Anne Gallagher: The Lady's Fate #MarchMadnessSale

Monday, March 4, 2019

The Lady's Fate #MarchMadnessSale

The Lady's Fate
#MarchMadnessSale
$2.99 thru March 31

Lady Violet Flowers has only one Season to find a husband. Raised in the Queen’s household, Violet is elevated in rank, yet with no dowry, she will likely bring her mother disgrace, unable to find a good match, if any.

The widowed Marquess of Haverlane needs the perfect nanny for his beloved daughter, Jane. Fortunately for Haverlane, when the plump, but very pretty Lady Violet rescues Jane from almost drowning, the solution to his problem stands before him. After negotiating with her mother, Violet is ensconced at his country estate with Jane, and Haverlane and Violet communicate through correspondence, leading to an amiable affection.

Though unwilling to think of Violet as more than a nanny, a surprising Christmas kiss compels each to see the other in a new light. However, Parliamentary demands keep them a safe distance from temptation.

As the Season begins, an old flame emerges from Haverlane’s past and attempts to rekindle that fire. Bereft, Violet accepts an offer for her hand. By the time Haverlane comes to his senses, he must do what Violet has dreaded most – bring scandal to her mother’s house to try to win her back.

The Lady's Fate is the second book in the Reluctant Grooms series. Hands down it is my favorite book in all the series. I fell in love with Ellis Smith the first moment I began to write him down. And Violet as well.

Ellis Smith,
Earl of Easterly,
Marquess of Haverlane

Ellis lost his wife Anne several years earlier. He has been trying to raise his daughter, Jane, by himself, but now that she's out of nappies, he needs more than a wet-nurse. With the coaching of his mother, he finds a girl who seems capable enough to watch a four-year-old child.

Lady Violet Flowers

Violet Flowers has a termagant for a mother and father who was lost at sea during a botany expidition. Violet and her four sisters have been living under the Queen's household ever since. With no prospects or dowries, the girls depend on the kindness of strangers. Before Haverlane can even decide on the matter, Violet is dispatched to handle the care of Jane.

Haverlane Hall

Over the course of many months, Violet and Haverlane share correspondence about Jane. His visit at Christmas leads Haverlane down a dark road, when he kisses Violet. Thinking only of his late wife, Haverlane flees to London, leaving Violet in turmoil.

Jane Smith,
daughter of Haverlane

However, when Violet catches the fever, which raged through the village, Haverlane races to her side, only to find her ill and despondent. He nurses her back to health, before he leaves her again to return to London.

Lady Georgianna

Whilst in the country recovering, Violet hears about the match between Lady Georgianna Baxter and Haverlane and her heart breaks into a thousand little pieces. When she hears vicious rumors about she and Haverlane, Violet is disowned by her mother, and left to the vultures in Society. Lady Olivia takes her in and with a wave of her magic wand, the rumors disappear, she is engaged to be married (albeit to the wrong man) and her name has regained good-standing.

Duke of Chesnick,
Haverlane's father

When the Duke of Chesnick makes a formal announcement about Haverlane's engagement to Lady Georgianna, Ellis makes his own announcement, much to her dismay. But now, Haverlane must find Violet before she marries to save her name.

As I said, my favorite book out of the entire series.
(WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST is #2.)

Some minor characters.