“Have you some bodily rash that makes you constantly rub yourself?”
For one brief moment Robin was so stunned by her words that he simply stared, then he threw back his head and burst out laughing. Obviously her life as a novice had not dulled her wits or her tongue. There was nothing he liked more in the world than to laugh—well, almost nothing—and in his experience few women had a talent for amusement. Not this one, however. She annoyed him and challenged him, yet did not fail to keep him entertained.
Robin was tempted to tell her that the problem with his clothes lay in the fact that he was wearing too many.
“Indeed, you have guessed it aright, and well I could use with some help with a certain itch that needs to be scratched,” Robin drawled. He saw her eyes widen and her cheeks grow pink.…
Praise for Deborah Simmons’s previous titles
My Lord de Burgh
“…a luminous novel…a love story not to be missed.”
—Romantic Times Magazine
The Gentleman Thief
“Ms. Simmons has a delightful flair for comedy.”
—Romantic Times Magazine
Robber Bride
“…totally captivating, Ms. Simmons’ powerful characters do magical things with this excellent plot.”
—Affaire de Coeur
#583 ’TIS THE SEASON
Susan Spencer Paul, Shari Anton & Tori Phillips
#585 A CONVENIENT WIFE
Carolyn Davidson
#586 BLUEBONNET BRIDE
Jillian Hart
My Lady de Burgh
Deborah Simmons
Available from Harlequin Historicals and
DEBORAH SIMMONS
Fortune Hunter #132
Silent Heart #185
The Squire’s Daughter #208
The Devil’s Lady #241
The Vicar’s Daughter #258
* Taming the Wolf #284
The Devil Earl #317
Maiden Bride #332
Tempting Kate #371
The Knights of Christmas #387
* “A Wish for Noel”
* The de Burgh Bride #399
The Last Rogue #427
* Robber Bride #455
The Gentleman Thief #495
* My Lord de Burgh #533
* My Lady de Burgh #584
For all my wonderful readers in Japan, with thanks for all your generosity, support and enthusiasm
Contents
Chapter One
The de Burghs had been cursed.
Robin was certain of it. Although the family continued to be prosperous and powerful, all of its members seemingly healthy and strong, there was an insidious force at work that was gradually weakening its ranks and scattering the de Burghs across the countryside. And Robin knew well its name. Marriage.
Just four years ago the seven sons of the Earl of Campion had been bachelors and determined to remain so. Then, as if directed by some unseen hand, one by one, Dunstan, Geoffrey and Simon had taken wives. Even the earl himself had wed again at Christmastide! And now Robin had been called home to the celebration of his brother Stephen’s nuptials.
As he glanced around the great hall of Campion Castle, Robin was not cheered by the sight of the many couples.
