London's most scandalous beauty, Pandora Effington, intends to marry a hero—not one of those boring, run-of-the-mill bachelor lords who leave her cold. No, the husband she desires must be someone special, someone whose touch sends delicious shivers down her spine, and who will do absolutely everything in his power to win her love. Someone like . . . Maximillian Wells . The dashing Earl of Trent cannot believe his ears . . . or his eyes. Here before him stands beautiful Pandora Effington, and the fiery, unattainable heiress is making him a most tantalizing offer. Maximillian can have the lady's hand in marriage . . . if he agrees to play a game of her devising—one involving great risk, ingenuity, passion, and determination. It is a game he has no intention of losing . . . "With its sparkling dialogue and delightful characters, Victoria Alexander has created a merry frolic of the heart." -- Teresa Medeiros, author of Charming the Prince London's most scandalous beauty, Pandora Effington, intends to marry a hero—not one of those boring, run-of-the-mill bachelor lords who leave her cold. No, the husband she desires must be someone special, someone whose touch sends delicious shivers down her spine, and who will do absolutely everything in his power to win her love. Someone like . . . Maximillian Wells . The dashing Earl of Trent cannot believe his ears . . . or his eyes. Here before him stands beautiful Pandora Effington, and the fiery, unattainable heiress is making him a most tantalizing offer. Maximillian can have the lady's hand in marriage . . . if he agrees to play a game of her devising—one involving great risk, ingenuity, passion, and determination. It is a game he has no intention of losing . . . #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was more fun than real life. She is the author of thirty-one novels, and her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. Victoria lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with her long-suffering husband and two dogs, in a house under endless renovation and never-ending chaos. The Wedding Bargain By Alexander, Victoria Avon Books ISBN: 0380806290 Chapter One The Opening Gambit Spring, 1818 "You, my lord, are a rake and a rogue. A scoundrel." Pandora Effington leveled a gaze filled with every vile thought she could marshal at Maximillian Wells, the Earl of Trent. "in short, sir, you are a beast." Trent stepped into the secluded salon, within easy distance of the crowded ballroom of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rockingham, yet far enough away to provide a discreet meeting place for a private assignation. "Am I?" "You are indeed. You should probably be shot." "I scarcely know what to say." He snapped the doors closed behind him. A twinge of apprehension stabbed at her. Perhaps it was not a good idea to be alone with a rake, a rogue, a scoundrel, and a beast. "Except, of course," amusement glimmered in his eye, "thank you." "Thank you?" Why, the man was as arrogant as she had heard. The comers of his mouth twitched as if he struggled to hold back a grin. "It is not often that one receives such a compliment." "It was in no way intended as a compliment. " In the space of a few moments, Trent had managed to turn the conversation completely around. Why was she surprised? She should have expected that he wouldn't believe her comments were criticism of the highest order. His reputation preceded him.' Trent leaned against the carved fireplace mantel in a manner at once casual and challenging. "Perhaps it was not intended as such, but it was indeed high praise. Although I must admit, I did not expect flattery when you lured me in here." "Oh?" Pandora was never particularly given to caution, but the same instinct that kept her from straying too far past the bounds of proper behavior warned her now to take care. Stiff, curiosity was as integral to her existence as the beat of her heart. "What did you expect?" Trent raised a brow. Pandora laughed in spite of her annoyance. He did indeed have an inflated opinion of himself. "Surely, you did not presume -- " Trent nodded, a slow smile spread ing across his face. "What would you have me believe? I am enticed into a private setting -- " "I did not entice you." " -- For reasons completely unknown to me -- " "I intend to make those perfectly clear." " -- By a woman who is no longer a green girl, and by all accounts should know what she is about. I believe this is your eighth season, is it not?" It should not have bothered her, this reminder that in a life filled with the excitement of following her own rules, her inability or unwillingness to marry was a failure in the eyes of most. Yet it did. Always. Her amusement vanished and she gritted her teeth. "Seventh." "Forgive me. One tends to lose track when a young lady passes a certain age. But then again. the term 'young' is relative, don't you think?" "I am barely four-