The Unknown Wife

A DISGRACED WOMAN…

A single passionate night's encounter, long ago, has come back to haunt Colonel Etienne Hauke. He has a son—by a disgraced Society beauty who demands that Etienne should make an honest woman of her! Eight years after their reckless tryst in Elm Wood, the battle-hardened officer never expected the consequence of that stormy surrender to reappear in Ireland. Seven-year-old Marcus bears his father's unmistakable likeness—leaving the proud Colonel stunned by the spirited boy he nearly ran down!

When a family miniature reveals the truth, Etienne cannot deny the child is his own flesh and blood. Confronted with his offer of an estate in Suffolk, the proud mother rejects the role of a kept mistress—insisting upon full legitimacy for the child she sheltered alone.

Isabel must marry her charming seducer—for the sake of her child. Although, still resenting her years of shame, she determines it will be a marriage in name only….

• Secret Baby: Polite society believed Isabel perished during a scarletina epidemic in York, unaware she spent seven years raising her son in seclusion.
• Forced Proximity: Relocating to an elegant townhouse in Eaton Square, the newlyweds share adjoining chambers while fighting the undeniable heat testing their chilly resolve.
• Regency Romance: As heir to an earldom, Etienne must navigate an abandoned alliance with a wealthy heiress and face a merciless ton eager to scrutinise his mysterious wife.
• Also by This Author: Compromising the Duke's Daughter, The Rake's Ruined Lady and Rescued by the Forbidden Rake.