Samhain Publishing

I’m thrilled to see the second Richard and Rose book, DEVONSHIRE, in print. So here’s an extract, and details on buying the book.

Now that she’s engaged to Richard, one of the most admired—and passionate—men in society, shy, awkward Rose Golightly can finally hold her head high. She never anticipated that her elevated position would make her the target of a dangerous gang of smugglers.
Behind Richard’s aloof, sophisticated facade lies a man of shrewd intelligence, fierce loyalty, and deep devotion to those he loves. He’s willing to fight fair when necessary, dirty when cornered. Rose is one of only two people he trusts. All she’s ever asked of him is that there be no secrets between them, but there are a few lingering dark corners he’s reluctant to reveal.
Now, Rose’s childhood friend has made a stand against the smugglers that rule the coast, unwittingly putting Rose in danger. With her life at stake, there’s only one way Richard can save her—even if it means his bride has to trade her wedding gown for widow’s weeds.

Mrs. Hoarty chose to walk with us to the end of the garden, to take some fresh air and incidentally to investigate the spectacle outside. I gave her my arm to lean on, and Georgiana supported her on the other side.
We stood by the gate, and looked in the same direction as Tom. His freshly shod horse stamped and jingled his harness beside him, but nobody took any notice.
Two figures walked up the street towards us at an easy pace. I knew them immediately. I waited, my throat tightening as I watched.
I felt stupid, behaving like a lovesick schoolgirl. I stood back a little to regain my composure, taking a few deep, steadying breaths. In any case, I wanted to see what impact the brothers would make on my friends. Separate, they were remarkable enough, but together they could stop the conversation in a room without effort.
As usual, the Kerres were dressed in the height of fashion. One wore impeccably cut, sober garments of the finest cloth, simple but full of quality, his natural fair hair held back in a plain queue. He walked with a confident stride, chatting casually to his brother. His twin brother.
The other man was the picture of fashion. He wore deep, rich, blue cut velvet today, a heavily embroidered waistcoat underneath, with an elaborately curled and tied wig. He carried a clouded Malacca cane at a precise angle. He looked like a visitor from a distant country. Taking his ease, he ignored the curious stares of the villagers, effortlessly picking his way through the ruts on the road. One woman stood at the door of her cottage and stared at them without any effort at subterfuge. She put her hand to her mouth as though suppressing a laugh, but then the brothers glanced in her direction. She turned her back and went indoors, the recipient of twin icy stares, the kind that depressed all pretension in their own milieu of fashionable London.
“A popinjay,” breathed Tom in delight. “We don’t get many of those here.”
Georgiana, standing just in front of me, stared in unconcealed admiration at the vision. “They’re beautiful.”
Lizzie smiled.
I wondered which one my old friend would choose for me. “Which one is it then, Tom?”
“Oh, you wouldn’t take up with a dandy. I can’t see you at ease with the fashion plate, so it has to be the other. I must say he looks quite a pleasant man, for a great lord—and a rake.”
I reluctantly tore my gaze away from the brothers to Tom. “He’s not a great lord. His title’s only a courtesy one.”
But Tom didn’t seem to be listening any more. He stared at me, his eyes wide. I frowned crossly. “What is it, Tom? Do I have a smut on my nose?”
“No, something about you—oh, I don’t know!” He turned away in exasperation as at last, the brothers drew near.
It must have become obvious to Georgiana and Tom now that the Kerre brothers weren’t just twins—they were identical twins. The only difference between them was Gervase’s darker, rougher complexion, gained during his years in India. Their similarity was one of the reasons why they turned so many heads when together, something neither of them liked but had learned to live with in their separate ways.
Appreciatively I watched them make their bows, and allowed Lizzie to perform the introductions. Georgiana blushed and curtseyed prettily when Richard took her hand and kissed the back of it. She was eighteen, only just out, but she would do well, and she was the picture of rustic innocence today. Lizzie had also seen Tom’s confusion, and mischievously, she introduced the twins together, so Tom wouldn’t know which one was which. He bowed his head, and they bowed in return, but didn’t add any extra flourishes.
Finally I came forward and gave my hand to Gervase. He bowed over it. “You’re looking well, Rose.”
“Thank you.” I smiled, and passed on to Richard.
A smile flirted at the corners of Richard’s mouth. His clear gaze met mine for the first time, and reminded me yet again how helpless I felt in his company. He took my hand and kissed it lightly, then offered me the support of his arm. “You, my dear delight, have just made me walk the length of that street. You could have met me halfway.” He used a complaining tone, but with a softness underneath that told me he was teasing.
I smiled. “I wanted to see the spectacle.”
“Witch.” He smiled so warmly I had to look away, towards Tom. “It’s the popinjay. You lose.” Tom flushed and I was sorry at once for the tease.
“You thought my brother had cut me out, sir? He might be as rich as Croesus, but I do have some attractions of my own.” I met Richard’s eyes and I lost myself in them all over again, like the first time I had gazed into those blue depths.
I introduced the brothers to Mrs. Hoarty, who declared herself overcome by the honour. This would give her plenty of ammunition when she next met her particular friends. She took in every detail of Richard’s appearance. Although aware of her scrutiny, he didn’t give her any kind of set-down as he could so easily have done.
“Mrs. Hoarty has an invitation to our wedding. She was so kind to us as children. I used to use her house as sanctuary when the Manor got too crowded for me.”
“Then I shall ensure she has the best of attention, as my meagre thanks for keeping you safe before I could do so,” he said at once. I knew he meant it, and that he would remember. Mrs. Hoarty had been delighted to receive an invitation, but since the wedding was at Exeter Cathedral, it might have proved too much for her if she didn’t have the best of care. Her health was too frail. The pampering Richard would make certain his people bestowed on her would guarantee her presence. I was sure she would enjoy herself much, which was more than I could say for myself.

DEVONSHIRE
It’s time for Richard to let Rose into every part of his life. Otherwise, he could lose her
http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/devonshire
ISBN: 978-1-60504-349-4

The print version will be out on December 1st, and I’m thrilled to bits. Thanks for joining me in the adventure!