Valerian Inglemoore

Valerian Inglemoore
Bronwyn Scott

From wild and rugged Cornwall, the setting of Poldark and Jamaica Inn, comes another fabulous, dramatic story…The rake’s return!For years Valerian Inglemoore, Viscount St Just, lived a double life as a secret agent on the war-torn Continent. Returning home, he knows exactly what he wants – Philippa Stratten, the woman he gave up for the sake of her family…But Philippa isn’t the naïve debutante he left behind. His rejection stung deeply, and now she is suspicious of his intentions.Valerian realises he must wage a tougher battle if he is to finally claim her, once and for all, as his bride!Original title - The Viscount Claims His BrideTHE CORNWALL COLLECTIONFour wonderful atmospheric historical romances - perfect for fans of Winston Graham's Ross Poldark and Demelza, and Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca and Jamaica Inn.LUCIEN TREGELLASBANE BERESFORDGABRIEL D'ARCYVALERIAN INGLEMOORE

‘Philippa—’ he began, in a raggedvoice.

She didn’t give him a chance to beg, to explain, to persuade. ‘You have gravely overstepped the boundaries of polite society.’

‘I didn’t do it alone,’ St Just responded, his eyes hot, gleaming dark with unslaked need.

‘How dare you try to implicate me in your base conduct?’ Philippa flamed. ‘Let me remind you that this is not some decadent European court filled with women who are dying of lust for your attentions.’

He had the audacity to give another throaty laugh. ‘You’re just angry because you liked it.’

Author Note (#ulink_ed426e93-8ca1-5bad-8d8d-0a7aa4714b61)

I had such a good time writing Philippa and Valerian’s story! I am a fan of reunited loves. But I also thoroughly enjoyed researching the plot surrounding them. This was a perfect opportunity to explore some interesting angles on Cornwall. Here are some:

The mining industry: The fuse Valerian considers investing in was real! It was patented at that time by the gentleman named in the story. Mining was also the perfect backdrop for Lucien’s evil attempt to establish a mining cartel (mining cartels did come to pass about twenty years later).

Trist House in Veryan: Trist House was indeed owned at that time by a man who did re-do the landscaping and remodel the folly where Philippa and Valerian have a very hot kiss. Quarry rock is authentic too. Philippa and Valerian also see a Monkey Puzzle tree there. Research suggests that Trist House was one of the first places in Britain to attempt to grow the Monkey Puzzle tree, otherwise known as a Chilean Pine.

The Balkans: I am a history buff, and absolutely loved creating Valerian’s experience in Negush. The Phanariot-led uprising did occur. I liked the Phanariot backdrop so much that I’m bringing it back with Lilya and Beldon’s story in a forthcoming novel.

Enjoy this book. I hope you find it to be an entertaining, passionate and informative story.

Readers can stay in touch on my website, www.bronwynscott.com (http://www.bronwynscott.com), or at my blog, www.bronwynswriting.blogspot.com (http://www.bronwynscott.com). I love hearing from my readers.

BRONWYN SCOTT is a communications instructor at Pierce College in the United States, and is the proud mother of three wonderful children (one boy and two girls). When she’s not teaching or writing, she enjoys playing the piano, travelling—especially to Florence, Italy—and studying history and foreign languages.

Valerian Inglemoore

Bronwyn Scott

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

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Contents

Cover (#u5ff3e6f3-0ffe-5962-a423-f60475c581d0)

Excerpt (#u09603dbe-e4d9-5e2b-9faf-87867ccfdc1f)

Author Note (#u4ee7725a-98f9-5612-9588-f40ac8c84026)

About the Author (#u1fc91efb-f42d-5c7c-8d7c-0740a0c43afb)

Title Page (#u31bd5d34-324a-5ddf-a2ba-7525e4beda39)

Dedication (#udcc70a06-0382-5e9a-8ed0-862288cfbfa7)

Prologue (#u697b1662-73b5-5253-8ac0-7c4ae21e7801)

Chapter One (#u07ae0f88-7206-50ca-97de-4630cf5aca67)

Chapter Two (#u547bc84c-266b-5b25-91ba-1b209aa2e7e1)

Chapter Three (#u2161819f-bb3d-5d37-aa2f-0a1f7a35361c)

Chapter Four (#u27da42f4-db31-5b4b-9570-567c1cbeacbe)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)