Waltz With a Stranger (44 page)

Aura Lea, Aura Lea,

Take my golden ring;

Light and life return with thee,

And swallows with the spring.

—W.W. Fosdick, “Aura Lea”

Six
weeks
later

Cornwall had seen its share of beautiful brides, but few could recall one as dazzling as the new Countess of Trevenan. And fewer still noticed the fading scar on the bride’s cheek or the slight halt in her step as, escorted by her father, she paced down the aisle of the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Truro. Many noticed her gown, a simple but stunning creation of cream satin and lace—made in Paris, the more knowledgeable guests whispered—that complemented her fair coloring perfectly. But all of them noticed her smile, which outshone the sun on this glorious summer day, and Lord Trevenan’s expression of dazed delight as she neared the altar.

A sumptuous wedding breakfast was held at Pentreath, the earl’s estate, to which nearly everyone of consequence in the county was invited. Other notable guests included extended relations of the former Miss Newbold, come all the way from America, and an elegant Frenchwoman of middle years who had befriended the bride during a lengthy sojourn abroad.

The bride and groom were to spend the wedding night at Chenoweth, the house the earl had owned as plain Mr. Trelawney, before embarking on a honeymoon tour of the West Country.

“I’m still amazed you don’t want to go someplace more extravagant for our wedding trip,” James told Aurelia as they enjoyed a private moment in the garden, gazing out over the sea, brilliantly blue in the distance. The muted roar of the waves drifted up to them from the beach.

She smiled. “I’ve been to Paris and the Riviera, James. And Germany, of course. All lovely places, but unless you have a burning wish to go there yourself, I’d just as soon we stayed in England. You made the West Country sound so wonderful when you described it to me.”

“Well, loveday, if you’re sure. The Continent’s not going anywhere, after all.” James took her hand, smiling at the rings shining on her finger: the sapphire she’d admired in Wickes and Taylor, and the simple gold band he’d given her mere hours ago. “Come to that, I’m even more amazed that you didn’t opt for a lavish double wedding in New York with Amy.”

Aurelia shook her head. “Oh, that wouldn’t have suited me at all! I never wanted a grand show. I just wanted to be married to you. This,” she gestured toward the house behind them, still filled with laughing, chattering guests, “was more than enough for me. Amy and Mr. Sheridan are more than welcome to my share of the limelight.”

James chuckled. “Poor Thomas! Even he might find a big Society wedding in New York a trifle overwhelming.”

“He might take it in stride,” Aurelia countered. “Think of all the material he’ll find there for his paintings. Although it’s possible they’ll marry sooner, rather than later. Amy told me she’s eager to discover the extent of Mr. Sheridan’s repertoire—whatever that means.”

James suspected he knew exactly what that meant, but he wasn’t about to share that insight with his bride. Although, talking of eagerness…he slipped an arm around Aurelia’s waist. “Well, there are advantages to an early wedding. Not having to wait, for example.”

She colored, and another smile, at once shy and oddly secretive, played about her lips. “I was thinking the exact same thing. And early weddings can help conceal certain—indiscretions.”

James stared at his wife, as the import of her words sank in. “Aurelia,” he husked at last. “Dear heart, are you sure?”

“Almost sure,” she confessed, her eyes glowing like the sapphire in her engagement ring. “Certain signs are there, though I’m feeling perfectly well. I suppose a doctor could confirm it more quickly, but…I may be carrying your heir already. Are you pleased?”

For answer, he drew her into his arms and kissed her until they were both breathless. Then, his arm about her waist, his other hand clasping hers, the Earl of Trevenan guided his wife into a gentle waltz beneath the summer sky, with no other accompaniment than the sound of waves lapping against the shore and two hearts—soon to be three—beating in perfect time.

THE END

So much goes into the making of a book that it would probably take years to name and acknowledge everybody who was involved, even peripherally. But special thanks are due to the following people.

To my agent, Stephany Evans, for her encouragement, patience, and willingness to soldier through multiple drafts. And to Becky Vinter, also at Fine Print, for last-minute suggestions that made the manuscript stronger.

