Book Title: THE SCARLET SPY
Character Name: Deverill Osborne
How would you describe your childhood?
“In a word?” Deverill Osborne paused for a moment, eying his interviewer with a quizzical look. “Why, it was rather . . . perfect. I had all the luxuries of being born into an aristocratic family—and as I was a younger son, I had none of the responsibilities of being the heir.” A sunny smile. “It made for a very pleasant, carefree existence.”
What is your greatest talent?
Well, in all modesty, I’m considered to be a good friend and a very charming fellow.“ A cough. “Perhaps a tad feckless, but charming—just ask all the ladies of the beau monde.” After reflecting for a brief moment, he added, “Granted, I don’t have a serious bone in my body. But where’s the fun in life if one has to think too hard?”
You left out mentioning your handsome phiz, but I give you credit for that. But given your charm, I assume
you have a significant other?
“Ah, well. I confess that’s a difficult question to answer. Several weeks ago, I would have cheerfully answered ‘none whatsoever!’ You see, relationships aren’t conducive to a devil-may-care existence, so I take care to avoid them. But then—honestly, I must have imbibed a bit too much brandy at my gentlemen’s club—I said ‘yes’ to my friend Lord Lynsley when he asked me to do a favor for him. it seemed simple enough—serve as escort for a young widowed Italian Contessa, a family friend who had recently moved to London, and introduce her into Polite Society.” Deverill grimaced. “I must have had windmills in my head to get involved with her. I’ve always suspected that there was something havey-cavey about Lynsley. And now I am sure of it!”
Why?
Because there is something deucedly odd about Lady Sofia Lady della Silveri!”
Might I ask you to elaborate on that statement?
Deverill pursed his lips in thought. “It’s rather hard to explain. She’s a paragon of perfection—poised, graceful, well-mannered, but with a sly sense of humor—and stunningly beautiful. In other words, just the sort of lady I enjoy flirting with. Indeed, I find her . . . interesting.” His brow furrowed. “And yet there is something in her lovely eyes—a hint of steel beneath those beguiling long lashes—that is a bit frightening.” He hesitated. “No, allow me to amend that statement—it’s both frightfully and intriguing. I can’t help but wonder what dark secrets she’s hiding.”
Good heavens, I know Lord Lynsley, and surely you don’t think he would introduce a lady of less than sterling reputation into the highest circles of London Society?
“I know, I know! It seems absurd, but one of the reasons I get along very well with people is because I’m a good judge of character.” Deverill looked around and then lowered his voice. “Everyone in Polite Society has welcomed her with open arms and thinks that she’s the cat’s meow. But if you must know, I happened to observe her sneaking away from the ballroom the other night, and when I followed her, I saw her slip through the door of our host’s private study!”
What did you do?
“What else could I do but discreetly confront her and ask what she was doing?” A sigh. “She claimed she was a bit bored and was merely looking for a book to read—even though I am quite I sure saw her riffling through some papers on the desk. As a gentleman, I couldn’t very well call her a liar. However, I felt it was my duty to report her behavior to Lord Lynsley.”
And?
“He accused me of having read too many gothic horror novels and suggested that I ought not let my imagination run wild!” Deverill narrowed his eyes. “Ha! I may be a fribble but I’m not as feather-headed as he implied. There is something strange going on, and I mean to get to the truth!”
Umm, I must say, that surprises me. Why do you care? You’ve done what Lynsley asked and given her entrée in Society. Why not simply waltz away and go back to your own affairs?
“A good question,” admitted Deverill. “It’s not as if I see myself as a knight in shining armor—I’m far too frivolous for that. However, I can’t help but worry. Some titled gentlemen with very unscrupulous reputations are paying court to her, and . . .” A frown. “And as she is new to this country, Lady Sofia may not understand the danger she is in. So I feel it is my duty to protect her.”
And how is that going?
Deverill thought for a moment. “Next question.”
Touched a raw nerve, have I?
An exasperated huff. “Look, I’m just as surprised as you are to find that I appear to have an old-fashioned sense of gentlemanly honor. Lady Sofia may not realize that she is a damsel in distress, but I simply can’t in good conscience allow her to stumble into a nest of vipers without trying to save her from ruin.”
You do surprise me. Being a hero requires a good deal of effort—unselfish effort, I might add.
A pained sigh. “Please don’t remind me of that. I think I liked it better when my only concerns were about the next party and its convivial pleasures.” After pondering that statement for a long moment, he shook his head. “On second thought, perhaps having a sense of purpose is not such a bad thing . . .”
Well, good luck in unraveling the mystery . . . I hope the whole knight-in-shining-armor thing doesn’t weight too heavily on your shoulders. Do let me know how it turns out!
Mrs. Merlin’s Academy for Extraordinary Young Ladies #3
The most ladylike of "Merlin's Mauraders," Sofia possesses a natural grace and grandeur to go along with her deadly arsenal of martial skills--which makes her the perfect choice for a dangerous assignment to investigate rumors of government corruption. She must spin through the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair and the sinister back alleys of the city in search of the truth. One misstep on her part could prove fatal as she works to unravel the tangled web of deceit...but keeping the sinfully sexy Deverill Osborne at arm's length is a real test of her mettle.
Handsome, witty and charming, Osborne is the darling of the ton. So when he is asked by the Marquess of Lynsley to introduce a lovely young Italian contessa into Society, he is only too happy to oblige...however he soon has suspicions about the contessa. When he catches her stealing valuables from a gentleman's study, should he believe the worst? Or should he trust the tantalizing murmur of her words...and the sultry, sensuous whispers of her body.
To unmask the conspirators, Sofia and Osborne will overcome hidden dangers, including their own growing passion...which may be the most dangerous force of all.
Mystery Historical | Romance [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: April 8, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Andrea Pickens is a graduate of Yale University, where she majored in art and intellectual history. She has a master's degree in graphic design from the Yale School of Art and Architecture, and is currently the creative director for two sporting magazines. A lifelong fan of Jane Austen, Ann Radcliffe, and the Brontes, she resides with her husband in Connecticut, where she's working on getting her golf handicap down to a respectable number.
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