Description:
Richard Bolton, the Earl of Belcrave discovers his younger son Harry married the common Miss Rebecca Barrington and sends his eldest son, Thomas, Viscount Bolton to bring the newlyweds to London. Not only does the girl lack title and fortune, but she is responsible for the duel that caused her father’s death and brother’s exile. Belcrave is incensed to find scandal attached to the Bolton name and plans to rectify the situation.
Rebecca Barrington faced ruin until she met and married Lord Harry Bolton. Now, to reach for a happy-ever-after she must travel to London’s prestigious Mayfair and be presented to the ton as Mrs. Harry Bolton. She is reluctant to make her debut and even more fearful her secret will be ferreted out. Can she endure the ton’s censure and scorn; and even more importantly, can her marriage survive once her secret is revealed?
Excerpt
Harry flopped on his back and then pulled Becca into the side of his body, cuddling her into his warmth. He placed his head on hers and cooed, “Becca, tell me your greatest wish.”
Turning her face to his, she replied, “I already have it.”
“And what is it?” pressed Harry.
“You.”
“Ah,” he grinned and kissed her nose. “Our great-est wishes have been fulfilled.” He kissed her again, this time on her mouth. “Tell me another wish I might grant when we go to London?”
“London?” she queried and tossed the idea around in her mind. “To be accepted among those important to you.”
Harry shook his head and said, “You will have to choose another wish for that one is assured.”
“Well, it is my wish.”
“Request another,” he pressed. “Ask me to squire you about for I want to be congratulated on my good fortune. We can eat an ice at Gunther’s; ride through Hyde Park in the afternoon with the rest of the ton; see a performance at Astley’s Amphitheatre; enjoy the opera at the Royal Theatre; shop on Bond Street; ascend in a balloon from Green Park; see the menagerie at the Tower of London; walk amongst the flowers at Kew Gardens,..”
“Oh stop, Harry!”
“None interest you?”
“Everything interests me as long as I am with you.” Rebecca sobered and asked, “Harry, do you suppose you can love me no matter what might transpire in the future?”
Harry saw the worry in Rebecca’s face and asked, “What are you afraid of Becca?”
“Can you answer me without knowing, Harry?”
Harry turned to hover over her and answered, “Without a doubt, my darling wife. I will love you no matter what might transpire in our future.”
Rebecca drew her arms around him and hugged him, hoping it was true.
A Reluctant Debut Discussion Questions