Lady of Shame (23 page)

Don’t miss the next instalment of Castonbury Park—
THE ILLEGITIMATE MONTAGUE
by Sarah Mallory

‘Be careful who you get close to…’

Adam Stratton is a new breed of Regency Man. A hero of Trafalgar, he is now an entrepreneur, rich beyond imagination. Yet all the money in the world can’t erase the scandal and shame of his birth.

Since childhood, Amber has been the only one to know Adam’s true value. And her memories of the housekeeper’s son at Castonbury were the only respite from her unhappy marriage.

Now a widow, Amber finds her new-found freedom daunting, although the sight of Adam gives her hope. But, despite their simmering attraction, putting their faith in each other may be more dangerous than they had bargained for…

THE ILLEGITIMATE MONTAGUE
Sarah Mallory

She knew she should not look at him again, but somehow she could not resist. He held her gaze while every nerve shrieked at the danger of their situation, alone together in the dead of night. She swallowed.

‘Thank you. You have been very helpful.’

‘It was my pleasure.’ His voice was soft, smooth—a contrast to the tumult she felt inside. ‘Is there anything else I can do for you?

‘Wh-what? Oh, no.’

Oh, yes,
sighed the demon on her shoulder.

Amber tried her best to appear at ease while Adam sipped his wine, watching her over the rim of the glass. Silence, taut as a bowstring, stretched around them. Abruptly she rose. She must end this now.

‘Well, then. If you have finished your wine I will show you out. The…um…the night air is cold. You will not want to leave your horse standing too long.’

‘No.’ He tipped back his head and emptied the glass. ‘You are right. I should go.’ His lips curved upwards. ‘At least the books are balanced, ready for the morrow.’

Dragging up all her reserves, she smiled back at him.

‘Thank you. I shall sleep easily now.’ She marvelled at how glibly the lie slid from her tongue. She doubted she would sleep at all after his visit!

He did not reply, but rose and donned his coat in silence. No innuendo or knowing looks. The perfect gentleman. Amber crossed her arms and hugged herself. What did she know of such matters? Her husband had called himself a gentleman, but his behaviour had been cruel and boorish. Adam’s birth was at best a mystery, but he was much the better man. If only…

‘I will wish you goodnight, then, Mrs Hall.’

He was at the door. Amber knew that one word would bring him back, but fear and blind panic kept her silent. To surrender to him again would be to lose everything: her name, her business…her heart.

Adam touched his hat and let himself out into the night. As he walked away he heard the bolts slide into place behind him. It was for the best. He wanted to sever his ties with Castonbury, not strengthen them, but every meeting with Amber Hall threatened to undermine his resolution.

He grinned to himself as he untied Bosun and scrambled up into the saddle. It was fortunate that Amber had not questioned him too closely on why he was in the village at that time of night. He had no good excuse to offer; in fact it was quite idiotic. It was a clear night and he had wanted to ride along the street where she lived.

ISBN 9781426876745

© Michèle Ann Young 2012

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