Page 20 of Midnight Rendezvous (Sins & Sensibilities #4)

Two weeks later ...

The cottage sat nestled in the Scottish Highlands, wrapped in early summer fog and framed by budding heather. It was small but warm, with stone walls, a wood-burning hearth, and ivy creeping along the windowpanes. Penny sat cross-legged on a quilted sofa, her toes tucked beneath her as the kettle whistled in the kitchen. She was Alexander's wife. They had married over the anvil several days ago and since had been locked in this cottage feasting on each other.

There was a potential scandal. There had been outrage. Her mother's tears, her father's cold silence. But there had also been peace—because she had finally chosen herself. Penny had written letters to each of her family members before leaving London. Not to plead or apologize. But to assure them of her intentions. As the Countess of Bainbridge, she vowed to use her position and whatever connection she formed to help restore their fortunes, to stand as both daughter and woman in her own right.

Now, she stared down at the brown paper package that had arrived earlier that morning. It bore no return address, only a flourish of her name in elegant handwriting. She peeled away the wrapping carefully, revealing a folded clipping of The Tattler tucked inside a pressed sprig of lavender.

My dearest readers,

With no small amount of pleasure, I present to you the most delicious tidbit of the Season. The ever-enigmatic and undeniably dashing Earl of Bainbridge has declared his love for none other than Lady P, a young lady who, until recently, was rumored to be on the verge of an engagement to a certain somber and distinguished duke. One can only imagine the tremors that must have shaken polite society when whispers of a sudden parting began to circulate.

But take heart, gentle readers, for I am assured by the most unimpeachable sources that the engagement was dissolved with mutual respect and that said duke continues to hold Lady P and her family in the highest regard. And as for Lord Bainbridge... well. They say the reformed rake makes the very best husband, and if that is true, Lady P is indeed a most fortunate woman. Word has it their affections were too profound to be stifled by society's expectations—or a looming scandal. Love, it seems, has claimed yet another victory.

Yours in curiosity and ever faithful in providing the most tantalizing of gossip, Lady C

— THE DAILY GOSSIP

Her husband entered the room and quietly sat beside her, slipping an arm around her waist. Penny laughed softly and leaned back against his chest, savoring the comfort of his presence.

"Raine?" he asked, reading the satisfied gleam in her eyes.

"Possibly. Or you. Or one of your co-conspirators."

"I plead innocence," Alexander said, his mouth grazing her temple. "Though I am not above bribery where your happiness is concerned."

She turned to him, her smile full and unrepentant. "I have no regrets, Alexander. Not one."

"Nor I, countess. Although my mother sent a blistering letter insisting I bring you home at once so she can properly meet you."

Penny curled into him, the scandal sheet slipping from her fingers, forgotten as the fire crackled and the fog rolled gently past their window. Outside, the world might whisper and wonder—but within these walls, there was only the quiet intimacy of two hearts at peace. Soon, they would return to London and whatever awaited them. But for now, for this week, she would lose herself in the warmth of her husband's love.