A Scandalous Proposal

A Scandalous Proposal
Julia Justiss

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesDisowned! But deeply in love!Emily Spencer was both when she eloped to the Continent with her handsome young soldier. Now widowhood had brought her back to England-and into the arms of Evan Mansfield, the dashing Earl of Cheverley, who willingly gave her his heart. . . but could never give her his name!Elemental and eternal. . . Such was the passion Emily Spencer inspired in Evan Mansfield. Surely this woman was his destiny, his forever love, despite her lack of aristocratic ties. But honor and a deathbed promise demanded he bind himself in marriage to another-and abandon the only joy he'd ever known!

He saw only her

A slender figure in lilac, her pale oval face framed by dusky curls above full, petal-pink lips. When she raised inquiring violet eyes to meet his mesmerized gaze, a frisson of pure energy flashed between them, rocking him to his toes and riveting him, speechless, to the spot.

A faint scent of lavender teased his nose. His heartbeat stopped, then stampeded. Aftershocks darted to every nerve. “Perfection!” he whispered, his voice unsteady.

As if compelled, Evan walked toward her, only dimly aware of shouldering aside a heavyset matron who appeared to be conversing with the Vision. “Lord Cheverley, Madame Emilie.” Seizing her hand, he brought it to his lips.

He felt it again, that…current, passing between them. By the faint pinking of her porcelain cheeks, Evan knew she must have felt it as well….

Praise for Julia Justiss’s debut historical romance title

THE WEDDING GAMBLE

“The setting and dialogue of Julia Justiss’s novel of manners are top of the type…scintillating, thoroughly engaging…”

—Romantic Times Magazine

“I truly enjoyed this new author’s debut novel.”

—Old Book Barn Gazette

A SCANDALOUS PROPOSAL

Harlequin Historical

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A Scandalous Proposal

Julia Justiss

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

Available from Harlequin Historicals and JULIA JUSTISS

The Wedding Gamble #464

A Scandalous Proposal #532

To critique partners

Theresa Scardina, Louise Harper and Kathy Cowan,

for their exceptional advice and even more

exceptional friendship.

To the published authors of RWA-ETC, who have

given unstinting assistance and support, particularly

RWA Lifetime Achievement Award winner

Roz Alsobrook, Sheli Nelson (Rachelle Morgan),

Eve Gaddy and the best conference roomie ever,

Lenora Nazworth (Lenora Worth).

With deepest thanks and gratitude.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight