She went to pull free of Laurence’s grip but he held her firmly in place, his eyes burning into hers as he stared down at her.
Joanna met his gaze boldly, still viewing herself as Rosalind to his Duke Frederick. The tension between them was causing her breath to quicken and her chest to rise and fall in the drama of the moment.
And then, abruptly, everything changed. It wasn’t Duke Frederick’s face she saw a heartbeat away from hers but Laurence’s—one that had become dearer to her than any other. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her face, smell the fresh citrus scent of his soap as he drew closer. In that moment they were totally alone in that deserted theatre. No one else was there … only the two of them.
‘Joanna,’ he whispered.
His head bent towards hers, his lips drawing closer, and she closed her eyes and reality slipped away …
AUTHOR NOTE
Welcome back to the colourful world of Regency theatre and the complicated lives of the Bretton family, who made their first appearance in NO OCCUPATION FOR A LADY.
The second book in this series focuses on Laurence Bretton, Victoria’s older brother, a quiet, scholarly man who shocks everyone—including his family—by standing up and claiming to be Valentine Lawe, the celebrated playwright. While his family know that Valentine Lawe is actually Victoria’s pseudonym, and that Laurence only assumed the role in order to protect her reputation, he ends up bringing the character to full and glorious life when, overnight, he is thrust into the glittering spotlight that is London society.
But real life isn’t a scripted play and, once launched upon the deception, Laurence finds there’s no easy way of turning back—something he wishes he could do when he meets the beautiful Lady Joanna Northrup. Lady Joanna isn’t interested in the flamboyant playwright who takes centre stage at elegant soirées. She’s drawn to the amusing, scholarly man she met in a bookshop while browsing for books about ancient Egypt, a subject near and dear to her heart.
Unfortunately the truth comes at a cost, and as one lie follows another Laurence sees the woman he loves slipping away. His only chance is to take off the mask and step out of the role. But shedding a public face doesn’t come without painful repercussions …
Enjoy!
About the Author
GAIL WHITIKER was born on the west coast of Wales and moved to Canada at an early age. Though she grew up reading everything from John Wyndham to Victoria Holt, frequent trips back to Wales inspired a fascination with castles and history, so it wasn’t surprising that her first published book was set in Regency England. Now an award-winning author of both historical and contemporary novels, Gail lives on Vancouver Island, where she continues to indulge her fascination with the past as well as enjoying travel, music and spectacular scenery. Visit Gail at www.gailwhitiker.com
Previous novels by this author:
A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL*
THE GUARDIAN’S DILEMMA*
A SCANDALOUS COURTSHIP
A MOST UNSUITABLE BRIDE
A PROMISE TO RETURN
COURTING MISS VALLOIS
BRUSHED BY SCANDAL
IMPROPER MISS DARLING
NO OCCUPATION FOR A LADY
*part of The Steepwood Scandal mini-series
NO ROLE FOR A GENTLEMAN
features characters you will have met in
NO OCCUPATION FOR A LADY
Did you know that some of these novels are also available as eBooks? Visit www.millsandboon.co.uk
No Role for a Gentleman
Gail Whitiker
To my dear friends and fellow Pen Warriors Bonnie Edwards, Vanessa Grant, E.C. Sheedy and Laura Tobias, with whom I brainstormed the idea for this series during one of our memorable Red Door weekends. I am so grateful for their remarkable creativity and never-ending enthusiasm. And, of course, for the laughter that invariably results from five women being locked up in a house together for three days.
Chapter One
It was in the Temple of the Muses that Laurence Bretton first saw her—a slender, dark-haired young woman standing by the far side of the circular counter, her features partially hidden by the wide brim of a fashionable bonnet. She was engaged in conversation with a clerk whose eagerness to assist was all too evident, but whose frequent blushes and stammering replies seemed to indicate a greater interest in the lady than in whatever she was attempting to buy.
‘We do carry … an extensive selection of books dealing with the Ottoman Empire,’ Laurence heard the young man say. ‘Many of which I’ve read and can recommend myself. Reynier’s State of Egypt after the Battle of Heliopolis was most informative and I have … a very good copy of that in stock.’
‘As it happens, so do I,’ the lady replied in a brisk though not unkind manner. ‘And while I found Mr Reynier’s perspectives entertaining, they were not detailed enough for my liking. Have you a copy of Volney’s Travels through Syria and Egypt? The second volume?’
Volney? Laurence knew that name. Constantin François de Chassebœuf, Comte de Volney, was a French philosopher and historian who had spent several months in Egypt and Greater Syria, and who had written his Voyage en Egypte et en Syrie upon his return to France in 1785. Even to a scholar it was relatively dry reading and as such, hardly seemed the type of book a flower of English womanhood would be enquiring after.
Curious, he moved closer, in time to hear the clerk say, ‘Regrettably, we do not have a copy of that particular book in stock, but if I might suggest—’
‘Could you order it for me?’
The request was accompanied by a smile of such sweetness that the young man actually gulped. ‘Well, yes, of course, though I don’t know how much luck I will have in finding it. Perhaps Savary’s Letters on Egypt?’
‘Again, entertaining, but I have been told Volney’s book is far more detailed.’
‘It is,’ Laurence said, slowly stepping forwards. ‘And while it does not have as many sketches as I would like, his rendering of the Temple
