Defying The Earl
Game…Matchmaker Wilhelmina Montgomery helps cupid’s arrow find its mark in the drawing rooms of the Ton, effortlessly pairing even the most unlikely couples for a discreet fee. Perhaps not an appropriate pursuit for a lady…but with an ailing sister to care for, it’s Whimsy’s only hope at securing their future.Set…Meanwhile, penniless aristocrat Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is society’s favourite matchbreaker; assisting those who want to escape engagement without being sued for breach of promise. Cynical, yes…but with no intention of falling in love himself, Valerian considers himself ideally suited to the role.…And match!When Whimsy discovers that Valerian has set out to break the very engagement she has been painstakingly arranging, she refuses to allow this mysterious saboteur have his way. Yet she didn’t expect to find the handsome Earl so distractingly alluring. And suddenly, it seems that the Ton’s last two loneliest hearts are in danger of meeting their match… in the most inopportune of places.Fans of Regency romance will adore Anabelle Bryant’s Regency Charms series:1. Defying the Earl2. Undone by His Kiss3. Society’s Most Scandalous Viscount4. His Forbidden DebutantePraise for Anabelle Bryant:'Anabelle Bryant’s books just keep getting better! Duke of Darkness is the epitome of what a romance novel should be – sexy, steamy and heart wrenching.' -Elder Park Book Reviews' storytelling rivals any established author in the market' 5* for 'To Love a Wicked Scoundrel' from historicalromancelover.blogspot.co.uk'This book was sweet, enjoyable, and absolutely fantastic. Romance lovers, this is a must read book.' - 5* from Farah (Goodreads) for 'To Love a Wicked Scoundrel'
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Gameâ¦
Matchmaker Wilhelmina Montgomery helps cupidâs arrow find its mark in the drawing rooms of the Ton, effortlessly pairing even the most unlikely couples for a discreet fee. Perhaps not an appropriate pursuit for a ladyâ¦but with an ailing sister to care for, itâs Whimsyâs only hope at securing their future.
Setâ¦
Meanwhile, penniless aristocrat Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood is societyâs favourite matchbreaker; assisting those who want to escape engagement without being sued for breach of promise. Cynical, yesâ¦but with no intention of falling in love himself, Valerian considers himself ideally suited to the role.
And match!
When Whimsy discovers that Valerian has set out to break the very engagement she has been painstakingly arranging, she refuses to allow this mysterious saboteur have his way. Yet she didnât expect to find the handsome Earl so distractingly alluring. And suddenly, it seems that the Tonâs last two loneliest hearts are in danger of finding their matchâ¦in the most inopportune of places.
With sincere thanks and gratitude to my brilliant editor, Clio Cornish, for her unending encouragement and effervescent support. How lovely to know you share my vision.
To the entire Carina team for their dedication and hopelessly romantic cover creations and to Harlequin/HarperCollins for allowing me the opportunity to realize a dream with every novel.
This book is dedicated to my Aunt Maryann, who has politely listened to me rattle on about hopes, dreams, wishes, and concerns, even when she might have preferred to press mute, and who has always offered the most sincere advice in return.
And to my readers and friends; the start of a new series is thrilling and your genuine enthusiasm has been contagious. You have my heartfelt gratitude for reading and believing in me.
May all your days be charmed.
Contents
âWeâre done for.â Valerian St. David, Earl of Dashwood, pushed an accumulation of bills to the side of his desk and eyed his brother sprawled across the threadbare chaise in a pose that mocked the gravity of their situation. âWe havenât enough to pay the creditors, nor our meager staff, never mind afford food and firewood. If we do not contrive a solution, weâre set to starve or freeze to death before the end of the month.â
Jasper appeared nonplussed. âWeâve ventured into dun territory before. Youâll find a means to keep us alive.â
The lackadaisical response abraded Valâs fragile hold on his temper. He would not mention his brotherâs outlandish gambling debts. He would not suggest poor investments and irresponsible behavior were what landed them on the rocks. Instead he flicked his eyes to his fatherâs portrait, dusty and faded above the fire, if it could be called that, the meager log smoldering in the box nothing more than a cold insult; and instead, lamented how Jasper had grown into a duplicate of their deceased father, a popular, likeable gentleman who possessed a devil-may-care attitude void of one drop of responsibility. Jasper, as a second son to boot, was excused by society for most every indiscretion.
Perhaps Valerianâs silence conveyed what his words did not because the subject of his morose deliberations stood with alacrity and walked to the sideboard intent on a drink only to discover the brandy decanter bone dry.
âWe have to find a solution, Dash. Conditions are truly grave when the brandyâs run out.â Jasper swept his eyes from left to right. âIsnât there something here of worth?â
âSo now I have your attention.â Val pinned his brother with a scathing glare. âThereâs nothing left to sell. I pawned the silver to settle your vowels with that crooked gaming hell in St. Giles. Iâve sold artwork to repay the debt you owed Lord Rendly, and by work of determination, cajoled the bank into a few more weeks of credit. Weâre in damned low water this time. Weâll have to give the staff notice so they can seek new positions. Cook and Turner deserve better than to remain in employ of two brothers housed in a ramshackle country estate where wages cannot be paid.â
âYouâre doing it up a bit much. Turner has been our butler forever and Fatherâs butler before that. He would work here at Kirby Park for free if we asked.â
âYou canât possibly be suggestingââ Indignation laced Valerianâs objection.
