
When someone tries to kill Lady Sophia Gardner, Countess of Modbury, James becomes her appointed protector. Little does she realize he’s not who he says he is.
After they find evidence of something sinister they realize the answer can only be found in London. Once there, events became even more complicated as James’ true identity is made known.
When several more attempts to kill Sophia fail they return to Modbury, later to slip back into London. Hidden but in plain sight they ferret out who and why someone wants her dead. What they learn and the individuals involved turns out to be more than expected.
Once the information is uncover they realize it could shake the foundation of the Crown to its core. First though, it has to be put into the proper hands.
Risking everything Sophia rescues James while bringing the persons involved to justice.
Excerpt
In there were several rounds of venison, beef and even two pheasants of which she took one off the hook. That along with some fresh vegetables from the garden, which she’d collect next, and baked potatoes would make a marvelous and simple meal for them.
Stepping out she noticed he cocked his head to the side, raised brows telling her he wondered about the bird she had.
“Oh good. You get to clean the bird then I can finish preparing it for dinner,” she said, handing over the fowl to him.
“What? You don’t have someone cook for you?”
“Heaven’s no. Why should I? I’m perfectly capable of preparing a meal or two. Now, I’d suggest you do it outside in the backyard while I heat water for tea, which I’ll bring out when it’s ready along with some shortbreads.”
“Sophia, you continue to amaze and astound me,” he said before exiting to the rear of the house with the bird in hand.
Twenty minutes later she stepped out, tea tray in hand, and set it on the wrought iron table. Glancing around she saw James sitting cross-legged on the ground resting against an oak. On his lap was a plucked pheasant.
“Ready for tea?” she called out.
“Yes. Perfect timing as I only finished defeathering the fowl,” he answered as she watched him rise easily to his feet, pinfeathers fluttering everywhere.
“Good, would you put it in the sink so I can finish preparing it for dinner?”
A minute later he returned to a cup of tea and several biscuits.
“What else will we be dining on this evening? I did notice a nice little kitchen garden with several different vegetables along with tomatoes and lettuce.”
“Yes, thank you. When I’m not in town Mrs. Sullivan maintains it for me. In return she gets to keep what she wants for herself and the staff. Anyway, I thought baked potatoes and then I’ll see what looks best. I’m hoping there are enough green beans? One thing I like to do is barely cook them then make a simple dressing to go over them.”
“And the pheasant? I’m guessing you’ll roast it.”
“Yes but first I’ll stuff it with lemons and oranges to give a sweet and savory flavor to the meat. I’ll then slide some rosemary under the skin to act as a balance.”
“Again I must say, you amaze and astound me. I wonder what the ladies of the ton would say if they knew you cooked a meal for a Marquess.”
“Kind sir, if I was to hazard a guess, to a lady they’d faint and for your information I’m doing it for the man I love, who with me will defeat the traitors to the Crown.”
“Then, shall we finish our tea so I can assist you in preparing dinner as the hour is getting late. I also look forward to beating you in a game of chess.”
“Never,” she said, collecting the cups and with the tray in hand returned inside.
Together they worked in harmony on the preparation of the meal and cleaning up. Later they tied two games apiece in chess before fatigue overtook them and they retired to bed. This time sleep was somewhat foremost on both their minds as the morrow would and could set unexpected dangers on them.
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