Lady Lavender

Lady Lavender
Lynna Banning

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 centuriesLynna Banning is an "older," retired woman who loves history, particularly the medieval and Old West periods. She was a professional editor for 30-plus years, taught high school English and upon early retirement in 1993, she began writing fiction. She found it wasn't easy. How-to books, workshops, conferences and sweaty hours with pen in hand finally led to a completed novel, which was rejected. But they asked for "what else did she have?" and thus was born her first published book, Western Rose, a tale of the Old West (Oregon frontier) and, loosely, the story of her grandparents' courtship.An amateur pianist and harpsichordist, Lynna performs on harp, psaltery and percussion instruments in a medieval music ensemble.She enjoys hearing from her readers; you may write directly to P. O. Box 324, Felton CA 95018, or e-mail carolynw@cruzio. com.You can also visit Lynna's Web site at www. lynnabanning. com.

The warm air smelled of horses and fresh straw. And lavender.

Wash half turned to her. “You all right?”

She nodded, and he climbed down and began to unhook the rig. She thought a smile touched his mouth. He was pleased, then, with their day’s work? Or was he pleased that his precious railroad could now roll its iron tracks over her farm?

Jeanne was weary, but not so much that she couldn’t feel the inexplicable pull toward the man who was now lifting her sleeping daughter into his arms. He paused at the door to her room while she unlocked it. Light spilled from the doorway, illuminating where she and Manette slept.

He entered as if expecting to be ambushed, then gently deposited Manette on the big double bed. When he straightened Jeanne laid her hand on his muscled forearm. He flinched the tiniest bit, and somehow she guessed he was weighing his reticence about her against his masculine need. That pleased her.

“You have been very kind,” she said. “You are a good man, Monsieur Wash.”

The oddest expression crossed his face, and in his gray eyes she suddenly saw both wariness and raw desire.

Lady Lavender

Harlequin

Historical #1027—February 2011

Praise for Lynna Banning

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride

“Banning uses the exotic setting of Moorish Spain, troubadours, tournaments, politics and adventure in an engaging tale that will pique the interest of fans of the medieval era.”

—RT Book Reviews

Crusader’s Lady

“Marc and Soraya’s love story is touching, and the plot will make you wonder until the last page how they will get together.”

—RT Book Reviews

Loner’s Lady

“[A] poignant tale of a woman’s coming of age.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Ranger and the Redhead

“[A] fast-paced, adventure-filled story.”

—RT Book Reviews

The Wedding Cake War

“You’ll love Banning’s subtle magic with romance.”

—RT Book Reviews

Lady Lavender

Lynna Banning

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

Available from Harlequin

Historical and LYNNA BANNING

Western Rose #310

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The Courtship #613

The Angel of Devil’s Camp #649

The Scout #682

High Country Hero #706

One Starry Christmas #723

“Hark the Harried Angels”

The Wedding Cake War #730

The Ranger and the Redhead #773

Loner’s Lady #806

Crusader’s Lady #842

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride #914

Lady Lavender #1027