A Wicked Earl's Widow Read online

  He pushed the frantic woman away from the soldier’s sword then threw himself on the tiny, lifeless form. “Ye bloody bastards,” he cried as the horse reared once again.

  This time its full weight landed on his back. The crack of bone echoed in his ears. Excruciating pain exploded along the length of his body. From the ground, he saw a jumble of feet and hooves, all moving in different directions. A man’s face—contorted in pain—trampled by the frantic feet escaping the massacre. He tried to hunch over the child still beneath him, protect it from the stampede, but his body had been flattened. An image flashed of the local butcher pounding a tough piece of meat.

  A blow to his head…a piercing throb… Then the world spun in slow motion. The shrieks of victims and harsh shouts of the soldiers came from far away now. Another image. His sweet wife’s face.

  “I’m so verra sorry, Lissie…” he whispered.

  Gideon entered the library, still warm from the afternoon sun. Mama sat before the fireplace, the large wingback almost swallowing up her small frame. She had aged in the last year. A few streaks of gray now blended with the rich auburn hair. Her eyes were closed, but her lids fluttered as if dreaming. The sapphire ring, a wedding gift from her husband that matched her eyes, glinted and winked as her slender fingers gripped and released the armchair. Her head rocked back and forth as Gideon squatted down next to her. His fingers covered hers, and he squeezed to wake her from such troubled sleep. The touch sent a jolt through her body. Her eyes snapped open.

  “No!” she gasped, her gaze fixed on the darkened hearth.

  “Mama, you were dreaming.” His thumb stroked the top of her hand, his voice soft and soothing. “Look at me, Mama, and you will see.”

  Maeve slowly turned her head, tears now spilling down her cheeks. “Oh Gideon, it was ghastly.”

  “What did you dream?”

  “It was not a dream.” Her voice faltered. “Your cousin, Ian, is dead.”

  “What? Did you receive a letter from Scotland?” Gideon had not seen any correspondence from his mother’s family over the last week, and nothing had arrived today.

  “I do not need a letter. I saw it. There’s been a terrible slaughter in Manchester, and Ian was trampled...” She lifted her chin and wiped at her wet cheeks with determination. “You must take me home to my clan.”

  “To the Highlands? You haven’t been there since your wedding.” He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t just run off to Scotland with my aging mother because of a dream.”

  “Aging?” Her eyes narrowed, anger shining from beneath her lashes. “I have more stamina than most of those mutton-headed females of the ton.”

  He had to agree with her but bit back a smile. “This is folly. A trick of the mind from lack of sleep.” He pressed his lips to her fingers. “Let’s have a glass of sherry, and you’ll feel better after we eat.”

  “Don’t patronize me. Your father didn’t believe in…” She took his face in both her hands, strength growing in her touch and her gaze steady and direct. “It doesn’t matter. Listen to me. It was not a dream but a message of sorts that we are needed at home.”

  “This is our home.” Gideon stood and leaned an arm against the fireplace mantel, worried the past year had also taken a toll on her mind. An uprising in Manchester? There had been rumblings throughout parts of the country but nothing significant.

  “This is your home. Mine has always been in Scotland, regardless of how long I’ve been away.” Her eyes pleaded with him.

  “What about Marietta’s visit in September?” That would end this foolishness, he was sure.

  “It will have to wait until October. You must promise we will leave as soon as you return from London. Or I will go alone.”

  He looked up to the ceiling, hoping for some divine intervention. None came. “I give you my word.”

  About the Author

  Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things Christmas.

  Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete's Mighty Purty Privies have won Readers Choice Awards. Dante's Gift and Paper Love received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence.

  In addition to her Chicago Christmas novellas, Aubrey will launch a new Regency series, Once Upon a Widow, in 2019. The Wicked Earls’ Club will release again in 2019. Wynne’s Scottish Regency series, A McNaughton Castle Romance, will also release in 2020 with Dragonblade Publishing.

  Follow Aubrey Wynne

  Find Aubrey

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  Website: http://aubreywynne.com/

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  Also by Aubrey Wynne

  Regency Romance

  Earl of Sunderland (Once Upon a Widow #1) (Wicked Earls’ Club)

  http://aubreywynne.com/book/earl-of-sunderland/

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  “Well-written historical romance with a bit of everything – a tragedy, a conflicted hero, a strong and fragile heroine, interesting characters, and a happily ever after.”

  Verified review

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  “Best Regency Romance I’ve read in a long time and highly recommend!”

  N.N. Light Book Heaven Reviews

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  “I adored this story. I look forward to reading more in this series.”

