The Seduction of an Earl — Linda Rae Sande

Henry Forster has only ever loved one woman. Sarah bore him a son when he was merely the nephew of the Earl of Gisborn. Despite Henry's numerous proposals, Sarah refused his offers of marriage, claiming he needed a wife suitable to his rank. Now that he's inherited the earldom and needs a legitimate heir, he is determined to find a biddable wife, but keep Sarah and his young son in his life. Hannah Slater, the daughter of a marquess, believes men have no regard for their wives and instead only ever love their mistresses. Husbands, she thinks, are for fathering children. Her dog, Harold MacDuff can provide protection, but she desperately wants a child. When Henry arrives at Devonville House intending to court Lady Hannah, he is surprised to learn the marquess is already familiar with his situation and is curious about his farm. Henry listens intently as the marquess describes the prognostications of an adventurer who claims the coming growing season will be short due to the effects of a volcano. Although he wonders how much credence to give the prediction, Henry decides he should at least prepare for the worst. The marquess grants Henry permission to court his daughter and provides him with hints to help him in his quest. When Hannah asks Henry about the nature of his visit, he states his intentions to court her, marry her and take her back to Oxfordshire within a fortnight. Impressed with Henry's forthright manner, Hannah agrees to a ride in the park and later secures an invitation for him to attend a ball. During the ball, Henry decides to propose while they're on a stroll through the gardens. Hannah accepts despite knowing Henry loves another. When the earl doesn't bed her on their wedding night - he thought it inappropriate to take her virtue in her childhood bed - Hannah makes her displeasure known while the two are on their way to Oxfordshire. In an effort to appease her, Henry agrees to the proviso that he bed only Hannah until she is with child -the