The Counterfeit Mistress (Fairbourne Quartet)
Madeline Hunter
Language: English
Pages: 336
ISBN: 0515151386
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
From the beloved New York Times bestselling Madeline Hunter comes this riveting historical romance, in which a darkly handsome nobleman is determined to unmask a delicate and mysterious young beauty...
A refugee from the war in France, Marielle Lyon has established herself at the fringes of London society. Claiming to be the niece of an executed aristocrat, Marielle welcomes the gossip that she is a spy. The more eyes she has watching her, the better protected she is--and the better chance she has of saving her father's life.
A warrior at heart, Gavin Norwood, Viscount Kendale, would still be in uniform if not for his older brother's untimely death. After all he's seen, Kendale doesn't trust the French--or their femmes fatales. He has set up a surveillance network to ferret out undercover agents, and he believes he's found one in the delicate, mysterious Marielle.
Ready to pounce on his tempting prey, Kendale arranges a meeting with Marielle, who is more beautiful and more cunning than he anticipated. But the Viscount is ready to do whatever it takes to unmask her--even if it means playing a game of seduction...
at all. I would not be shocked to learn they took turns keeping watch at night to see if they could catch him sneaking in your door.” “Hortense probably brought a spyglass just for that purpose.” Emma giggled. “In truth, though, more likely Darius did not want to scandalize Lydia.” Cassandra dabbed some paint and rubbed Emma’s cheeks until it faded to a light blush. The Earl of Southwaite, whom Emma would marry within the hour, treated his sister Lydia like a schoolgirl, even though she
requested our attendance on you through breakfast.” “That long?” “Afraid so.” He would be at her elbow for hours, it seemed. What a discomforting nuisance.
open. It was large enough for a man to enter. “What did they take?” he asked. “If you will wait here, we will go and see if anything of value is gone,” Marielle said. Huddled close and whispering, they left him. He sat on one of the chairs and took stock of this house. Although modest, it was larger than many. Marielle’s print coloring business probably paid the rents. Her industry provided a modicum of comfort at least, but he supposed it was a precarious existence. One unexpected
than others gave you credit for.” “Thank you again. I think.” He looked at Ambury, wondering if he was among those others, or only his wife. Ambury opened his hands in a gesture of perplexed confusion. “But a Frenchwoman?” Lady Sophie said. “With your lack of experience, do you think it is wise?” He found himself at a loss for words. “I understand the appeal,” she continued. “Such a lovely language, for one thing. Even base matters sound elegant in French. Merde, for example. How
her, and on impulse grasped his hand and tried to move it lower. Instead he rolled and brought her above him. “Take what you want, Marielle. This way I can still admire you.” Almost frantic now, she grasped him and rose up. She lowered herself and all of her gave a silent moan when he filled her. She sat back, absorbing him and enjoying the welcomed fullness. Dusk gathered outside, and shadows grew in the chamber. No candles had been lit, so the light had turned gray and soft. She