Eurydice Goodenham is convinced that a marriage of convenience with the notorious Sebastian Montgomery, Earl of Rockmorton, would be ideal: in exchange for one child, she can retreat to the library of his country house to write, while he continues his scandalous life in London. But when she finds herself falling in love with her unpredictable, mischievous and secretly honorable husband, does she have any hope of claiming his heart?
Sebastian is bored with the world’s amusements, until his friend’s ward makes a startling proposal. He can’t help but challenge Eurydice’s expectations in return. A wild escape to Gretna Green convinces him that his unexpected bride is perfect for him—except that Eurydice doesn’t believe in love. Can Sebastian win this bluestocking’s reluctant heart in time to save a Christmas—and a marriage—going awry?
Genre: FICTION / Romance / RegencyA Most Inconvenient Earl is the fourth book in my Brides of North Barrows series of Regency romance novellas. Please do not offer for this book first, as the series must be read in order.
Eurydice gripped the umbrella, her throat tight as the dirt obscured the coffin. Daphne stood beside her, holding the duke’s arm, their older son before them and the younger in the nursemaid’s arms. Daniel and his wife and children stood on the opposite side of the grave. Nelson, the viscountess’s lady’s maid for years, sniffled loudly from the ranks of the servants. There were mourners gathered from the village, as well. The final blessing was pronounced and Eurydice let her tears fall.
Her life had been disrupted twice by death and left in uncertainty. It had been less of a shock this time, for her grandmother had faded visibly since Daphne’s wedding, but still she was aware that her position was precarious.
The duke had given his word, but what if he died? What if he and Daphne were killed unexpectedly, as her own parents had been? All might go awry for Eurydice if her sister no longer drew breath. The children doubtless had a more secure future, the oldest being heir to the dukedom, but Eurydice felt that the ground was loose beneath her feet.
She had no desire to wed for romantic reasons, as Daphne had, but it made good sense to marry for practical ones. She would be able to guarantee her own future, then, if she chose wisely. Once she had made a jest that she would wed a rich rogue, but increasingly, she saw the merit of such a notion. The rake in question could continue to be a scoundrel in town, and she would retire to the country to read and write in peace.
It was a perfect scheme, for even if he died, she would inherit a measure of his wealth as his widow. In fact, she would ensure as much by making the provision in his will a stipulation of their match.
Fortunately, she knew a rogue who would suit her well.
All she needed was the audacity to propose to Sebastian Montgomery, Earl of Rockmorton—and the good fortune to have him accept.
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German
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Unavailable for translation.
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Letizia PIPERO and Alessandra Elisa Paganin
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Evelyn T M Martins
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Spanish
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Unavailable for translation.
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