Stranger's Kiss

Informationen zum Autor Mary lives in Southern Maryland within sight of the Chesapeake Bay, an hour from Washington DC, where she was born and lived a good part of her life. When not distracted by the beach or the history of the area Mary spends her time writing her own stories of history and adventure. Her next book for Bantam, Her Wildest Fantasy , is in the works now. Klappentext From author Mary Blayney comes this riveting new romantic novel set in a world of turbulent change. Here the scion of a powerful English family and a woman every bit his match begin an affair that will leave them both vulnerable to forces beyond their control. A year after the death of his wife! Lynford Pennistan! Duke of Meryon! has returned to London and his weighty political responsibilities. But no burden can equal the regret Lyn feels for never allowing himself to show his wife the emotion that could have saved his marriage. Now an unexpected encounter with a beautiful widow may offer him a second chance.. As reluctant guests at a ball! Lyn and an elegant stranger talk of love and loss in ways they never have before. And when they are later introduced! their attraction goes from passionate to scandalous. As England's political unrest explodes! so do the fires between Lyn and Elena Verano. But when a secret is revealed that will turn Elena's life upside down! Lyn is forced to make a choice that could destroy them both...if Elena doesn't make it for him. Chapter One London Before the Season March 1818 My dears, stop chatting or you will miss everything! The Duke of Meryon has arrived.” A group of the ton’s finest gossips clustered near the entrance to Mrs. Harbison’s ballroom. Something interesting had happened. “Meryon is here?” “Where?” “He looks like he’s still in mourning.” They paused as one as they considered that even without a smile the Duke of Meryon was worth watching. “Poor Rowena.” “It has been every bit of a year.” “Is this his first social outing since she died?” “What else would he do of an evening?” one of the dim-witted asked. The ladies laughed at her naiveté. The gentlemen added gruff chuckles and considering glances. “How long before he marries again?” “He has an heir. Why would he marry again?” The whispers bit into Meryon like the tip of a sword, reminding him that his wife’s death had changed his world forever. But these very gossips were the reason he was here tonight. “Those women are idiots.” His hostess tried to steer him away from the crush of people, her too-tight grip a measure of her indignation. Meryon halted their progress and bowed over her hand. “Nevertheless, I will speak with them.” Letty Harbison took his arm again. “You will not speak to them alone, Your Grace.” “I can handle The Gossips.” He smiled down at her. “I have plenty of experience with backbiting in the House of Lords.” “But this is my house, Meryon, and I want to hear every word.” He laughed out loud and could not recall the last time he had. “What a delight you are, Letty. Does Harbison know how lucky he is?” She tapped his hand with her fan and faced The Gossips, assuming a look that Meryon could only describe as condescending. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Your Grace, I am sure you have met all these people.” He would not laugh. She had neatly insulted them and they had not even noticed, thrilled to have a duke in their midst. Mrs. Harbison turned to him, including the others in their conversation. “I am so happy to see you among the ton again, Your Grace.” “Oh yes,” one of the ladies echoed. “I know it has been a difficult year for you.” “And for all of Rowena’s friends,” another added. “But having you with us will remind us of what we loved most about her.” “That she was a duchess?...

Product details

• Authors: Mary Blayney
• Publisher: Bantam Books USA
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 25.08.2009
• EAN: 9780440244288
• ISBN: 978-0-440-24428-8
• No. of pages: 432
• Dimensions: 106 mm x 175 mm x 29 mm