The Smuggler and the Society Bride

The Smuggler and the Society Bride
Julia Justiss

Had she fallen to the level of a common smuggler?Lady Honoria Carlow, leading Diamond of the Ton, daughter of the Earl of Narborough, was in disgrace. Her spirited nature had led her too far this time. And she was – in reputation at least – ruined. And it seemed, even on the storm-tossed coast of Cornwall, she was not free of temptation.Gabriel Hawksworth may be a gentleman by birth, but a smuggler was unlikely to rescue a Lady from scandal. Indeed Honoria began to suspect the dazzling blue eyes of the Irish sea captain were luring her right back to what she’d run from – trouble!Lady Honoria Carlow, leading Diamond of the Ton, daughter of the Earl of Narborough, was in disgrace. Her spirited nature had led her too far this time. And she was – in reputation at least – ruined. And it seemed, even on the storm-tossed coast of Cornwall, she was not free of temptation.Gabriel Hawksworth may be a gentleman by birth, but a smuggler was unlikely to rescue a Lady from scandal. Indeed Honoria began to suspect the dazzling blue eyes of the Irish sea captain were luring her right back to what she’d run from – trouble!

Praise for Julia Justiss

From Waif to Gentleman’s Wife

“Justiss has crafted another Wellington family tale featuring Hal and Nicky’s good friend Sir Edward ‘Ned’ Greaves. The story is emotionally charged and heartwarming, as two lonely hearts fall in love, only to be ripped asunder by secrets and betrayal.”

—RT Book Reviews

A Most Unconventional Match

“Justiss captures the true essence of the Regency period…The characters come to life with all the proper mannerisms and dialogue as they waltz around each other in a ‘most unconventional’ courtship.”

—RT Book Reviews

Rogue’s Lady

“With characters you care about, clever banter, a roguish hero and a captivating heroine, Justiss has written a charming and sensual love story.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Untamed Heiress

“Justiss rivals Georgette Heyer…by creating a riveting young woman of character and good humor…unexpected plot twists and layers also increase the reader’s enjoyment.”

—Booklist

My Lady’s Honor

“Julia Justiss has a knack for conveying emotional intensity and longing.”

—All About Romance

My Lady’s Trust

“With this exceptional Regency-era romance, Justiss adds another fine feather to her writing cap.”

—Publishers Weekly

London, 1814

A season of secrets, scandal and seduction!

A darkly dangerous stranger is out for revenge, delivering a silken rope as his calling card. Through him, a long-forgotten scandal is reawakened. The notorious events of 1794, which saw one man murdered and another hanged for the crime, are ripe gossip in the ton. Was the right culprit brought to justice or is there a treacherous murderer still at large?

As the murky waters of the past are disturbed, so servants find love with roguish lords, and proper ladies fall for rebellious outcasts until, finally, the true murderer and spy is revealed.

Regency Silk & Scandal

From glittering ballrooms to a Cornish smuggler’s cove; from the wilds of Scotland to a Romany camp—join with the highest and lowest in society as they find love in this thrilling new eight-book miniseries!

The Smuggler and the Society Bride

Julia Justiss

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

Look for these novels in the Regency miniseries

SILK & SCANDAL

The Lord and the Wayward Lady by Louise Allen—June 2010

Paying the Virgin’s Price by Christine Merrill—July 2010

The Smuggler and the Society Bride by Julia Justiss—August 2010

Claiming the Forbidden Bride by Gayle Wilson—September 2010

The Viscount and the Virgin by Annie Burrows—October 2010

Unlacing the Innocent Miss by Margaret McPhee—November 2010

The Officer and the Proper Lady by Louise Allen—December 2010

Taken by the Wicked Rake by Christine Merrill—January 2011

To my fellow “continuista” authors, Louise, Chris, Gayle, Annie and Denise and to the editors for allowing me to participate in the most exciting and enjoyable writing experience of my career.

Dear Reader,

My story introduces Lady Honoria Carlow, daughter of spymaster George Carlow, Lord Narborough, whose best friend was convicted and hanged for the murder of a third colleague. Now, nearly twenty years after that tragedy, someone seems bent on exacting revenge against all the families involved in the scandal.

All Honoria knows is that some unknown enemy devised a ruthlessly effective plan to ruin her, one so clever even her family believes it was her own recklessness that brought it about. Stunned and furious with her relations for dismissing her protests of innocence, she flees to her eccentric aunt in Cornwall. Despairing, unsure what she can do with the remnants of her life, she encounters the dashing free-trader known as “The Hawk.”

Gabriel Hawksworth agreed to become temporary captain of the Flying Gull as a favor to the army friend who saved his life. Upon meeting “Miss Foxe,” he wonders immediately why such a beauty is residing on the Cornish coast instead of in London, dazzling suitors. Gabe scents a scandal…and if Miss Foxe has been banished for being less than a lady, he’s just the man to tempt her to a little dalliance.

But as he delves into the mystery of Honoria, desire for a brief affair turns to fascination and then a compulsion to find the truth behind the event that destroyed her life. Even if that knowledge might mean losing her forever.

I hope you’ll find their story compelling!

Julia

Chapter One

May 1814. Sennlack Cove, Cornwall