IN PURSUIT OF A CHRISTMAS BRIDE
THE SOCIETY OF SCANDALOUS BRIDES PREQUEL
REBECCA PAULA
Copyright © 2023 by Rebecca Paula
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CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
11. Sneak Peek of In Want of a Wife
About the Author
Also by Rebecca Paula
CHAPTER 1
Henry Davies had but one wish—to retire early at his bachelor’s apartment that evening after a long day at court.
In silence.
There would be brandy, a good book, and perhaps a small fire to chase the anticipatory chill of the coming autumn days. He would turn in for the evening at nine, promptly.
Many would consider it boring, but for him, it would be heaven. Or very close to it.
Instead, Henry was flanked by five colleagues prodding him none too gently to join in on their fun evening.
“No thank you, gentlemen.” He grabbed his texts and stood, examining the dwindling crowd in the courtroom. What a day it had been. He had argued his case, and well, but the judge had been tough, and he feared he would lose.
“Come out with us. We promise to find you some company.”
“Yes, of the female persuasion. Might do you good.”
“Not necessary.” He stood, glaring at everyone. “I have no interest in company. No time.”
His friend Benjamin Currey threw his head back and laughed. “No time? That is all you have outside of the law.”
Henry navigated the narrow aisles and weaved his way out into the hallway. His friends could laugh, but he had worked years to reach this point, and he wouldn’t take his eyes off his goal of becoming attorney general. It was hard now, and it would be for a while, but he had a duty to his family to make something of himself like his father.
“Come on now, Davies, it’s my birthday. Couldn’t you allow yourself to break free for one night?”
True, Stephen Greenwald was in fact celebrating his thirty-fourth year, but why Henry…
The simple fact of it was, Henry had no interest in spending his night at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens with his fellow colleagues, seeking and participating in all sorts of raucous trouble. No, he had a near-flawless reputation for a reason, and he would not be tempted.
Could not be tempted.
He tugged at his jabot, convinced it wasn’t straight.
