by Bree Wolf
“Do you know why Grandfather suddenly sent for me?” she asked, welcoming the chance to speak to someone after a week of mourning her father’s passing in solitude. “I’ve never even received a letter from him. I admit this is all very strange.”
Aunt Mara swallowed, her pale eyes gentle as they looked at Abigail. “I cannot say what his grace’s motivations might have been,” she said in a quiet voice. “I am certain you will receive your answers once we arrive in London.” A slight shiver shook her frame as though the thought of arriving back at her father-in-law’s house terrified her beyond imagining.
Abigail frowned. “I assume grandfather is not a kind man, is he?”
Instantly, her aunt’s eyes flew open, and her cheeks turned as white as a sheet. “I would never say such a thing, my dear. He is…he is…He likes everything a certain way. He is fond of order and structure and routine. Nothing is left to chance.” Swallowing, her aunt seemed to be groping for words. “To some, his ways might appear cold-h…hearted, but I can assure you he is a most respectful gentleman.”
Seeing the signs of terror in her aunt’s eyes, Abigail liked her grandfather even less. “I see,” was all she said, knowing that her aunt would only grow more agitated if she were to argue the point. “And you were married to his son?”
Her aunt nodded.
“He has passed on?”
Her aunt nodded again.
“I’m sorry,” Abigail said as fresh tears shot to her eyes. “You must have been heart-broken.”
Her aunt sighed, “He was a good man.”
Watching the woman across from her, Abigail realised that no love had been lost between her aunt and uncle. Although she mourned his death as was expected, she had not loved him. Like so many others, she had married for other reasons.
“Did you have children?” Abigail asked, trying to find a more cheerful subject.
Instantly, her aunt’s gaze brightened. “We had a son, who is now married with two children of his own.”
“That sounds wonderful. You must be very fond of your grandchildren.”
Although a smile came to her lips and she nodded her head, there was a sadness in her aunt’s gaze that spoke loud and clear of pain and regret. Something was not as it ought to be in this family. Her family!
Once they arrived at her grandfather’s townhouse, a tall and imposing structure, towering over its neighbours, Aunt Mara led her inside. They stopped in the great hall to hand their coats and hats to a footman.
“Welcome back, my lady,” an impeccably clad older man with a serious frown addressed them. He was dressed in butler’s robes and possessed that air of self-importance only a high-ranking servant did.
“Thank you, Orwel,” Aunt Mara replied, her shoulders tense and her voice sounding a tad strained. Apparently, she was not so happy to have returned!
“His grace requests to see Miss Abbott immediately,” Orwel continued, “alone.”
Aunt Mara swallowed, then forced a smile onto her pale face. “I shall see you at supper,” she said to Abigail, gesturing for her to follow in Orwel’s wake who had already taken off toward the eastern wing. Quite obviously, her grandfather did not hold her in high regard or his most trusted servant would not have treated her with such open disrespect.
Smiling at her aunt, Abigail hurried after the butler, disliking her grandfather a tad more. Where was this to end?
After walking down a wide hallway, Orwel knocked on a large door, waited for the sign to enter and then stepped forward, not even casting a glance over his shoulder to ensure if his master’s granddaughter would follow.
“Your grace, may I present Miss Abbott.”
Stepping over the threshold, Abigail was not at all surprised to see that her grandfather’s study reminded her of a lion charging a gazelle. Everything in it appeared cold and hostile. Dark curtains hung on the windows, half-drawn even though the day was barely at an end. The wood paneling was dark, matching the floors as well as the enormous desk, separating the duke from the visitors he clearly disliked receiving. On top of everything, the two chairs on the opposite side of the desk looked terribly uncomfortable as though her grandfather had chosen them with great care to discourage people to linger.
With everything Abigail saw, she liked her grandfather a bit less.
“Good day, Miss Abbott,” a hoarse voice spoke from the dimness behind the desk. “Welcome to London.”
Lifting her gaze, Abigail found her grandfather nod at Orwel, who quit the room immediately. Seated in his large armchair−the only comfortable chair in the room−he merely beckoned her forward, not bothering to rise. His grey eyes slid over her with frank perusal, narrowing slightly as though he disapproved of what he saw.
Abigail suspected few people received his approval.
Determined not to allow him to intimidate her, Abigail squared her shoulders and met his gaze unflinchingly. “Good day, Grandfather. It is so nice to finally meet you.”
At her informal address, her grandfather’s eyes narrowed, and his lips thinned. Then he inhaled deeply. “You are to address me as your grace, do you understand?”
“I shall do my best to remember that, Grandfather.” Smiling sweetly, Abigail held his gaze, wondering at the slight twitch in the right corner of his mouth. However, it was gone before she could be certain if it had even been there.
“Do try,” he stressed, “for impeccable manners will no doubt aid you in procuring a most suitable match. In addition, I am certain that my name and fortune will assist you in that endeavour.”
“A suitable match?” Frowning, Abigail stared at her grandfather.
“Yes, a husband,” he clarified, a touch of amusement in his tone. “The season has only just begun, which will give you ample opportunity to get acquainted with suitable gentlemen. I have no doubt that your aunt will be happy to make introductions.”
At the self-assured tone in her grandfather’s voice, Abigail chuckled, “I can assure you, Grandfather, I am not looking for a husband at present. I…” Swallowing, she forced back tears. “I only just lost my father. I am in no state of mind to−”
“Nonsense!” the duke exclaimed. “You’re my granddaughter and you will marry a man of high standing. I shall see to it.” He held her gaze, a challenge lighting up his own. “And do try harder.” Then he waved his hand in dismissal, and as though he had been eavesdropping on the other side of the door, Orwel stepped in and ushered her outside. “I shall see you to your rooms, Miss.”
Somewhat annoyed with her grandfather’s commanding demeanour, Abigail followed the old butler. Still, she could not deny that there was something about the duke that spoke to her. At the very least, she felt certain that her stay in London would be far from boring.
And that was exactly what she needed.
Not a husband, to be certain!
But something to take her mind off her father’s death and circumventing her grandfather’s orders would certainly prove to be most eventful indeed!
Coming July 31, 2018
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Are you new to the “Love’s Second Chance Series”?
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#1 Forgotten & Remembered -
The Duke’s Late Wife
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A grieving widower. A strong lady. And a little girl who needs them both.
After losing his wife in an accident, GRAHAM ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON, decides that love is not worth the risk of having his heart broken all over again. Even his little daughter he keeps at a distance, afraid to hurt her with the darkness that now lives in his heart. Since he is unable to be the father she deserves, he vows to find her a mother who will heal her little heart.
At a garden party, Graham spots a young woman with a shy smile tending lovingly to her little cousins…and he knows his duty.
As the black sheep of her family, ROSABEL LANDER has no illusions about love. After her parents’ deaths, her aunt and uncle reluctantly took her in, demanding nothing short of
complete obedience. Unable to live down her past, Rosabel only wishes for one thing: freedom.
However, before she dares to take the first step toward an independent future, a cold-hearted stranger asks for her hand in marriage…and as the obedient niece, Rosabel cannot refuse.
Will Rosabel find love after all? Or will the memory of Graham's late wife keep them both from finding happiness?
Overview
Love’s Second Chance Series
#1 Forgotten & Remembered
GRAHAM ASTOR, Duke of Kensington, is done with love, and ROSABEL LANDER never believed in it. But when Graham needs help raising his daughter and Rosabel cannot burden her family any longer, can they find a new, happy life together?
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#2 Cursed & Cherished
EDMOND DUNSWORTH, Duke of Cromwell, is bankrupt and therefore he marries ANNA HANDFORD for her sizable dowry. Anna is determined to hate him. Can Edmond change her mind with his oh so charming self or will there never be a happily ever after?
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#3 Despised & Desired
War hero FREDERICK LANCASTER never intended to become the Marquess of Elmridge. When his mother picks spinster ELLIE MUNFORD as his bride, he doesn’t expect romance — but together they might find love and healing in each other’s arms.
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#4 Abandoned & Protected
When HENRIETTA is married off to CONNOR BRUNWOOD, Marquis of Rodridge, she’s determined to hate the Scotsman. Can she learn to look past her prejudices and find love?
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#5 Ruined & Redeemed
When Lady CHARLOTTE’s life is ruined, she buries her past and reinvents herself as Lotte, a lady’s companion. SEBASTIAN, the future Earl of Weston, thinks marrying unsuitable Lotte is just the thing to aggravate his father — only to later learn who his bride really is…
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#6 Betrayed & Blessed
TRISTAN TURNER, Viscount Elton, is haunted by his past and tries every day ineffectively to live up to his family’s expectations. When he meets ELIZABETH „BETH“ WALKER he thinks his dreams of finding unconditional love have finally come true. But Beth has a secret which threatens to tear them apart. Can Tristan and Beth find love after all?
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#7 Deceived & Honoured
LADY MADELEINE, daughter to the Earl of Carlton, has vowed not to marry below the rank of an earl. But her plans go horribly wrong when she is compromised by the wrong man. A man named DEREK MCKNIGHT, a farmer’s son who was given a run-down barony for his service to the crown. Will Madeline ever be able to see past his title?
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#8 Sacrificed & Reclaimed (Bonus Novella)
MEAGAN DUNNING thought she'd lost her husband EDWARD to the war. Until he−presumed dead for over two years−shows up on her doorstep unexpectedly. However, although he returns from the war after all, the battle for his soul is only just beginning.
Will Meagan be able to reclaim his heart? Or has Edward given up hope long ago?
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#9 Condemned & Admired
VIOLET WINTERS, a French privateer’s daughter who fled England with her mother when she was a little girl, takes the chance to return to her home country unrecognised when fate delivers an English lord into her hands. OLIVER CORNELL, EARL OF CULLINGWOOD, fascinated by the adventurous gleam in her eyes, does not hesitate to offer his assistance…and pose as her husband.
Can a privateer’s daughter and a marquess’s son ever have a happily-ever-after?
(Coming August 14, 2018)
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#10 Trapped & Liberated (Bonus Novella)
Trapped in an arranged marriage, ALEXANDRA WINTERS, LADY SILCOX, has abandoned every hope of true love. Her only happiness comes from her six year old daughter. Until one night when destiny leads Alexandra down to the beach below Silcox Manor and into the arms of the French privateer, ANTOINE DURET.
Can there be a happily-ever-after for an English lady and a French privateer?
(Coming October 2, 2018)
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MORE TO FOLLOW
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