The Unwanted Heiress (The Archer Family Regency Series)
Page 31
“Oh, yes. Of course. Certainly.” A drop of sweat coursed down Westover’s nose.
“Good. It is not much, but it might do.”
“Certainly, Your Grace. Of course. Anything to make your beautiful duchess happy.” Several more beads of sweat rolled down Westover’s pink face.
“Your Grace?” Charlotte’s voice came from the doorway.
Nathaniel turned. “Charlotte! Good God, how did you—”
“Get into White’s?” she asked, completing his question. Resting her hands on the curve of her belly she smiled enigmatically and added, “I merely told them they would either allow me to enter so I might speak with you, or suffer the consequences of upsetting a woman heavy with the child destined to be the next Duke of Peckham.”
Nathaniel smothered a laugh while his wife focused on Lord Westover for a moment. Finally, Nathaniel joined her, offering his arm.
“Perhaps we should go.” He glanced at the frantic staff standing red-faced and grimacing in the doorway.
When she gazed up at him, a hint of sadness shone in her clear eyes. “I always wondered how I became Mr. Archer’s ward—I did not think I was related to a duke, even distantly.”
“You heard?” Nathaniel asked, appalled that his wife had overheard his conversation. More than anything he wished to spare her any new pain.
“Yes.” She laid a hand on his arm. “I am not upset. In fact, I believe I was the lucky one.” Her face softened, suffused with warmth and love, one hand still resting on her belly.
“No—luck was with my uncle, as usual. He would be the first one to tell you that, and we merely profited from his extraordinary fortune.” His pulse quickened as it always did when he caught her glance. His heart thudded, unbearably proud of her and anxious for her happiness and the health of their unborn child.
To his deep, abiding joy, he had found all the adventures he could desire in their Egyptian travels. And he hoped his wife had finally found a true home, and the warmth she craved as well.
“Yes, I have no wish to cause a fresh scandal at this particular time,” she agreed.
“Then if you are ready to go home, my love?” He smiled down at her.
“Oh, yes, home—where it is nice and warm.” She twined her arm through his. “I cannot imagine anything better.”
Other Titles by Amy Corwin
The Archer Family Series
The Archer Family series are traditional Regency romances spiced with a mystery, and Escaping Notice is the latest in the series. The books all offer at least a glimpse of John Archer, the instigator of many a fateful adventure. He can’t seem to keep from dragging his nieces, nephews, and other unfortunate relatives, with him on escapades that invariably uncover a murder or two. Thankfully, Mr. Knighton Gaunt, of the Second Sons Inquiry Agency is often on hand to help the Archers out of the worst of their troubles, when he’s allowed to do so.
While these books do not need to be read in order, the list below presents them in the most felicitous, chronological order to gain a true understanding of the mischief John Archer can create amongst his young, unattached family members.
The Necklace ~ A young woman, a scoundrel, and a family heirloom that might possibly be cursed. Book 1
The Necklace introduces John Archer and his exasperated niece, Oriana Archer, who is fed up trying to keep her uncle out of trouble. When Uncle John drags home yet another disreputable, wounded associate for her to nurse, she’s at her wit’s end. But there’s no rest for the weary, and Oriana soon discovers another of her uncle’s acquaintances, murdered in a way that points suspicion directly at her!
The Unwanted Heiress ~ An American heiress nobody wants; a duke every woman desires; and a murder no one expects. Book 2
(Previously published as I Bid One American) Nathaniel Archer, Oriana’s brother, no sooner inherits a dukedom than he’s accused of murder. And his Uncle John’s schemes don’t help. Uncle John is the guardian to an American heiress he’s anxious to unload on the first, unwary, English peer, and Nathaniel looks as good as any, despite the shadow of a noose hanging above his head.
But Nathaniel is made of sterner stuff, or so he thinks, and he’s got more to worry about than romancing a singularly unromantic heiress when a dead debutante is found in his carriage.
The Bricklayer’s Helper ~ A masquerade turns deadly when a murderer discovers one of his victims survived. Book 3
The Bricklayer’s Helper features Sarah Sanderson, an orphaned girl disguised as a man and working as a bricklayer. She’s the sole surviving member of her family, murdered thirteen years ago in a terrible fire. She may, or may not, be the niece of John Archer, and John is determined to bring her back into the family by hiring one of the newest agents at the Second Sons Inquiry Agency. Unfortunately, when the killer realizes Sarah escaped, her life is threatened despite the efforts of the attractive inquiry agent and her matchmaking uncle.
Escaping Notice ~ A sabotaged boat forces an earl to investigate murder and discover that love may ultimately be what he's searching for. Book 4
Everyone believes Hugh drowned with his brother after their boat is sabotaged, and Hugh fosters that belief trick the elusive killer into revealing himself. But he doesn’t count on running into two others also desperate to escape notice behind the comforting anonymity of false identities. Helen Archer lost the fabled Peckham necklace at a ball given at Hugh’s home and is desperate to get it back. Young Edward Brown only wants to run away to sea like his hero, Admiral Nelson.
When the three meet, Helen and Hugh hatch the perfect plan. By masquerading as servants, they can accomplish their goals in secret. However, Edward objects for purely practical reasons. He wants to go to sea, and he definitely doesn’t want to spend his days polishing boots as a pretend servant. But the young boy is overruled and their adventure begins.
