THE MOST ELIGIBLE BRIDE IN LONDON
by Ella Quinn
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GENRE: Regency Romance
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BLURB:
Love conquers even the most unlikely lord in USA Today bestselling author Ella
Quinn’s delightful Lords of London series, as a reformed rogue endeavors to
prove himself worthy of his chosen bride . . .
Mistakes happen, to be sure. Rarely are those mistakes as unfortunate as the one made by Nathanael, Viscount Fotherby, when he abducted the now Lady Merton to save his friend from marriage. Nate has been trying to make amends ever since, leaving behind his self-centered ways to fulfill his duties—and that includes finding a wife of his own. One woman sparks his interest above all others—a lady he helped when she was rescuing a child. Alas, there is a devilish complication . . .Miss Henrietta Stern, Lady Merton’s younger sister, is intrigued by the stranger who comes to her aid—until she learns his identity. Nate’s stunt could have ruined her sister’s reputation, and her family may never forgive him. With beauty, connections, and a sizeable dowry, Henrietta has plenty of admirers. Yet no other suitor quickens her pulse quite like Nate does. Her heart insists that the gentleman has changed for the better. But can a renowned scoundrel possibly prove himself to be the perfect husband?
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EXCERPT
“Miss, what should we do?” the messenger, a young boy named Toby they had hired
for messages and odd jobs, asked Miss Henrietta Stern.
“Where is Mrs. Perriman?” She and her sister, Dotty, Marchioness of Merton, had
assisted in the rescue of many children and infants during the time Henrietta
had been in Town for her first Season. However, due to her sister’s pregnancy,
they had asked Mrs. Perriman, the widow and daughter of army officers, who ran
their charity, the Phoenix House, to perform the rescues. Normally Henrietta
would not have hesitated, but she had never gone alone before.
“She’s out on another call, and I don’t know when she’ll be back.” The lad
bounced from one foot to the other, clearly distraught. “The boy who brought the
message said the baby’s mam died and the babe was poorly.”
There was only one thing to do. “I shall go.” Henrietta had read the short,
barely literate note stating the sender had a baby they were willing to sell.
“We’ll need to have a wet nurse brought here.”
“Miss Henrietta.” Parkin, her brother-in-law’s butler’s eyes rounded. “Neither
her ladyship nor his lordship would approve.”
“It’s not as if I am going to St Giles or worse. It is still light and will be
for the next hour. If we do not rescue this child now, it may die.” The butler’s
stern countenance did not change. “I’ll take Cullen with me.” He was the largest
of all Merton’s tall footmen. Henrietta suspected the man had been a soldier at
one time, as many of the footmen were. “I shall be perfectly safe.” She would
also take the Manton pistol that had been made for her.
“You will need a groom as well,” the butler said.
Henrietta stifled a sigh of relief. Parkin was not happy about this, but he
would not stop her. “Yes, of course. Thank you.”
By the time she had changed into a sturdy, dark-blue wool serge gown she’d had
made by the modiste at home, donned a plain bonnet, tucked her pistol in the
pocket she’d had sewn into her mantle, and taken the coins needed from the
strongbox kept for the purpose, the unmarked town coach was waiting in the
street. “The address is just down from the Whitechapel workhouse. We must hurry.
I do wish to be there and gone before it is dark.”
“Yes, miss.” The footman, now dressed in regular clothing, closed the coach door
behind her, and the coach dipped as he climbed on the back.
The journey would take about a half hour, and the sun was already lower in the
sky than she would have liked. Still, the chance to save another child was worth
the risk, and she had three servants with her. Granted, two would remain with
the coach. Still, Cullen would be enough to keep her safe.
A large traveling coach almost blocked the street, but they slid past the
vehicle and pulled up on the other side of the road. It was still light enough,
but the sun was sinking by the minute. The narrow street and tall buildings did
not help.
The coachman opened the hatch in the roof. “The street we want is just ahead on
the left.”
The footman opened the door and helped her out. “I’ll stay a bit behind you just
in case they’re up to no good.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always
been on the serious side (political science professor and lawyer). Reading
historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love
of historical novels led her to start writing them.
She is married to her wonderful husband of almost fourty years. They have a son
and two beautiful granddaughters, a Great Dane named Lilibet, and a cat named
Winnie. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa,
England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true
lived on sailboat for three years. After cruising the Caribbean and North
America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern
Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is
back at work, recovering from retirement. She expects to be back on the boat in
2022.
Ella loves when readers connect with her.
Author Contact and Social Media:
Buy Links:
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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION
The author will be giving away a $20 Amazon/BN Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteFantastic excerpt, Ella, your book sounds like an excellent regency read for me and I love the cover! Thanks for sharing it with me and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteFun excerpt! Love a heroine that isn't afraid to go after what she wants!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, this looks like a book that I would enjoy
ReplyDeleteGood evening, Ella. Do you enjoy going the research that is required for the historical aspect of your stories?
ReplyDelete