Wayward Widow

Wayward Widow
Nicola Cornick

Unmarriageable, untamable, unforgettable, Lady Juliana Myfleet was the Ton's most notorious widow.With her reputation nearly in tatters, Juliana knew the one thing that would save her from ruin was the one thing she did not want–marriage! Martin Davencourt knew there was more to Juliana than gossip and scandal. But he was walking a fine line in saving his childhood friend from herself.If Juliana was not the sweet innocent he remembered, his liaison with a lady of dubious repute would cost him everything he held most dear. Still, Martin had paid the price for letting Juliana go once–and he'd willingly risk all before letting that happen again….

The wave of shock was almost tangible as it rippled around the table…

On the silver tray in the middle of the table Lady Juliana reposed in all her nude and provocative glory. Slivers of grape, strawberry and melon were strewn strategically around her nakedness. Her whole body was dusted with icing sugar and shone in the pale candlelight like a statue carved from ice, an untouchable snow maiden. But there was nothing maidenly about the expression in her narrowed green eyes as she invited the men to eat….

Lady Juliana turned her head and her gaze fell on a gentleman, his face unreadable in the shadowed room. Juliana felt a curious sense of recognition. She smiled at him. “Come along, darling. Don’t be shy.”

The gentleman looked up, his green-blue eyes appraising her with complete indifference. “I thank you, ma’am, but I have never liked dessert.”

Wayward Widow

Harlequin Historical

Praise for Nicola Cornick’s latest books

The Notorious Marriage

“This is a delightful Regency romp of manners, mores and misunderstandings. Cornick’s characters come to life in this well-written story.”

—Romantic Times

Lady Allerton’s Wager

“A charming, enjoyable read.”

—Romantic Times

“Ms. Cornick has managed to pack a whole lot of mystery and humor in this highly romantic and fast-paced story and is nothing short of a pure delight to read.”

—Writers Unlimited

“The Rake’s Bride” in The Love Match

“Through vivid detail, the author firmly establishes time and place for her rollicking tug-of-war.”

—Publishers Weekly

The Virtuous Cyprian

“This delightful tale of a masquerade gone awry will delight ardent Regency readers.”

—Romantic Times

Nicola Cornick

WAYWARDWIDOW

Available from Harlequin Historicals and NICOLA CORNICK

The Virtuous Cyprian #566

Lady Polly #574

The Love Match #599

“The Rake’s Bride”

Miss Verey’s Proposal #604

The Blanchland Secret #630

Lady Allerton’s Wager #651

The Notorious Marriage #659

The Earl’s Prize #684

The Chaperon Bride #692

Wayward Widow #700

To the girls.

Thank you.

This one is for you.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight