Free Wicked Wager by Mary Gillgannon

London long, and I don’t know what everything is called.”
    “A sweet young thing like you wouldn’t know, of course.” Madame Dubonet raised her brows meaningfully. “A demi rep is a woman of questionable reputation. Someone who trades sexual favors for…gifts from gentlemen. Sometimes such a woman will only have one wealthy patron. Others, like Demoiselle Valant, may have several. If you are concerned that Monsieur Revington might enjoy the company of such a woman, don’t trouble yourself. Demoiselle Valant could never compete with someone like you.”
    “I wasn’t concerned, merely curious.”
    “Of course, demoiselle .” The modiste snapped her fingers and a young girl with golden curls appeared from behind the curtain. “Giselle, if you would bring me a bolt of mauve muslin. And the blue sprigged batiste as well.”
    Penny’s neck and shoulders grew stiff as Madame draped, pinned, and arranged. Giselle brought several more bolts of fabric, as well as a selection of ribbons and lace that Madame said would be used to trim the garments.
    Penny had plenty of time to contemplate what Madame Dubonet had said about Elizabeth. Was it true that Revington was one of many men who’d been intimate with Demoiselle Valant? If so, why did it matter so much?
    It didn’t matter, of course. She had no interest in Revington. None at all. Indeed, if she succeeded in her plan, she’d never have to see him again.
    At last, the fitting was over. As the modiste was helping her dress, Penny asked hopefully, “Are we finished?”
    “I’m afraid not. Monsieur implied you needed a whole new wardrobe. We still need to select undergarments. We stock several fashions. Long and short pantalettes. With lace and without.”
    “I had no idea there would be so many choices!”
    Madame Dubonet shrugged, smiling faintly. “Perhaps several of each style then, since you can’t decide?”
    Penny nodded. “Yes, I think that would be ideal.”
    “And of course after you leave here, you will need to purchase slippers, hats, and reticules.”
    “Of course.” Although she was frankly sick of shopping, she mustn’t lose sight of her goal. She followed the modiste into the public area of the shop.
    Marcus was waiting near the entrance, impatiently tapping his driving whip against his thigh. “Ready?”
    “Yes,” Penny said.
    “When will her things be delivered?” he asked the modiste.
    “I will have at least one of the gowns finished and sent ’round tomorrow.”
    “Well, that’s finally over,” Revington exclaimed as they left the shop.
    “Not quite,” Penny said. “Madame Dubonet pointed out that I must have new shoes and perhaps a hat or two.”
    Revington grimaced. “I suppose you’re right. But it will have to wait until another day.”

Chapter Five
    Marcus tried to quell his irritation as he escorted Penny back to the phaeton, which he’d left some distance down the street. He couldn’t believe how much time all this was taking…and heaven knew how much money. But he supposed James was right, and it was churlish of him to be so resentful. After all, he was getting some fine, valuable property out of the arrangement, while Penny was essentially losing her independence.
    As he helped her into the rig, he felt a stab of guilt. If Adrian weren’t such a worthless wretch, Penny might have married quite well. She was very attractive, and Horngate was a decent dowry. But now, thanks to the worthless Withersby, she’d been robbed of any choice in who she married.
    Not that he would be such an awful husband. He wouldn’t mistreat her or seek to control her. Indeed, once they were wed, she could go back to training horses, if that was what she wished.
    He tossed a halfpence to the boy holding the team, then climbed in beside her and took up the reins. Before setting off, he cast a glance at Penny. With her new hairstyle, she looked quite appealing. If he had to marry, he could do much worse. He was really coming off quite