Alec Winters, Earl of Harwich, wanted Miss Regina Rutledge for his wife, but there was one thing standing in his way—her betrothal to another man. Before he could sweep her off to Gretna Green, he lost her forever. It was then that he vowed never to love again. He’d marry only for duty and heirs.
Miss Regina Rutledge loved Alec with all her heart, but her father refused to be moved by emotion. Before she could run away with Alec, her betrothed not only destroyed her home but killed her father. In fear for her life, and Alec’s, Regina needed to disappear, even if it meant that everyone believed her dead. With painful determination, she became someone else—a governess, hiding from Society.
When Alec discovers her living in the home of his cousin, her betrayal cuts deep and Alec isn’t certain that he can ever forgive her. Will they find their way back to each other, or will the love and passion they once shared be destroyed for good?
Genre: FICTION / Romance / Regency50 ratings at Amazon average 4.3 ratings
46 ratings on Goodreads average 4.2 ratings
“Break your betrothal, Regina,” Lord Alec Winters, Earl of Harwich, murmured before he placed his lips against the sensitive spot just below her right ear.
He knew she had difficulty arguing when he was bent on seduction and had pulled her into a far corner of the gardens, out of sight and hearing of the other guests. His need to speak with her was urgent.
That wasn’t his only urgent need, but until Regina was truly his, he’d remain unsatisfied.
“You know I cannot,” she whispered in the darkness.
Alec pulled back and stared down “I love you.” He cradled her cheek in his hands. “You are the most beautiful and desirable woman in England. The kindest and most loving.”
Regina tried to glance away as her cheeks colored ever so slightly with embarrassment.
She was perfect, with her crystal blue eyes, midnight hair, smooth and soft porcelain skin, and perfectly bowed and kissable lips. He’d been struck by her loveliness when they’d first met but it was her heart that had won his.
“My father will not allow it,” she insisted.
“We will simply run away. We can start for Gretna Green tonight.”
“You must return home tomorrow,” she reminded him.
She was correct. He’d come to tell her of the death of his cousin and his need to return to Willanton to be with family and attend the funeral. He and his cousin, Preston Ambrose, the younger brother of the deceased, would be leaving at first light tomorrow.
