A Lady's Guide to Skirting Scandal Read Online Free PDF

find that there was now a wicked gleam in her eye.
    He swallowed, his mouth dry.
    “Mr. Shaw was teaching me a bit about biology, Bar—Miss Yates,” she said. “He is quite…accomplished. As a surgeon, that is.”
    Miss Yates narrowed her eyes at Nate, putting a hand to her substantial bosom. “Indeed? Biology?”
    “And blowflies,” he blurted, feeling the weight of more accusation in her gaze.
    “Mr. Shaw !” Miss Yates was aghast. “You should know that such subject matter is not suitable for the minds of young ladies.”
    “Of course. My apologies. I do tend to get carried away.”
    “Then I would request that you show more restraint in the future, Mr. Shaw,” the woman ordered.
    Nate risked another look at Viola. Dear God. She was grinning at him.
    Reckless. Impulsive. The other two adjectives Boden had used to describe his sister, and no doubt they were not meant as compliments. But when combined with desirable and devilish, the mixture became rather exhilarating.
    “Perhaps, my lady, you might like to borrow this,” he said, reaching for the book and the map that lay forgotten on the counter. He knew very well why he was making this offer, even though his actions now were likely no wiser than when he’d had his hands on her backside. But, as then, he seemed incapable of resisting. If Lady Viola borrowed this book, she would need to return it. She would have an excuse to seek him out again.
    “What is that, Mr. Shaw?” Miss Yates demanded, striding forward to pluck it from his hands. She turned it over gingerly as though she expected it to detonate in her grasp. “I trust it is not something inappropriate.”
    He avoided Lady Viola’s gaze.
    “It is a brief account of our destination,” Nate said smoothly. “I thought it might be beneficial for Lady Viola to familiarize herself with the geography and the history.”
    “Why?”
    “So that Lady Viola may participate in the conversations that will take place at the dinner parties and other social functions that she will undoubtedly be invited to. I am made to understand that exploration and expansion are of great interest to New York’s most elite.” As he finished the sentence, he almost snorted. He was lying through his teeth. As if he would have any idea what the upper echelons of New York society spoke of over roasted capons and champagne.
    “Really?” Miss Yates was frowning, her tiny eyes almost disappearing under her heavy gray brow as she flipped through the pages.
    “Very well.” She handed the book to Lady Viola, apparently failing to find anything in it that looked inappropriate. “You may read it.”
    “Thank you,” Viola said, holding the small booklet to her breast, looking oddly as if she had just been handed a diamond tiara.
    “I do think you will find that book educational and informative,” Nate said to her.
    “I’m sure.” Lady Viola was still grinning, and it was suddenly very hard to remember why he shouldn’t grin back.
    “Good day, Mr. Shaw,” Miss Yates sniffed.
    “Good day,” Nate replied.
    “Now come along, my lady.” Miss Yates was ushering Lady Viola out of the surgery as quickly as her bulk would allow. “It is simply not seemly—” She stopped abruptly. “Good heavens,” she exclaimed, her face screwed up into another arrangement of accusation and displeasure. “Whatever happened to your bonnet?” She put a hand to her mouth. “Why, it is positively flattened !”

Chapter 3
    V iola had never been kissed before.
    Oh, she thought she had, those two times gentlemen had stolen quick pecks out in a darkened garden, but now she realized just how foolish she’d been. Those kisses had been fleeting, and not a little slimy, if she was being honest. Men who had grasped her gloved hands, squeezing her fingers as though they’d been afraid she would bolt, while pressing their lips to hers. Men who clearly had no idea how to kiss.
    Not like Nathaniel Shaw did.
    Mr. Shaw did things to her that she