Free Five Wicked Kisses - A Tasty Regency Tidbit by Anthea Lawson

~ CHAPTER ONE ~
    “He’s watching you.”
    Juliana Tate did not need to turn around to know who her friend Henrietta was referring to. There was, and had only ever been, one he .
    Waves of heat raced just under her skin, and her heart tumbled abruptly in her chest. Their corner of the ballroom, chosen for its seclusion, was suddenly crowded with the hum of conversation and bright spikes of laughter.
    She flipped open her lace-edged fan and wafted air across her cheeks. There could be no hint of reaction, no sign that the arrival of Robert Pembroke, the new Earl of Eastbrook, affected her.
    Since she had come up to London, she had seen him on precisely three occasions - and each time had done her utmost stay as far away as possible.
    “You told me he was not invited.” Her voice wavered, only the tiniest bit, but she knew her friend heard. “Hen, I depend upon you completely. You’re the only one who knows.”
    Henrietta made an apologetic face. “He wasn’t supposed to be here. But it’s hardly the first time the Earl of Eastbrook has paid no heed to the social niceties. You know what they say about him.”
    Since ascending to the title six months ago, Robert had taken to life in London with a vengeance. According to the gossips, he had cut a wide swath through the ladies, leaving words like seducer and scoundrel in his wake. Juliana could well believe it.
    Robert had always been handsome enough to break hearts, with his strong jaw, keen amber eyes, and dark hair shot through with glints of fire. Not to mention a sharp mind and stubborn temper.
    Once, she would have ascribed kindness and a thoughtful heart to him as well - but it seemed all traces of that man were gone. No doubt he was pleased to bring so many ladies of the ton to their knees, after years of being treated as unworthy - a shabby country cousin.
    And Juliana had been the worst offender.
    She plied her fan harder, trying to wave away the bitter memory. The past was done. All she could do now was move forward into an increasingly precarious future.
    “Is he still looking?” she asked. It would be safe to turn around if that penetrating amber gaze were focused elsewhere.
    “His attention seems to have moved to Miss Snelling’s bosoms. And there is so very much there to admire.” Henrietta gave a disapproving sniff. “If her gown were any lower she might as well proclaim herself a melon-seller and be done.”
    “At least she has something to reveal.”
    Juliana could not help a quick glance down at her own, modest, blue gown. She had turned the seams and added new ribbons, but feared it was sadly evident she was at least two seasons out of date.
    “Tsk.” Henrietta took her by the arm. “It’s hardly your fault you don’t have the newest fashions. You cut a lovely enough figure despite it. Heavens knows I’ve envied your hair for simply ages. It’s pure gold.”
    “A pity it’s not actual gold. Though I suppose I could sell it.” Things were certainly becoming desperate enough.
    “No!” Henrietta gasped. “Promise me you won’t.”
    Juliana raised a hand to her hair, a gently curling wealth of honey-colored locks that fell to her hips when unbound. It was her one vanity, though dark hair was currently in fashion. As were voluptuous figures - which made her quest to find a wealthy husband more difficult. But Henrietta had assured her that she could snare a suitor within a fortnight, if she applied herself.
    “Look, there’s my aunt peering into the corners,” Henrietta said, “No doubt she’s wondering where her changes have gone off to. Come along—but keep a watch out for Viscount Wrenforth. He’s a likely prospect for you.”
    “The viscount was very pleasant to me at the Cotteridge’s musicale,” Juliana said.
    “Excellent! He has a fine fortune, and is not too ill-favored to look upon. If one disregards the nose.”
    Juliana nodded. She had no time to lose. The debts were mounting, and there was almost nothing left for