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Always My Viscount: Ever Beloved, #2
Always My Viscount: Ever Beloved, #2
Always My Viscount: Ever Beloved, #2
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Always My Viscount: Ever Beloved, #2

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What if fairytales are real?

Donovan Turner, Viscount Warwick is a charming reprobate. It's all an act to cover the tatters of his broken heart. French brandy is his closest ally and he ensures it is always within reach.

Lady Estella Simms was forced into exile by her wicked stepfather without any means of support. With what little funds she has she takes on a venture no other lady would consider to survive—smuggling.

In a twist of fate, Donovan ends up as a stowaway on board Estella's ship and too drunk to recall how. Finding Estella is the last thing he expected, but secretly hoped for. Even though her heartless refusal sent him down a path of destruction—his love for her never truly died.

Danger is close and they must rely on each other for survival. Lord Warwick and Lady Estella must learn to trust each other again, and decide if love is powerful enough to conquer the evil thwarting their happy-ever-after.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateApr 23, 2018
ISBN9781386199748
Always My Viscount: Ever Beloved, #2

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    Always My Viscount - Dawn Brower

    DEDICATION

    For my dad, Archal Brower Jr., He always believed I should write and I never believed I had the patience for it. I wish he could have been here to see how much I’ve accomplished. I miss you daddy.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    Thanks to my editor extraordinaire, Victoria Miller. You’re brilliant as always. Also thanks to my friend and super fan, Elizabeth Evans. I depend on you way more than I should. Thanks for putting up with me.

    PROLOGUE

    May 1813

    Donovan Turner, Viscount of Warwick strolled through his London townhouse without a care in the world. He whistled a happy tune excitement filling him with each step he took. Nothing could destroy the joy that pooled inside of him. He patted his jacket to make sure the ring was still in the innermost pocket. The ring—a diamond solitaire flanked by sapphires. The one he’d picked out especially for her, the one woman who’d always hold his heart and he’d love until the day he died. The sapphires matched her eyes. He hoped she liked it...

    He rubbed his hands against his pants. They were clammy from his nervousness. Soon he’d see her, and he’d propose the first moment he could. Someplace uninterrupted and romantic—which would be difficult at a ball. That was, if it were anyone other than him. He’d already charmed some of the staff at Halford House to help him out. There was a particular spot in Lady Halford’s garden that would work perfectly for what he had in mind. One of the kitchen maids would leave a bottle of champagne and two flutes for them to celebrate with. It would be absolutely perfect.

    The clock chimed in the hall. It was time to leave. The coach should be ready to take him to the ball. It would be the first time he’d ever arrived at the start of a ball. He usually believed in being fashionably late. For his Estella, he’d always be punctual. She meant too much to him to make her wait. Besides, he was a besotted fool and couldn’t stand being separated from her. The time they were apart was pure torture. He couldn’t wait to make her his wife and spend the rest of his days, and nights with her. He ached to claim her in every way.

    Donovan rushed out the front door and hopped into his carriage. He rapped the side a few times to inform the driver he was ready. It started to move a few moments later with the click clack of hoof beats on the pebbled road. He sat back and impatiently waited until they reached Halford House. He hoped Estella would be there already so he wouldn’t have to wait to see her. It would be scandalous, but he fully planned on claiming all of her waltzes. The risqué dance was the only way he could publicly hold her close. He was so grateful she’d been granted permission to dance it.

    Several minutes later, his carriage halted. He peeked outside at the long line of carriages. It would take forever for them to reach the front. This was why he never came to these things early. Would it be bad if he got out now and walked the remaining distance? What did he care if he skipped the line in front of the rest of the guests? He always did what he wanted and didn’t see any reason to change now. Donovan opened the door and stepped out.

    Gibbs, he said, nodding at the driver. Do whatever it is you do while you wait for me. I’m going in now.

    Yes, my lord, he said.

    Donovan didn’t look back as he walked briskly toward Halford House. When he got to the front step, another carriage was coming to a stop. He didn’t bother to glance back to see who it was. They didn’t matter to him. He skipped up the steps toward the open door. One of the servants nodded at him in greeting. He headed toward the ballroom and the line of people waiting to be announced. Sometimes, all the formality of balls and soirees were rather tiresome.

    My lord, a servant said with a bow.

    Donovan dropped his invitation on the tray the servant held in his hand. He nodded and took it to the man making the announcements. When it was his turn to be announced, he stood by the door leading to the ballroom, anxiously wringing his hands.

    Viscount Warwick, the man bellowed to the entire room.

    Silence fell. Donovan never came this early, and the ton had taken notice. He grinned as excitement filled him. This would be fun. He strolled into the room with his head held high. They would understand by the time the night was over. Soon, he’d no longer be an eligible bachelor but an affianced one.

    He scanned the ballroom as he entered and spotted her immediately. Lady Estella Sims stood at the edge of the room next to her stepsister, Lady Annalise Parker, and her stepbrother, Lord Marrok Parker, the Marquess of Sheffield. Marrok must have been summoned to chaperone the ladies. Donovan considered the man a friend and confident. He’d mentioned offhandedly that he was considering marriage, but not the lady who had caught his interest. He didn’t want to let anyone know that particular detail yet.

    He moved toward the group, wanting to be close to his love. Lady Estella’s beauty stopped him in his tracks. As he’d neared, he could see her more clearly. Her cherry-red hair was piled high in an elegant chignon, but a few curls escaped to frame her lovely face. Her bow-shaped lips were tinged a pretty pink, and her sapphire eyes sparkled like the jewels they resembled. Her dress was white with blue embellishments. The Duke of Wolfton, Estella’s stepfather, didn’t believe a debutante should wear any color other than white. The blue ribbons were Estella’s mark of rebellion.

    He reached the ladies and bowed. Lady Estella, Lady Annalise, he greeted them. Then turned toward Marrok and nodded. Sheffield. I didn’t expect to see you here.

    Marrok’s lips twitched. Nor I, you. What brings you to something so tame as a ton ball?

    They’re not so bad, he said drolly. Once you get used to them.

    Say it isn’t so, Marrok said aghast. I hope never to achieve such a state as to think these dreary entertainments all right enough to attend. I wouldn’t be here if father hadn’t made me chaperone.

    It’ll do you good to socialize, Lady Annalise said. Maybe you’ll even find a woman willing to take you on.

    Marrok rolled his eyes. No need to curse me, sister dear. I’ll gladly leave you two and go find a card game.

    Please do, she said pushing a black strand of hair behind her ear. Estella and I will be fine on our own. Come fetch us when it’s time to return home.

    Very well, Marrok agreed. Are you coming, Warwick?

    Through the entire exchange, Estella remained quiet. It wasn’t like her, and it worried Donovan. Was something bothering her? Did she not want to see him? He had to find a way to get her alone soon and talk to her. Not because he wanted to ask her to marry him, but also because he was worried about her. She wasn’t acting like herself.

    Not now, Donovan said. I was hoping Lady Estella would dance with me. The strands of the first waltz filled the room. Will you? he glanced at her, awaiting her reply.

    She glanced at him and then away quickly. I’m...

    Oh, go dance with him, Annalise said, pushing Estella toward him. One dance won’t hurt, and you can have a nice chat.

    What did that

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