Jane watched her closely. Hmm. Apparently, this particular situation called for one more volley.
Jane pasted a pleasant smile on her face. “And won’t you and Father both be coming for the wedding next week, where you’ll be able to see for yourself how well I’ve behaved and meet all the new acquaintances I’ve made?”
This last bit was the most important. Jane’s mother liked nothing more than for Jane to meet new acquaintances, preferably of the single, titled, male variety. Of course Jane had absolutely no intention of doing anything of the sort, but her mother needn’t know that.
“I shall have the opportunity to meet Mrs. Bunbury next week?” A bit mollified, her mother’s face relaxed. Her shoulders had lowered and her face had taken on a bright, hopeful hue.
“Of course. Of course.” Not. Jane nodded, motioned to Eloise to follow her, and made her way out the door and down the steps to the waiting coach. A footman marched behind them. Jane breathed a sigh of relief. She lived by a steadfast rule: solve one problem at a time, preferably the one right in front of you. Worry about the others later. They could wait. She’d just done an admirable job of it.
The footman helped both her and Eloise into the coach where Jane settled into the forward-facing seat and turned to look out the window back at the house. “Good-bye, Mother. See you next week.” She waved a gloved hand and smiled brightly.
The coach pulled away with a jolt and Jane settled back into her seat and let out a long sigh. She was free. It would only be a matter of hours now before she’d be in the company of her closest friends, Lucy and Cass. And if that infuriating reprobate Garrett Upton just happened to be there, so be it. She’d enjoy setting him back on his heels a bit. She always did.
And with that, Jane Lowndes was off to spend a blissfully unchaperoned week in the Surrey countryside.
ALSO BY VALERIE BOWMAN
The Unexpected Duchess
Secrets of a Wedding Night
Secrets of a Runaway Bride
Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage
ANTHOLOGY
Christmas Brides
PRAISE FOR
THE UNEXPECTED DUCHESS
Kirkus Prize Nominee
“Engaging characters, snappy banter, and judicious infusion of smoldering sensuality will have readers clamoring for the next installment in this smart and sexy series.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“A fun, smart comedy of errors and a sexy, satisfying romance.”
—Kirkus (starred review)
“Smart, witty, sassy, and utterly delightful!”
—Romantic Times (4½ stars, Top Pick!)
“[A] charming take on Cyrano de Bergerac.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Fun, engaging romance with great characters!”
—Fresh Fiction
SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE
“From the gripping opening line to the highly satisfying climax, Bowman keeps readers in her grasp with her unique storytelling and unconventional plotting. Readers will be captivated by how her smart and sensual story unfolds.”
—RT Book Reviews (4½ stars!)
“Bowman woos Regency romance fans with this … refreshing page-turner.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“[W]orks beautifully as a tale of suspense as well as a conflicted romance that blooms slowly under most difficult circumstances. I’m giving it one of RRT’s rare Perfect 10s.”
—Romance Reviews Today
SECRETS OF A RUNAWAY BRIDE
“A fantastic follow-up to Bowman’s dynamic debut… an enchanting, smart romance that shines with laugh-out-loud humor, delectable dialogue, smart prose, wit, and wisdom. This entertaining and highly satisfying romp is a pure joy and delight to read.”
—RT Book Reviews (4½ stars! Top Pick!)
“A fun … yet emotionally poignant late-Regency romance which succeeds on every level.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This was an absolutely delightful book and an author that I look forward to reading more from.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“The tale overall is incredibly charming, the writing dramatic, and the characters bold.”
—Romance Reader
“Absolutely delightful.”
—Fresh Fiction
“A sexy, quirky, altogether fun read, Valerie Bowman’s Secrets of a Runaway Bride is everything a romance should be. Block out a few hours for this one … once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop!”
—Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author
“Valerie Bowman pens fabulous, sexy tales—it’s no secret she’s a Regency author to watch!”
—USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer
SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT
“The most charming and clever debut I’ve read in years! With her sparkling dialogue, vivid characters, and self-assured writing style, Valerie Bowman has instantly established herself as a romance author with widespread appeal. This engaging and sweetly romantic story is just too delightful to miss.”
—New York Times bestselling author Lisa Kleypas
“Clever, fun, and fantastic!”
—New York Times bestselling author Suzanne Enoch
“Ms. Bowman is quite the tease. How I love a good society scandal. The hero is absolutely yummy!”
—Award-winning author Donna MacMeans
“Bowman’s engaging sense of characterization, gift for creating sexual chemistry, and graceful writing style give her debut romance a splendidly satisfying emotional depth.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“This fast-paced, charming debut, sparkling with witty dialogue and engaging characters, marks Bowman for stardom.”
—Romantic Times Book Reviews
“Bowman’s cast of intriguing, well-developed characters—particularly smart, sensible Lily—makes this an engaging debut that will have readers seeking future installments.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Secrets of a Wedding Night is positively enchanting. It became impossible to put down after reading just a few pages. I was up very late finishing this wonderful tale of love and second chances.”
—Romance Junkies Book Reviews
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s the youngest) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her two rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com.
* D P G R O U P . O R G *
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS
Copyright © 2014 by Valerie Bowman.
Excerpt from The Unlikely Lady copyright © 2014 by Valerie Bowman.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
www.stmartins.com
eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to [email protected].
eISBN: 9781466839434
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / November 2014
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
this book with friends
The Accidental Countess Page 27