In this spectacular follow-up to "A Wild Pursuit," a virtuous woman resolves to be very wicked in order to seduce her own husband. Original.

Your Wicked Ways

Chapter One

In Strictest Confidence

18 March 1816

The Countess Pandross to Lady Patricia Hamilton

... my dearest, as to what you tell me of the exploitsof Earl Godwin, I can only say that nothing will eversurprise me. The former Countess Godwin (who was,as you know, one of my very dearest friends) wouldturn in her grave if she knew that her son was entertainingopera singers in her house! And I shudder tothink that one of these infamous women may actuallybe living with him. How his poor wife is able tohold her head high, I shall never know. Helene hasalways showed edifying composure, although I didhear a whisper -- just a whisper -- suggesting that shemay request a divorce. I can't imagine how muchthat would cost, but Godwin must have at least fifteenthousand pounds a year and can probably affordit. At any rate, my dear, what I am truly longing tohear about are your plans for sweet Patricia's debut.Didn't you tell me that you were planning a ball for the weekend of the fifth? Mrs. Elizabeth Fremable tells me ...

21 April 1816

Helene Godwin, Countess Godwin, to her mother,currently residing in Bath

Dear Mother,

I am most sympathetic to your distress over the continuingdebacle of my marriage. I fully recognizethat my decision to elope with Rees brought scandalinto the family, but I would remind you that theelopement was years ago. I am equally aware that adivorce would be far more grievous. But I beg ofyou, please accept my decision. I simply cannotcontinue in this fashion. I am heartsick when I thinkof my life.

Your loving daughter,
Helene, Countess Godwin

22 April 1816

Rees Holland, Earl Godwin, to his brother, a vicar inthe North Country

Dear Tom,

Things are all right here. Yes, I know that you are frettingover my infamous reputation, but you will simply have to overlook my slurs on the family name. I assureyou that my sins are even more plenteous than your piouscorrespondents have told you. Women dance ontop of the table in the dining room daily.

Yours with all proper sentiment,
Rees

22 April 1816

Miss Patricia Hamilton to Miss Prunella Forbes-Shacklett

Dear Prunes,

It is too bad of your mama to bury you in the country!When is she planning to bring you to town? I assureyou that it is already very crowded here, and if onedoes not make an appointment, it is impossible to finda mantua maker who will even discuss a court gown.But Prunes, I met the most absolutely fascinating manyesterday. He is apparently quite, quite notorious—averitable rake! I am not going to put his name here, incase my abominable little brother obtains this letterbefore I mail it, but he is an earl and his initials areRH. You can look him up in Debrett's. Apparently hethrew his wife out of the house some years ago, andnow lives with an opera singer! My mother (as youcan imagine) was in a flurry of anxiety and told melater not to even think of dancing with him, as there istalk of a divorce. Imagine: me dancing with a divorcedman! Naturally I shall do it if the opportunity everpresents itself ...

23 May 1816

Rees Holland, Earl Godwin, to Helene Holland,Countess Godwin

Helene,

If you'd like to see me, you'll have to come to the house,as I'm trying to finish a score that's needed in rehearsaldirectly. To what do I owe this charming, if unexpected,pleasure? I trust you are not going to request a divorceagain, as my answer will be the same as the last. I'll tellSims to wait for a reply as I think it doubtful that youwill find the backbone to enter this den of iniquity.

Rees (should I say,Your Darling Husband?)

23 May 1816

Mr. Ned Suffle, Manager of the Royal Italian OperaHouse, to Rees Holland, Earl Godwin

Without putting undue pressure on you, my lord, Imust have the score of The Quaker Girl by the end ofthis month latest.

23 May 1816

Helene Holland, Countess Godwin to Rees Holland,Earl Godwin

I shall visit you this afternoon at two of the clock. Itrust you will be alone.

Your Wicked Ways. Copyright © by Eloisa James. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Available now wherever books are sold.

---

Excerpted from Your Wicked Ways by Eloisa James
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.