Widow Sophia Seymour never planned to marry again—let alone become a duchess. But with her father missing and her family impoverished, an old betrothal contract promising her hand to a notorious duke is her only hope. And Edmund DeVane intends to honor the agreement—in name only. After all, Edmund needs a wife with an impeccable reputation to protect his debuting niece. But as their arrangement starts to feel much more real, can their budding love survive Edmund’s deepest secret?
Excerpt:
"I understand you wish to marry for love only," the duke said.
He cleared his throat. "However, it seems that our union could also be construed as for something near to that principle-your love for your soon-to-be impoverished family, my love for my niece."
Sophia turned to him. Their gazes met. "But will you make a good husband, Your Grace? Can I trust you?"
Edmund wanted to reassure her, but he was suddenly assailed by memories, by experiences he had never spoken of and by a terrible, fearful certainty that he could never be a good husband.
"Edmund," said Sophia. "I do not ask for perfection."
"I have never been a husband. But I would do my best."
"We must have parameters if we are to do this." Her gaze flashed upward. "Here is the gist of it, Your Grace. I shall marry you, but under two conditions."
He waited, holding his breath.
About the Author:
Jessica Nelson believes romance happens every day, and
thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to
himself with passionate tenderness. She began writing her first historical
romance after quitting her day job to stay home with her children. Now they’re
teens but Jessica’s still plucking away at the keyboard, one kiss after
another, in pursuit of the happily ever after.
OH, now I want to know what the two conditions are? I think one might be fidelity? I'll have to check it out to find out!
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