Bedding the Heiress (Cameron Sisters Series #4)

by Cathy Maxwell

Overview

When a loathsome rake steals one of her most cherished family heirlooms—and nearly her virtue as well!—Francesca Dunroy devises the perfect plan to put him in his place. At a ball being held in her honor—she didn't "take" in her first season, now her family is determined to get her a match in her second—she'll offer him a clandestine kiss sure to convince him to return what is rightfully hers. But in the dark hallways surrounding the ballroom, Francesca makes a terrifying mistake. She seduces the wrong man!

The recipient of Francesca's caresses is none other than Justin Maddox, London's newly titled duke and most eligible bachelor. A defiant Scotsman who disdains London society, he's sworn to steer clear of the ladies of the ton, but he can't escape the memory of Francesca urgently pressing her lips upon his . . . and neither can she. But when a shocking and dangerous secret from Justin's past resurfaces, the couple will have to risk tattered reputations and treacherous enemies to nurture what has quickly become true love.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061121807
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	03/27/2007
Series:	Cameron Sisters Series , #4
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	348,984
Product dimensions:	4.18(w) x 6.75(h) x 0.96(d)

About the Author

Cathy Maxwell spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness.  Fans can contact Cathy at www.cathymaxwell.com or P.O. Box 484, Buda, TX  78610.

Read an Excerpt

Bedding the Heiress

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By Cathy Maxwell

Avon

Copyright © 2007 Cathy Maxwell
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-06-112180-7

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Chapter One

The London residence of Mr. and Mrs. Maximus Dunroy

October 1, 1807

Francesca Dunroy waited for Lord Penthorpe, the most disreputable rake in London, in the darkness of the terrace outside her father's library, the only relatively private place in a house bursting with guests, laughter, and music. She'd sent him a note, imploring His Lordship to meet her. He was late. He was making her cool her heels, knowing, as she did, that with one word he could ruin her.

For the hundredth time she wondered why she had been foolish enough to trust him, and knew the answer because her father would never have approved of him.

Her life until now had been very sheltered. She'd truly been unprepared for the onslaught of feelings Penthorpe's secret, dashing, whirlwind courtship had inspired. He was the very opposite of the prosaic young men who wanted her hand for no other reason than her inheritance. He made her feel beautiful. He had all the right words ... and she'd even imagined herself in love with him. His attentions had been a ray of shining hope in a world too long confused and saddened by her mother Grace's long sickness and eventual death.

Caring for her mother, honoring her, had delayed Francesca's presentation to society. At four and twenty, an age whenmost unmarried women are ready for the shelf, she'd found herself being presented with girls some five years younger than she. Francesca had felt awkward and alone. The marriage mart was a competitive experience. The other girls, no matter what their age, had not liked the competition of an heiress.

Of course, her father had made it easy for them to shut her out.

Max Dunroy was considered personally unacceptable among the hostesses of the ton. Grace had been one of their most respected and admired members. They had been scandalized that Max hadn't waited even a month to marry Regina, who was a year younger than Francesca.

To demonstrate their displeasure, those powerful hostesses, led by Lady Bastone, had closed their doors against Max and Regina, who so dearly wanted to be one of their number. This ostracism also included Francesca.

Was it any wonder then that she had fallen into Penthorpe's trap?

After all, he knew how to charm a woman. He spoke to her as if she had the freedom and intelligence to make her own choices. It was heady stuff. And so, when he'd suggested she visit his private apartments where they could speak freely and without prying ears and eyes, Francesca had recklessly agreed.

Two days ago, thinking herself safe because it was the middle of the afternoon, she had disguised herself in boy's clothes and, with the help of her maid and a footman, snuck out of her house without alarm. She'd anticipated a lark, an adventure.

Instead she'd met disaster.

Penthorpe had not wanted some innocent meeting. He'd wanted to elope, a step she hadn't been ready to take. Perhaps she would have run away with him if he'd been willing to wait a week or a month or even a year or two.

He hadn't been willing to delay two seconds.

He'd wanted her fortune.

And when she'd refused to leave with him, he'd attempted rape to force her.

Only her quick wits and a well-aimed kick had protected her virtue.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Bedding the Heiress by Cathy Maxwell Copyright © 2007 by Cathy Maxwell. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Editorial Reviews

When a daring effort to retrieve a family heirloom from a disreputable rake results in rebellious Francesca Dunroy's being apprehended-and ultimately bedded-by Justin Maddox, the new Duke of Colster, the requisite marriage is exactly what they both needed-much to their surprise. Thoughtful, insightful character development and accomplished writing are hallmarks of Virginia-based Maxwell's work. Fans who first met Justin in In the Bed of a Dukewill enjoy seeing how the Scottish-blacksmith-turned-English-duke fares in London society. A legendary sword, a bit of treachery, and English/Scottish politics add emotional depth, intrigue, and historical detail to this lively romance.

—68

Library Journal