by Amy Corwin
“What do you mean?”
Her father smiled in his knowing way, producing a now familiar sinking feeling in her stomach. “Come along, daughter. You mustn’t be faint of heart—not now.”
Her fingers twisted together nervously, but she went on gamely. “I'm not a coward—I'm just not sure what you're suggesting.”
“Tonight, you shall pay him a visit. Sometime after midnight, I should think.” Her father eyed her. “Is there a convenient tree, perhaps? A way to get into his bedroom?”
“Not a tree,” she said. Then she remembered Sotheby's well-hidden soft side and the way he had let her in after she'd been shot. He would let in Mr. Sanderson. “But I know I can find a way inside. Though I don't know what good it will do.”
Lady Victoria smothered a giggle with one hand and slapped her husband's forearm with the other. “You old goat,” she murmured. “You are terrible—and incorrigible.”
He grinned and patted her hand. “Bring one of those lacy chemise—plenty of ribbons. And lace.” He had the grace to flush.
“You're not suggesting—” Sarah’s vivid imagination brought William's face—and his broad, bare chest—to mind. Her body tingled.
“Just be in his room—preferably in his bed—by, um, shall we say one a.m. Sharp?”
“He'll die of mortification,” she replied, savoring the notion.
“Not before he marries you, my dear. He can't refuse to save you from ruin, now can he? Not after he's been so solicitous of your reputation.” He rubbed his nose thoughtfully. “So, don't forget. At precisely one, I shall come through the doorway flourishing my pistols—or better yet a cutlass—and demanding justice. We shall get the necessary licenses, immediately. And I shall bring the vicar of Longmoor with me, just to be sure.”
“You're both dreadful,” Lady Victoria said.
Her father smiled and flung an arm around Sarah’s shoulder. “We're both Archers.”
“Then, Mr. Trenchard has my deepest sympathy,” Lady Victoria said. “Because he hasn't a chance.”
“But that's the point, isn't it?” Mr. Archer replied. “He did say he loved you, Mary, didn't he?”
“Yes,” she murmured, her heart dancing light and free.
The notion of walking in on William while he was curled up, fast asleep in bed, at the misty hour of midnight was too romantic to ignore. She could just imagine his face, surrounded by tousled blond curls, when he woke up to find her next to him. And his expression when he saw her father standing in the doorway with a brace of pistols cocked and the vicar behind him.
It was irresistible.
“I'm so glad, that I'm your daughter,” she said, embracing her parents. “And you're right. William doesn't have a chance. He never did. He just didn't realize it. But he will tonight, won't he?”
“Oh, yes,” her father agreed. “We'll see to that.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
“What the—what are you doing here?” William asked, waking suddenly to find Sarah slipping under the crook of his arm. He sat up and glanced around in confusion. “In my bed!”
“I missed you,” she said. She snuggled against him and pulled his arm over her shoulder. His hand instinctively curved over her warm, soft breast. There seemed to be nothing between her satiny skin and his palm except a ridiculously thin confection of lace and satin ribbons.
It was a dream. It had to be.
The bed was filled with the soft scent of rose and Sarah. He bent his head and brushed his lips against her silky, blonde-streaked hair.
“Oh, Sarah,” he murmured, his arms tightening around her. He knew he should push her away, but he couldn't find the strength to do so. Not again. And if this was a dream, he wanted it to last forever. “I thought I'd never see you again.”
“You haven't.” Her voice bubbled with laughter. “I'm not Sarah. I'm Mary. Mary Archer.”
“What?” He pulled back and grabbed her by the shoulders. “You're Mary Archer?” Then he laughed and pulled her against him, breathing in the rich fragrance of her hair. “I should have known—you always had the look of the Archers.”
“So, there's nothing for you to worry about. I'm not a lady, after all.”
“Maybe not.” His heart pounded as he gently raised her face to his. He studied her lovely features, grateful to hold her in his arms one more time. “But you'll always be a lady to me.”
Then, just as he pressed his lips against her eager mouth, he heard the distant chime of the clock in his office. One a.m.
The door slammed open. It hit the wall with such force that the jug of water on his washstand fell over with a crash.
“Ahoy!” Mr. Archer's voice yelled from the doorway. In deep, Shakespearian tones he continued, “Take thy hands off my daughter, ye knave!”
William had no time to recover before a tall, silver-haired man followed. He crowded into his bedroom behind Mr. Archer. “Oh, dear,” he said, casting a meek, embarrassed glance down at the carpet.
“That tears it, varlet! I demand suitable recompense for my daughter's honor,” Archer said, waving a cutlass through the air.
“I—” William stuttered, trying to push the mostly unclothed Sarah—Mary—behind him.
“He ravished me!” She raised a hand to her forehead and flopped back dramatically against his pillows. When he glared at her, she stifled a giggle.
Then William stared at Mr. Archer, his gaze fixed on the sword. “I—”
“Marriage?” the silver-haired man offered in a tentative voice. “That is—”
The distinct impression of being grandly outmaneuvered crept over William. He looked at Mr. Archer, the silver-haired man, and Sarah, or rather, Mary. They all stared back at him expectantly.
Definitely outmaneuvered.
And he couldn't have been happier.
“I—”
“That's it, vicar. He agrees,” Archer said. “I'm grateful to you for accompanying me. Now, shall we get this over with?”
The mattress jiggled. William gripped Sarah’s slender wrist when she threatened to leave the sanctuary of his bed. “Are you absolutely sure?”
Her gray eyes glowed. “Yes.”
“Then, yes. I think we had better,” he said. “And then you will leave. I have a great deal to say to your daughter, Mr. Archer.”
“I should—” she said.
“You will stay where you are,” William said, pulling her against him. He placed a heavy arm over her shoulders. This time, she was not getting away from him, honor be damned.
“Indeed,” Archer said in an approving voice.
“Now, Vicar, if you please?” William asked.
The vicar nodded and gently opened his bible.
And as William settled back against the pillows and held Sarah’s warm body against him, he smiled. She was right about his laziness, after all.
Somehow, he had managed to get everything he ever desired without leaving the comfort of his bed.
Other Titles by Amy Corwin
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Other Titles by Amy Corwin
The Archer Family Regency Romance Series
The Archer Family series are traditional Regency romances spiced with a mystery. The books all offer at least a glimpse of John Archer, the instigator of many a madcap adventure. He can’t seem to keep from dragging his unfortunate relatives with hi
m on escapades that invariably uncover a murder or two. Thankfully, Mr. Knighton Gaunt, of the Second Sons Inquiry Agency is often on hand to help the Archers out of the worst of their troubles.
While these books do not need to be read in order, the list below presents them in the intended order.
The Necklace ~ A young woman, a scoundrel, and a family heirloom that might possibly be cursed.
Book 0.1 – A Prequel to the Archer’s series
The Necklace introduces John Archer and his exasperated niece, Oriana Archer, who is tired of trying to keep her uncle out of trouble. When Uncle John drags home yet another disreputable associate for her to nurse, she’s at her wit’s end. But there’s no rest for the weary, and when Oriana stumbles over a murdered man, suspicion points directly at her!
The Unwanted Heiress ~ (Previously published as I Bid One American) An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects.
Book 1
Nathaniel Archer, Oriana’s brother, no sooner inherits a dukedom than he’s accused of murder. And his Uncle John’s schemes don’t help. Uncle John is the guardian to an American heiress he’s anxious to unload on an unattached gentleman, and Nathaniel looks as good as any, despite the shadow of a noose hanging above his head.
But Nathaniel is made of sterner stuff, and he’s got more to worry about than romancing a singularly unromantic heiress when a dead debutante is found in his carriage.
A Lady in Hiding ~ (Previously published as The Bricklayer’s Helper) A masquerade turns deadly when a murderer discovers one of his victims survived.
Book 2
Lone survivor of a tragic fire, Sarah Sanderson disguises herself as a man and works as a bricklayer, hoping to escape notice. The fire that killed her family thirteen years ago was set deliberately, and since work brought her to London, she’s sensed danger closing in on her. So she hires an inquiry agent from the Second Sons Inquiry Agency in hopes he can uncover the murderer. She doesn’t count on falling in love with the handsome agent, or the determination of the killer to see her dead.
The Earl’s Masquerade ~ A sabotaged boat forces an earl to investigate murder and discover that love may ultimately be what he's searching for.
Book 3
When someone arranges a boating accident to kill Hugh, he lets everyone believe he died along with his brother. Thinking him dead, the elusive killer may be tricked into revealing himself. And Hugh sets himself up as a servant in his own home to observe the results. But he doesn’t count on meeting Helen Archer, a woman with a secret, or the strength of his desire for her that threatens to undermine his investigation.
A Stolen Rose ~ A 40-year-old mystery ignites a feud between two families and offers a chance at love for two lonely people.
Book 4
When Anemone awakens in the arms of the Earl of Wraysbury after an accident, she is immediately attracted to him. But she soon discovers he is on the opposite side of a feud between their two families. Family loyalty wars with attraction when she falls into the old mystery that started the row between their families.
In the end, Anemone must choose between loyalty and love and the chance to finally find happiness.
Second Sons Inquiry Agency Regency Mystery Series
The Second Sons Inquiry Agency series are traditional historical mysteries spiced with a romance. The books all feature Second Sons, but do not necessarily focus on the founder of the agency, Mr. Knighton Gaunt. Many of the stories feature other inquiry agents, or investigators, as the agency grows and flourishes. Mr. Gaunt is often called to the aid of the Archers, who seem to be inordinately fond of trouble.
While these books do not need to be read in order, the list below presents them in a suggested order.
The Vital Principle ~ Gaunt is called to a séance to uncover a fraud, only to stumble upon a murder.
Book 1
The Vital Principle is the first in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency historical mystery series and features coolly intellectual Mr. Knighton Gaunt, the agency’s founder. Once accused of murder, himself, Knighton is driven to uncover the truth behind the complex, often mysterious murders that cross his path.
When Knighton meets Prudence Barnard, a spiritualist accused of murder, he suspects she is not guilty as everyone claims. So Knighton sets out to discover the truth and avoid the mistake of falling in love with a suspect.
The two meet again in The Dead Man’s View.
A Rose Before Dying ~ An earl is enmeshed in a deadly game to prove his uncle didn’t murder his mistress.
Book 2
When Charles’ uncle is accused of murder, Charles impulsively plucks the role of inquiry agent out of Knighton’s hands. He is determined to exonerate his irascible uncle, the only real father he has ever known. Unfortunately, Sir Edward doesn’t make it easy for his nephew, and the only clues Charles has are sprays of roses left at the scene. So Charles requests the assistance of Ariadne, a noted rosarian, and the attraction between the two soon jeopardizes his entire investigation.
The Dead Man’s View ~ Pru calls on Knighton to prove her cousin did not commit suicide.
Book 3
When Pru meets her cousin for the first time, their reunion is cut short when he appears to have committed suicide. But Pru finds evidence to suggest he was murdered and when the authorities refuse to listen to her, she calls on Knighton to help her prove the truth. While Knighton and Pru work to uncover the secrets of her cousin’s past, they find their own budding love growing stronger. Pru can only hope he can overcome Knighton’s scruples and force him to realize that love is just as important as the truth he seeks.
The Illusion of Desire ~ An ex-soldier is determined to prove a woman innocent when she is falsely accused of murdering an earl.
Book 4
Nicholas, an ex-soldier, feels fortunate to obtain employment as an inquiry agent until he gets his first case, the explosive murder of an earl. He accepts the challenge, but when he views the evidence, he realizes that the main suspect, Kathryn, the earl’s mistress, may be innocent. But proving it is another matter. He can only hope he finds clues to the real killer's identity before Kathryn hangs for murder.
Honeymoon with Death ~ Pru and Knighton are enjoying their honeymoon until they stumble upon the murder of a fellow traveler.
Book 5
On a whim, Pru and Knighton join a small group of travelers to see the triple falls on Italy’s Velino river, only to run into bandits. Then, one of their party is murdered, and the local authorities are inclined to cut short their investigation and blame the bandits. But Knighton is soon forced to take over the inquiry when the bandits kidnap Pru to force him to prove their innocence. He only hopes he can find the real murderer and free Pru before anyone else dies on the road to Rome.
A Second Chance Paranormal Romance
The Second Chance Paranormal Romance series are paranormal tales spiced with mystery, danger and an “Urban Fantasy” feel. They do not have to be read in any particular order as each book stands alone.
My Vampire Bodyguard ~ Vampires, a haunted house, and a lost relic, and Gwen's evening is just beginning.
Book 1
An anonymous note sends Gwen on a mission to uncover a dark family secret that may be hidden in her long abandoned childhood home. When she asks her handsome neighbor, John, to accompany her, she’s not expecting much. She just doesn’t want to go alone. Unfortunately, that's her first mistake. John is a vampire and her house is not exactly empty. Secrets—and the dead—won’t always stay buried, and John’s extraordinary strength and determination may be all that can withstand what awaits them in the shadows.
A Fall of Silver ~ A woman bent on the destruction of all vampires discovers redemption in the arms of an ex-priest determined to save the undead.
Book 2
Their secrets are about to catch up with them.
The only good vampire is a dead vampire: that’s Quicksilver’s philosophy and she sees no reason to change it
. In fact, she’s about to kill one of the undead when Kethan Hilliard confronts her, promising redemption for both vampires and humans in exchange for an end to the slaughter.
But Quicksilver knows that’s not going to happen.
Someone is killing humans and vampires, and sweet words aren’t going to end the nightmare.
The events awaken terrible secrets from Quicksilver’s past, and she’s not about to repeat her previous mistakes. This time, she’s going to end the madness and silence the horror, forever.
Cozy Contemporary Mysteries
A new series of contemporary, cozy mysteries is underway, set in fictitious towns near the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Whacked! ~ Cassie's hopes for a quiet vacation go up in flames when she discovers her uncle sharing a smoke with a dead body.
Love can make anyone crazy, but Cassie, a stressed-out computer expert, has always chosen logic over that uncomfortable emotion. This is, until in a weak moment, she agrees to housesit for her aunt and uncle. Within minutes of her arrival, she finds a murdered man. And her uncle is inexplicably determined to implicate himself. Cold logic suggests he’s hiding something and Cassie isn’t going to let him get arrested without a fight. Unfortunately, her past history with the sheriff makes him all too happy to accept her uncle’s guilt.
But love is supposed to overcome all obstacles, not create them, and Cassie refuses to let a ridiculous emotion stand in the way of logic.
Too bad Cassie is about to discover just how far people will go for love.
About the Author
Amy Corwin is a charter member of the Romance Writers of America and recently joined Mystery Writers of America. She writes historical and cozy mysteries with a touch of romance, as well as paranormal romances. To be truthful, most of her books include a bit of murder and mayhem since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line.
