She held out her hand to him. âThen we have a deal?â
He eyed her fingers with the same amusement heâd demonstrated during their entire discussion. Embarrassment eroded her confidence as her hand hung in the air, waiting for him to take it. For all his glib lightheartedness, she sensed the serious streak lying just beneath the humour. He was considering her offer and whether or not she was worth the risk. He wouldnât be the only one taking a chance with this challenge. She would be too. But it was worth it if it meant ending her time with the Rocklands and the taint of being a mistake and an unwanted intrusion.
At last he slid his hand into hers, his hold hot and hard. Her heart began to race and she took a deep breath to steady herself, willing her body not to tremble. If he experienced any measure of the heat sliding through her at the joining of their skin he didnât reveal it, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a smile both amused and enticing.
âWe do.â
He smiled with a wickedness to nearly make her faint.
Author Note
When Justin Connor first made his appearance as Philipâs friend in A Debt Paid in Marriage, he captured me with his charm. Itâs his determination to succeed, to rise above everyoneâs low expectations of him, that I chose to explore in A Too Convenient Marriage. In doing so I introduced him to Susanna, a heroine who learns that she is so much more than what other people think. Together they support one another, and overcome all obstacles to find the love they deserve.
Many times in our lives we reach a point where we have to throw off the expectations of others and have faith in ourselves in order to achieve our dreams. It isnât always easyâespecially when things are difficult and we want to quit. Justin and Susannaâs story is about doing what it takes to reach a goalânever giving up and learning to ignore peopleâs negative opinions. Itâs also about drawing strength from those who love and support us and remembering to cherish them.
I hope A Too Convenient Marriage inspires you to keep striving, to continue loving and always to believe in yourself and what you want to achieve.
A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEE hasnât given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent.
Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.
Chapter One
LondonâMay 1818
âMarry you?â Helena Gammon sat back from Justin Connor, her ungloved hand stilling on his chest beneath his shirt. A horse snorted from somewhere outside his chaise where it sat parked in a long row of conveyances in front of Vauxhall Gardens.
âIâm quite serious. We get on well together, especially at night,â Justin murmured against the buxom little widowâs neck. âSoon, Iâll have the resources to establish myself in the wine trade. Iâll need a wife who can manage as well in my business as in my bed.â
She shifted out of his embrace and laid her hands in her lap as though they were at tea. âThere are other matters to consider.â
Her lack of enthusiasm wasnât how heâd imagined this proposal unfolding.
âSuch as?â Justin leaned back against the squabs, sure he wasnât going to like what he was about to hear.
âYou arenât likely to make a go of it.â She shrugged as though his failure was predetermined. âNot after what happened with the last one.â
âThe storm sank the ship.â And my business. He pulled his gaping shirt closed. He thought everyone understood that little fact. Apparently he was wrong. âThere was nothing I or anyone could have done to prevent it.â
Despite months of careful planning, researching, investing, hiring the most capable captain and the sturdiest ship, his first foray into business had dropped to the bottom of the English Channel, taking with it a considerable amount of his money. He hated ships.
âEven if you did manage to make a go of it, Iâm tired of being some unpaid servant to my husbandâs ventures. I worked myself to the bone with Mr Gammon. Now I want to be free of such concerns.â She tugged her bodice up higher over her ample breasts. âMr Preston asked me to marry him this morning and I accepted.â
âYou did what?â He hadnât realised the old furrier was sniffing around the widow, much less falling on his knees in front of her in infatuation.
âHeâs rich and has people to take care of his business for him.â
âHeâs well over sixty and not likely to keep you amused in the evenings.â