To my editor Leah Hultenschmidt for loving
Waltz
with
a
Stranger
from the start but still thinking of ways to make it better, and to Aubrey Poole and the rest of the Sourcebooks team for putting together such a beautiful book.

To Angela, friend and beta reader
extraordinaire
, for pushing me through this one by insisting on knowing what happened next.

To Jules, Suzanna, Jean, and the rest of the After Hours crew for your support and camaraderie over the years. I am a better writer, especially of romance, because of you guys.

To Elizabeth and Lisa, for wanting to say they knew me when. Well, you did—and I hope you’ll agree I’ve improved since then!

To readers past, present, and to come—thank you all.

Pamela Sherwood grew up in a family of teachers and taught college-level literature and writing courses for several years before turning to writing full time. She holds a doctorate in English literature, specializing in the Romantic and Victorian periods, eras that continue to fascinate her and provide her with countless opportunities for virtual time travel. She lives in Southern California and is currently at work on her next book. Visit her on the web at
http://pamelasherwood.wordpress.com
.

How to Tame a Willful Wife

by Christy English

How to Tame a Willful Wife:

1. Forbid her from riding astride

2. Hide her dueling sword

3. Burn all her breeches and buy her silk drawers

4. Frisk her for hidden daggers

5. Don’t get distracted while frisking her for hidden daggers…

Anthony Carrington, Earl of Ravensbrook, expects a biddable bride. A man of fiery passion tempered by the rigors of war into steely self-control, he demands obedience from his troops and his future wife. Regardless of how fetching she looks in breeches.

Promised to the Earl of Plump Pockets by her impoverished father, Caroline Montague is no simpering miss. She rides a war stallion named Hercules, fights with a blade, and can best most men with both bow and rifle. She finds Anthony autocratic, domineering, and… ridiculously handsome.

It’s a duel of wit and wills in this charming retelling of
The Taming of the Shrew
. But the question is…who’s taming whom?

For more Christy English, visit:

www.sourcebooks.com

Miss Lavigne’s Little White Lie

by Samantha Grace

Spirited and determined to protect her young brother at any cost, Lisette Lavigne is desperate to flee New Orleans. There’s only one
ship sailing to England, though, and the rakish Captain Daniel Hillary will only allow Lisette’s family aboard for a very steep price…

Daniel prides himself on running a tight ship, and he knows a lady will be nothing but trouble on a long voyage. Yet he can’t help but break his own ironclad rules when Lisette persuades him that being gentlemanly just this once is his wisest course of action…

“Evocative… There is a charm in Grace’s prose that will delight readers.”
—
RT Book Reviews

“Grace’s fabulously fun debut will dazzle readers with its endearingly outspoken heroine and devilishly rakish hero.”
—
Booklist

“Clever, spicy, and fresh from beginning to end.”
—Amelia Grey, award-winning author of
A Gentleman Never Tells

“A delightfully witty romp seasoned with an irresistible dash of intrigue and passion. Samantha Grace is an author to watch!”
—Shana Galen, award-winning author of
Lord and Lady Spy

For more Samantha Grace, visit:

www.sourcebooks.com

New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author

Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight

by Grace Burrowes

’Tis the season for scandal…

Years ago Lady Louisa Windham acted rashly on a dare from her brother, and that indiscretion is about to come to light. She knows her reputation will never survive exposure. Just as she’s nearly overwhelmed by
her dilemma, Sir Joseph Carrington offers himself to her as a solution…

But Sir Joseph has secrets as well, and as he and Louisa become entangled with each other, their deceptions begin to close in on them both…

Praise for RITA-nominated
Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
:

“An extraordinary, precious, unforgettable holiday story.”
—
RT Book Reviews
Top Pick of the Month, 4.5 Stars

“Burrowes continues to write outside the usual Regency box with strong characters and humor similar to Amanda Quick’s.”
—
Booklist

For more Grace Burrowes, visit:

www.sourcebooks.com