Snowdrops and Scandalbroth

the long version

JUST WHAT MUST A GENTLEMAN DO TO PROVE HE'S A NOTORIOUS RAKE Stranded in London at the mercy of strangers, Miss Kathlyn Parkland was mistrustful of Lord Chase's sympathy, surprised by his hospitality . . . and positively shocked by his outrageous offer: He wished to pay her to appear with him in public! It seemed His Lordship wanted to counter the virtuous reputation that had branded him an oddity in the ladies' eyes. But Chase assured Miss Parkland that it would just be a ruse, for he strongly believed that if a bride was expected to enter marriage with her honor intact, so should the groom. Miss Parkland needed the money; he needed a mistress. Several strolls on his arm would be enough to establish his character as a roguish connoisseur and complete rake. But, of course, love had a scheme of its own. . .