“Sweetheart, I had planned to wait until our trip to Naught Castle but with the events of the last few days...” He brushed a stray tendril behind her ear and traced the curve of her neck with his finger. She shivered. “Will you marry me?”
Maeve’s words echoed in her head. Can ye imagine yer life without him? She pushed a glossy black lock off his forehead and cupped his cheek. “Yes,” she whispered.
July 1820
Stanfeld Manor
* * *
“If Mama packs anything else, we’ll need to add another wagon.” He lowered his voice. “I’m surprised she’s not taking Sanders along.”
“He refused. Be patient with her. She’s arranged the perfect wedding and doesna want to forget anything. There are the gifts for the villagers that she promised on the last visit. And the wooden horse for Nessie and Hamish’s bairn, bolts of cloth for Peige and Glynis.” Alisabeth counted the items on her fingers. “The train on my wedding dress is long enough to take up an entire trunk.”
They walked in the garden, enjoying their last night before leaving for Scotland. Gideon had suggested, much to the delight of his betrothed, being married at Naught Castle. His sisters would arrive by the end of the month, and the wedding would be held in early August. Lachlan would attend—with Miss Fenella Franklin—and they all would stop in Glasgow on their way back.
The Lowland city had quieted. Trials had been held in Glasgow and Stirling for the radicals and several had been sentenced to hang, while more would be transferred to penal colonies in South Wales and Tasmania. Eventually the lords would have to listen to the merchants and allow them a voice in Parliament. And the merchants, in turn, needed to improve working conditions and increase wages. But for now, there would only be a single hanging in Glasgow, not a double.
He stopped and pulled Lissie against him, her soft curves fitting against his hard length. A few more weeks and she would be his wife. The image of her on their wedding night made him rigid with desire. He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers, breathing in her scent, feeling her long lashes brush against his skin.
“When I think of how close I came to losing you,” he murmured in her ear. “It’s like a knife to my heart.”
“Maeve said something the other day about the attraction of opposites. She and Charles were so different, as we are, yet we fit together perfectly.” She leaned into him, and nipped his bottom lip. “It made me think of our time in Glasgow. The unrest helped us realize how much we meant to each other. Two contrary passions brought us together.”
“Rhapsody and rebellion,” he murmured and kissed her again, with all the hunger of a man who had found what he wanted and would never let it go.
Author’s Note
There were multiple riots in England and Scotland from the late 18th century through the time of our hero, Gideon, Earl of Stanfeld. This story includes three of them. The main characters and their actions are fiction. The backdrop of the rebellions is not. Below is a brief summary of the rebellions featured in this book.
The King’s Birthday Riots were protests against the 1791 Corn Laws. (The Corn Laws were tariffs on imported food and grains. Meant to keep grain prices high and benefit British mercantilism, they instead magnified the already poor economic situation due to bad harvests and war.) The riots lasted for three days in Edinburgh and coincided with the birthday of King George III. One person was killed, many injured, and an effigy of the Lord Advocate, Dundas, was hung and burned.
The Peterloo Massacre occurred on August 16, 1819. Sixty to eighty thousand people gathered to hear the radical orator, Henry Hunt, speak at St. Peter’s Field in Manchester. His message advocated for political reform and repeal of the Corn Laws.
The local magistrate was nervous about such a large gathering and sent the yeomanry to arrest Henry Hunt. They charged into the crowd and trampled a woman and her child. Disorder erupted and the 15th Hussars were sent in to disperse the crowd. In the end, 15 died and 400-700 injured. The name Peterloo Massacre derived from the earlier Battle of Waterloo.
The Radical War, or the Scottish Insurrection of 1820, occurred in central Scotland. A week of strikes and conflicts, aimed at Parliamentary reform, was organized by factory workers and skilled artisans, a majority of them weavers. It was later discovered that government agents (English and Scottish) infiltrated the close-knit organization of weavers. Deaths, injuries, and arrests of the organizers were the final result.
