The scandalous truth about the countâs new mistress!
A Matches Made in Scandal story
Count Aleksei Derevenko has hired governess Allison Galbraith for her skills as a herbalist, not a mistress! But when rumors spread, Allison is more shocked by her wanton reaction to Alekseiâinscrutable and impossibly handsome, his icy blue eyes promise white-hot nights of sin. She knows too well how fragile her reputation is, but will the price of their passion be worth paying?
âReaders will be seduced by the passionate natures of the protagonists, and the fast-paced, thrilling adventure.â
âRT Book Reviews on The Harlot and the Sheikh
âFairytales do come true... There is plenty of action and adventure to captivate all readers.â
âRT Book Reviews on Sheikhâs Mail-Order Bride
Matches Made in Scandal miniseries
Book 1âFrom Governess to Countess
Book 2âFrom Courtesan to Convenient Wifeâcoming soon
MARGUERITE KAYE writes hot historical romances from her home in cold and usually rainy Scotland, featuring Regency rakes, Highlanders and sheikhs. She has published almost fifty books and novellas. When sheâs not writing she enjoys walking, cyclingâbut only on the levelâgardeningâbut only what she can eatâand cooking. She also likes to knit and occasionally drink martinisâthough not at the same time. Find out more on her website: margueritekaye.com.
Also by Marguerite Kaye
Scandal at the Midsummer BallScandal at the Christmas Ball
Comrades in Arms miniseries
The Soldierâs Dark SecretThe Soldierâs Rebel Lover
Hot Arabian Nights miniseries
The Widow and the Sheikh
Sheikhâs Mail-Order Bride The Harlot and the Sheikh Claiming His Desert Princess
Matches Made in Scandal miniseries
From Governess to Countess
And look out for the next book
From Courtesan to Convenient Wife Available April 2018
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
ISBN: 978-1-474-07347-9
FROM GOVERNESS TO COUNTESS
© 2018 Marguerite Kaye
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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www.millsandboon.co.uk
For my cousin Allison Rankin, who requested that her namesake be a feisty heroine with red hair. Be careful what you wish for!
This is also for Alison Lyndsay and Alison Lodge, heroines in their own right. A huge thank-you for your generosity and support, in terms of research and book recommendations, and most of all for your friendship.
Prologue
Hampstead, near Londonâsummer 1815
The village of Hampstead enjoyed an enviable location on the fringes of the capital. Though its popularity as a spa retreat had declined somewhat, the fresh, clean air and its proximity to London had encouraged a number of well-heeled new residents to settle there. Passing through fruit farms and dairies on her journey from the city, the woman known only by her enigmatic epithet The Procurer had enjoyed the rustic charm and tranquil atmosphere of her surroundings, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of London where she plied her clandestine trade. Reining in her greys, she brought her phaeton to a halt before summoning a small boy standing idly nearby. She handed him the reins and proffered a sixpence. âI am looking for a Miss Galbraith.â