Pretend marriage to the earl
Sharing everything—except a bed...
To uncover a ruthless killer, Arabella Roffey masquerades as the Countess of Westray, not expecting her “husband” to suddenly appear! He could expose her but instead agrees to continue her ruse for a week. Randolph is brooding, handsome, and Bella likes him more than she should. As she pretends to be his wife, they share everything except a bed—but the temptation to do so is becoming all too real...
SARAH MALLORY grew up in the West Country, England, telling stories. She moved to Yorkshire with her young family, but after nearly thirty years of living in a farmhouse on the Pennines, she has now moved to live by the sea in Scotland. Sarah is an award-winning novelist, with more than twenty books published by Mills & Boon Historical. She loves to hear from readers and you can reach her via her website at: sarahmallory.com.
Also by Sarah Mallory
The Duke’s Secret Heir
Pursued for the Viscount’s Vengeance
The Infamous Arrandales miniseries
The Chaperon’s Seduction
Temptation of a Governess
Return of the Runaway
The Outcast’s Redemption
Saved From Disgrace miniseries
The Tons Most Notorious Rake
Beauty and the Brooding Lord
The Highborn Housekeeper
And look out for the last book
Lilian and the Irresistible Duke by Virginia Heath coming soon
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
ISBN: 978-0-008-90118-9
HIS COUNTESS FOR A WEEK
© 2019 Sarah Mallory
Published in Great Britain 2019
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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To Sylvia T—who encouraged me not to wait for
my dreams to come true but to go out and make them
happen. And who would probably think
RIP is a pretty boring thing to do.
The short November day was coming to an end when the Apollonia entered Portsmouth Harbour, its sails turned pink by the setting sun. On the bustling deck one figure stood motionless, a gentleman wrapped in a heavy cloak. He wore no hat and his thick blond hair was ruffled by the breeze as he stared out across the water, his eyes narrowed against the evening sunlight. He did not look at the sturdy walls and menacing fortifications rearing up around them, but back out through the narrow harbour entrance towards the open sea.
The Captain approached him. ‘Beggin’ your pardon, sir, we’ll be docking shortly.’
‘What?’ He turned, his gaze and his mind taking a moment to focus on the Captain. ‘Ah, yes. You’ll be wanting me below decks, out of the way, I suppose.’
Reassured by the friendly tone, the Captain allowed himself a grin.
‘Aye, sir, if you will. There’s that many sacks and crates piled here...’
‘And you don’t want your men tripping over the passengers. Very well, Captain. I’ll go below, out of your way.’