Anne grabbed the hilt of the sword. It came free of the scabbard with a satisfying hiss of metal.
I cannot believe, he said, that I was so careless.
Lord Grevilles Captive
Harlequin® Historical
Praise for international bestselling author and RITA®Award finalist Nicola Cornick
Vivid detailrollicking tug-of-warsubtle humor
Publishers Weekly
Bluestocking Brides
The Notorious Lord, One Night of Scandal and The Rakes Mistress
Intense sexual tension between best friends who are discovering theyre actually in lovevery entertaininga highly readable series.
Romantic Times BOOKreviews
The Notorious Lordmagically weaves dialogue between a spunky heroine and an irresistible rake that had me hooked through the entire book.
Romance Junkies
Vivid evocations of the Regencyrichly drawn and believable characters which you will hate to say goodbye to when you reach the final page.
CataRomance
Deceived
Masterfully blends misconceptions, vengeance, powerful emotions and the realization of great love into a touching story.
4½ stars from Romantic Times BOOKreviews
Nicola Cornick L ORDGREVILLES CAPTIVE
Available from Harlequin®Historical and NICOLA CORNICK
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The Fortune Hunter
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The Season for Suitors
Deceived
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Lord of Scandal
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Prologue
Summer 1641
It was high summer and the village of
and huffed. Tis not a matter for jest, my lady. The demands of a husband can come as a shock to a gentlewoman. Why, my own husband kept me busy nigh on five times a night.
Muna clapped her hands to her mouth. Five times! Every night?
I heard tell that he was a very lusty fellow, Anne said, smiling. I am not sure whether you are to be congratulated or commiserated with, Edwina. Did you ever get any sleep?
You are not taking this seriously, the maid grumbled. Well, do not come complaining to me when you receive a shock on your wedding night!
I promise I shall not complain, Anne said. And, she added firmly, I should like a little time alone, if you please, before the feasting starts.
They went grumbling, Edwina herding Muna and the younger maids before her, closing the door on their chatter. Anne sank down on the window seat with a heartfelt sigh. She had so little quiet. The burden of managing the household had fallen on her shoulders since her mother had died. Always there was someone or something demanding her attention, from the maids who fussed and fluttered around her to the villagers who brought her their problems and requests, knowing that she would present their petitions to her father with soft and persuasive words. She loved the people of Grafton and she knew they loved her. Her entire life had been lived out in this land. And now through this betrothal she knew that the Earl of Grafton was seeking to ensure her a safe future, knowing that his health was starting to fail and that Grafton and its lady needed a strong lord to defend them.
Anne felt the prickle of tears in her throat. She swallowed hard, and deliberately turned her thoughts aside from her fathers ill health. The room was hot, its walls confining. Suddenly she did not wish to sit waiting here for the summons to the betrothal feast. The air would be fresher in the garden.
So it proved. She skirted the kitchens, where the cook was bellowing at the scullions and sweating to provide the finest banquet that Grafton had ever seen. The villagers were already flocking to fill the ancient tithe barn and share in the feast. But no one saw Anne as she slipped through the doorway into the walled garden and walked slowly through the parterre to the sundial at the centre. The shadows were lengthening and the smell of the lavender was still in the air. She ran her fingers over the sundials smooth surface. Sometimes it felt as though time stood still at Grafton. In her memories there was always the sun.
Lady Anne.
Anne jumped, a small cry escaping her lips. She had not seen the man who was standing in the shadow of the doorway, but now he came forward, his footsteps crunching on the gravel, until he was standing before her.
I beg your pardon, Simon Greville said. I did not intend to startle you. Your father is looking for you, Lady Anne. We are ready for the feast.
Anne nodded. Her heart was beating swiftly, not only from the shock of his sudden appearance but also from the knowledge that they were alone for the first time. During the previous week they had ridden out together, danced under the indulgent gaze of the household and conversed on generalities. But suddenly it seemed precious little upon which to build a marriage; even as Anne reminded herself of her duty, the fear clutched at her heart.