Author’s Note
Writing historical romance is a wonderful job for those who like to poke through the details of the past. For this story, I got the chance to study historic paint pigments with fantastical names: orpiment, atramentum, cinnabar. I also asked my medically-inclined relatives questions like, “What kind of injury would take away the use of my hero’s arm, but wouldn’t require its amputation?” Ah, research.
For the record, Henry has Erb’s palsy, a type of paralysis due to torn nerves (in the brachial plexus, if you too are medically inclined). Though a recovery wasn’t possible during the Regency, if Henry lived today, he could have surgery to correct much of the nerve damage.
Soldiers who fought in the battles of Ligny, Quatre Bras, and Waterloo really did receive a medal. Its name? As Henry says: “Waterloo. Always Waterloo.”
As for the chilly spring at the book’s end, the year of 1816 was extremely cold, probably due to a massive volcanic eruption in Indonesia in 1815. But in Winter Cottage, we can assume that Henry and Frances found ways to remain quite cozy.
Acknowledgments
I always thank my husband first, because he’s been a wonderful support ever since I began writing romance. Thanks, hon—I couldn’t write heroes without you.
Many thanks to the Sourcebooks team: my editor Deb Werksman; Susie Benton; and the art, marketing, and publicity teams. It’s a pleasure to venture into Regency England with you!
Thanks, as always, to Paige Wheeler, for her wondrous expertise and guidance. I also owe a great debt to my brother, who helped me figure out the perfect way to injure Henry, and to my eagle-eyed beta reader Amanda. Gratitude and huzzahs to my darling family and friends, and to the bright and inspiring authors I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know over the past few years.
And finally, thanks to my wonderful readers for finding my stories. In honor of Henry and Frances, a special shout-out to all you lefties out there.
About the Author
Historical romance author Theresa Romain pursued an impractical education that allowed her to read everything she could get her hands on. She then worked for universities and libraries, where she got to read even more. Eventually she started writing, too. She lives with her family in the Midwest.
Coming soon from Sourcebooks Casablanca
To Charm a Naughty Countess
by Theresa Romain
Caroline, the popular widowed Countess of Stratton, sits alone at the pinnacle of London society and has no wish to remarry. But when the brilliant, reclusive Duke of Wyverne—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled as ever.
Michael must save his family fortunes by wedding an heiress, but Caroline has vowed never again to sell herself in marriage. She offers him an affair, hoping to master her long-lasting fascination with him—but he remains steadfast, as always, in his dedication to purpose and his dukedom.
The only way she can keep him near is to help him find the wealthy bride he requires. As she guides him through society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart again. But if she pursues the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the life she’s built and on which she has pinned her sense of worth. And if Michael—who has everything to lose—ever hopes to win her hand, he must open his long-shuttered heart.
For more Theresa Romain, visit:
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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
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Praise for New York Times bestseller A Gentleman Says “I Do”:
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“Sensual, charming, and touching.”
—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
For more Amelia Grey, visit:
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Rafe has not forgiven Mercy for deserting him when they were seventeen. Their hasty marriage was declared void by law, but in his eyes the bossy little vixen is still his wife, even if the marriage lasted only a few hours. And Mercy “Silky Drawers” Danforthe still owes him a wedding night.
For more Jayne Fresina, visit:
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The Wicked Wedding of Miss Ellie Vyne
by Jayne Fresina
When a notorious bachelor seduces a scandalous lady, it can only end in a wicked wedding
By night Ellie Vyne fleeces unsuspecting aristocrats as the dashing Count de Bonneville. By day she avoids her sisters’ matchmaking attempts and dreams up inventive insults to hurl at her childhood nemesis, the arrogant, far-too-handsome-for-his-own-good James Hartley.
James finally has a lead on the villainous, thieving count, tracking him to a shady inn. He bursts in on none other than “that Vyne woman”…in a shocking state of dishabille. Convinced she is the count’s mistress, James decides it’s best to keep his enemies close. Very close. Seducing Ellie will be the perfect bait…
Praise for The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine:
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For more Jayne Fresina, visit:
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Lady Vivian Defies a Duke
by Samantha Grace
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Lady Vivian Worth knows perfectly well how to behave like a lady. But observing proper manners when there’s no one around to impress is just silly. Why shouldn’t she strip down to her chemise for a swim? When her betrothed arrives to finally meet her, Vivi will act every inch the lady—demure, polite, compliant. Everything her brother has promised the man. But until then, she’s going to enjoy her freedom…
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