Praise for New York Times bestselling author
‘London’s writing bubbles with high emotion as she describes sexual enthusiasm, personal grief and familial warmth. Her blend of playful humour and sincerity imbues her heroines with incredible appeal, and readers will delight as their unconventional tactics create rambling paths to happiness.’
—Publishers Weekly on The Devil Takes a Bride
‘This tale of scandal and passion is perfect for readers who like to see bad girls win, but still love the feeling of a society romance, and London nicely sets up future books starring Honour’s sisters.’
—Publishers Weekly on The Trouble with Honour
‘A delectably sexy hero, an unconventionally savvy heroine and a completely improper business proposal add up to another winner for ever-versatile London.’
—Booklist on The Trouble with Honour
‘This series starter brims with delightful humour and charm.’
—RT Book Reviews on The Trouble with Honour
‘Julia London writes vibrant, emotional stories and sexy, richly drawn characters.’
—New York Times bestselling author Madeline Hunter
THE CABOT SISTERS
The Trouble With Honour
The Devil Takes a Bride
The Scoundrel and the Debutante
JULIA LONDON is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty romantic fiction novels. Her historical romance titles include the popular Desperate Debutantes series, the Scandalous series and the Secrets of Hadley Green series. She has also penned several contemporary women’s fiction novels with strong romantic elements, including the Pine River trilogy, Summer of Two Wishes, One Season of Sunshine and A Light at Winter’s End. She has won the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and has been a four-time finalist for the prestigious RITA® Award for excellence in romantic fiction. She lives in Austin, Texas.
The Devil
Takes a Bride
Julia London
To Nitty, who has made my life immeasurably easier
Contents
Autumn of 1810
AT THE END of the hunting season, before the winter set in, the Earl of Clarendon hosted a soiree at his London home for the families of Quality that had come to town. He included, in his coveted invitations, his closest friends, all of whom had august titles and impeccable social connections.
The Earl of Beckington and his wife; his son, Lord Sommerfield, Augustine Devereaux; and his two eldest stepdaughters—Miss Honor Cabot and Miss Grace Cabot—were invited to attend. That the two youngest Beckington stepdaughters, Miss Prudence Cabot and Miss Mercy Cabot, were not included in the invitation caused quite a ruckus at the Beckington London townhome, which resulted in many tears being shed. The youngest, Mercy Cabot, vowed that she