The Dazzle of Innocence
by
Liza O’Connor
Blurb
David Santiago has no interest in
acquiring a wife. He came to England in a desperate attempt to save his sisters
from being sold into white slavery.
Meriden Ford is searching for an
interesting, educated, young husband who will recognize her superiority and
become her decoy, while she runs the family fortune.
At their very first dance, they promise
not to fall in love. However, their mutual admiration ensures a strong friendship.
When bombarded with tribulations that would destroy most people, they survive
by pulling strength from each other. Yet even as they realize their true
feelings, others work to tear them apart forever.
A Victorian Romance thriller bringing
the characters of A Tangled Affair and the Xavier Thorn series together for a
delightful, nail-biting tale. A definite read!
EXCERPT
“Allow me to introduce you to the best student I ever
encountered during my years at Cambridge. So much so, I have kept him as a dear
friend since he graduated.”
While David had not expected the same greeting his friend
had received, the chilly glare he received took him by surprise. His extended
hand was ignored by Garrison, and Sara went so far as to turn away and speak to
the woman beside Samuel Hawkens.
Jonas stepped in, trying to soften the tension in the air.
“You might recall my mentioning the boy that I took home for a summer and gave
him leave to enjoy my library.”
Oddly, it was Samuel Hawkens who replied. “I’ve heard that
story second hand from Garrison. Not only did he read every book you owned, but
he categorized and evaluated them, placing the most interesting, close at hand,
if you ever got time to read them yourself.”
Jonas chuckled. “And once I retired, I discovered what a
damn fine job he did.”
While Mr. Ford and his wife continued their chilly
reception, Samuel took special effort to bring David into the conversation with
him and his wife. Samuel somehow knew he had just come from Spain. Was it
possible he had made inquiries after receiving David’s request for a visit?
Mr. Hawkens questioned him on the political upheaval in his
homeland. He answered as honestly and openly as possible, including the ladies
in the conversation as Jonas had advised. He was in the midst of supporting the
reason he thought King Amadeus would abdicate his throne when Mrs. Ford’s hand
gripped her husband’s hand. “Where is Meri? I cannot see her!” Fear contorted
her lovely features.
Everyone’s eyes, including David’s, searched the dance
floor. Upon seeing the girl, David’s focus returned to the excessively nervous
mother.
Mr. Ford stroked his wife’s back and pulled her closer to
him, kissing her temple. “I have my eye on her.” His eyes betrayed an
unfashionable degree of love and affection for his wife. “Perhaps I should
acquire you a chair so you may see over the heads of the crowd.” He then did
the most shocking thing: he kissed her on her downturned lips.
“She is fine. The Queen could not have better protection.
The boys have refused all suitors as of yet. At this rate, she’ll be unmarried
and underfoot even in our dotage.” He chuckled, as if the idea pleased him.
Sara blushed and looked at David. “You must think us
absurdly protective.”
David paused. In fact, he did think just that. However, his
need of Samuel Hawken’s help to save his sisters required him to respond to her
question with prudence. “While your daughter is clearly a cut above most young
ladies, she must be quite extraordinary to claim such protectiveness from not
only her mother, but from all who know and love her.”
“She is extraordinary,” Mrs. Ford assured him. “And I worry.
This is the first time she has been introduced into society.”
David focused on their daughter, dancing with her cousin. He
wondered why they felt the young lady’s introduction to society warranted
greater concern than any other debutantes. God, if his problems were only this
ridiculous.
As he watched the young lady in question glide about in an
elegant waltz with one of her brothers, he had to concede there was nothing
‘ordinary’ about the girl. The other young ladies seemed stiff and
self-conscious in comparison. While Miss Ford danced beautifully, she did so
with little apparent attention to her steps. Her main focus appeared to be
arguing with her brother, and by his pained expression, she was winning the
battle. He suspected that she was warning him to stop scaring off her suitors.
“Well, she is doing most spectacularly. I’ve never seen a
better waltz” Or arguer for that matter.
He appreciated that she refused to accept what others wished to impose upon
her. He only wished his mother and sisters had a touch of her fight within
them. Then perhaps they would not be in their current danger.
David refocused on Mrs. Ford and smiled. “However, her
brothers and cousin are going to eventually have to let her dance with some
gentlemen or the poor girl will wonder why she had bothered to come to
London.”
He hoped they would offer him the honor of dancing with
their daughter, but his subtle suggestion was ignored in chilly silence.
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