Amanda laughed. “We were both bowled over. We married six weeks later.”
“And the rest of us nearly died of jealousy.”
They laughed. But Amanda’s expression soon sobered again. “And now we are all scattered—Sophie in Kent, Jane in Dorset, and Caroline flitting from London to Brighton to house parties. It all seems so long ago.” She paused. “Of course, they all have children, too. It makes them seem older.”
Diana sensed constraint. “When you and George are settled…” she began.
Amanda shook her head as if goaded. “I have lost three. I…I don’t hope…that is…” She bit her lower lip and struggled for composure. “But what am I about, discussing such things with you? An unmarried girl! Mama would be scandalized.” She paused again, taking a deep breath. “You know what we must do, Diana? We must find you a husband. You are…what? Five-and-twenty now? Nearly on the shelf. How careless of you!” Abruptly her eyes widened. “I did not mean… Oh, I haven’t offended you, have I? My tongue runs away with me sometimes.”
“Of course you have not.” But Diana did feel uneasy. “I have never had the opportunity to marry. I don’t suppose I shall.” Even if she did have the chance, it was impossible. No man would wish to marry her once he learned of her past. Diana knew she could never keep such a secret from a husband.
“Nonsense.” Amanda examined her friend with a more critical eye than she had used so far. Diana had been very pretty at seventeen. Now, her color was not so good, admittedly, but her deep golden hair had lost none of its vibrancy, and the unfashionable way she dressed it was somehow very attractive. Her face was thinner, but her brown eyes with those striking gold flecks remained entrancing. Her form was slender and pleasing, even in the poorly cut black gown. Amanda’s own dark eyes began to sparkle. It was unthinkable that Diana should not marry, and this was just the sort of problem that appealed to her. A keen interest that Amanda had not felt for some time rose in her, temporarily banishing worry. How could her plan be best accomplished? Slowly an idea started to form, which, she reasoned, might work for George as well.
About the Author
Jane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight was part of what led her to study English literature and travel widely. Her books have been published all over Europe as well as in the United States. Jane was nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. Born in Ohio, she is now somewhat nomadic. Find her on the web at janeashford.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/JaneAshfordWriter, where you can sign up for her monthly newsletter.
A Duke Too Far
Secrets to reveal, legends to unravel, and a love to fight for…
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is struggling to handle the responsibilities of his family home and his grief over his sister Delia’s death when he’s astonished by the arrival of Miss Ada Grandison, who bears a mysterious letter that she claims holds the secret to saving his ancestral home. Peter’s life is about to get even more complicated…
“All the sparkling wit and flirtatious banter of a Georgette Heyer novel.”
—Publishers Weekly
For more info about Sourcebooks’s books and authors, visit:
sourcebooks.com
An Inconvenient Duke
When the duke starts searching for answers, no one’s secrets are safe
Marcus Braddock, former general and newly appointed Duke of Hampton, is back from war. Now, not only is he surrounded by the utterly unbearable ton, but he’s mourning the death of his beloved sister, Elise. Marcus believes his sister’s death was no accident, and he’s determined to learn the truth—starting with Danielle, his sister’s beautiful best friend. But Danielle might be keeping secrets of her own…
“As steamy as it is sweet as it is luscious. My favorite kind of historical!”
—Grace Burrowes, New York Times bestselling author, for Dukes Are Forever
For more info about Sourcebooks’s books and authors, visit:
sourcebooks.com
Only a Duchess Would Dare
Dazzling Regency romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey
Alexander Mitchell, the fourth Marquis of Raceworth, is shocked when the alluring young Duchess of Brookfield accuses him of being in possession of pearls belonging to her family. The pearls in question have been in Race’s family since the sixteenth century. And while Susannah Brookfield is the most beautiful, enchanting, and intelligent woman he has ever met, he’s not about to hand over a family heirloom. But if he didn’t steal her pearls, how exactly did he get them, and what are he and Susannah to do when they go missing once more?
“Exemplifies the very essence of what a romance novel should be…superbly written.”
—Love Romance Passion
For more info about Sourcebooks’s books and authors, visit:
sourcebooks.com
Also by Jane Ashford
The Duke’s Sons
Heir to the Duke
What the Duke Doesn’t Know
Lord Sebastian’s Secret
Nothing Like a Duke
The Duke Knows Best
A Favor for the Prince (prequel)
The Way to a Lord’s Heart
Brave New Earl
A Lord Apart
How to Cross a Marquess
A Duke Too Far
Once Again a Bride
Man of Honour
The Three Graces
The Marriage Wager
The Bride Insists
The Bargain
The Marchington Scandal
The Headstrong Ward
Married to a Perfect Stranger
Charmed and Dangerous
A Radical Arrangement
First Season / Bride to Be
Rivals of Fortune / The Impetuous Heiress
Last Gentleman Standing
Earl to the Rescue
The Reluctant Rake
Thank you for reading this Sourcebooks eBook!
Join our mailing list to stay in the know and receive special offers and bonus content on your favorite books and authors!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Books. Change. Lives.