Second Sons Inquiry Agency Series
The Second Sons Inquiry Agency series are traditional historical mysteries spiced with a romance. The books all feature Second Sons, but do not necessarily focus on the found of the agency, Mr. Knighton Gaunt. Many of the stories feature other inquiry agents, or investigators, as the agency grows and flourishes. Mr. Gaunt is often called to the aid of the Archers, who seem to be inordinately fond of trouble.
While these books do not need to be read in order, the list below presents them in a suggested order.
The Vital Principle ~ Gaunt is called to a séance to uncover a fraud, only to stumble upon a murder. Book 1
The Vital Principle is the first in the Second Sons Inquiry Agency historical mystery series and features coolly intellectual Mr. Knighton Gaunt, the agency’s founder. Once accused of murder, himself, Knighton is driven to uncover the truth behind the complex, often mysterious murders that cross his path.
In The Vital Principle, Knighton Gaunt meets Prudence Barnard, a spiritualist accused of murder. While those involved are happy to accuse her as the stranger in their midst, Knighton is not so sure and sets out once again to discover the truth.
The two meet again in Hidden Aspects, coming in the fall of 2013.
A Rose Before Dying ~ An earl is enmeshed in a deadly game to prove his uncle didn’t murder his mistress. Book 2
In A Rose Before Dying, Charles Vance impulsively decides to pluck the role of inquiry agent out of Knighton’s hands and discover the real killer. Charles is determined to exonerate his irascible uncle, Sir Edward, the only real father he has ever known. Unfortunately, Sir Edward doesn’t make it easy for his nephew, and the only clues Charles has are sprays of roses left at the scene.
As Second Sons Inquiry Agency grows, you’ll encounter other agents who run into odd mysteries and formidable murderers during the vibrant first half of the 19th century.
“Witty historical whodunits in the tradition of Bruce Alexander’s Blind Justice and Victoria Holt’s The Mistress of Mellyn, that will keep you guessing until the unexpected end.” –A Reader
The Redemption Series
The Redemptio
n series are paranormal romances spiced with mystery, danger and an “Urban Fantasy” feel that will keep readers enthralled. They do not have to be read in any particular order as each book stands alone.
Vampire Protector ~ Vampires, a haunted house, and a lost relic, and Gwen's evening is just beginning. Book 1
An anonymous note sends Gwen on a mission to uncover a dark family secret that may be hidden in her long abandoned childhood home. When she asks her handsome neighbor, John, to accompany her, she’s not expecting much, except possibly help if she falls through any rotten floors. Unfortunately, that's her first mistake. John is a vampire and her house is not exactly empty. Secrets—and the dead—won’t always stay buried, and John’s extraordinary strength and determination may be all that can withstand what awaits them in the shadows.
A Fall of Silver ~ A woman bent on the destruction of all vampires discovers redemption in the arms of an ex-priest determined to save the undead. Book 2
Their secrets are about to catch up with them.
The only good vampire is a dead vampire: that’s Quicksilver’s philosophy and she sees no reason to change it. In fact, she’s about to kill one of the undead when Kethan Hilliard confronts her, promising redemption for both vampires and humans in exchange for an end to the slaughter.
But Quicksilver knows that’s not going to happen.
Someone is killing humans and vampires, and sweet words aren’t going to end the nightmare.
The events awaken terrible secrets from Quicksilver’s past, and she’s not about to repeat her previous mistakes. This time, she’s going to end the madness and silence the horror, forever.
Cozy Mysteries
A new series of contemporary, cozy mysteries is underway, set in fictitious towns in North Carolina.
Whacked! ~ Cassie's hopes for a quiet vacation go up in flameswhen she discovers her uncle sharing a smoke with a dead body.
Love can make anyone crazy, but Cassie, a stressed-out computer expert, has always chosen logic over that uncomfortable emotion. This is, until in a weak moment, she agrees to housesit for her aunt and uncle. Within minutes of her arrival, she finds a murdered man. And her uncle is inexplicably determined to implicate himself. Cold logic suggests he’s hiding something and Cassie isn’t going to let him get arrested without a fight. Unfortunately, her past history with the sheriff makes him all too happy to accept her uncle’s guilt.
But love is supposed to overcome all obstacles, not create them, and Cassie refuses to let a ridiculous emotion stand in the way of logic.
Too bad Cassie is about to discover just how far people will go for love.
A Word About the Author
Award-winning author Amy Corwin is a compulsive reader and writer. She joined the Romance Writers of America at its inception and plunged into writing despite the time-wasting annoyances of a career as an enterprise systems administrator in the computer industry. In 2007, her first book was published. Her stories include paranormal romances, Regencies and mysteries, although truthfully, most of her books include a bit of murder since she discovered that killing off at least one character is a highly effective way to make the remaining ones toe the plot line. Amy and her wildlife biologist husband, a chocolate lab, a Parson Russell terrier, and a psychotic cat enjoy the temperate climate on thirty acres near the coast of North Carolina. When she’s not writing, she’s pottering around her rose garden where nearly 100 Old Garden roses flourish.
Join her and discover that every good romance has a touch of mystery.
Connect with Me Online -
Website: http://www.amycorwin.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amycorwin
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmyCorwinAuthor
Blog: http://amycorwin.blogspot.com
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
The Unwanted Heiress
Publishing history
Originally published as I Bid One American
COPYRIGHT © 2008 by Amy Corwin
Revised version 2013
Artwork by: Amber Shah, http://www.bookbeautiful.com
Cover photograph by: Jenn LeBlanc / Illustrated Romance
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: amy@amycorwin.com