As Maria Martingale is inspecting a storefront for her new
pastry shop, she collides with an unwanted man from her
past, Phillip Hawthorne, the Marquess of Kayne. Twelve
years ago, Phillip halted her elopement with his younger
brother, Lawrence, citing their different stations in life.
Maria, a servant's child, recovered from her broken heart
and began a new life and dreams for herself. Maria sees her
plans now ending when she discovers Phillip is her
landlord.
Phillip Hawthorne refuses to let anyone stop Lawrence from
making an advantageous marriage to an American heiress.
Maria will definitely distract Lawrence, who can be quite
fickle. Phillip has many conflicting emotions regarding
Maria. He and Lawrence were her playmates for years, until
Phillip inherited the title. He coolly ignored Maria,
realizing that gentlemen do not associate with the
servants. He buried his feelings for his gawky playmate,
who transformed into a winning young woman he desired.
Phillip distracts Lawrence with business as he attempts to
divert Maria with a business transaction. He becomes too
successful as they spend time together. Once again, Maria
invades his heart. Phillip battles his feelings for her. He
cannot seduce her for she is not a lady or a courtesan. A
new century is about to begin and Phillip must decide if he
can let go of the strict rules of the past.
Ms. Guhrke writes a sensual and emotional story with
touches reminiscent of the old classic movie
Sabrina. Romance readers won't want to miss this
wonderful story about desire and the power of love to
overcome obstacles.
Maria Martingale was going to
elope. But Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne, put a
stop to those plans when he learned his younger brother
intended to marry a cook's daughter. Now, twelve years
later, Maria discovers that the man who holds her fate in
his hands is none other than the haughty gentleman who
sent her packing—and he's as handsome and arrogant as
ever.
Happily Ever After?
Always the proper
gentleman, Phillip will do anything to protect his family
from scandal, and when Maria dares to move in right next
door, he knows scandal will surely follow. She is as
tempting as he remembered . . . and the more he sees her,
the harder it is for Phillip to keep his own secret desire
for her a secret . . .