The English government feared a revolution similar to France, so the agents purposefully agitated unrest to expose the radical leaders. Across Scotland, 88 men were eventually charged with treason. In Glasgow, James Wilson was accused of "compassing to levy war against the King in order to compel him to change his measures.” He was hung and then beheaded on July 20, 1820. It is said that he climbed the scaffold, looked out at the crowd, and said to his executioner, “Did ye ever see sic a crowd, Thomas?”
Andrew Hardie and John Baird were hanged and beheaded in Stirling in August. Almost twenty men were sentenced to transport to New South Wales or Tasmania.
Maeve was correct, however, and something did come from the tragedy. Electoral reform did not end with the rebellion. The Scottish Reform Act of 1832 significantly changed voting in Scotland. The Scottish electorate increased from 5,000 to 65,000, adding the voices of the general population to the few elite.
* * *
Rhapsody and Rebellion is Book 3 in the Once Upon a Widow series. Read about Grace and Kit in Earl of Sunderland and Eliza and Nathaniel, Viscount Pendleton in Book 3.
* * *
Reviews are an author’s lifeblood. If you enjoyed this story, please consider leaving a few words at your favorite retailer.
About the Author
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.
In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will launch a new Regency series, Once Upon a Widow, in 2019. The Wicked Earls’ Club will release again in 2019. Wynne’s Scottish Regency series, A McNaughton Castle Romance, will also release in 2020.
Also By Aubrey Wynne
Earl of Sunderland (Once Upon a Widow #1) (Wicked Earls’ Club)
http://aubreywynne.com/book/earl-of-sunderland/
* * *
“Well-written historical romance with a bit of everything – a tragedy, a conflicted hero, a strong and fragile heroine, interesting characters, and a happily ever after.”
Verified review
* * *
“Best Regency Romance I’ve read in a long time and highly recommend!”
N.N. Light Book Heaven Reviews
* * *
“I adored this story. I look forward to reading more in this series.”
Reads2Love Review
* * *
“A wonderful romance!”
Review
Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status.
Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness.
Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and r
eputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.
* * *
A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon a Widow #2)
http://aubreywynne.com/book/a-wicked-earls-widow/
* * *
When Eliza's abusive father forced her into marriage, she had no idea her life would change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband had been surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland is more than happy to remain with her in-laws and raise their daughter. Unfortunately, her own family is on the brink of financial ruin and has other plans.
Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gained his title at the age of 12. His kindly but astute estate manager became father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn't appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step.
When Lord Pendleton stumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians, he's shocked and intrigued. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves.
* * *
Rhapsody and Rebellion (Once Upon a Widow #3) (Enduring Legacy #7)
http://aubreywynne.com/book/rhapsody-and-rebellion/
An enduring legacy... A rebellion... A destined love...
* * *
Raised in his father’s image—practical and disciplined—there are no gray lines interrupting the Earl of Stanfeld’s black and white world. Until his mother has a dream and begs to return to her Highland home.
* * *
Alisabeth was betrothed from the cradle. At seventeen, she marries her best friend and finds happiness if not passion. In less than a year, she’s a widow. Vowing to honor her husband’s memory, she joins his activist group of Glasgow weavers and is soon embroiled in the Radical War of 1820.
Crossing the border into Scotland, Gideon finds his predictable world turned upside down. Folklore, legend, and political unrest intertwine with an unexpected attraction to a feisty Highland beauty. But Lissie doesn’t trust the Englishman or the rising desire between them. When the earl learns of an English plot to stir the Scots into rebellion, he must choose his country or save the clan and the woman that stirs his soul.
Love Only me
USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
* * *
Copyright © 2018 Amanda Mariel
All rights reserved.
* * *
No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.
* * *
Published by Brook Ridge Press
For my daddy—you will always be in my heart and the first person I think of when horses are mentioned.