  Reads2Love Review

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  “A wonderful romance!”

  5 Kindles Review

  Grace Beaumont has seen what love can do to a woman. Her mother sacrificed her life to produce the coveted son and heir. A devastated father and newborn brother force her to take on the role of Lady Boldon at the age of fifteen. But Grace finds solace in the freedom and power of her new status.

  Christopher Roker made a name for himself in the military. The rigor and pragmatism of the army suits him. When a tragic accident heaves Kit into a role he never wanted or expected, his world collides with another type of duty. Returning to England and his newfound responsibilities, the Wicked Earls’ Club becomes a refuge from the glitter and malice of London society but cannot ease his emptiness.

  Needing an escape from his late brother’s memory and reputation, Kit visits the family estate for the summer. Lady Grace, a beauty visiting from a neighboring estate, becomes a welcome distraction. When the chance to return to the military becomes a valid possibility, the earl finds himself wavering between his old life and the lure of an exceptional—and unwilling—woman.

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  A Wicked Earl’s Widow (Once Upon a Widow #2)

  http://aubreywynne.com/book/a-wicked-earls-widow/

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  When Eliza's abusive father forced her into marriage, she had no idea her life would change for the better. Married less than a year, her unwilling rake of a husband had been surprisingly kind to her—until his sudden death. The widowed Countess of Sunderland is more than happy to remain with her in-laws and raise their daughter. Unfortunately, her own family is on the brink of financial ruin and has other plans.

  Nathaniel, Viscount of Pendleton, gained his title at the age of 12. His kindly but astute estate manager became father and mentor, instilling in the boy an astute sense of responsibility and compassion for his tenants. Fifteen years later, his family urges him to visit London and seek a wife. The ideal doesn't appeal to him, but his sense of duty tells him it is the next logical step.

  When Lord Pendleton s
tumbles upon Eliza on the road, defending an elderly woman against ruffians, he's shocked and intrigued. After rescuing the exquisite damsel in distress, he finds himself smitten. But Nate soon realizes he must discover the dark secrets of her past to truly save the woman he loves.

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  Rhapsody and Rebellion (Once Upon a Widow #3) (Enduring Legacy #7)

  http://aubreywynne.com/book/rhapsody-and-rebellion/

  An enduring legacy... A rebellion... A destined love...

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  Raised in his father’s image—practical and disciplined—there are no gray lines interrupting the Earl of Stanfeld’s black and white world. Until his mother has a dream and begs to return to her Highland home.

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  Alisabeth was betrothed from the cradle. At seventeen, she marries her best friend and finds happiness if not passion. In less than a year, she’s a widow. Vowing to honor her husband’s memory, she joins his activist group of Glasgow weavers and is soon embroiled in the Radical War of 1820.

  Crossing the border into Scotland, Gideon finds his predictable world turned upside down. Folklore, legend, and political unrest intertwine with an unexpected attraction to a feisty Highland beauty. But Lissie doesn’t trust the Englishman or the rising desire between them. When the earl learns of an English plot to stir the Scots into rebellion, he must choose his country or save the clan and the woman that stirs his soul.

  Medieval Romance

  Rolf’s Quest (A Medieval Encounter #1)

  http://aubreywynne.com/aubreys-books/aubreys-historical-romance/

  **Great Expectations winner, Fire & Ice finalist, Maggie finalist**

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  "Author Aubrey Wynne brings a swashbuckling epic story of family, love and betrayal to life in "Rolf's Quest". The structure of the story is done well -- it is long on action and moves at breakneck speed. The plot is perfectly paced, with characters that will pull the reader right into the action. They are likable and readers will root for Rolf and Melissa throughout their struggles. The strength of their bond will keep readers glued to their seat right until the very last page. Hold onto your helmet, readers, and grab a shield -- Rolf is just around the corner."

  InD'tale magazine

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  "This was a surprisingly smooth read that I flew through in practically one sitting. I loved how easily I was immersed in this medieval world filled with royalty, knights, wizards, and villains. The magical element was interesting and I liked the way Merlin's story was woven into this book. The plot sucked me in and I thoroughly enjoyed following Rolf's journey.

  In closing... A story with pretty much everything a fantasy romance fan can want. 4.5 stars"

  Romance Reviews

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  A wizard, a curse, a fated love...

  When Rolf finally discovers the woman who can end the curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of sorcery, the magic will die for future generations.

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  Melissa is intrigued by the mystical, handsome man who haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her questioning his sanity and her heart.

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  From the moment Melissa stepped from his dreams and into his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will battle against time, a powerful duke, and call on the gods to save her.

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