke cigars and make wagers. She must remember to ask Horace what else he found to occupy himself.
    But not tonight.
    Tonight was about practicing her skills of seduction at Horace’s soiree. She giggled. Her finishing-school friends would be all agog if they knew what she was up to. She wished they were here right now so that she could tell them all about the disreputable Mr. Eversham. And of course about Horace, she reminded herself hastily. After all, this was all about marrying Horace, whom she’d loved forever, and saving the family from penury.
    She remembered some years ago a family friend had gazed fondly upon her and Horace and predicted they would marry. Of course, they had burst themselves laughing at the very idea! And now here she was contemplating that very thing.
    Just then her mother’s head appeared around the door. “Are you asleep, darling?”
    Tina sat up. “No, Mama. Just resting. We may be very late tonight.”
    Lady Carol Smythe sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes. It’s quite an occasion, going to the theater with a Lord of the Realm,” she said, a twinkle in her eye.
    “Oh, Mama, it’s just Horace. We’ve known each other for years. And it’s not as if it’s just us; Charles and other people will be there.”
    “That’s as well, too.” Her mother fiddled with the pearl trim that edged her sleeve, and Tina noticed she looked anxious. Her own heartbeat quickened as she wondered what new secret she was about to share. “But you do like Horace, don’t you, darling?”
    “Of course I do, Mama. He’s a good friend.”
    “And a handsome man. You’re not children anymore.” She fiddled with her sleeve some more, and Tina, growing more anxious herself, watched and waited.
    “You know that your father is in difficult straits, Tina. I told you so.”
    “Yes, Mama, I remember.” How could she forget? The shock she’d felt when her mother had whispered the truth about their appalling situation! And although Lady Carol had said nothing since then, it was obvious to Tina that matters were getting worse. Although appearances were still kept up when they had visitors or went out socializing, when they were at home with just the family the meals consisted of the cheapest ingredients possible—more gristle than meat—and Tina had noticed a growing number of empty spaces on the walls, where paintings used to hang.
    Slowly but surely, their once-comfortable life was being eroded away by debt.
    And it wasn’t just the material changes: Tina had also noticed a change in her parents’ behavior toward each other—particularly Lady Carol. There was a bitterness in her manner that had never been there before. She was obviously finding it difficult to forgive Sir Thomas his financial blunder, and who could blame her? It was Lady Carol’s money he had lost, after all.
    Lady Carol interrupted her thoughts, her voice high and trembling. “I fear we cannot keep pretending everything is as it was, Tina. So many unpaid bills! Your father has managed to stave off some of the larger ones by promising to pay—promises we cannot possibly keep! But at least it keeps the bailiffs from the door. We just cannot go on for much longer.”
    Tina was sure her face was just as white as her mother’s, and she suddenly noticed there were new lines about Lady Carol’s mouth and eyes, and the line between her brows was deeper. Worry was taking its toll on the once-renowned beauty.
    “But is there nothing we can do?” Tina said. “Is there no way father can get the money back?”
    “I’m afraid not. It is gone. His friend took it all and then lost it. Your father trusted him completely, Tina, and see what has happened. We are ruined.” Her mother looked away, her eyes shining with tears. “Your