From the diary of Virginia, Lady Taversall.

An introduction to my history and my family.

You will not receive this letter until after my death, but if anyone should know, it is probably my family. I only ask you to keep this journal private.

I was eighteen when I married my first husband. My family was poor in all resources but one- they had an abundance of daughters. They looked for the best bargains they could get, and I, being blessed with a good face and figure, was married to the Earl of Rosington. He was extremely wealthy, very fond of me and nearly fifty years older than me.

I had dreamed of romance with a man nearer to my own age, someone who would sweep me off my feet and instead I had Rosington. But he was kind, and I did my duty by him. Eventually, I became pregnant and he was overjoyed when I presented him with the son and heir he so longed for. Five years later, Rosington died.

I had already met the Earl of Blyth, and fallen under his spell. He was handsome, adventurous and young. He declared himself violently in love with me, and I believed him, but I would not break my vows. Blyth did not ask me to, and now I know why. He didn't just want me, he wanted my fortune.

Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for my son Daniel, the new Lord Rosington, his father had left him very well provided for. I had a comfortable jointure, but the estate and the real fortune was tied up tight. On the whole I cannot blame Rosington for what he did. He'd seen the way Blyth approached me and he wanted him to have none of his fortune.

Life with Blyth was a nightmare. After our honeymoon, he continued his life much the way he had always done. Bitterly disappointed that he had only my jointure to fritter away, he did just that, and earned the rest of his income in the beds of other women and on the gaming tables. My infatuation died and when Blyth followed, five years later, he left me with a young son and a daughter.

We were destitute. But when Rosington had been alive, another man wanted me, but he would not approach a married woman, especially one married to a man he respected, so he went abroad. As soon as he heard of Blyth's death, killed in a duel over another woman, he came home. He had to search to find us. I was living with an old friend of mine, someone I should not have known, but I did. And I was glad of it. Taversall wooed me and won me and I have been blissfully happy ever since.

So I became known as the Triple Countess. But now I am seriously concerned about my children.

Daniel, Lord Rosington, is married to Miranda and they have two boys. For all that, they have problems in their marriage. Their coldness towards each other is belied by the warm looks when they think their partner isn't looking. I don't know what the problem is, but I have hopes that my sons, Orlando and Corin, will help.

(note from editor - you can read about Daniel and Miranda in Last Chance, My Love)

Orlando, Lord Blyth, has spent all his adult life rebuilding the fortune his father so shamelessly wasted. He has had no time for love, but now I know the lady who has just gone to work in his house. I fear for them both, since the young woman is well acquainted by me.

(note from editor - Orlando and Violetta's story is told in A Chance To Dream)

And my daughter, Perdita. I thought the fall from her horse would kill her, but she recovered from both legs being broken and several other injuries. She refuses to re-enter society, concerned that her scars make her an ineligible bride, but I think that is an excuse. And Charles, Lord Dalton, has cast eyes her way. A widower with a daughter who is far too spoiled for her own good. I cannot think this is a good match for my daughter.

(note from editor - you can read about Perdita and Charles in Met By Chance).

eBook ISBN ·1-59998-892-5
Publisher · Samhain Publishing
Genre · Sensual Historical Romance
Length · Full Length Novel

Perdita Garland is back in society after a serious riding accident sapped her strength and her confidence. The first man who interests her is a popinjay but there is far more under the pampered skin of the enticing Marquis of Petherbridge.
A mistake Perdita makes with the Marquis’s spoiled daughter leads to grave consequences and she finds herself in a strange city alone with his lordship, who is now masquerading as a dock worker. The sheer power under his fine exterior astonishes and delights her. But she has to put right a wrong she caused first.
Newly returned to England from the court of Versailles, English society finds Charles Dalton’s manners and dress astonishing, but they cover a man broken by a disastrous marriage to a faithless wife. Now a widower and determined not to be fooled again, Charles is nevertheless charmed by Lady Perdita Garland and the steely strength of will under the fragile exterior.
When they are plunged into danger, Charles and Perdita have to cope with a dilemma that could ruin the lives of more than one person. Drawn to each other by a desire neither has known before, they are forced to rely on each other’s strengths to win the day.