A Spy Unmasked (Entangled Scandalous) by Tina Gabrielle

how we met. Our love story.”
    Their love story? “Is that necessary?”
    His voice held a distinct note of challenge. “It is if you refuse to stay home and out of trouble like Wendover had initially requested.”
    “I do.”
    His glance was bemused and opaque. “Then people will undoubtedly ask questions about us. I realize most unions are not love matches, but our situation must be different. Your parents are deceased, and you are of age. Wendover advised me that your father’s estate was not entailed and that you do not imminently need to marry for financial reasons. Therefore, it will be much more convincing if we act the loving couple.”
    “I see,” she murmured.
    Glancing at his handsome visage, Sophia understood it would not be difficult for women to believe she had fallen head over heels in love with Lord Kirkland. To the contrary, it would be difficult to convince them otherwise.
    “I spoke with my cousin, Jane, about our engagement,” she said.
    “Was her reaction that of disbelief?”
    “She is my closest friend. I told her that we’d met by chance, and you were kind enough to assist me in looking into my father’s death. I explained that over time we had fallen in love.”
    “Did she believe you?”
    “I don’t know. I’m not as accustomed to…” She trailed off. She wanted to say lying, but bit her tongue. “As accustomed to acting as you are.”
    A sparkle of humor lit his blue eyes. “Has Jane agreed to be your chaperone during the Delmont’s house party?”
    Sophia nodded.
    “Good. I must thank your cousin before we depart. Until then, we’ll have to contrive our love story and practice role playing.”
    A frisson of unease tingled up her spine. The last time he had wanted to “role play,” he had come dangerously close to kissing her. She had lost her nerve and stepped away, but if she was truthful to herself, it was not out of fear of his kiss, but from her anticipated response.
    “What exactly do you have in mind?” she asked hesitantly.
    He stood and walked around the desk. “You look like a deer about to bolt from a hunter.”
    She rose and squared her shoulders at his comment. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
    He came close and propped his hip against the desk. “Let’s see. We first saw each other at a church service.” He rubbed his chin between his thumb and forefinger. “No, that’s too righteous. How about at a book-club meeting? Or a walk in Hyde Park?” He shook his head. “No, both are boring and lack spontaneity.” Snapping his fingers, he caused her to blink. “I’ve got it! We met in Madame Beauxbaton’s dance class.”
    “Dance class? But I know how to dance. No one will believe such nonsense,” she protested.
    “Yes, they will. Since your father’s death, you’ve rarely attended balls or soirees. It’s only natural to attend Madame’s dance studio to brush up on your skills.”
    Her mouth fell open. He must have spoken with Wendover about much more than her financial independence. It was true she had been selective in which functions to attend and that was probably why she had never seen the new Earl Kirkland out and about in London.
    After her father had been dubbed the “Mad Marquess,” she had initially been ashamed, but then her anger had surfaced at the fickle members of the ton. She’d declined numerous invitations she’d received—no longer from embarrassment, but from fury. She understood herself enough to know that she would have defended her father and delivered scathing remarks to the hurtful gossips. Her impulsiveness and sense of righteousness would have demanded it.
    At her stunned silence, he continued. “Both ladies and gentleman are seeking instruction due to the growing popularity of the waltz.”
    “The waltz? You can’t be serious.” Some considered the close proximity of the dancers scandalous.
    “Don’t be such a stickler. As I said, the waltz has become quite popular,” he said.
    She frowned. “What of Madame