When her mother died, Petra d'Averio's brother rejected her
as a bastard that the family no longer had to tolerate.
Penniless with pursuers on her heels, Petra heads to London
to find her real father and request protection. Her mother
swore that when the powerful English lord learned of
Petra's existence, he would not desert her.
Petra cusses a blue streak as she hides from her virago
employer. The swearing undermines her impersonation of a
nun as a man overhears her colorful curses. Confessing to
boredom, he offers transportation to London if she will
entertain him with her story. Having fled Italy and now
stuck in France with limited options, Petra readily
accepts.
Robin Fitzvitry, the Earl of Huntersdown, travels incognito
preferring to enjoy the sights as a mere "mister" and avoid
aristocratic trappings. When he finds a beautiful Italian
lady masquerading as a nun with mysterious villains after
her, it promises to add much-needed excitement to his
journey. Robin does need a new mistress and Petra would
make a perfect one. Expecting to play at rescuing a damsel
in distress, Robin undergoes a rapid transformation when he
discovers the villains will murder anyone who gets in their
way.
Disaster courts them at every turn as Petra and Robin flee
from danger in the French countryside. Petra tries not to
fall for Robin's legendary charm, knowing he will never
want a woman with a scandalous background. Robin knows
nothing permanent can take place between them, but never
has a woman gotten under his skin as much as Petra.
Ms. Beverley reintroduces the unconventional Malloren
family. With her superb storytelling, Ms. Beverley plays
with the nursery rhyme Cock Robin and the Sparrow
throughout the story in many imaginative and mischievous
ways. Never dull, A LADY'S SECRET will delight readers as
they follow Petra and Robin's exciting and dangerous
adventure.
When Robin Fitzvitry, the fun-loving Earl of Huntersdown, encounters a cursing nun in a French inn, he can't resist the mystery. He offers to help Sister Immaculata reach England, expecting amusement on the tedious journey home from Versailles. Petre d'Avernio is not exactly a nun, though she has spent years in an Italian convent with her mother, whose death has left her in danger. She must find the only person who might protect her-her true father, an English lord who does not know she exists. The gorgeous earl Robin Fitzvitry will be a dangerous ally, but she's glimpsed her pursuers and must race to the coast. She will resist him, use him, and eventually escape him with her virtue and secrets intact-she hopes.