For as long as she can remember, beautiful Laurel deCourtney has loved Matthew Hughes and has always assumed the handsome landowner and consummate gentleman loves her in turn. But with her coming out now three years behind her, Laurel is starting to get a little anxious. Why hasn't Matthew proposed? What is he waiting for? With the theory that absence will make the heart grow fonder, Laurel journeys to Brighton for the summer. Thrilled when Matthew unexpectedly follows, her mood quickly turns when she realizes that a foolish bet she made with the caddish Lord Vedder during a high-stakes game of cards threatens her reputation and her future with Matthew. Featuring an unforgettable cast of characters, A Touch of Scandal is a witty and sophisticated romp through Regency society.