Chapter Nine
READY TO FACE the wolves, my dear?”
Richard smiled his most reassuring smile at Teresa. He thought ruefully that he could have done with some reassurance himself. It had been too long since he had ventured into a society event. And though Lady Cowper’s political soiree was not exactly the sort of gathering that he had normally attended, he was very conscious that it was a crucial first step towards his ambitious goal to restore his own social standing as the Merry Marquis, and, through that, the reputation of his betrothed.
“As ready as I will ever be, my … my lord,” Teresa said, while twisting her reticule strings around her long fingers. This familiar mannerism made Richard realize that she was close to panic, and he took a firm hold of her elbow as they walked in to the
