Accidental Fiancee

Necessary Nuptials

Lady Grace Endicott never would have dreamed she’d be ruined by a rake. But after an innocent encounter with notorious scoundrel Lord Weston is misconstrued, her beloved sister’s introduction to society—and her own reputation—are put at risk. The only way to avoid a scandal is a betrothal.

Brandon Roth—Lord Weston—doesn’t quite know what to think of his independent fiancée…or their growing friendship. Yet their engagement ruse is quickly becoming more than a temporary fix. If he can convince Grace that his wicked ways are now far behind him, he’ll be able to prove that he wants nothing more than to care for the lovely lady…

“My dear, this story will be all over Town by morning.

And if you think being secluded with a well-known rake without the explanation of an engagement would not stop your sister’s presentation before it ever started, then I think whoever sent you to London on your own ought to be horsewhipped. You are no more prepared to face it than a newborn babe.”

He stopped, turned toward her and looked directly into those green orbs. “I am afraid, my dear, that I will not be a part of your ruination.”

“Do all the women you know stand by and let you insult them to their face? Indeed, I understand the damage gossip could do to my sister. That is why I wish to see this situation resolved before that gossip can spread. Just tell me how we may fix this, and then we may go on our way.”

He looked at her in a very peculiar way. “Madam, the only ‘fix’ is to continue with the engagement. We are betrothed, and my next step is to go see your father.”

MARY MOORE

has been writing historical fiction for more than fifteen years. After battling and beating breast cancer, Mary is even more excited about her career, as she incorporates some of her struggles throughout her books, dedicated to encouraging others in the Lord and using her writing for God’s glory.

Her debut novel, The Aristocrat’s Lady, won several acclaimed awards, including the 2011 Reviewers’ Choice Award by RT Book Reviews for Best Love Inspired Historical, and the 2011 Holt Medallion from Virginia Romance Writers for Best Book by a Virginia Author. She also received an Award of Merit for Best First Book and Best Long Inspirational by the VRW.

Mary is a native of the Washington, DC, area, but she and her husband, Craig, now live in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia. When not writing, she loves to read, minister in her church and spend time with her husband, either at home or traveling.

Mary would love to hear from you! She can be reached by visiting her website at www.marymooreauthor.com, or you can email her at [email protected].

Accidental Fiancée

Mary Moore

www.millsandboon.co.uk

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

—Ephesians 2:8

This Book Is Dedicated To:

Jesus Christ,

My Savior and Lord

And To:

My Mom,

Jeanne Callaghan O’Leary. Her life was such a tremendous example of grace and love that it touched everyone she met. I love and miss you, Mom.

Special Thanks To:

Craig,

My husband and Best Friend

And To:

My Agent, Jenni Burke.

Without her help, encouragement and passion, you would not be reading this today.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

En Route to London, 1817

“Oh, Grace, it can be none of our concern!” Grace’s younger sister, Lydia, warned softly. “I am persuaded it would be better if we did not get involved.” But Grace was already walking toward their parlor door at the Blue Swan Inn.

Sitting quietly over a pot of tea in their private parlor, Lady Grace Endicott and her sister had been surprised to hear voices from the next room come clearly through the inn’s thin walls.

“I tell you, Mama, it was Lord Weston pulling into the yard,” said a faceless voice in a tone of loud frustration.

“But, dear, what does it matter?” asked a harried older woman in response.

The first voice, more menacing now, drawled, “Really, Mother, must I spell everything out for you?”

Grace now had the two women pictured in her mind and she did not like the view. Would a daughter really speak so to her parent?

“My dear Charlotte,” the mother complained, “Lord Weston is rich, to be sure, but should you like to be married to him? He has quite a reputation as a rake.”

Charlotte snorted loudly. “What a singularly stupid question. Do I wish to be a marchioness with more pin money than you can even imagine? He must marry sometime. He has to beget an heir. Once I have provided one, I will be free to go my own way...with all the money I need to do so.”