A Most Improper Proposal
Isabella Adams has tasted desire—and paid the price.With four scandalous attachments to her name, only the fierce patronage of Lady Watson has kept the doors of fashionable society open. And yet, when a handsome stranger literally sweeps her off her feet, Isabella can’t help but yearn for more…After five long years away from England, Lord James Crawford has returned to find little has changed—aside from his aunt’s new companion. James cannot equate the reserved Miss Adams with the wicked rumours surrounding her—but he can’t deny he’d like to look more closely.Soon, the attraction between them becomes undeniable…and giving into temptation has never tasted so sweet. But when the secrets of the past are revealed, will Isabella accept her lord’s most improper proposal?
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Isabella Adams is taken in as a companion to kindly Lady Watson after a scandal tarnishes her reputation. When Lady Watsonâs nephew, Lord James Crawford, returns to the country, there is an instant attraction between them. But will the secrets of the past keep them apart?
A Most Improper Proposal
Molly Ann Wishlade
HQ
An imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd.
1 London Bridge Street
London SE1 9GF
First published in Great Britain by HQ in 2014
Copyright © Molly Ann Wishlade 2014
Molly Ann Wishlade asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the authorâs imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins.
E-book Edition © June 2014 ISBN: 9781474008464
Version date: 2018-07-23
MOLLY ANN WISHLADE
has always been an avid reader and writer of stories. She regularly indulges her love of romance and passion by getting lost in the delicious worlds created by romantic novelists. When not reading, sheâs busy with her current WIP, usually her next highly erotic tale about hunky heroes and their lady loves - and sometimes their gorgeous male lovers too.
She wants to take readers on the rollercoaster that is life through the creation of loveable characters, exciting relationships and vivid worlds. She has a soft spot for a happy ever after.
She loves to hear from readers.
Once again, huge thanks to the dedicated HQ Digital team who helped me to bring Isabella and Jamesâ story to my lovely readers.
Big hugs to all my author friends. They are fabulously supportive with their advice, tips and retweets.
Love and a million kisses to my darling husband who keeps me sane, my precious children who keep me smiling and my two dogs for making me get out in the fresh air on a daily basis. (Walking helps keep writerâs bottom at bay! Just!)
XXXX
For all the ladies and gentlemen who have ever received a most improper proposalâ¦
Contents
About the Publisher
âLook out, madam! Get out of the way!â
Isabellaâs stroll along the sandy track of Rotten Row was abruptly brought to a halt as the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun on her face was suddenly obscured.
She flung her hands out to shield herself from the enormous iron-clad hooves of the black stallion rearing above her. She threw herself out of its path, landing hard on her behind.
âHush now, hush, boy. Itâs okay.â
Trembling, Isabella struggled to catch her breath, winded from her fall. She watched as the rider leant down over the stallionâs sleek black neck and smoothed it gently whilst whispering further words of reassurance into its flicking ear. The agitated beast gradually responded to the soothing voice that came from beneath the black top hat and slowly ceased its stamping, then lowered its head to the grass at the side of the path and began to graze.
The rider jumped down, looped the horseâs reins over a fence post and turned to Isabella. She looked away quickly, aware that she had been staring.
âExcuse me, madamâ¦â He made a small bow. âAre you hurt?â
She scanned him from his black riding boots up to his black velvet riding jacket. He was smartly dressed but clearly no dandy. She moved her gaze towards his face but it was cloaked in shadow and the sun glared out from behind his head, creating a veritable halo.
She squinted up at him, raising her hands to shield her eyes.
âDid you bump your head?â The man reached down to her.
Isabella gasped as she caught his scent on the breeze. It was of horses, leather and something else that she did not recognise â an aroma that was fresh, earthy and that stirred something deep within her. A blush rose in her cheeks as heat flooded through her like mulled wine. It was as if her body recognised him instantly and she was surprised and unnerved by its response.
âMadam? Or is it Miss?â His voice betrayed a trace of irritation now. âI asked if you are hurt.â
She shook her head and was about to reply when she heard a familiar voice.
