Enter to Win a Complete Print Set of
The
Brides of Wishmore Series
THE MATCH OF THE CENTURY
Marrying the Duke #1
Cathy Maxwell
Releasing Nov 24th, 2015
Avon Romance
In New York
Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering new series, wedding
bells are ringing… until the return of a rake throws a bride’s plans— and
heart—into a tailspin.
Every
debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one
reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London’s most
powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when
she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.
Already
exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet “family obligations,” now
Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever
loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin
again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.
As the
wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger
brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose
love over duty…?
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Her bedroom door flew open,
interrupting her thoughts, and her mother, Jennifer Morris, sparkling in the
famed Morris diamonds, swept into the room. Her dress was of Belgian lace dyed
in her favorite shade of sapphire, a color that matched her eyes. Her honey
blonde hair barely betrayed a trace of gray. She glowed with eagerness for the
evening ahead. She enjoyed crowds and being the center of attention. She had
looked forward to this night for over twenty years, ever since the old duke of
Baynton had suggested a match between their children.
Jenny shut the door and took in the
situation in the room—Elin in her petticoats, her hair curling without a sense
of order or style—and focused on the supper tray on the desk by the window
overlooking the back garden.
“What is this? You haven’t touched any
of your food. Sarah said she encouraged you to eat but I can see you haven’t
taken even a bite.” Her mother approached her. Jenny was half a head taller
than her daughter. She cupped Elin’s face in warm, loving hands. The rose scent
of her perfume swirled around them. “Elin, you must eat. This evening is all
about you. You are going to be very busy tonight. So many people will beg your
attention, you won’t have time to sit let alone enjoy a bit of supper. And
then, sweet bee, you need to finish dressing. Cook prepared the chicken in that
French cream sauce you like so much. In fact, while you are eating, let me call
for Sarah to come in and do your hair. We don’t want to keep Baynton and his
guests waiting--”
Elin caught her mother’s hand before
she could move away. “I can’t do this. I thought I could but I can’t.”
“You can,” her mother answered.
“You were meant to do this. Born for it. Elin--” She paused, closed her eyes as
if searching for the right words, or patience. When she raised her lashes, her
expression was one of loving concern. “Elin, forgive yourself. You made a
mistake. It shouldn’t have happened, but it did. However, it was many years
ago. What were you, fifteen?”
“I was to turn sixteen?”
“So very young. How could you have
known? You trusted Benedict. Your father and I trusted him.”
“I was foolish.” A hard lump formed in
Elin’s chest at the mention of Benedict Whitridge’s name. Ben had been her
closest friend and he had taken what she should have protected—her virginity.
He was also her betrothed’s younger brother.
Not only had the experience been
painful and humiliating, he’d gone away the very next day. He’d left for a
career in the military without a word of farewell. Or a warning that he was
leaving, that he wouldn’t be there to reassure her when she needed him most.
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New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell spends hours in
front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It
remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She
lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats.
Don't Miss the Marrying the Duke Novella
A LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE
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