From acclaimed authors Stephanie Laurens, Nicola Cornick and Kasey Michaels come three enchanting tales to exceed expectations.
A Lady of Expectations
Jack Lester seeks the perfect brideone who is attractive and kind, but who also loves him in spite of his wealth. Which is why he keeps this trifling detail hidden. But when Sophie Winterton enters his life, believing he must marry into wealth to run his familys estate, how will he convince her that she is the woman he desiresand that he can be the husband she deserves?
Secrets of a Courtesan
Eve Nightingale thought she had put her past as mistress to the Duke of Welburn behind her. But when the handsome duke strolls into her small village, she finds it hard to keep her secrets concealedand to keep her heart from stirring for him once again.
How to Woo a Spinster
Governess Maggie Stover is outraged when she is coerced into harboring a pirate in her home, lest her family face eviction. Though she may have a change of heart when she realizes the pirate is in fact the long-lost, and devilishly alluring, Duke of Trevere.
Praise for #1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens
All I need is her name on the cover to make me pick up the book.
New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard
Laurenss writing shines.
Publishers Weekly
Superbly sensualelegantly writtensplendidly entertaining.
Booklist
Praise for USA TODAY bestselling author Nicola Cornick
Her books are fabulous.
New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn
A rising star of the Regency arena.
Publishers Weekly
A wonderfully original, sinfully amusing and sexy Regency historical by the always entertaining Cornick.
Booklist on The Confessions of a Duchess
Praise for USA TODAY bestselling author Kasey Michaels
Kasey Michaels aims for the heart and never misses.
New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts
The historical elementsimbue the novel with powerful realism that will keep readers coming back.
Publishers Weekly on A Midsummer Nights Sin
One of the finest Regency writers does it again Wit, humor and cleverness combine to create an utterly delicious romance, just the kind readers relish.
RT Book Reviews on The Taming of the Rake
A Lady of Expectations and Other Stories
A Lady of Expectations
Stephanie Laurens
The Secrets of a Courtesan
Nicola Cornick
How to Woo a Spinster
Kasey Michaels
www.millsandboon.co.uk
Contents
A Lady of Expectations
The Secrets of a Courtesan
How to Woo a Spinster
A Lady of Expectations
Stephanie Laurens
Readers can contact Stephanie at slaurens@vicnet.net.au. For information on all of Stephanies books, including updates on novels to come, visit Stephanies website at www.stephanielaurens.com.
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
CHAPTER ONE
LADY ASFORDBY, OF ASFORDBY GRANGE, requests the pleasure of the company of Mr. Jack Lester, of Rawlings Cottage, and guests, at a ball.
Ensconced in an armchair by the fireplace, a glass of brandy in one long-fingered hand, the white card of Lady Asfordbys invitation in the other, Jack Lester made the pronouncement with ill-disguised gloom.
Shes the grand dame of these parts, aint she? Lord Percy Almsworthy was the second of the three gentlemen taking their ease in the parlour of Jacks hunting box. Outside, the wind howled about the eaves and tugged at the shutters. All three had ridden to hounds that day, taking the field with the Quorn. But while both Jack and his brother Harry, presently sprawled on the chaise, were clipping riders, up with the best of them, Percy had long ago taken Brummels lead, indefatigable in turning out precise to a pin but rarely venturing beyond the first field. Which explained why he was now idly pacing the room, restless, while the brothers lounged, pleasantly exhausted, with the look about them of men not willing to stir. Pausing by the fireplace, Percy looked down on his host. Lend a bit of colour to your stay, what? Besides, he added, turning to amble once more, You never knowmight see a golden head that takes your eye.
In this backwater? Jack snorted. If I couldnt find any golden head worth the attention last Seasonnor during the Little SeasonI dont give much for my chances here.
Oh, I dont know. Unconsciously elegant, Harry Lester lounged on the chaise, one broad shoulder propped against a cushion, his thick golden locks rakishly dishevelled. His sharply intelligent green eyes wickedly quizzed his elder brother. You seem remarkably set on this start of yours. As finding a wife has become so important to you, I should think it behoves you to turn every stone. Who knows which one hides a gem?
Blue eyes met green. Jack grunted and looked down. Absent-mindedly, he studied the gilt-edged card. Firelight glinted over the smooth waves of his dark hair and shadowed his lean cheeks. His brow furrowed.
He had to marry. He had inwardly acknowledged that fact more than twenty months ago, even before his sister, Lenore, had married the Duke of Eversleigh, leaving the burden of the family squarely on his shoulders.
Perseverancethats what you need. Percy nodded to no one in particular. Cant let another Season go by without making your choicewaste your life away if youre too finicky.
I hate to say it, old son, Harry said. But Percys right. You cant seriously go for years looking over the field, turning your nose up at all the offerings. Taking a sip of his brandy, he eyed his brother over the rim of his glass. His green eyes lit with an unholy gleam. Not, he added, his voice soft, unless you allow your good fortune to become known.
Heaven forbid! Eyes narrowing, Jack turned to Harry. And just in case you have any ideas along that track, perhaps I should remind you that its our good fortuneyours and mine and Geralds, too? Features relaxing, Jack sank back in his chair, a smile erasing the severe line of his lips. Indeed, the chance of seeing you playing catch-me-who-can with all the enamoured damsels is sorely tempting, brother mine.
Harry grinned and raised his glass. Fear notthat thought has already occurred. If the ton stumbles onto our secret, it wont be through me. And Ill make a point of dropping a quiet word in our baby brothers ear, whats more. Neither you nor I need him queering our pitch.
