His Lady Fair. Margo Maguire

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Название His Lady Fair
Автор произведения Margo Maguire
Жанр Историческая литература
Серия
Издательство Историческая литература
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      Male instinct ruled.

      While Maria was still recovering from the shock of seeing him, he pulled her close and claimed her lips with his own. He savored the spicy taste of her, the scent and texture of her hair as he cupped her head, the lush curves of her body as he pressed the length of her body to his own.

      Nothing mattered but this.

      He would have devoured her completely if he could, but the indignant shrieks of a nearby woman eventually penetrated his consciousness. At the same time, he felt Maria’s hands against his chest, actually pushing him away.

      “My Lord!” the older woman cried. “Unhand Lady Maria this instant!”

      Nick kept his eyes locked on Maria’s. All he could see reflected in those glorious irises was panic.

      Her lips were swollen by his kiss, but they were trembling. She took a step back—And slapped him…!

      Praise for Margo Maguire’s previous titles

      Dryden’s Bride

      “Exquisitely detailed…an entrancing tale that will enchant and envelop you as love conquers all.”

      —Rendezvous

      “A warm-hearted tale…Ms. Maguire skillfully draws the reader into her deftly woven tale.”

      —Romantic Times

      The Bride of Windermere

      “Packed with action…fast, humorous, and familiar…The Bride of Windermere will fit into your weekend just right.”

      —Romantic Times

      #595 CARPETBAGGER’S WIFE

      Deborah Hale

      #597 THE DOCTOR’S HOMECOMING

      Kate Bridges

      #598 WICKED

      Beth Henderson

      His Lady Fair

      Margo Maguire

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      Available from Harlequin Historicals and

       MARGO MAGUIRE

      The Bride of Windermere #453

      Dryden’s Bride #529

      Celtic Bride #572

      His Lady Fair #596

      This book is for Mike.

      Contents

       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

       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

      Chapter One

      Alderton Keep. Early Spring, 1429

      Ria stole into the buttery and smoothed the wrinkles from the front of her new gown. Not that the gown was truly new, for it had belonged to Cecilia Morley, Ria’s sophisticated, young, legitimate cousin. But even if it was not a perfect fit, the elegant castoff, once a lovely blue silk dress, was a decided improvement over the threadbare gown Ria had been wearing these last few years.

      Ria allowed herself a moment to savor the sensation of the fine silk against her skin. She was glad Cecilia had had the fur lining removed. Ria had no use for it. Nor had she any use for the jeweled collar that had once adorned the neckline. With the hard work that was required of her, Ria knew those fineries would quickly be ruined.

      Besides, she had her own jewelry, a precious locket—a bauble of gold with a secret latch that held a lock of her mother’s golden hair within. Ria always carried it with her, though she kept it tied up in a square of linen so that no one would ever see it. And take it from her.

      She spun around and gave herself leave to imagine that, just this once, she was dressed in the glorious gown before its lining and jeweled collar had been ripped from it. She could almost feel the weight of the gems, and dream she was tall and slender and lovely like Cecilia, making heads turn and eyes glitter with envy.

      ’Twas a foolish fancy, Ria knew, but her little dreams made life at Alderton Keep bearable. Her life had always been harsh, and it seemed to grow worse with every passing year.

      Her aunt Olivia had made it quite clear that Ria would never be recognized as a member of the family. The Morleys would provide her a roof, food for her belly and the occasional bit of cast-off clothing. But Ria