Titles by Amanda Mariel
Ladies and Scoundrels series
Scandalous Endeavors
Scandalous Intentions
Scandalous Redemption
Scandalous Wallflower
Scandalous Liaison
* * *
Fabled Love Series
Enchanted by the Earl
Captivated by the Captain
Enticed by Lady Elianna
Delighted by the Duke
* * *
Lady Archer’s Creed series
**Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight**
Theodora
Georgina
Adeline
Josephine
Lady Archer’s Creed boxset
* * *
Scandal Meets Love series
Love Only Me
Find Me Love
Coming soon to the Scandal Meets Love series
If it’s Love
* * *
A Rogue’s Kiss Series
Her Perfect Rogue
Coming next to the A Rogue’s Kiss series
Her Perfect Scoundrel
His Perfect Hellion
* * *
Standalone titles
One Moonlit Tryst
One Enchanting Kiss
Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace
* * *
Mists of Babylon series
Love’s Legacy
Coming next to the the Mists of Babylon series
One Wanton Wager
* * *
Wicked Earls’ Club
**Titles by Amanda Mariel**
Earl of Grayson
Coming next to the Wicked Earls’ Club
Earl of Edgemore
* * *
Connected by a Kiss
**These are designed so they can standalone**
How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)
A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)
Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)
A Gypsy’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)
A Duke’s Christmas Kiss (Tammy Andresen)
* * *
Box sets and anthologies
Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.
Chapter 1
Suffolk, England
April 1812
Lady Narissa Goodwin had never been the conventional sort. Raised by her gambler father, she’d grown up around card games, horse races, and drinking. As she strolled across the turf at Newmarket, ready to ride her horse Merlin, she glanced at the crowd of spectators gathered for the race. Narissa could not be more ready for the days’ events. A grin spread across her face.
Gentlemen lined the course dressed in fine day coats and breeches, their cravats starched and tied expertly. Bookmakers collected wagers and called out odds while jockeys mounted their horses and prepared for the race. The thrill of the day vibrated in the air. A slight spring breeze cooled her skin and the sun shone brightly. There could not be a more perfect day for a race.
Her gaze stopped on a group of ladies who peered at her with disapproval radiating from their eyes. Narissa paid them no mind as she turned her attention back to the turf. Before long, she would be racing along the course, Merlin’s hoofs pounding beneath her. A controlled wildness one would have to experience to understand, and she thrived on it. She cared not what a group of dull ladies thought about her.
Papa’s words echoed in her head, ‘You have but one life. Live it on your own terms, Poppet’. Narissa did just that, she raced with the best, ran her own gaming hell, and lived by her own set of rules—society be damned. She notched her chin confidently as she took Merlin’s reins.
“Thank you,” she said to the groom.
He offered a smile and nod before she glanced back at the crush of people assembled beyond the track. A few ladies standing closer to the turf than ladies normally did had been watching her but turned away when she caught their gaze. She recognized one of them, Lady Ophelia, wife of an earl. The lady frequented Narissa’s gaming hell, Fortuna’s Parlor, named after her first thoroughbred. A gift from her beloved papa for her thirteenth birthday.
At the club, Lady Ophelia went out of her way to chat with Narissa. Funny how differently the lady treated her in public, but then, many of her patrons acted in the same manner, save for a few close friends.
Most of the ton’s ladies kept their parlor doors closed to Narissa and shunned her on the streets, but the gentlemen did not share their sentim
ents. Rarely did a man shoot her a disapproving glare or speak out against her. In fact, they tended to act as if she belonged among them, allowing her to join their card games and such. Perhaps it was a result of having known her papa. Perhaps it was the source of the ladies scorn for her? Regardless, she did not give a whit.
She nudged the chestnut colt into motion. Narissa had been anticipating this race for months. Excitement thrummed in her veins as the well-muscled horse moved beneath her. She’d been born for this. Leastwise that is what Papa had always said, and she most certainly believed it.
The thrill of racing was in her blood the same as it was Merlin’s. Together, they were a force the likes of which the ton had not seen before. All of England would soon know it. Merlin ran fast and free like the wind, a born racer. Her own spirited nature only served to compliment the thoroughbreds. Together they were unstoppable. Drawing him to a halt at the starting line, she stroked the animals’ neck. “Let us show them what we are made of,” she whispered.
When a Rogue Falls Page 103