Read Marchington Scandal Online
Authors: Jane Ashford
Marchington Scandal (26 page)
Mr. Crenshaw also stood. “Of course. The landlord has left your candle.” He fetched it and lit it at the fire. “There is no one to take you up. Yours is the room at the head of the stairs.”
“Thank you.” She took the candle and started out of the room. As she was about to enter the hall, he spoke again.
“I shall spend the night in the innkeeper's chamber. It is the best I can do.”
Laura's mouth jerked. “Haven't you a sword?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Like Tristan.”
Mr. Crenshaw looked blank. The girl must be on the edge of exhaustion, he thought to himself. He fervently hoped he would not be called upon to deal with an attack of the vapors.
Laura shrugged. “Never mind. I didn't mean anything. My aunts call levity my besetting sin.”
The man looked at her.
“Good night,” she said.
“Good night,” said Eliot, much relieved.
Lying in bed some minutes later, enveloped in one of the landlady's voluminous nightgowns, Laura listened to the howling wind outside and the scratching of the snow on the windowpanes. She could not help shedding a few tears now that she was alone again. It all seemed so unfair, and she felt so helpless. Various schemes for resuming their journey occurred to her and were rejected. They were trapped for as long as the blizzard raged. If only Mr. Crenshaw were not so angry with her. That, on top of everything else, depressed her immeasurably. She was still thinking of him when the fatigue of the day caught up with her, and she slept.
Once Again a Bride
by Jane Ashford
She couldn't be more alone
Widowhood has freed Charlotte Wylde from a demoralizing and miserable marriage. But when her husband's intriguing nephew and heir arrives to take over the estate, Charlotte discovers she's unsafe in her own homeâ¦
He could be her only hopeâ¦or her next victim
Alec Wylde was shocked by his uncle's untimely death, and even more shocked to encounter his uncle's beautiful young widow. Now clouds of suspicion are gathering, and charges of murder hover over Charlotte's head.
Alec and Charlotte's initial distrust of each other intensifies as they uncover family secrets, and hovering underneath is a mutual attraction that could lead them to disasterâ¦
“A near-perfect example of everything that makes this genre an escapist joy to read.” â
Publishers Weekly
“One of the premier Regency writers return to the published world. Ms. Ashford has written a superbly crafted story⦔
âFresh Fiction
For more Jane Ashford, visit:
The Brides Insists
by Jane Ashford
She thinks she's bought a compliant husbandâ¦
Although Clare Greenough has inherited an unexpected fortune, her money is in the hands of a trustee until she marriesâeveryone knows a woman is incapable of managing funds. What she needs is an easygoing husband, right awayâ¦
They're both in for a shock
She makes a deal with impetuous young James Boleigh, seventh Baron Trehearth: they will marry, Clare will get control of her money, and Jamie will get the funds he desperately needs to restore his lands. To stave off ruin, Jamie agrees, believing Clare will soon become a proper, submissive wife. But to expect a serene, passionless marriage was only their first mistakeâ¦
“Perfectly delightful Regency romance
â¦
Remarkably executed.” â
Publishers Weekly
Starred Review
“Ashford's richly nuanced, realistically complex characters and impeccably crafted historical setting are bound to resonate with fans of Mary Balogh.”
â
Booklist
For more Jane Ashford, visit:
The Three Graces
by Jane Ashford
When it comes to the game of love
Finding themselves suddenly impoverished and alone in the world, the three Hartington sisters must rely on their wits, charm, and unique talents to support themselves. Forced to go their separate ways, each of these enchanting sisters is brought to a dead end by the perplexing ways of men and the inequity of fate.
Three heads are better than one
Then each receives a letter that changes everythingâ¦and if the sisters are going to overcome the obstacles to love, they're going to require some astonishingly creative solutionsâ¦
Praise for Jane Ashford:
“Jane Ashford's characters are true to their times, yet they radiate the freshness of today.” â
Historical Novel Review
“Ashford captures the reader's interest with her keen knowledge of the era and her deft writing.”
â
RT Book Reviews
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The Marriage Wager
by Jane Ashford
An RT Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best Regency Historical Romance
The stakes are high, the game is setâ¦
Lady Emma Tarrant possesses little but the gambling skills her dead husband taught her, but she's no match for a real gamester.
Colin Wareham, Baron St. Mawr, gambles to distract himself from devastating memories. The gaming has long since lost its appeal, until he meets sparkling Lady Emma and finds that she's an even better distraction.
“Exceptional characters and beautifully craftedâ¦a delightful read for Judith McNaught and Mary Balogh fans.”
â
Publishers Weekly
“Entertaining, colorful characters, romantic⦠An engaging read.” â
Caffeinated Book Reviewer
For more Jane Ashford, visit:
Jane Ashford discovered Georgette Heyer in junior high school and was captivated by the glittering world and witty language of Regency England. That delight was part of what led her to study English literature and travel widely in Britain and Europe. She has written historical and contemporary romances, and her books have been published in Sweden, Italy, England, Denmark, France, Russia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, and Spain, as well as the U.S. Jane has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award by
RT
Book
Reviews
. Born in Ohio, she now lives in Los Angeles.