Too true. Jack shuddered artistically. The prospect does not bear thinking of.
Percy was frowning. I cant see it. Why not let it out that youre all as rich as bedammed? God knows, you Lesters have been regarded as nothing more than barely well-to-do for generations. Now thats changed, why not reap the rewards? His guileless expression was matched by his next words. The debs would be yours for the askingyou could take your pick.
Both Lester men bent looks of transparent sympathy upon their hapless friend.
Bewildered, Percy blinked and patiently waited to be set aright.
Unable to hold a candle to his long-time companions in the matter of manly attributes, he had long since become reconciled to his much slighter figure, his sloping shoulders and spindly shanks. More than reconciledhe had found his vocation as a Pink of the Ton. Dressing to disguise his shortcomings and polishing his address to overcome his innate shyness had led to yet another discovery; his newfound status spared him from the trial of chasing women. Both Jack and Harry thrived on the sport, but Percys inclinations were of a less robust nature. He adored the ladiesfrom a distance. In his estimation, his present style of life was infinitely preferable to the racy existence enjoyed by his companions.
However, as both Jack and Harry were well aware, his present lifestyle left him woefully adrift when it came to matters of strategy in handling the female of the species, particularly those dragons who menaced all rakesthe matrons of the ton.
And, naturally, with his mild manners and retiring ways, he was hardly the sort of gentleman who inhabited the debutantes dreams. All the Lester menJack, at thirty-six, with his dark good looks and powerful athletes physique, and Harry, younger by two years, his lithe figure forever graceful and ineffably elegantand even twenty-four-year-old Gerald, with his boyish charmwere definitely the stuff of which females dreams were made.
Actually, Percy, old man, Harry said. I rather suspect Jack thinks he can have his pick regardless.
Jack shot a supercilious glance at his sibling. As a matter of fact, Ive not previously considered the point.
Harrys lips lifted; gracefully, he inclined his head. I have infinite confidence, oh brother mine, that if and when you find your particular golden head, you wont need the aid of our disgusting wealth in persuading her to your cause.
Yesbut why the secrecy? Percy demanded.
Because, Jack explained, while the matrons have considered my fortune, as you so succinctly put it, as barely well-to-do, theyve been content to let me stroll among their gilded flowers, letting me look my fill without undue interference.
With three profligate sons in the family and an income little more than a competence, it was commonly understood that the scions of Lester Hall would require wealthy brides. However, given the family connections and the fact that Jack, as eldest, would inherit the Hall and principal estates, no one had been surprised when, once he had let it be known he was seriously contemplating matrimony, the invitations had rolled in.
Naturally, Harry suavely put in. With all Jacks years ofworldly experience, no one expects him to fall victim to any simple snares and, given the lack of a Lester fortune, theres insufficient incentive for the dragons to waste effort mounting any of their more convoluted schemes.
So Ive been free to view the field. Jack took back the conversational reins. However, should any whiff of our changed circumstances begin circulating through the ton, my life of unfettered ease will be over. The harpies will descend with a vengeance.
Nothing they like better than the fall of a rake, Harry confided to Percy. Brings out their best effortsnever more hellishly inventive than when theyve a rich rake with a declared interest in matrimony firmly in their sights. They relish the prospect of the hunter being the hunted.
Jack threw him a quelling glance. Sufficient to say that my life will no longer be at all comfortable. I wont be able to set foot outside my door without guarding against the unimaginable. Debs at every turn, hanging on a fellows arm, forever batting their silly lashes. Its easy to put one off women for life.
Harry shut his eyes and shuddered.
The light of understanding dawned on Percys cherubic countenance. Oh, he said. Then, In that case, youd better accept Lady Asfordbys invitation.
Jack waved a languid hand. Ive all the Season to go yet. No need to get in a pother.
Ah, yes. But will you? Have all the Season, I mean? When both Jack and Harry looked lost, Percy explained, This fortune of yours was made on Change, wasnt it?
Jack nodded. Lenore took the advice of one of the paters acquaintances and staked a fleet of merchantmen to the Indies. The company was formed through the usual channels and is listed in London.
Precisely! Percy came to a flourishing halt by the fireplace. So any number of men with an interest at the Exchange know the company was wildly successful. And lots of them must know that the Lesters were one of the major backers. That sort of things not secret, yknow. Mfather, for one, would be sure to know.
Jack and Harry exchanged looks of dawning dismay.
Theres no way to silence all those who know, Percy continued. So youve only got until one of those men happens to mention to his wife that the Lesters fortunes have changed and the whole world will know.
A groan escaped Harry.
Nowait. Jack straightened. Its not that simple, thank God. The last was said with all due reverence. Lenore organized it, but naturally she could hardly act for herself in the matter. She used our broker, old Charters, a terribly stuffy old soul. He has never approved of females being involved in businessthe old man had to lean on him to accept instructions from Lenore years ago. Charters only agreed on the understanding of secrecy all roundhe didnt want it known that he took orders from a woman. Which probably means he wont admit it was us he was working for, as its fairly well known Lenore was in charge of our finances. If Charters doesnt talk, theres no reason to imagine our windfall will become common knowledge overnight.
Percy frowned and pursed his lips. Not overnight, maybe. But dashed if I think itll be all that long. These things filter through the cracks in the mortar, so my old man says.
A sober silence descended on the room as the occupants weighed the situation.
Percys right. Harrys expression was grim.
Glumly resigned, Jack held up Lady Asfordbys invitation. In more ways than one. Ill send round to Lady Asfordby to expect us.