The Lucky One (Brethren Of The Coast #6)
Page 31
“It does, if you hope to retain your sanity. A happy wife means a happy life. Of course, one must be more than a little insane to willingly don the preacher’s noose.” Randolph rubbed his neck. “But if you ever breathe a word of that to my Beth, I will kill you.”
“Am I interrupting anything of importance, Captain?”
Mark turned to discover none other than the source of his discomfit, and his blood pooled in a particularly potent six inches of his anatomy when he met the gorgeous specimen of the fairer sex in dangerously close proximity.
Randolph sketched a bow. “Lady Amanda—”
“Just Lady Amanda, if you please.” She cast a flirty pout. “And perhaps I could trouble you for an introduction, Captain Randolph. Who is this estimable lieutenant in our undeserving company?”
Puzzled by her peculiar behavior, which ran contrary to her deprecating remarks, Mark remained a silent spectator. Had she found sport in her rejections? Had she reveled in her victim’s anguish?
The captain grimaced. “But your father—”
“Bother my father.” She giggled, a lilting sound that kissed his flesh. “And if you do not tell him, neither will I.”
“Very well, but if my wife gives me strife for corrupting you, I shall exact recompense.” Captain Randolph arched a brow. “Lady Amanda, may I present First Lieutenant Mark Douglas, of His Majesty’s Navy and the HMS Boreas.”
“So happy to make your acquaintance, First Lieutenant Douglas.” She half-curtseyed and then averted her gaze. “Is that a waltz? I am quite enamored of it.”
And then she stared him straight in the eye. For a minute, they squared off as two opponents on the battlefield. She had thrown down the gauntlet, and he contemplated his next move. Oh, she was a manipulative charmer—one he might not resist were he unaware of her true nature. But before he could respond, Randolph elbowed Mark in the ribs. Against his better instincts, he surrendered. “It would be my honor, Lady Amanda.”
Taking her hand in his, Mark led his stunning nemesis to the dance floor. As they assumed their respective positions, with his arm anchored at her waist, which he resolved not to enjoy, he fixed his attention on her crown of ebony ringlets and vowed to offer her the most refined experience of the night. With an elegant flourish, he whirled and carried her with him.
“You serve Captain Nelson?”
“Yes.”
“And how is that?”
“Fine.”
“Do you favor the Northcote’s ball?”
“No.”
“Are you not partial to social events?”
“Sometimes.”
“You may address me as Amanda, if you wish.” She squeezed his fingers. “And what shall I call you?”
“Lieutenant Douglas.”
“Have I done something to offend you?”
“I do not know.” Daring her to admit the truth, he peered at his not-so-nice partner. “Have you?”
“But—we have only just met.” With an expression of unutterable confusion, she blinked. “It was rather forward of me to insert myself into your conversation with Captain Randolph, but I meant no harm.”
“Then you are innocent.” Her denial spiked his anger, and he bit his tongue against a rapier retort.
“If you have no prior commitment, perhaps you will consent to accompany me to dinner, later. You can share tales of your travels and regale us with your bravery.” She looked so hopeful, he almost felt sorry for her—almost. “There is plenty of room at my table.”
“No, thank you.” Although it was not wise to cut a member of the peerage or their offspring, he enacted a rare breach of decorum, and pride surged to the fore, when her mouth fell agape. It was nothing less than she deserved. The music ended, and he halted. “Allow me to return you to—”
“That is not necessary, as I have intruded on your hospitality long enough.” Lady Amanda wrenched from his hold. “Pray, forgive me, Lieutenant Douglas.”
“Lady Amanda, this is a treat.” A sub-lieutenant, which Mark had not recognized, bowed and claimed her attention. “Wait until my wife discovers your presence. She will be overset with joy, as we owe you a debt we can never repay.”
“Nonsense, as I did nothing more than bring together two people who love each other. And you should take me to Jane, at once, as I long to see her.” She gave Mark her back. “By the by, how is your brother?”
“John is recovered, and he favors the scarf you knitted.” The soldier blushed, and Mark was embarrassed for the poor sap. “I understand your singular efforts have resulted in a substantial contribution to the Navy Widows Benevolence Fund.”
Again the curious noblewoman befuddled Mark, as her queries belied indifference, and he glanced left and then right. Something was wrong. Despite what he had heard, all was not as it appeared, and he needed an explanation. When he spied Captain Randolph, he stomped to the veteran naval man’s side. “Captain, please excuse my intrusion, but I require your assistance.”
“Oh, no.” Randolph smirked. “I know that look, and you have it bad.”
“I beg your pardon?” Mark shuffled his feet. “Just what do you infer?”
“You are smitten with Lady Amanda.” Randolph winked and grinned. “Worry not, young Douglas, as your secret is safe with me. But I would not want to be in your boots when you speak with the admiral.”
Mark’s blood ran cold. “What admiral?”
“Ah, yes. Your ladylove neglected to share her identity with you, and I can’t imagine why.” The captain burst into laughter. After an interminable fit of hilarity, he slapped Mark on the back. “Lady Amanda is the youngest daughter of Admiral Hiram Gascoigne-Lake, Marquess de Gray.”
And Mark’s goose was well and truly cooked.
COMING SOON
Summer 2015
Arucard (Brethren Origins Book 1)
Fall 2015
Love With an Improper Stranger (Brethren of the Coast Book 7)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bestselling author Barbara Devlin was born a storyteller. A Texan, through and through, Barbara hasn't been without a book in her possession since she was in kindergarten. She wrote her first short story, a really cheesy murder-mystery, in high school, but it was a Christmas gift, a lovely little diary with a bronze lock, given to her in the fifth grade that truly inspired her love for writing.
After completing part of her undergraduate studies at the University of London, where she developed a love of all things British, Barbara returned home and began a career in banking. But the late 80s weren't too promising for the financial industry, and every bank that hired Barbara soon folded. So she searched for a stable occupation, and the local police department offered the answer to her prayers.
Initially, Barbara wasn't too sure about her new career in law enforcement, but she soon came to love being a police officer. And then one uncharacteristically cold and icy day in December 1998, Barbara was struck by a car and pinned against a guardrail while working an accident on a major highway. Permanently disabled, she retired from the police department and devoted her time and energy to physical therapy.
Once Barbara got back on her feet, she focused on a new career in academia. She earned an MA in English and continued a course of study for a Doctorate in Literature and Rhetoric. She happily considered herself an exceedingly eccentric English professor, until success in Indie publishing lured her into writing, full-time, featuring her fictional knighthood, the Brethren of the Coast.
To connect with Barbara Devlin, go to barbaradevlin.com, for links to Facebook and Twitter, as well as her monthly newsletter, The Knightly News. Sign up for the chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card, and enjoy the latest sneak peeks, exclusive details, interesting information on life in Georgian England, and much more.
Table of Contents
untitled
THE LUCKY ONE
OTHER TITLES BY BARBARA DEVLIN
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P
ROLOGUE
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 FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
EPILOGUE
Excerpt from Loving Lieutenant Douglas
Table of Contents
untitled
THE LUCKY ONE
OTHER TITLES BY BARBARA DEVLIN
COPYRIGHT
DEDICATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROLOGUE
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 FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
EPILOGUE
Excerpt from Loving Lieutenant Douglas