The Highwayman's Mistress by Francine Howarth Page B

she
endeavours to evade Adam Brockenbury, whom she loathes as much as he desires
her. Believing him capable of murder to gain his heart’ desire, she is not
alone in thinking his eldest brother’s death as somewhat suspicious, and whilst
on a clandestine visit to her dearest friends she encounters a stranger of
note.
     
    Her
travelling companion, although of charming disposition and of considerable
handsomeness, something about him airs dark and secretive but unmitigated
mutual attraction exists that neither can deny. Unfortunately he’s a Brockebury
too, and as love, jealousy and hate take precedence, three murders are
committed and Georgette quite believes she will be the murderer’s next victim,
but who is the real murderer?
      ~
    Venetian
Encounter.
    A Romantic Georgian Murder Mystery: the year is 1800: Naples
& Venice.
     
    Amidst a gathering of nobility and
gentry a daring jewel theft occurs. A young naval lieutenant suggests the
notorious Venetian jewel thief could well be a woman, but a beautiful Russian
countess scoffs at his suggestion: albeit in coquettish manner. Determined to
unmask the identity of the thief, at the same time intrigued by the countess,
Lt Herne covertly follows her around Naples: part protective gesture and part
curiosity. But where the countess treads murders occur with frequency and she
suddenly takes flight to Venice.
     
    Ordered to the Adriatic on naval business Herne drops
anchor in Venice. Tempted ashore by Carnivale a second encounter with the
countess proves fatal for both. Madly in love they indulge in pleasurable
pursuits but become embroiled in the mysterious death of a Russian count.
Therese feels duty bound to return to St Petersburg, and Herne awaits her
promised return to no avail. Three years later and back in England he discovers
the countess on his doorstep, and wonders if he dare let his heart rule his
head again? Equally, Therese fears a secret is best kept secret but Herne asks
a potent question and she cannot lie for the truth is staring him in the face!
    ~
    Scandalous Whisper
     
    It is England, September 1818, and the Hon Mrs. Napier
views the Earl of Kilder as a most desirable suitor for her daughter’s hand in
marriage. Forced to engage with the extremely handsome and charming earl, a
darker side to his nature is revealed and Christina despises his very presence.
Worse, her twin brother cavorts with the earl in unmentionable pursuits, and
equally bent on seeing her married to his favoured friend. Luckily, with the
return of the 11 th Dragoons from France, their eldest brother’s
homecoming affords Christina brief respite from the earl’s overt attentions.
     
    So too, the man Christina
admires above all others has returned to the Netherwood Estate. A chance
meeting and lingering eye contact with her heart’s desire stirs rebellion within
her. Her mother impervious to an act of wilful subterfuge insists Christina
will marry the earl, but Christina indulges in secret liaisons with the man of
her dreams. With deception retribution must follow and a cruel price is to be
paid when Robert Lord Devonish is recalled to duty, the regiment bound for
India. What will become of her now there is no one to save her from the earl’s
clutches?             
    ~
    Her Favoured
Captain.
     
    News of an arranged
betrothal shatters Emerald Lady Penhavean’s dreams of one day wedded for love.
Her instinct to rebel causes severe conflict between her and her brother, but
Lord Penhavean insists she will marry the Earl of Moorby no matter what: with
or without her consent. To ensure her compliant to his bidding he resorts to
cruel measure and destroys the one thing she loves above all others.
     
    Distraught, she flees to
the creek with intention of setting herself free from betrothal to a man more
than twice her age. There she encounters a stranger, a young buccaneer of wise
if witty countenance. Something in his eyes and tone of voice stir feelings
Emerald cannot ignore,