The Wanton Bride

The Wanton Bride
Mary Brendan

Mark Hunter managed to vex her at every opportunity–and seemed to enjoy doing so!However, to prevent a family scandal, Emily Beaumont must turn to him for help. Mark was more than happy to be of service to the delectable Miss Beaumont; with her quick wit and determined spirit she always made deliciously diverting company. But Mark soon discovered that Emily truly was in danger. . . .With disgrace just a breath away, Emily ached for Mark's strong arms to comfort her. Yet she held a secret–one that would surely prevent any gentleman from considering her as a suitable bride. . . .

“Miss Beaumont…what are you doing?”

“I’m avoiding someone, sir.”

“Avoiding someone?” Mark prompted easily, as though the incongruity of conversing with her in a musty office in the City rather than in an elegant drawing room in Mayfair had not occurred to him.

“Yes,” Emily breathed. “The door was open and I just quickly darted in, as I didn’t want to speak to him anymore.”

“If he’s making a nuisance of himself I’m sure I can persuade him to desist.” As Mark drew level to her, a frisson of something akin to excitement jolted through her. The corridor was narrow and shadowy, and a musky sandalwood scent seemed to emanate from the warmth of his body.

Mark felt blood thicken his veins. He had an almost undeniable urge to trap her against the wall and kiss her senseless. She was the most unbelievably desirable little minx, even garbed in a voluminous cloak that disguised all her sweet curves. Miss Emily Beaumont might not like him, but he feared he might like her…a little too much….

The Wanton Bride

Harlequin

Historical #894—April 2008

Praise for Mary Brendan

A Practical Mistress

“Brendan has created a heroine to root for, and the indignities she suffers will pull at readers’ sympathies.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

The Silver Squire

“Mary Brendan delivers a lively tale with unconventional lovers and good characterization.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

A Kind and Decent Man

“Accomplished talent Mary Brendan is very adept at telling both sides of a love story, which easily doubles the readers’ pleasure.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews

The Wanton Bride

MARY BRENDAN

Author Note

During the Regency period, genteel ladies hoping to find a husband were expected to be of impeccable reputation. In writing THE HUNTER BROTHERS duet of books, I have created heroines who don’t quite fit Polite Society’s view of an ideal wife.

In the first novel, A Practical Mistress, Sir Jason Hunter is captivated by a young widow brazen enough to proposition him.

The subsequent novel, The Wanton Bride, features Mark Hunter and his pursuit of a woman with a guilty secret in her past.

I hope you enjoy reading about two eligible gentlemen who are prepared to fight for the unique women they love.

Available from Harlequin

Historical and MARY BRENDAN

* (#litres_trial_promo)Wedding Night Revenge #203

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Unknown Wife #205

* (#litres_trial_promo)A Scandalous Marriage #210

* (#litres_trial_promo)The Rake and the Rebel #211

** (#litres_trial_promo)A Practical Mistress #865

** (#litres_trial_promo)The Wanton Bride #894

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen