Страница 68 из 68
Her reply was unexpectedly honest as a result. “It rarely hurts. Not unless I overdo.”
“We will have to see you do not overdo, then. Shall we sit? The sun is really quite lovely, and the less time I spend cooped up behind stone walls, the happier I am.”
With that startling little revelation, he directed her to a bench in a widening in the walkway. Somebody had dusted the thing free of snow early enough that it was dry, or perhaps the February sun was that strong here in Edinburgh.
He seated her, then took a seat beside her—without permission. “Why are you in Great Britain, Miss Ha
She’d wanted to resent Balfour, whose job it was to deliver her to London, like a federal marshal might deliver a felon for trial. And yet, she shared with the earl an appreciation for the out of doors, for plain speaking, and for a su
“I am to find a husband,” she said, reciting the litany that had been shouted at her. “I am an American heiress and only a little long in the tooth, and it shouldn’t be too hard to find a willing baronet’s son or an aging knight.”
“I see.”
“What do you see?”
“You are a mendacious American heiress.” The amusement was back, and maybe a hint of approval.
“And you are an overly observant English gentleman.”
Another silence, while Ha
“I am not your enemy, Boston, and I am not English.” His tone was gentle, but not apologetic.
“You are the instrument of my enemy, though. You are to squire me about the ballrooms and so forth, and quietly let it be known I come with a fat dowry.”
He eyed her sidewise while Ha
“You honestly don’t want to find yourself some minor title and swan about on his arm for the next several decades? Have a few babies to show off to your friends and relations while casually flashing a vulgar diamond or two at them as well?”
“I have never swa
Swan, indeed. But the babies… Oh, damn him for mentioning the babies.
“I see.”
“What do you think you see?”
“I see why the ugly bo
That was all he said, no lecture, no lambasting her for her u
Not much.
As they walked the streets of the neighborhood, Ha
He walked slowly, as if he had all the time in the world, as if he hadn’t seen these streets over and over in all seasons.
“You are being patient with me,” Ha
“I am avoiding the mountain of paperwork waiting for me back in the library. It’s a pleasure to share a pint of grog with somebody who hasn’t had the experience—also a bit naughty. Ladies do not usually partake of strong spirits, but cold weather provides the exception to the rule and we’re not as mindful of strictest propriety here in the north. And truly, our rum buns are not to be missed.”
“A bit naughty” sounded fun when rendered in those soft, dark tones, as if the earl were as much need of a treat as Ha
Or in need of a friend?
Acknowledgments
Lady Je
I don’t know of any other author whose debut work has turned into an eight-book series, plus a few novellas. This represents prodigious commitment on the part of a publisher, and a Herculean effort on the part of my editor, Deb Werksman, marketing, public relations, art, production, and sales folks. If a book does well, the writing may have something to do with it, but most assuredly, the efforts of these people to brand the book, raise its visibility, and position it where readers can find it are indispensable.
So thanks, to Madam Editor and Madam Publisher, to marketing, to art, to sales, to public relations (this means you, Danielle), and to production (waving at Skye) for working your part of the magic that makes a manuscript into not just a book, but a book that finds its way into the hands of many happy readers.
And for those of you anticipating Windham-withdrawal, don’t worry. The Windhams have many friends, relations, and offspring. I have a few ideas…
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’s bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish, and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. The Heir was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2010, The Soldier was a Publishers Weekly Best Spring Romance of 2011, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish won Best Historical Romance of the Year in 2011 from RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and The Bridegroom Wore Plaid, the first in her trilogy of Scotland-set Victorian romances, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist.
Grace is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached through her website at graceburrowes.com.