An Unconventional Miss

An Unconventional Miss
Dorothy Elbury

A woman like no other Miss Jessica Beresford is headstrong, impetuous and poorly-dowered.Benedict Ashcroft, Earl of Wyvern, knows he should steer well clear of her, no matter how dazzling her beauty. His late brother has seemingly lost the family fortune, and Ben's last hope is to marry a well-behaved heiress! Jessica's exquisite loveliness is matched by her kind heart, and Ben is soon torn between duty and desire.So when she unlocks a secret that embroils them both in mystery and danger, Ben must secure both his family's future–and Jessica as his bride!

“I apologize for that appalling scene, your lordship, but I could think of no other way to oblige you to dance with me!”

At her unexpected words, Wyvern’s heart hammered almost to a stop, causing him to miss his step and necessitating the nearest couple to swing hurriedly out of harm’s way.

Stifling his exasperation, the earl corrected his error and guided Jessica to a less populated area of the floor, whilst racking his brains to conjure up some non-committal remark.

“I had not noticed that you were suffering from a dearth of dancing partners, Miss Beresford,” he managed eventually.

“I cannot imagine how you would know that!” she flung back at him. “You only turn up when it suits you to do so!”

When he did not immediately respond, Jessica’s indignation increased. “Do you dislike me so much that you cannot even bring yourself to converse with me, sir?” she challenged him.

“I do not dislike you, Miss Beresford,” he replied heavily as, doing his utmost to ignore the tantalizing feel of her soft, warm body beneath his fingers, he strove desperately to focus his attention on the maneuvers of the dance.

An Unconventional Miss

Harlequin

Historical

DOROTHY ELBURY

lives in a quiet Lincolnshire village, an ideal atmosphere for writing her historical novels. She has been married to her husband (it was love at first sight, of course!) for forty-five years, and they have three children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies include visiting museums and historic houses, and handicrafts of various kinds.

DOROTHY ELBURY

An Unconventional Miss

TORONTO • NEW YORK • LONDON

AMSTERDAM • PARIS • SYDNEY • HAMBURG

STOCKHOLM • ATHENS • TOKYO • MILAN • MADRID

PRAGUE • WARSAW • BUDAPEST • AUCKLAND

Available from Harlequin

Historical and DOROTHY ELBURY

A Hasty Betrothal #176

The Viscount’s Secret #183

The Officer and the Lady #195

DON’T MISS THESE OTHER

NOVELS AVAILABLE NOW:

#899 THE LAST RAKE IN LONDON—Nicola Cornick

Dangerous Jack Kestrel was the most sinfully sensual rogue she’d ever met, and the wicked glint in his eyes promised he’d take care of satisfying Sally’s every need….

Watch as the last rake in London meets his match!

#900 AN IMPETUOUS ABDUCTION—Patricia Frances Rowell

Persephone had stumbled into danger and the only way to protect her was to abduct her! But what would Leo’s beautiful prisoner do when he revealed his true identity?

Don’t miss Patricia Frances Rowell’s unique blend of passion spiced with danger!

#901 KIDNAPPED BY THE COWBOY—Pam Crooks

TJ Grier was determined to clear his name, even if his actions might cost him the woman he loved!

Fall in love with Pam Crooks’s honorable cowboy!

#902 INNOCENCE UNVEILED—Blythe Gifford

With her flaming red hair, Katrine knew no man would be tempted by her. But Renard, a man of secrets, intended to break through her defenses…

Innocence and passion are an intoxicating mix in this emotional Medieval tale.

#238 LORD HAWKRIDGE’S SECRET—Anne Ashley

Lord Sebastian Hawkridge proposed to Emily nearly five years ago, but she broke their engagement. Now he is intent on making her his bride.

Intrigue and splendour in London high society.

For John, in gratitude for his wholehearted

support and continuing encouragement.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five