Enter to Win a Complete Print Set of
The
Brides of Wishmore Series
THE MATCH OF THE
CENTURY
Marrying the Duke #1
Cathy Maxwell
Releasing Nov 24th, 2015
Avon Books
In New York
Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering new series, wedding
bells are ringing… until the return of a rake throws a bride’s plans— and
heart—into a tailspin.
Every
debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one
reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London’s most
powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when
she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.
Already
exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet “family obligations,” now
Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever
loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin
again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating
desire.
As the
wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger
brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose
love over duty…?
BUY NOW
New York Times Bestselling Author, Cathy Maxwell spends
hours in
front of her computer pondering the question, “Why do people fall in love?” It
remains for her the great mystery of life and the secret to happiness. She
lives in beautiful Virginia with children, horses, dogs, and cats.
Don’t Miss the Marrying the Duke Novella
A LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE
Excerpt
Her bedroom door flew open, interrupting her thoughts, and her mother, Jennifer Morris,
sparkling in the famed Morris diamonds, swept into the room. Her dress was of Belgian lace
dyed in her favorite shade of sapphire, a color that matched her eyes. Her honey blonde hair
barely betrayed a trace of gray. She glowed with eagerness for the evening ahead. She enjoyed
crowds and being the center of attention. She had looked forward to this night for over twenty
years, ever since the old duke of Baynton had suggested a match between their children.
Jenny shut the door and took in the situation in the room—Elin in her petticoats, her hair
curling without a sense of order or style—and focused on the supper tray on the desk by the
window overlooking the back garden.
“What is this? You haven’t touched any of your food. Sarah said she encouraged you to
eat but I can see you haven’t taken even a bite.” Her mother approached her. Jenny was half a
head taller than her daughter. She cupped Elin’s face in warm, loving hands. The rose scent of
her perfume swirled around them. “Elin, you must eat. This evening is all about you. You are
going to be very busy tonight. So many people will beg your attention, you won’t have time to sit
let alone enjoy a bit of supper. And then, sweet bee, you need to finish dressing. Cook prepared
the chicken in that French cream sauce you like so much. In fact, while you are eating, let me
call for Sarah to come in and do your hair. We don’t want to keep Baynton and his guests
waiting–”
Elin caught her mother’s hand before she could move away. “I can’t do this. I thought I
could but I can’t.”
“You can,” her mother answered. “You were meant to do this. Born for it. Elin–” She
paused, closed her eyes as if searching for the right words, or patience. When she raised her
lashes, her expression was one of loving concern. “Elin, forgive yourself. You made a mistake. It
shouldn’t have happened, but it did. However, it was many years ago. What were you, fifteen?”
“I was to turn sixteen?”
“So very young. How could you have known? You trusted Benedict. Your father and I
trusted him.”
“I was foolish.” A hard lump formed in Elin’s chest at the mention of Benedict Whitridge’s
name. Ben had been her closest friend and he had taken what she should have protected—her
virginity. He was also her betrothed’s younger brother.
Not only had the experience been painful and humiliating, he’d gone away the very next
day. He’d left for a career in the military without a word of farewell. Or a warning that he was
leaving, that he wouldn’t be there to reassure her when she needed him most.