The Duchess's Next Husband

The Duchess's Next Husband
Terri Brisbin

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 centuriesAll Miranda Warfield had ever wanted was to be a wife to a man, not a title, but her marriage to Adrian, Duke of Windmere, had been merely a polite ton alliance for years.Now, miraculously, the tender, loving Adrian of her youth had returned, making her feel like a bride again. But dare she trust their rekindled romance? For why was Adrian suddenly arranging clandestine meetings with his solicitor? And asking her opinions on several marriageable gentlemen of the ton? Did her husband's eyes betray a secret his ardent lips denied. . . ?

“Adrian, I can put up with all of this.

“I am willing to live in this marriage with nothing more from you than your polite regard. I am even willing to let go of my dreams of having a husband who loves me. But I will not lie beneath you and pretend that I am happy. I will not lie still in my bed and act as though I do not want more.”

“You do not mind the liberties I took? You would welcome them?”

She could not admit to more embarrassing truths to him. She could not…

He lifted her chin and she thought she saw mirth glittering in his hazel-colored eyes. How could a woman not enjoy being naked with a man like this?

Miranda reached up and slid her fingers through his hair. Pulling his head down, she kissed him, tasting the brandy on his tongue and letting him taste her. Out of breath, she nodded to him in answer to the question that still circled inside her thoughts.

“I would welcome them, Adrian. I would.”

He kissed her this time, and she grabbed the lapels of his evening coat to keep her balance…!

The Duchess’s Next Husband

Harlequin Historical #751

Praise for Terri Brisbin

“A lavish historical romance in the grand tradition from a wonderful talent.”

—New York Times bestselling author Bertrice Small on Once Forbidden

The Countess Bride

“Brisbin woos her readers with laughter and tears in this delightful and interesting tale of love.”

—Romantic Times

The Norman’s Bride

“A quick-paced story with engaging characters and a tender love story.”

—Romantic Times

The Dumont Bride

“Rich in its Medieval setting…Terri Brisbin has written an excellent tale that will keep you warm on a winter’s night.”

—Affaire de Coeur

The Duchess’s Next Husband

Terri Brisbin

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

Available from Harlequin Historicals and TERRI BRISBIN

The Dumont Bride #634

The Norman’s Bride #696

The Countess Bride #707

The Christmas Visit #727

“Love at First Step”

The King’s Mistress #735

The Betrothal #749

“The Claiming of Lady Joanna”

The Duchess’s Next Husband #751

To Mary Lou Frank, Susan Stevenson, Jennifer Wagner Schmidt, Lyn Wagner, Mary Stella and Colleen Admirand—wonderful women, talented writers and extraordinary friends and colleagues.

Thank you for being there through the ups and downs and everywhere in between, and especially for getting me through 2003 and 2004.

Huzzah!

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight