Anabelle Bryant

Defying The Earl


Скачать книгу

-b01b-f14873467b12"> cover

       Game…

      Matchmaker Wilhelmina Montgomery helps cupid’s arrow find its mark in the drawing rooms of the Ton, effortlessly pairing even the most unlikely couples for a discreet fee. Perhaps not an appropriate pursuit for a lady…but with an ailing sister to care for, it’s Whimsy’s only hope at securing their future.

       Set…

      Meanwhile, penniless aristocrat Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is society’s favourite matchbreaker; assisting those who want to escape engagement without being sued for breach of promise. Cynical, yes…but with no intention of falling in love himself, Valerian considers himself ideally suited to the role.

       And match!

      When Whimsy discovers that Valerian has set out to break the very engagement she has been painstakingly arranging, she refuses to allow this mysterious saboteur have his way. Yet she didn’t expect to find the handsome Earl so distractingly alluring. And suddenly, it seems that the Ton’s last two loneliest hearts are in danger of finding their match…in the most inopportune of places.

      Also by Anabelle Bryant

      To Love a Wicked Scoundrel

      Duke of Darkness

      The Midnight Rake

       Defying the Earl

       Regency Charms

      Anabelle Bryant

       www.CarinaUK.com

      With sincere thanks and gratitude to my brilliant editor, Clio Cornish, for her unending encouragement and effervescent support. How lovely to know you share my vision.

      To the entire Carina team for their dedication and hopelessly romantic cover creations and to Harlequin/HarperCollins for allowing me the opportunity to realize a dream with every novel.

      This book is dedicated to my Aunt Maryann, who has politely listened to me rattle on about hopes, dreams, wishes, and concerns, even when she might have preferred to press mute, and who has always offered the most sincere advice in return.

      And to my readers and friends; the start of a new series is thrilling and your genuine enthusiasm has been contagious. You have my heartfelt gratitude for reading and believing in me.

      May all your days be charmed.

       Contents

       Cover

       Blurb

       Title Page

       Acknowledgements

       Dedication

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter Nineteen

       Chapter Twenty

       Chapter Twenty-One

       Chapter Twenty-Two

       Chapter Twenty-Three

       Chapter Twenty-Four

       Chapter Twenty-Five

       Chapter Twenty-Six

       Chapter Twenty-Seven

       Chapter Twenty-Eight

       Endpages

       Copyright

       Chapter One

      “We’re done for.” Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood, pushed an accumulation of bills to the side of his desk and eyed his brother sprawled across the threadbare chaise in a pose that mocked the gravity of their situation. “We haven’t enough to pay the creditors, nor our meager staff, never mind afford food and firewood. If we do not contrive a solution, we’re set to starve or freeze to death before the end of the month.”

      Jasper appeared nonplussed. “We’ve ventured into dun