Captive

Informationen zum Autor Joan Johnston  is the  New York Times  and  USA Today  bestselling author of more than sixty historical and contemporary romance novels. She received a master of arts degree in theater from the University of Illinois and graduated with honors from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin. She is currently a full-time writer living in Colorado. Klappentext She was a gorgeous rebel. Defying all the rules, daring to speak her mind, Charlotte Edgerton declared her independence before she even entered the Earl of Denbigh's home. Her new guardian immediately made her a prisoner in her own room—until she agreed to learn the lady-like arts. Furious, she complied. Anything to buy her freedom from Denbigh. She's even marry a man she didn't love to get away from her domineering guardian. In fact, love was the furthest thing from her mind... He was the Earl who vowed to tame her. Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, had been betrayed at the altar by another woman and vowed that no female would ensnare him again. Then Charlotte Edgerton burst into his life. Denbigh wasn't prepared for this headstrong American—or the passions she inspired on first sight. He knew only that he had to civilize her, present her at court, and Almack's, and then marry her off to the highest bidder. It wasn't until he nearly lost her that he realized the truth: She'd somehow reversed their roles and become the captor of his heart. Leseprobe The bride was late.  The guests were starting to whisper.  Lionel Morgan, Earl of Denbigh, stood waiting near the altar of St. Paul's Church in London with his best friend and groomsman, Percival Porter, Viscount Burton, who also happened to be the bride's elder brother. "Where is she, Percy?"  Denbigh asked.  "What do you suppose is causing the delay?" "You know the ladies, Lion.  It takes them an eternity to dress themselves. Alice hasn't been on time for anything in her entire life.  She was even born two weeks late.  You cannot expect a rare bird like Alice to change her feathers simply because she is getting married."  Percy smiled and gave Denbeigh a friendly cuff on the shoulder.  "Be patient.  It cannot be long now." A commotion in the vestry attracted Denbigh's attention.  Heads swiveled in the congregation to see what was amiss.  It took Denbigh only a moment to recognize the Marquis of Peterborough, Percy and Alice's father, and another moment to see that the marchioness was hanging on his sleeve, trying vainly to stop him. "She's bolted!" Peterborough said, his voice echoing off the church's high ceiling as he marched down the aisle toward Denbigh.  He shook a piece of crumpled parchment--apparently a note from Alice--in Denbigh's face.  "The foolish chit has run away.  She says she will not marry you." The wedding guests gave a collective gasp and began to whisper in earnest, creating a buzzing sound not unlike a nest of hornets. Denbigh felt his skin prickle.  His heart pounded in his chest as adrenaline laced his blood.  He was having difficulty grasping the enormity of the catastrophe that had befallen him.  The woman he loved--the woman he had believed loved him--had run away rather than marry him. He turned to Percy in disbelief.  "Percy? How...? Why...? Did Alice say anything to you, give you any clue that she was unhappy with the match?" Percy stared back at him.  "I am as shocked as you are, Lion.  There must be some good explanation for Alice's behavior, but I cannot imagine what what it is." He turned with a confused look to his parents.  "What does her note say, Father?" "Please, may we go somewhere private?" Lady Peterborough begged.  "There has already been scandal enough to keep tongues wagging for three lifetimes." Denbigh glanced up, square into the gawking face of Lady Hornby, a notorious gossip.  That flustered lady quickly ...

Product details

• Authors: Joan Johnston
• Publisher: Dell Publishing Inc.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.04.1996
• EAN: 9780440222002
• ISBN: 978-0-440-22200-2
• No. of pages: 384
• Series: Captive Hearts; Captive Hearts
• Subject: Fiction > Narrative literature