Georgie Lee
An improper proposal!
Jane Rathbone is used to being left behind, and no longer believes she deserves happiness. But when childhood friend Jasper Charton returns from the Americas, more dangerously sexy than ever, she has a proposition. She’ll give him the property he needs if he’ll give her a new future—by marrying her!
Jasper never imagined taking a wife, but wonders if loyal Jane could be his redemption. And when their marriage brings tantalizing pleasures, convenient vows blossom into a connection that could heal them both...
‘I must hide.’ Jane rushed to the large wardrobe in the corner, then stopped.
She glanced back and forth between Jasper and the door.
‘If Philip catches me in here he might force us to wed.’
Jasper stopped tucking in his shirt. She didn’t know her brother very well if she thought he would force her into marriage, even after finding her in a compromising situation, but he couldn’t take the chance.
He strode up to her, pulled the shirt over his head and flung it away. ‘I think not.’
He took her by the arm and pulled her against him. She let out a startled squeak as she hit his chest.
‘What are you doing?’ Her fingertips pressed into his flesh, jarring him as much as her.
‘Jane, open this door at once,’ her brother demanded, and the brass knob began to turn.
‘Making sure he sees me as an unsuitable suitor.’ He pressed his lips to hers as the door swung open.
When I wrote A Debt Paid in Marriage I had a lot of fun creating Jane. In many ways she is as serious and severe as her brother, Philip Rathbone, but with a naive confidence and a rebellious streak. They are wonderful characteristics that both help her and, at other times, create a number of difficulties. I enjoyed exploring how her old friend—and new husband—Jasper allows her to develop and overcome both these aspects of her personality.
Jane was a familiar character to me, but Jasper was a new surprise. This is the first friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience story that I have written. It was a treat to create Jasper and Jane’s close childhood friendship, to explore the pain and troubles of their eight-year separation and how, despite the passing of time, they still remain close. Jasper sees Jane in a way she cannot view herself, and she does the same for him. Through their relationship they both get a second chance—not only at love but at life. I hope you enjoy this return to the characters from A Debt Paid in Marriage, and if you are new to the Rathbone family I hope you enjoy this story and get a chance to read where it all began.
A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEE hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent. Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.
For Nicola Caws in thanks for valuable guidance and insight into my stories.
London—1825
The rat! What’s he doing here? Jane Rathbone balled her hands into tight fists at her sides. She stared across the auction house at her one-time fiancé, Milton Charton. Camille, his plain and meek wife, was nowhere to be seen.
‘The bidding for the Fleet Street building, a former tobacconist’s shop and residence, will now commence,’ the auctioneer announced. ‘Do I have an opening bid?’
Milton raised his hand.
Revenge curled inside Jane. If he wanted the building, she’d make sure he didn’t get it. She flung her hand in the air, upping the price and drawing the entire room’s attention, including Milton’s. The businessmen narrowed their eyes at her in disapproval, but Milton’s eyes opened wide before his gaze shifted, she hoped guiltily, back to the auctioneer.
‘What are you doing?’ Justin Connor whispered from beside her, more amused than censorious. He was here with Jane’s brother, Philip Rathbone, who intended to obtain a warehouse near the Thames. Jane had accompanied them because she’d had nothing better to do.
‘I’m bidding on a building,’ she answered as if she were purchasing a new bonnet. Thankfully, Philip had gone off to speak with an associate, preventing him from interfering with her spontaneous plan. Since she’d reached her majority last year, he no longer controlled her inheritance but it didn’t mean he couldn’t interfere in her management of it. With him occupied, she could spend her money how she pleased and she pleased to spend it on a building.
‘I assume your sudden interest in acquiring property has nothing to do with Milton Charton,’ Justin observed with a wry smile.
‘It has everything to do with him.’ She didn’t care if she was buying a house of ill repute or what Philip thought about her little venture when he finally returned. Milton would not win the auction.
‘Then by all means, don’t let me stop you.’ Justin waved toward the wiry man with the pince-nez perched on his nose who called for a higher price. Across the room, Milton raised his hand again and Jane was quick to follow, driving up the bid and making her old beau purse his lips in frustration. She’d once found the gesture endearing. It disgusted her today.
Milton’s hand went up again and Jane responded in kind, pretending to be oblivious to the disapproving looks of the other male bidders. She ignored them, as she did their sons when they sneered at her bold opinions, or when their wives and daughters had whispered about her after Milton’s surprise