The Reluctant Bride

The Reluctant Bride
Meg Alexander

In this quiet village neighboring Steepwood Abbey, India Rushford had a decision to make–consent to be Anthony, Lord Isham's reluctant bride or spend the rest of her days destitute. As their wedding neared, she saw the handsome lord's gentle nature, and a powerful attraction flared between them.But the path to wedded bliss had its obstacles, including a deadly threat that put both their lives in danger. Could India admit before it was too late that she loved Lord Isham?

“Help me. Isham is sure to be on time….”

India was right. They had not long to wait. As the clock struck four, Lord Isham was announced and shown into the parlor.

As he bowed to her mother, India stole a critical look at him. His manner was correct, his bow perfection, but his presence shattered the genteel atmosphere in the room.

India glanced down at her hands and found that they were trembling. She had summoned all her courage for the coming interview, but it was deserting her fast. Now she longed only to get it over with.

It seemed an age before her mother rose.

“Will you excuse me, sir?” she said. “India would like to speak to you.”

Isham merely bowed and held the door. As it closed he turned and leaned against it. For a panic-stricken moment India felt trapped. She was forced to suffer his long, assessing stare.

“So you are to be the sacrificial lamb?” his lordship drawled at last. “What a fate, my dear!”

The Reluctant Bride

Meg Alexander

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

MEG ALEXANDER

After living in southern Spain for many years, Meg Alexander now lives in Kent, although, having been born in Lancashire, she feels that her roots are in the north of England. Meg’s career has encompassed a wide variety of roles, from professional cook to assistant director of a conference center. She has always been a voracious reader, and loves to write. Other loves include history, cats, gardening, cooking and travel. She has a son and two grandchildren.

Other books in THE STEEPWOOD SCANDAL series:

Lord Ravensden’s Marriage, by Anne Herries

An Innocent Miss, by Elizabeth Bailey

The Reluctant Bride, by Meg Alexander

A Companion of Quality, by Nicola Cornick

A Most Improper Proposal, by Gail Whitiker

A Noble Man, by Anne Ashley

An Unreasonable Match, by Sylvia Andrew

An Unconventional Duenna, by Paula Marshall

Counterfeit Earl, by Anne Herries

The Captain’s Return, by Elizabeth Bailey

The Guardian’s Dilemma, by Gail Whitiker

Lord Exmouth’s Intentions, by Anne Ashley

Mr. Rushford’s Honour, by Meg Alexander

An Unlikely Suitor, by Nicola Cornick

An Inescapable Match, by Sylvia Andrew

The Missing Marchioness, by Paula Marshall

Contents

Chapter One (#ufcfeef94-7e7e-52dd-8f98-ee480a802f73)

Chapter Two (#ud28b0263-568f-5384-ac15-3e125948e51a)

Chapter Three (#ucc9a4b3a-93ef-5e6a-b2dd-21ee30e4257e)

Chapter Four (#u71a96026-f075-5fe2-8692-09100e95c594)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

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 One

1811

The elder of the two ladies seated by the fireside in the tiny cottage was visibly distressed. Tears fell unheeded down her cheeks as she looked up at her brother-in-law.

“Tell me it isn’t true!” she pleaded. “Must Isham take everything? Oh, please, not my dowry too and the portions for the girls?”