Rebel Hearts, book one
Sparks fly as Lady Sally reunites with her first love on the eve of her marriage to another man.
Coming face-to-face with the scoundrel who broke her heart on the eve of her wedding to another man could not be more awkward or ill-timed for Lady Sally Ford. When she accepted London’s most eligible earl, she hoped her heart had healed enough to learn to love him after they tied the knot. Her betrothed has no idea she was once engaged to an ambitious sea captain who betrayed her, and Sally has never forgotten or forgiven Captain Hastings for leaving her behind as he made his fortune at sea.
When Felix answered the urgent summons from his superior, he never expected to face his angry first and only love about to marry an earl or to discover he has the support of her family to get in her way. With no expectation of winning her back, Felix finally has a chance to clear the air about the past. But with every argument and stolen moment, their former passion reignites as if it had never waned. Is there a chance to begin again and forgive each other when they must part any day?
The Wedding Affair is a regency historical romance novel and the first-in-series for the Rebel Hearts series. It can be read as a stand-alone.
- Second Chance
- Reunion
- Naval Captain
Read an Excerpt
Ellicott shifted toward her. “I was actually hoping you and I might stroll the grounds. Stretch our legs a bit.” He turned to Sally’s mother. “All within proper sight of the mansion of course.”
Lady Ellicott stared hard at her son a moment but nodded. “I am sure Lady Templeton will happily agree to your suggestion.”
Her mother’s expression grew flinty. “A leisurely stroll about the gardens is acceptable within sight of this room, but propriety must always be observed. You will take a maid.”
Sally wanted the opportunity to be alone with Ellicott so he could propose, and her mother was not making it easy. A maid would gossip afterward. She would rather not receive a proposal with an audience. “Mama, please. What harm could come from a short walk through the gardens without a chaperone? We are at home. The wisteria walk is very beautiful at this time of year.”
“Indeed that is true.” Mama glanced around and then smiled. “I will have a shawl fetched and join you outside.”
Sally groaned. Why was Mama not helping her advance her claim on Lord Ellicott’s affections or time? She knew the right setting for a proposal was essential for many men to unburden themselves and reveal their desire for matrimony.
Ellicott merely smiled at the news that her mother intended to join them. “The more, the merrier. The breeze appears to have died down too. Shall we wait outside in the fresh air?”
“Yes, that would be lovely.” Sally rushed to link arms with him.
Arm in arm, they left her mother behind in the drawing room while her shawl was called for. Undoubtedly Mama would catch up before too many yards had passed beneath their feet. Hopefully Lady Ellicott would sit alone very happily for a little while.
When Ellicott led her at a brisk pace directly toward the wisteria-covered walk, she almost laughed aloud at his haste. She hoped he would propose to her there because it was a lovely, secluded spot.
When they stopped, he caught her hands in his and drew them to his chest. “My dearest Sally, Mother is right. You are the most beautiful woman. I must again convey my thanks for inviting us both for the summer. It has been a pleasant interlude indeed.”
“I feel so too,” Sally agreed, staring up into his handsome face. Waiting.
“I was thinking of you this morning. Of how well you and I get along. And I do not know any other woman Mother has taken under her wing without hesitation.” He laughed softly. “That is quite the coup, I must tell you.”
“I do like her.” Sally’s pulse raced and she bit her lip as she waited for what she hoped might come next. “Her good opinion means the world to me.”
Not that she was sure she had it yet, but…
“I must say I never once thought we would both reach this age and not be married.” Ellicott sighed. “So it seems plain we must marry each other. What do you think of that idea?”
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Book Info
Publish Date: May 24, 2016
Digital ISBN: 978-1-925239-14-0
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925239-15-7
Related Books
Rebel Hearts Series
1: The Wedding Affair (Felix and Sally)
2: An Affair of Honor (William and Matilda)
3: The Christmas Affair (Harper and Amy)
4: An Affair so Right (Quinn and Theodora)
Appearances
Captain Hastings also appears in An Accidental Affair and An Improper Proposal.