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Episode Five
In Which Portia Dares to Dream
Donovan was taken aback by Lady Portia’s bold statement, his sky-blue eyes widening in surprise. Yet he said nothing, allowing Portia to continue with her daring proposition.
“The world does not always have to conform to societal norms…and neither do we. What if…neither of the men needs to be chosen over the other?” Her voice was a hushed whisper.
Her heart hammered. She hardly believed what she was saying, yet she couldn’t help but let this impossible fantasy take flight.
Donovan’s gaze was unblinking. “This is indeed scandalous, my Lady,” he said after a moment, a grin playing on his lips. “Imagine the talk of society.”
“Indeed.” Portia dared to meet his gaze straight on. “It would send the debutantes into a flurry and would cause a stir among the dowagers. Yet the maiden, she would be content. Perhaps more than content. She would be loved and cherished by not one but two men who admire her in their own unique ways.”
Donovan chuckled, his laughter ringing out. “You paint quite the picture, my lady. But such a proposition requires a great deal of trust and understanding…among other things.”
“I believe it is possible,” Portia said, surprising herself with the conviction in her voice. “Should they all choose to embark on this unconventional journey together. If they could put aside societal norms and expectations for the sake of their love.”
The idea was absurd, but Donovan’s silence seemed contemplative rather than judgmental.
Donovan finally spoke. “This fantasy, my lady. Do you wish it to be a reality?”
Portia’s heart beat rapidly. “Would you think less of me if I did?”
“Not at all, dear one. The thought gives me quite an arousal.” He took her hand and boldly placed it against the bulge in his trousers. “Did you have another gentleman in mind?”
“Yes,” she said, her breath catching. “Lord Nigel Jeffries.”
The Perils of Portia will continue…
10
“Tricia?”
Tricia gasped and quickly hid the magazine under her pillow.
“Yes, Kat?”
“Your light woke me up,” her younger sister complained.
“I’m dreadfully sorry, Kat. It’s late.”
Kat let out a wide yawn. “Shouldn’t you still be at the ball?”
She shook her head. “I’m frightfully tired, so Mummy said I could retire for the evening. The lawn party is early tomorrow, of course, which I will be expected to attend.”
“Do you think I could?” Kat asked.
“I don’t see why not. You’re a young lady of the ton, Katrina.”
“That’s Lady Katrina,” Kat reminded her.
Tricia giggled. “You’re absolutely right.”
How easy it was to forget that a mere few years ago, she was Miss Price and Kat was Miss Katrina. They were lowborn, first living as tenants on the Lybrook land, and then, after Cameron started work at the Regal Theatre in Bath, they lived in the city in a rented townhome.
Cameron now owned that townhome—a gift from their grandfather, the Marquess of Denbigh.
Cameron also owned a small estate—the Thornton estate—which was part of the larger Denbigh estate where the marquess and dowager marchioness lived.
