“Cecily is well?” he demanded. “Tell me, Maddie. I can handle it.”
Maddie laughed. “Of course she is,” she told him. “She wishes to see you as soon as you are avail…” She trailed off as Winterson sped out of the room and up the stairs.
Deveril excused himself to go find Juliet, and Maddie and Christian were left alone.
Wordlessly, she stepped into the circle of his arms.
“Well?” he asked. “Was it as terrifying as you expected?”
She thought about it. “Yes and no. It was amazing. And I will no longer doubt that Cecily is the strongest woman I’ve ever known. But it was quite natural in its way.”
“Will you be able to endure it, do you think?” Maddie felt the tension in his body and smiled. He was frightened on her behalf, the dear man.
“I think so,” she said, lifting up to kiss him. “Though I think I should like for you to be there with me.”
She felt the terror course through him. But all he said was, “If you wish it.”
That was one of the million things she loved about him. Despite his own fear, despite his own natural inclination, Christian would walk on water if she asked it of him. Because he trusted that if she asked there was a darn good reason for it.
“I do,” she said, leading him to the leather sofa. “Because I cannot imagine bringing your child into the world without your being there to meet him.”
He squeezed her hand. “I might pass out, you know.”
“And so might I,” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“Love you,” he said, holding her close.
“Not as much as I love you,” she said.
And they both knew that it was enough.
Also by Manda Collins
How to Dance with a Duke
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Praise for Manda Collins’s delightful debut …
How to Dance with a Duke
“A fast-paced, adventurous love story that will enthrall readers. Her dynamic characters, a murder, and passion combine with the perfect amount of lively repartee.”
—RT Book Reviews
“If Manda Collins keeps writing novels like [this], she is sure to become a bestseller.”
—Romance Junkies, Blue Ribbon Review
“A vivid reminder of why I love historical romances.… an excellent debut by Manda Collins that has me desperate for the next book in this trilogy.”
—Night Owl Romance, Top Pick
“Manda Collins is a sparkling new voice in romantic fiction. Her smart, witty storytelling will keep readers turning pages.”
—Toni Blake
“A splendid read, well-written and fun.”
—Romance Reader
“Written with intelligence, wit, and compassion, How to Dance with a Duke is a book that should put Manda Collins on the radar of historical romance readers everywhere.”
—Romance Dish
“A refreshing and fun debut spiced with just the right amount of mystery.”
—Rakehell
“Warmth, wit, and delicious chemistry shine through every page … With a heroine to root for and a hero to die for, How to Dance with a Duke is a romance to remember.”
—Bestselling author Julie Anne Long
“Sexy, thrilling, and romantic—whether she’s writing of the mysteries of the heart or of the shady underworld of Egyptian relic smuggling, Manda Collins makes her Regency world a place any reader would want to dwell.”
—USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer
“Manda Collins writes sexy and smart historical romance, with a big dash of fun. Romance readers will adore How to Dance with a Duke!”
—Vanessa Kelly, named one of Booklist’s “New Stars of Historical Romance”
“Regency lovers have a new author to add to their dance cards! Manda Collins heats up the ballroom and writes romance to melt even the frostiest duke’s heart. With sparkling Regency wit, a dash of mystery, and just the right amount of steam, How to Dance with a Duke is an enchanting debut, sure to sweep readers off their feet!”
—Tessa Dare, named one of Booklist’s “New Stars of Historical Romance”
About the Author
Manda Collins spent her teen years wishing she’d been born a couple of centuries earlier, preferably in the English countryside. Time travel being what it is, she resigned herself to life with electricity and indoor plumbing, and read lots of books. When she’s not writing, she’s helping other people use books, as an academic librarian.
Visit her website at: www.mandacollins.com
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.
HOW TO ENTICE AN EARL
Copyright © 2013 by Manda Collins.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
www.stmartins.com
eISBN: 9781466821194
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / February 2013
St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
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Also by Manda Collins
Praise for Manda Collins’s delightful debut
About the Author
Copyright
How to Entice an Earl Page 29