Rescued From Ruin

Rescued From Ruin
Georgie Lee

WHAT THE TON DOESN’T KNOW…During the years since Randall Cheltenham, Marquess of Falconbridge, last saw Cecelia Thompson he has turned into a dissolute rake. Catching sight of her now, he finds bittersweet memories threaten to shatter his carefully constructed façade.Although in the eyes of the ton Cecelia is a wealthy widow, in reality she has barely a penny to her name. Randall seems to offer a safe haven, but how can she trust a man who has hurt her before – and who seems to have only become darker with the passing of time?

‘Even the life of a marquess has its dark moments.’

Her teasing smile faded and a soft understanding filled her eyes. ‘Everyone’s life does.’

He’d watched stone-faced while mistresses wailed, and had stepped casually to one side to avoid an errant porcelain figure lobbed at him. None of those overwrought reactions had cut him to the core like her simple comment. For the second time in as many minutes the shame of his past gnawed at him before he crushed it down.

‘Good.’ He smiled with more glib humour than he felt, clasping his hands behind his back. ‘Because in London I’m a very good acquaintance to have—especially for someone who’s left her reputation across the Atlantic.’

‘I shall keep it in mind. Good evening, Lord Falconbridge.’

She dipped a curtsy and walked off across the room to join a small circle of matrons standing near the window.

He watched her go—the boy in him desperate to call her back...the man he’d become keeping his shoes firmly rooted to the floor.

AUTHOR NOTE

The past and the way it influences and affects the present plays a central role in RESCUED FROM RUIN. Randall and Cecelia’s story has elements of that awkward moment we’ve all faced when we run into an old flame or an ex-best friend during a quick trip to the store wearing our yoga pants. No matter what the reality of our lives at that moment, we want to impress that person from our past and show them how much we’ve changed for the better since they last knew us.

For most of us an unexpected reunion in the produce aisle is something to laugh at afterwards, while vowing never to leave the house without make-up again. However, for Cecelia and Randall, meeting again after ten years forces them to do more than show off. They have to face demons and heartaches they’ve both struggled to forget.

An unexpected reunion with the past is something we can all relate to, and it was fun channelling my own experiences into the story to make that first moment Randall and Cecelia meet again realistic.

Rescued

from Ruin

Georgie Lee

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

A dedicated history and film buff, GEORGIE LEE loves combining her passion for Hollywood, history and storytelling through romantic fiction. She began writing professionally at a small TV station in San Diego, before moving to Hollywood to work in the interesting but strange world of the entertainment industry. During her years in La-La Land she never lost her love for romance novels and decided to try writing one herself. To her surprise, a new career was born. When not crafting tales of love and happily-ever-after, Georgie enjoys reading non-fiction history and watching any movie with a costume and an accent.

Please visit www.georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books. She also loves to hear from readers, and you can e-mail her at georgie.lee@yahoo.com

A previous novel by the same author: ENGAGEMENT OF CONVENIENCE

Did you know that this novel is also available as an eBook? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

DEDICATION

I’d like to thank my husband, parents and in-laws for all their support, childcare, dinners, and patience while I worked on this book. I couldn’t have done it without all of you.

Contents

Chapter One (#u8f267712-f84a-5fcf-a1f3-5bfe0922f576)

Chapter Two (#uef42416d-ce41-56c5-8a99-69106252632c)

Chapter Three (#u3573dbe7-5d96-5151-88af-4d1971d07e20)

Chapter Four (#ua0958864-6916-5556-8a6a-6b4e7fa2d73d)

Chapter Five (#ud895566c-03d2-5109-afda-21a182c058c3)

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)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

London 1816

Randall Cheltenham, Marquess of Falconbridge, looked down the length of the salon, his chest tightening as if hit by a low branch while riding.

Cecelia Thompson stood in the doorway, just as she had so many times in his dreams.

When was the last time he’d seen her? Ten years ago? For ever?

Her eyes met his and the image of her standing in a field, the acrid smell of cut grass and damp earth blending with the warmth of the late afternoon sun, overwhelmed him. He was eighteen again and she was here.

Once, he would have sold his soul for this moment. Now, he waited for the tenuous connection to snap and for her soft look to turn hard with disdain. In his experience, it was a rare woman who forgot past slights. He’d played no small part in her decision to leave England; driving people away was a talent he’d possessed in spades back then.