“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. Instead of tendering congratulations, he wanted to howl in outrage. Not only did he protest the fate of his siblings, but of the three de Burghs yet unmarried, he was the oldest, a knowledge that made him decidedly tense. And with good reason. Robin had no idea how the other two felt about it, but he was starting to sweat.
It was not that he had anything against women. They provided a welcome diversion at times, some more than others, of course, but even the most comely or entertaining did not tempt him in the slightest toward a lasting union. The very thought of being shackled to one of them forever made Robin lift a finger to loosen his suddenly tight neckline. Already, he felt the noose closing around him, collaring him forever to some unknown, unnamed female.
Although usually the most lighthearted member of the family, Robin was becoming downright surly as he contemplated his future. As both a man and a knight, he resented the feeling of helplessness that assailed him. He wanted to strike out, but what use was his skill with a sword against a phantom? Robin gritted his teeth even as he wondered how much time he had left. Although his brothers appeared to have succumbed without a fight, he refused to accept his fate so easily.
Surely there was some way to prevent what lay ahead! Robin had been taught that reasoning could extricate him from most situations, and normally he would have asked his father for advice,