Title: Scorned Ever More
Series: A Lady Forsaken, Book Three
Author: Christina McKnight
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency England
Release Date: June 29, 2015
Word Count: 85,000 appox.
Cover Artist: LFD Designs for Authors
**Warning: Not every story of love has a happy ending**
A man willing to sacrifice all…
Andrew Penton, the Marquis of Drake, is a man used to getting all he desires, for nothing in return. But when a mysterious woman catches his eye, he’s helpless to do anything but offer her all he is.
A woman determined to take everything…
Lady Lorelei de La Valette, daughter of the French Comte of Epernon, is new to London society and not the lady she appears to be. Her life has been controlled since birth, yet she’ll have to decide if her destiny lies with her country or her heart.
A love lost forever…
Chapter One
London, England
February 1799
The Marquis of Drake, Andrew Penton, leaned casually against the wall bordering the gardens. Anyone who stumbled upon him might think his pose nonchalant and tranquil. Yet inside, his discontent festered just below the surface.
There were numerous places he’d rather be, many obligations to which his time would be better devoted. Instead, he flitted around yet another ton gathering, acting the self-indulged lord with nothing better to do than discuss the weather with simpering young debutantes, and argue the merits of the war to be waged against their French counterparts.
He’d fled the overcrowded ballroom only moments before when his latest dance partner, pushed upon him by their hostess, had stepped on his booted foot one too many times. That was not the only injustice he’d been dealt during his brief time this evening. Another chit had held him so securely during their promenade about the dance floor that her hands had left sweaty stains on his linen shirt.
He wondered if young women today were properly trained in the art of the quadrille, or if they were sent into the wilds of society wholly unprepared.
And all the time, Andrew’s dear friend Benjamin chuckled at his unease.
It had been far simpler when he hadn’t tried to be a respectable lord; when he hadn’t given a feathering about what others thought of him or his antics about town. The days when he’d only cared about spending his coin and who would warm his bed that night seemed so long ago.
Now, he hid from potential bedmates and begrudgingly paid the new income tax levied against him to help offset the cost of financing British troops fighting in the Napoleonic War. Two shillings per pound was a trifling amount compared to what he’d spent to set up his last mistress in her own London townhouse.
It was past time he returned to the ballroom. The evening would end shortly, and he could return home or to his club for a drink.
Andrew pushed away from the wall, his position hidden from view of the main drive, and started back to the side entrance he’d exited a few moments before. It had been fortuitous that the lord who owned this home had a door leading from his study and onto the drive.
“…we have gone over this several times.”
The words floated on the light breeze, meeting Andrew as he stepped inside the study door and the warmth of the house. Pausing, he strained to hear the rest of the conversation, if only to delay his return to the ballroom.
Andrew pushed the doors closed, leaving it open only a crack as footsteps approached on the outside walk. It would not do to be caught eavesdropping.
A trio stopped outside the door, their features obscured by the darkness, though Andrew saw enough to know the group consisted of two females and a well-dressed gentleman.
“See that you follow the instructions given to you.” The man took the arm of one of the women and walked on, leaving their third companion behind.
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Christina McKnight is a book lover turned writer. From a young age, her mother encouraged her to tell her own stories. She’s been writing ever since. Currently, she focuses on Historical Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance.
Christina enjoys a quiet life in Northern California with her family, her wine, and lots of coffee. Oh, and her books…don’t forget her books! Most days she can be found writing, reading, or traveling the great state of California.
Follow her on Twitter: @CMcKnightWriter
Keep up to date on her releases: www.christinamcknight.com
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