Abigail Halsey is in a dreadful predicament. She has been
sent quietly to a convent by her father, to escape scandal
resulting from her actions. In 1865, society will not
forgive her, and the nobleman who caused her downfall
cannot countenance being ruined. SLIGHTLY NOBLE has a
really unusual start and takes us places where most
historical romances never tread.
Captain Jack Norton has come home from America to inherit a
crumbling ruin as Viscount. There is also a better estate,
but this will pass to a relative unless he weds and
produces an heir when he turns thirty-five, in five months'
time. As this is not possible, he resigns himself to losing
it. That's before he meets a carriage on the road with a
couple of women in need of aid.
We learn about midwifery at the time, the modern
regulations applying to hasty marriages and inheritance of
titles. Jack has been in America for twenty years, so he
has progressive ideas, and he finds much in England has
changed from his perceptions. His staunch friend Quentin
explains that if Jack weds Abby and she gives him an heir -
a boy - his problems are solved. But she may not agree to
wed a total stranger, and she might have a daughter. Jack
was coldly treated by his own father, and he is determined
not to be that kind of parent. If he goes into this bargain
he'll make the best of it for everyone.
I found one incidental detail fascinating - Jack lived in
Charleston and backed the losing side in the American war,
so apart from his ship he has nothing to return to.
Inheriting his title and lands is a drawn-out affair, full
of red tape as we'd now call it. We also see shipboard
life, and the harrowing truth about 'baby farmers'. Abby
has learnt some of the jewellery trade; the middle classes
are starting to have money but snobs still keep them out of
society. Once I started reading SLIGHTLY NOBLE I was
hooked, and I suggest
anyone looking for an out of the ordinary romance
could do no better.
SLIGHTLY NOBLE by Lilly Gayle presents a young woman who
can't trust men, even her new husband who, after all,
married her for his own advantage. Abby will steal your
heart just as she quickly steals Jack's, when all she wants
is safety for her child. Family drama and changing fortunes
with a chilling conclusion make the excellent SLIGHTLY
NOBLE a story you will certainly remember.
American privateer, Captain Jack isn't really an
American,
but heir to a viscountcy. When his father dies, he leaves
everything not entailed with the estate to his worthless
cousin. Jack's only hope of inheriting his mother's
ancestral home and honoring her dying wish is to marry
and
produce an heir before his thirty-fifth birthday—in five
months. And he doesn't have a single prospect.
Pregnant and unwed, Abigail Halsey is sent by her father
to
an Anglican convent until he can find a family to adopt
his
grandchild or a husband for his daughter. Abby has other
plans, but they go awry when she goes into labor early
and
her rescuer, a pirate captain turned lord, insists on
marrying her.
Is Jack too much like his jealous, unforgiving father?
Can
Abby overcome her fear of men and have a real marriage?
Or
will she never be anything more than the unwanted wife of
a
Slightly Noble Viscount?
Excerpt
She raised her chin. “I am a commoner, but as
you have guessed, my father was accepted in certain
social circles. Accepted, but not always welcomed.”
“Well, you will be welcomed now, Abby. You are
a viscountess.” His voice softened, but his eyes shone
with disappointment. Was it because he had hoped she
would confide in him? Or because she had confessed
her humble origins?
Pride stiffened her spine. “I am more than just a
viscountess. I am a wife and mother, and if I am to be a
good wife, at some point, I must act like a wife.” This
meant running a household, not living on a ship. She
did not want to argue or have him ask more questions
about her past, but she could not bear living aboard ship
indefinitely.
He started, his expression surprised. Then a slow
smile spread over his face, and his eyes burned as if he
had a fever. He leaned over the table, his face mere
inches from hers. “A real wife sleeps in her husband’s
bed.”
Abby’s breath hitched. Her pulse jumped. Oh dear!
He had taken her meaning all wrong. Heat rushed to her
cheeks, and her flesh tingled. “What I meant...That is, I
should be running your household.”
“We live on a ship.” He leaned back in his chair.
He still smiled, but it was now more humorous
than...amorous?
She shivered, unable to suppress a brief surge of
longing. What would it be like to kiss that hard mouth?
To feel his lips pressed against hers?
Dear Lord! What is wrong with me?
Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of Slightly Noble. I am so happy you enjoyed Jack and Abby's story. (Lilly Gayle 9:39pm December 23, 2015)
A great review for a great writer! I agree with Clare O'Beara, who wrote this great review! Lilly Gayle is an amazing writer! Slightly Noble is an outstanding read! (Rebecca Booth 9:47pm December 23, 2015)
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