Spenser Keenan, Earl of Kellworth married Emma Chambers when
she was seventeen in order to prevent her from having to
marry his
uncle. Their bargain was that it would be a marriage "in
name only." Emma would have the security of his home and he
would be able to travel the world. Spenser also promised
Emma that he would provide what ever financial aid she
needed to run the estate and that he would always take care
of her.
After fighting at Waterloo, Spenser returns to London with
his childhood friends, Theobold Blakewell and Gideon Wolfe,
to live a rogues' life. He engages in a duel and declared
dead by a drunken physician. His cohorts plan to return his
body to Kellworth for burial. Emma insists on seeing her
husband's body and discovers that he had been placed in the
coffin alive.
During his recovery, Spenser cannot understand why the
estate is in such need of repair and has only a skeleton
staff. Emma informs him the funds he promised were cut in
half and that she sent numerous letters pleading with him
for more money. Spenser swears to Emma that he never
received her letters nor did he reduce her funds. He is
appalled by the hardship Emma endured because of his
neglect. Spenser tells Emma that he will do anything she
wants to make it up to her.
Emma wants a new bargain -- she wants him to give her a
child and funds to raise the child. Spenser panics! He wants
to make love to his wife but he does not want to sire a
child. His parents were killed when he was young, so he
remembers the loneliness and he doesn't want to do that to
his child.
When Emma decides to seduce her husband it is apparent that
she is an innocent. The episode with the pigs was hilarious.
But, the best part was that when the book ended all your
questions were answered. Ms. Perkins has written a wonderful
romance. This is the type of book that got me hooked on
historical romances. I only hope that she gives us Blake and
Wolfe's story.
I, Emma Chambers, have only myself to blame. To avoid an
unwanted marriage, I agreed to be wed in name only to
Spenser Keenan, a dashing, devilishly handsome soldier. But
he fled to war and adventure, leaving me to care for his
crumbling estate. Now my so-called husband is home. And
however attentive his behavior, I will not be fooled twice.
The Husband
I, Spenser Keenan, cannot believe it. The timid girl I
married is now a beautiful, captivating woman who has kept
her part of our marriage bargain through the most trying of
circumstances. Worse, she believes I ignored her pleas for
help. But I intend to set things right, not only because it
is my duty, but because Emma's fiery spirit is seducing me
in ways I never thought possible. More than anything, I long
to take her to my bed tonight--and make her mine forever.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy