Title: The Lady and the Barrister
Author: Ruth A. Casie
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Blurb:
She swore she’d help him find his soul mate. Will she realize he has met his match?
Lady Anna Ravencroft shines brightly as a much-admired organizer and hostess. In her mind it is the one thing at which she succeeds. Inwardly she is shy, retiring… a wallflower. With two failed seasons that ended in disaster she has accepted marriage might not be in her future.
Lord Fraser Castleton, a London barrister is shocked when he inherits a title and estate from his mother’s great aunt and becomes the 8th Duke of Willbury. He returns to Sommer-by-the-Sea to take up permanent residence. He crosses paths with his longtime friend, Lady Anna. He confides that he is the target of every mother with an unmarried daughter. She commiserates with him. Every eligible gentleman sees the Ravencroft purse rather than her. Together they decide to find a mate for each other. Anna presents him with a list of several eligible women. Castleton is receptive, but not enthusiastic. He gives her the same reaction with the subsequent two lists. Will she realize he has already found his match?
Richard Younge who doesn’t always play by the rules wants to be the next Member of Parliament for his borough. His political backer will support him if Younge can finance the campaign himself. He suggests Younge find a wealthy wife to support his political plans. Marrying a Ravencroft would all but guarantee not only his backer’s continued support but provide the steady stream of money needed to claim his place amongst the gentry. He calls on Lady Anna for assistance with a campaign event and has an ulterior motive.
Excerpt:
“There was a time… I’m almost embarrassed to tell you.”
He leaned down and spoke so only she could hear. “You must know your secrets are safe with me. Now that you’ve piqued my interest, you must tell me.”
“That at one time I thought about wearing a token of some sort and letting people think someone had offered for me just to stop their infernal questions and interference.”
They entered the dining room.
“I don’t think that’s so terrible.” They browsed the table looking for their place card. “Look at Violet Scofield. She has it in her mind that we are interested in each other and is looking elsewhere for a match for Sonia’s niece. There can’t be any rumors of being after each other’s fortunes. We’ve known each other almost all our lives, and we get along well.”
She stopped and stared at him. He tugged her along.
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” The thought was intriguing. “No, it’s impossible.”
“Here we are. Conveniently next to each other.” Willbury pulled out her chair. “I don’t think it’s impossible. A bit reckless, but nothing more. What obstacles could there be?”
He bent close as he moved her chair.
“We will be courting, not engaged. That will leave both of us able to discontinue the arrangement without consequences. Isn’t that the purpose of courting? To see if we suit?”
She was more astonished that he was serious about this arrangement and not his usual teasing self.
He took his seat. “This will only work if everyone believes us.” He leaned over to Mrs. Bainbridge next to him and said something she didn’t hear.
Anna remained quiet. His idea was preposterous. It would require spending a great deal of time together. She gave him a sideways glance. Yes, she’d been thinking about him since yesterday, but this? And yes, they’d spent a lot of time together when they were younger, and she did miss her close friend.
He came away from Mrs. Bainbridge, chuckled, and returned his attention to her.
“I could always tell when you were conjuring up something. You are giving my proposition thought, aren't you?”
Anna dipped her head with all intentions of putting an end to his teasing. She schooled her face, presenting a stern haughty glare. She raised her chin and gazed into his eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched into his cheek, creating a mischievous mien.
His gentle laughter rippled through the air. His roguish eyes and lips released something inside her. She recognized his silent challenge. He thought he would accomplish what she could not.
“I can find you the right woman, eliminating the pressure those doting mothers present.” She took her serviette and opened it onto his lap with a flourish. She worked hard to keep from grinning at calling his bluff.
“Meanwhile, I can get reacquainted with you, the new you. I wouldn’t want to misrepresent you to any of my friends. Come to think of it…” She tapped her finger against her lips. “I can think of one or two ladies you would find acceptable.”
“Yes. We’ve both changed over the last few years. I would like to get reacquainted. Without any commitment.” He graced her with a devastating smile; the one that made her toes curl.
“I'd like not to be viewed as a prize racehorse with a winning purse.” He nodded to the waiter who poured his wine.
She began to see how this arrangement would work well.
“And I will gladly be your standard bearer, an older brother of sorts. I pledge that I will get reacquainted with you and find you the perfect gentleman.” He lifted his wine glass, nodded, and took a sip.
Buy Link:
Read for free on Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon KU https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9
If money were no object, where would you go for a Spring Break vacation and why?
I would go back to Scotland in a heartbeat! I have no idea why I am so drawn there other than the people, the scenery, the history, and did I mention the history. My only caveat is my Hero (not my book hero, MY hero) must be with me.
Why is your featured book a must-read this spring?
A recent series review said… Mystery, adventure, light romance, suspense, drama, all wrapped up in one wonderful package for the reader to open and follow along.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card
Open internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon CA account to win.
Runs April 1 – 30, 2023.
Drawing will be held on May 1, 2023
Author Biography:
Ruth A Casie is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat’ suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions featuring strong women and the men who deserve them. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after. Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!
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