Authors: Elizabeth Essex
Almost a Scandal (48 page)
The impulse caught him out of the blue, but when she smiled, she didn’t seem so plain, or ordinary. Her drawn, defiant face came alive with warm color and humor, and she became much more of a fey, mischievous woodland creature—all sleek, dark auburn hair and twinkling, knowing eyes the color of the Atlantic on a fine day.
Eyes which raised to his, as she took a seat in the opposite chair. She held up her own glass in reciprocal toast. “Yes. To appalling acquaintances.”
PRAISE FOR ELIZABETH ESSEX
and
Almost a Scandal
“Elizabeth Essex will dazzle you with her sophisticated blend of vivid historical detail, exquisite characterization, and delicious sexual tension.
Almost a Scandal
is a breathtaking tale of rapturous romance and awe-inspiring adventure!”
—
USA Today
bestselling author Julianne MacLean
“The perfect blend of fast-paced adventure and deliciously sexy romance. I couldn’t put this book down!
Almost a Scandal
gets a place on my keeper shelf—I will read anything Elizabeth Essex writes!”
—
New York Times
bestselling author Celeste Bradley
“Witty and entertaining, Elizabeth Essex is not to be missed!”
—Lorraine Heath,
New York Times
bestselling author
“With a lyrical style and a sexy twist, Elizabeth Essex is an author to watch!”
—Jenna Peterson
About the Author
When not rereading Jane Austen, mucking about in her garden, and simply messing about with boats, Elizabeth Essex can always be found with her laptop, making up stories about heroes and heroines who live far more exciting lives than she. It wasn’t always so. Elizabeth graduated from Hollins College with a BA in Classics, and then earned her MA in Nautical Archacology from Texas A&M University. While she loved the life of an underwater archaeologist, she has found her true calling writing lush, lyrical historical romance full of passion, daring, and adventure.
Elizabeth lives in Texas with her husband, the indispensable Mr. Essex, and her active and exuberant family.
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
ALMOST A SCANDAL
Copyright © 2012 by Elizabeth Essex.
Excerpt from
A Breath of Scandal
copyright © 2012 by Elizabeth Essex.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
eISBN: 9781466813168
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / August 2012
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.