Sabrina Jeffries - A Dangerous Love (Swanlea Spinsters, Book 1)

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New York, New York 10022-5299

Copyright 2000 by Deborah Martin

ISBN: 0-380-80928-1

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Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.htmlCONTENTS

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Griff Knightons found the perfect way to avoid being trapped into marriage with one of the Earl of Swanleas daughters: hell swap identities with his man of affairs during their visit to Swan Park and be free to pursue his own desires! After all, hes not about to marry some homely spinster just to claim his rightful title ... but Griff didnt reckon on the brazen, voluptuous Rosalind, who could tempt even a saint into sinningand Griff is no saint.

She was determined to unmask him ...

Rosalind wants no part of the plan to marry her off to her fathers wealthy heirand his man of affairs is even more intolerable! The arrogant man clearly doesnt know his place, but the sparks that fly whenever theyre together make her wish hes no mere servant. Theres something slightly dangerousand a little mysteriousabout this man ... Does she dare to risk her heart on a man whose secrets could destroy that love?

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.htmlA DANGEROUS LOVE

Sabrina Jeffries

An Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

I dont know what my sort believes, but I personally believe it isnt easy to fall in love with anyone, rich or poor. She cast him a sidelong glance. And what do you believe? That a man should marry a rich wife when he can? Or perhaps you already have a rich wife back in London.

No, he said firmly. No planned or actual wife, rich or poor. I have ... other matters that concern me more than marriage right now. Matters that might make it even more difficult for the Swanlea Spinsters to marry. He squelched the guilt that rose in his chest.

So you dont plan to marry at all, for money or for love?

Not for money, and certainly not for love. I dont believe such a dubious emotion existsIve never felt it myself. People merely mistake desire for love, a dangerous error that induces men to act like fools and women to choose bad husbands when their ... er ... urges to lead them into disaster. A caution he ought to remember when dealing with Lady Rosalindfor if anyone could lead a man into disaster, it was she.

What a cynic you are. From what I understand, love differs vastly from desire.

But you dont know for certain? Youve never been in love yourself?

Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html Her gaze swung to his, startled, then wary. The gold flecks in her hazel eyes echoed the glint of sunlight on the glossy oak leaves overhead. He held her gaze, a strange tension building in his chest as he watched faint color tinge her cheeks.

Then she snapped her gaze back to the path ahead. No, I dont think so.

He resisted the urge to ask her the next logical questionif shed ever felt desiresince any answer was liable to fire his own urges. Dont you think youd remember if you had been in love?

That made her smile. Yes, I suppose I would.

He suddenly wanted desperately to prevent her rare smile from vanishing. Then your objection to marrying Knighton has nothing to do with some secret and vastly inappropriate suitor youve stashed away.

Laughter bubbled out of her, light and airy and immensely satisfying to hear. No, indeed not.

What about your sisters? he asked, ruthlessly reminding himself of his greater purpose, which would be better served by delving for information than by flirting with Lady Rosalind. Have they any suitors hidden away?

Not that I know of. She walked with a more relaxed gait now, her limbs looser, more fluid, as if telling him her thoughts on marriage had freed her to be more comfortable with him. But I dont check the deer park regularly. And theres always the stablesyou did find the grooms very incompetent, as I recall. They could be suitors in masquerade.

Fanciful woman. He knew very well she hadnt been taken in by his criticisms. Yes, who knows what devious elopement plans one of them might be hiding? He crunched along through the leaves. So your sisters dont wish to marry Knighton either?

She hesitated before answering. Juliet is difficult to readunlike me, she desperately wants to remain at Swan Park. And Papa presses her on the matter constantly. Despite all that, however, I think shed balk in the end.

By God, these sisters were particular about their husbands. He began to understand how theyd achieved their spinsterhood. I take it she shares your aversion to free traders.

No. To tell the truth, I dont think she cares about that. Its simply that... well... Mr. Knighton seems to frighten her.

Frighten her? Why, Da... Knighton would never hurt a woman.

Im afraid logic doesnt enter into it with Juliet. Shes only seventeen, you know.

He mused a moment. She does seem timid.

Exactly! Shes very shy and petite, and I think his size alarms her.

That he could certainly believe. Daniels size alarmed half the women Griff knewthough they generally lost their alarm when Daniel turned his Irish charm on them. What of Lady Helena? Wouldnt she marry my employer to ensure you could all continue at Swan Park in perpetuity?

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