A Valentine Romance for the Earl

A Valentine Romance for the Earl A REGENCY ROMANCE NOVEL ALICE KIRKS Copyright © 2023 by Alice Kirks All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. Table of Contents Table of Contents A Valentine Romance for the Earl Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Epilogue From Dowager to Duchess Introduction Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Sign up for my mailing list to be notified of hot new releases and get my latest Full-Length Novel “The Dashing Lord of Her Heart” (available only to my subscribers) for FREE! Click the link or enter it into your browser http://alicekirks.com/elizabeth A Valentine Romance for the Earl Introduction Lady Rebecca Brewen has been content with a simple life, shying away from the gentry, finding solace in the magical world of books. However, when her father loses a lot of the family’s wealth, Rebecca’s marriage prospects become nothing more than a business transaction. That is exactly when the unexpected happens; Rebecca meets the handsome Earl of Harrington, and falls deeply in love with him. What will happen though when Rebecca’s father makes an arrangement for her and a coldhearted Duke? Could a miracle save her romance with her loving Earl? Vincent Asgill has only recently inherited the title of the Earl, along with his father’s debts. Even though he finds himself irreversibly mesmerised by Rebecca, his mother pushes him to wed a lady with a far more impressive financial standing. Will Vincent be brave enough to defy his overbearing mother and save this newfound love? A brokenhearted lady and an Earl wishing he could spend eternity with her… Disaster strikes when Rebecca and Vincent’s feelings are discovered, and Rebecca’s enraged father decides to send her away until her wedding with the Duke. With their hearts deeply aligned and the pain of parting too much to bear, will Rebecca and Vincent find a way to be together? Or will they have to sacrifice their tender love by surrendering to their parents’ crushing demands? Chapter 1 ‘I cannot wait to see who will be there,’ Lady Cassandra Drummond said excitedly as the carriage trundled over the rough snow-covered road, rocking the group of ladies from side to side with the movement. ‘Mrs Phillips does throw the most eloquent parties,’ Lady Rachel Drummond, Cassandra’s mother, replied with a broad and knowing smile. ‘It is only that she likes to know all the latest gossip.’ Cassandra grinned. Lady Rebecca Brewen lifted her head from reading the book on her lap. Looking towards Cassandra, her best friend and closest companion, Rebecca only smiled. Cassandra was lively and far more outgoing than Rebecca, who much preferred her solitude and reading. Along with Cassandra’s energetic spirit, however, was a kind and open heart, even if she did like to cross the line on occasion. Where Mrs Phillips was concerned, though, Cassandra was not wrong. An older woman of middle age, Mrs Phillips was a widow. Her husband had passed about ten years ago, leaving her with his vast wealth and many properties. Before his death, Mr and Mrs Phillips, while not nobles, had a great many connections in the upper classes. Since her husband’s death, Mrs Phillips had been careful not only to retain such connections but to garner many more. Her parties were renowned in Lincolnshire, where both Rebecca and Cassandra’s families lived, and if one was fortunate enough to receive an invitation, it was prudent not to refuse it. Rebecca’s mother, Eleanor Brewen, Baroness Brownlow, nodded in agreement. ‘You are indeed right, Cassandra. I have found, over the years, that if there are things you do not desire to be known, you do not let them slip to Mrs Phillips.’ Eleanor smiled kindly. ‘Though it is always nice to hear the news from London,’ Rachel added, feeling she ought to contribute something to the conversation. Cassandra shivered. ‘Well, I only wish we could hurry up and arrive. It is so bitterly cold this evening.’ She pulled her fur shrug tightly around her shoulders as though such a small item would make much difference. Rebecca shivered herself, as did the mothers. It was dreadfully cold, but then, it was creeping into December, and this winter appeared more bitter than the several before it. Rebecca quite liked the winter season. It meant long, dark evenings before a warm fire, reading a book, and enjoying her own company. There were balls to attend, but nowhere near as many as the summer, and certainly nothing as demanding as when the Season began. ‘At least there will be dancing to warm us when we arrive,’ Rebecca replied. ‘Oh, yes.’ Cassandra beamed. ‘I am certain there will be many eager gentlemen lining up to spin me on the dance floor.’ Her tone was tainted with light sarcasm, which made them all laugh, but Rebecca did not think Cassandra was that wrong. She was a very pretty young lady and with her outgoing character, often entertained anyone who listened to her. Her soft curls were not quite black but not far off, complementing her beautiful pale skin and chocolate- brown eyes. Rebecca, on the other hand, could not be more opposite. As a quiet and shy lady, her blonde hair framed her flawless skin and highlighted the blue of her eyes. In fact, the only similarity the two friends shared, in appearance at any rate, was their slender figures and petiteness. ‘You will make certain to