Romance
A sensational NEW historical romance from the New York Times bestselling author of A Lady's Secret
He had never intended to marry, but at the age of seventeen Christian Hill impulsively defended a maid's honor only to be blamed for defaming it, and was coerced into marrying Dorcas Froggatt. But then he left to pursue his military career, putting the surreal event out of his mind. Until someone begins making inquiries about a man named Christopher Hill—the alias he used when he wed Dorcas years before…
Read Chapter One of The Secret Wedding:
Chapter 1
Ten Years later
London
"Grandiston!"
The call penetrated even the laughter and chatter of the Guards' Officers' Mess.
Christian had been Viscount Grandiston for nearly a year, which was long enough for him to respond to it but not long enough to be pleased about it. He was also just leaving with a group of friends to go to the theater.
At the second bellow he turned to look across the crowded room misted by pipe smoke.
"Hades," he muttered. Middle-aged, bulldog-jawed Major Delahew was beckoning him. These days, Delahew was a paper pusher in the regimental administration, but he was a tough old soldier with an honoroable career, and a superior officer to boot. He couldn't be ignored.
"Don't leave without me," Christian said to his friends, and worked his way through the crowded room. What bit of paperwork had he bungled this time? Peacetime soldiering was a devilish bore, perhaps especially when a man had known nothing but action in his career.
"Yes, sir?"
Delahew's glare turned into a rueful smile. "Sorry, didn't mean to bellow an order. So demmed noisy in here. Drink?"
Christian had to accept the offer and sit at the man's table.
Delahew eased into his chair, arranging his wooden leg at an angle. Such things were sobering evidence of the consequences of war, but these days Christian could almost find thought of wounds exciting.
He was coming to regret transferring to the elite Life Guards. When his father had inherited the earlier kingdom of Royland, he'd urged the move. He'd seemed to think it would be a treat for Christian, though he hadn't been bli8nd to the advantages of his heir in the palace guard.
 |
|
Read more...