Her Captive Cavalier
Page 8
*
Highland Destiny
After the Battle of Naseby Sir John Emrey brings a dying Highland chieftain's heir to his home, and promises to restore his sword to his clan.
When his mother and sister Blanche are driven from their home in the north of England, they plan to go to relatives in Ireland after delivering the sword, but are persuaded to stay in Scotland where Blanche becomes a friend and companion to Fiona Macdonald, the new heir.
Sir John goes to fight with Montrose, while Fiona is beseiged with suitors eager to take control of her inheritance.
There are her cousins, and her neighbour the Black Campbell.
And there is danger from her aunt and uncle, the next in line to rule the clan.
*
Lord Hugo's Bride
Hugo, Earl of Winton, needs a wife and an heir if his weak cousin William and his unpleasant French wife Hortense, with the son who might not be her husband's, is not to succeed him.
He decides Philippa Stannerly will be suitable. She is pretty, and an heiress.
Philippa, in love with Charles, is distraught.
Then her French cousin Sophie du Plessis comes to London and promises to help her. Their mothers were twins, and the girls are sufficiently alike to confuse people who do not know them well.
When Hugo sees Sophie on her own he offers her a lift home, intending to pursue his suit in the belief she is Philippa. She maintains the deception, hoping to prove to her uncle that Hugo is not a fit husband for Philippa.
Her behaviour is, however, unlike Philippa's shy response, and Hugo is intrigued.
***