Tristan’s success with Argos, and then with training other dogs, was becoming well known. It pleased him to have the ability to help others who found themselves scared and trying to adapt to a sightless life.
“Where are my ladies?” Tristan’s deep voice cut into her musing.
“My goodness. Just a minute or so ago you were out in the garden. How did you get here so quickly?”
“The thought of spending time with my favorite two ladies hurried my footsteps.”
She glanced up, her heart warming every time she looked at him. “I asked Mason to have a footman bring us breakfast out here on the terrace. I thought it would be pleasant.”
Tristan leaned over and kissed the baby on her brow. “How is my little angel today?”
“Hungry. As usual.” She ran her finger down the baby’s soft cheek. “Mother will be visiting today. She sent a note along yesterday. I forgot to mention it.”
“Excellent. I love having your family visit.”
“She has received a letter from Sybil. Remember I told you she was traveling to Scotland to attend Lady Margaret’s wedding?”
“Yes, I remember. And how is her trip going?”
“Mother said her letter was a bit confusing. Something about a Scotsman who was causing her some trouble. I’m not sure what that means, but hopefully she will explain further when she visits today.”
“Ah, well. Where Sybil is concerned, one never knows.”
Marion nodded, then rose to place Daisy in her cradle next to the small table that was being set for breakfast. Tristan held out her chair, then kissed the top of her head before taking his place.
Never, during her two years of misery while she had mourned her husband, had she thought to be truly happy again. Life takes one for a ride, going down one path, then switching to another. She thanked God every day that her path had led to Tristan. Back in her arms once more.
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Author’s Note
There is an entire organization dedicated to blind archery. The methods they use to participate in the sport are similar to what Ellis rigged up for Tristan.
The device that the doctor used on Marion to check her lungs that she thought resembled a musical instrument was actually an early stethoscope invented in France in 1816 by René Laennec at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris. (I took the liberty of moving it up a year, since my story takes place in 1815.)
Guide dogs were used to assist the blind as early as the Middle Ages. However, they were not referred to as “guide dogs” until after World War I when they were used to assist veterans who lost their sight in battle.
In early 19th century London, insurance companies would hire firefighters, known as insurance brigades, to save the homes they insured. In 1866 the insurance companies told the city fathers that continuing to fight fires was becoming too expensive. That year the Metropolitan Fire Brigade took over responsibility for protecting all life and property from fire throughout London.
Acknowledgments
As always, I am struck anew with the talent of my wonderful editor, Erin McCormack Molta and how she is able to take my book and make it the best it can be.
Char Chaffin, my critique partner, tries very hard to keep me in line as I emailed chapters back and forth to her. Sometimes she’s successful.
The Beau Monde ladies are so very helpful when I need information about the Regency period and what was, and was not, allowed. Plus they run lovely English dances at the Romance Writers of America annual conference.
My brother, Brian, a firefighter for many years, answered frantic phone calls about how, where, and when fires worked, and didn’t work.
And of course my family, Doug, Scott, Anna, Jessica, Mason, and Carson, who support my work, take pride in my success, and like to spend my money. I couldn’t do this without you.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife, Callie Hutton writes both Western Historical and Regency romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). She also pens an occasional contemporary or two. Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs, two adult children, and daughter-in-law (thankfully all not in the same house), and her top cheerleader husband of thirty-eight years. She also recently welcomed twin grandsons to her ever expanding family. Callie loves to hear from readers, and would welcome you as a “friend” on Facebook. You can contact her through her website: www.calliehutton.com, or write her directly at [email protected]
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Other books by Callie Hutton
The Elusive Wife
Newly arrived from the country for the Season, Lady Olivia is appalled to discover that her own husband, Jason Cavendish, Lord Coventry, doesn’t even recognize her. She’s not about to tell the arrogant arse she’s his wife. Instead, she flirts with him by night and has her modiste send her mounting bills to him by day. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…too bad this woman finds her husband nearly irresistible.
The Duke’s Quandary
Drake, Duke of Manchester, has everything planned. This season he’ll marry a woman who will be the perfect duchess and a docile wife. Then he’s introduced to Penelope Clayton, the socially awkward houseguest his family has tasked him to prepare for the ton. Each lesson draws them closer, and he finds himself unable to resist her. But society can be cruel, and social expectations have a way of making decisions for you.
The Lady’s Disgrace
Jilted and humiliated by her once-betrothed, Lady Abigail Lacey is the laughingstock of London. The only way to rescue her reputation and remove her from the glare of disapproving society is to somehow marry. When she finds herself engaged to long-time family friend Rector Joseph Fox, she has one condition—their marriage is to be void of passion or physical pleasures. Lady Abigail always ignited a forbidden longing in Joseph. Now he is determined to embark on a sensuous adventure with only one goal: to seduce his new wife...
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The Affair
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A Spy Unmasked
an In the Crown’s Secret Service novel by Tina Gabrielle
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A spy in the service of His Majesty, Robert Ware—the Earl of Kirkland—is a “guest” at a masquerade party, retrieving vital information for a murder investigation when an exquisite woman aims right at him. Lady Sophia Merrill is determined to expose the brigand who murdered her eccentric but brilliant father. Now she must masquerade as Robert’s betrothed, in order to find the killer. But the undeniably potent attraction between them not only imperils the investigation, but Sophia’s reputation...and both of their lives.
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