The Secret Marriage Pact. Georgie Lee

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Название The Secret Marriage Pact
Автор произведения Georgie Lee
Жанр Историческая литература
Серия
Издательство Историческая литература
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9781474053624



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      An improper proposal!

      Jane Rathbone is used to being left behind, and no longer believes she deserves happiness. But when childhood friend Jasper Charton returns from the Americas, more dangerously sexy than ever, she has a proposition. She’ll give him the property he needs if he’ll give her a new future—by marrying her!

      Jasper never imagined taking a wife, but wonders if loyal Jane could be his redemption. And when their marriage brings tantalizing pleasures, convenient vows blossom into a connection that could heal them both...

      ‘I must hide.’ Jane rushed to the large wardrobe in the corner, then stopped.

      She glanced back and forth between Jasper and the door.

      ‘If Philip catches me in here he might force us to wed.’

      Jasper stopped tucking in his shirt. She didn’t know her brother very well if she thought he would force her into marriage, even after finding her in a compromising situation, but he couldn’t take the chance.

      He strode up to her, pulled the shirt over his head and flung it away. ‘I think not.’

      He took her by the arm and pulled her against him. She let out a startled squeak as she hit his chest.

      ‘What are you doing?’ Her fingertips pressed into his flesh, jarring him as much as her.

      ‘Jane, open this door at once,’ her brother demanded, and the brass knob began to turn.

      ‘Making sure he sees me as an unsuitable suitor.’ He pressed his lips to hers as the door swung open.

       Author Note

      When I wrote A Debt Paid in Marriage I had a lot of fun creating Jane. In many ways she is as serious and severe as her brother, Philip Rathbone, but with a naive confidence and a rebellious streak. They are wonderful characteristics that both help her and, at other times, create a number of difficulties. I enjoyed exploring how her old friend—and new husband—Jasper allows her to develop and overcome both these aspects of her personality.

      Jane was a familiar character to me, but Jasper was a new surprise. This is the first friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience story that I have written. It was a treat to create Jasper and Jane’s close childhood friendship, to explore the pain and troubles of their eight-year separation and how, despite the passing of time, they still remain close. Jasper sees Jane in a way she cannot view herself, and she does the same for him. Through their relationship they both get a second chance—not only at love but at life. I hope you enjoy this return to the characters from A Debt Paid in Marriage, and if you are new to the Rathbone family I hope you enjoy this story and get a chance to read where it all began.

      The Secret Marriage Pact

      Georgie Lee

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEE hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent. Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.

      Books by Georgie Lee

      Mills & Boon Historical Romance

      The Business of Marriage

      A Debt Paid in Marriage

      A Too Convenient Marriage

      The Secret Marriage Pact

      The Governess Tales

      The Cinderella Governess

      Scandal and Disgrace

      Rescued from Ruin

      Miss Marianne’s Disgrace

      Stand-Alone Novels

      Engagement of Convenience

      The Courtesan’s Book of Secrets

      The Captain’s Frozen Dream

      Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk.

      For Nicola Caws in thanks for valuable guidance and insight into my stories.

      Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

       Author Note

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

       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

       Extract

       Copyright