After The Storm

By Claudy Conn

No matter what her family and friends say, Jenny knows she will never fall in love again. How can she, when her childhood sweetheart was one of the countless killed at Waterloo?

So when the Earl of Danfield proposes a marriage of convenience, it seems the perfect solution. He will secure his inheritance, and she will be spared the necessity of being paraded in society, forced to dance and flirt and do all the things her broken heart cannot do. His proposal will give her what she wants most. Peace.

But peace is the last thing she finds in her marriage. Her growing attraction to the earl brings with it guilt that she’s betraying her beloved Johnny. Her mother-in-law considers her an interloper. Her husband’s former lover makes it clear she doesn’t want it to be former. And when a supposed prank nearly kills her, Jenny has to wonder—now that the earl’s inheritance is assured, has she become an inconvenience to be eliminated?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Claudy Conn
• Release date: Feb 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301238422

Claudy Conn

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Claudy Conn is a multi published author who got her start with her bestselling historical/regency romances.She tells us that she fell in love with the fantasy/paranormal genre and created a world of paranormal.She hopes you will read and enjoy and join her on her facebook where she loves to interact with her readers.page.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Claudy-Conn-Paranormal-Romance-Author/135826686471445

Book preview

She should have been afraid but was too astonished …

A pair of startlingly blue eyes glared angrily down into her own, and the voice said in a tone that made her open her eyes wide, Well, well, at least it’s a pretty wench that’s detained me.

He sounded as though he were some huge giant about to eat her, and without another word, and before she realized what he was doing, that was what he did.

Jenny found herself being ruthlessly kissed! In that moment, with this stranger’s lips on hers, she was almost too shocked to react, but she was just a bit aware of a tingling sensation that journeyed through her body.

At length her mind returned to her and she made an effort to resist by putting her hands to his chest and pushing hard. This, however, did not budge him. He seemed to hold her in a vice-like grip. She should have been afraid but was too astonished to consider that.

She was, however, furious at his daring, and when he put his head back to look at her and laugh, she felt something of her old self return. The old, vibrant Jenny would never stand for such treatment!

As he got into position, obviously meaning to kiss her again, she reacted and, feeling both outrage and anger, formulated a quick plan.

She immediately relaxed in his arms and allowed the scoundrel to believe he had conquered her. As she expected, his grip eased up.

Jenny had just enough time to bring her booted foot into position and then thrust it hard and forcefully into his shin.

She felt a great deal of satisfaction as he cried out in pain and paused only briefly to wag her finger and tell him, Fie, sir—fie! Then she ran. She held her skirts in hand and put the road behind her as fast as she could, only stopping when she sighted the green lawns of her home, Ashley Grange.

Once on her own estate, she leaned up against a tree and, breathing hard, hurriedly glanced behind her. Thanking providence her assailant had not deemed it worth his trouble to pursue, she sucked in a long, delicious breath of air and then proceeded to the house. Oddly enough, her anger abated and just a touch of amusement tickled her senses as she thought of the way he’d reached for his injured leg. Ha, served him right.

Also by Claudy Conn

Risqué Regencies

Myriah Fire

Oh, Cherry Ripe

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels

Taffeta & Hotspur

Wildfire Kiss

Netherby Halls

~

Legend Series

Prince Prelude—Legend

Spellbound—Legend

Aaibhe—Shee Queen (Novelette)

Shee Willow—Legend

Prince in the Mist (Novella)

Trapped—Legend

Free Falling—Legend

Catch & Hold—Legend

~

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers

ShadowHeart—Slayer

ShadowLife—Hybrid

~

Through Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit

Through Time-Whiplash (coming in Feb. 2013)

~

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

~

DarkLove (published by Wild Rose Press)

What reviewers are saying

about Claudy’s books

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT

ShadowLove—Stalkers is filled with steaming action and dramatic tension … Claudy delicately plants the seeds for future development and characters without distracting from the excitement and romance of Stalkers. The result is that she has a paranormal, vampire series, of romance novels, which carries her own unique and spicy aroma.

ShadowLove—Stalkers is hot, Hot, HOT … and yes, I am blushing.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Five Cups and a CTTR (Coffee Time Reviewer’s Recommend) Award

ShadowLove—Stalkers is a story that immediately hooks the reader. It reminds me of a roller coaster just beginning, only to plunge into speed, drawing the reader into non-stop action. Intense and spellbinding, this paranormal romance kept this reader engrossed until the conclusion. I loved the passion and chemistry between the main characters. With tremendous action and well thought out characters, this fantastic read sizzles and sparks like a firecracker.

~ Coffee Time Romance & More

Trapped Legend has my pulse skyrocketing!

A clever, fast paced, unpredictable blend of action, adventure, mystery, magic and steamy hot loving … I picked it up and couldn’t tear myself away from it until I read the last page.

I highly recommend each book in Claudy’s Legend series. You’re seriously missing out on some wonderful adventures if you haven’t read the previous stories. It’s by far one of the most exceptionally crafted, enchanting Fae series I’ve ever read.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

Five Stars for ShadowHeart—Slayer

This second in Conn’s Shadow series is filled with vampires, a vampire slayer, demons, wizards, a Fae prince and an unlikely romance. Claudy Conn does an excellent job of making this a standalone story while incorporating some of the characters from the first book and introducing us to several new characters. The war is still brewing and now the fae are becoming involved. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

This is another one I couldn’t put down and read in a single sitting. I got so caught up in the action I was sad to see it end. Fans of the paranormal romance, urban fantasy and vampire genres should enjoy this as well.

~ Wild About Bones on GoodReads

One hot and thrilling book

I fell for all three of the main characters, fun loving Maxie, dark and brooding Julian, and one hot Fae, Breslyn. However, it wasn’t just the characters that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was the entire involved plot that included jealously, betrayal, magic, murder, and, of course, hot passion … The well-written out mixture of myth and legend, not to mention the characters, all in today’s world has me Joyfully Recommending Spellbound—Legend as one book you won’t want to miss.

~ Jo, Joyfully Reviewed

5 out of 5 stars

Fanning the flames of Myriah Fire!

What was once an innocent, if rollicking, regency romance has exploded with passion as Claudy Conn revisits Myriah Fire to turn up the heat.

The addition of unbridled sexual passion to Myriah Fire’s strong story brings dimensions of maturity and depth to the struggles faced by Myriah and Kit, without diminishing any of the innocence, joy or charm found in the original story. This revised version of Myriah Fire allows Claudy’s regency followers to appreciate what her paranormal romance fans have discovered—mind-bending eroticism.

A truly captivating tale with a blast of added sizzle, Myriah Fire will kindle the flames of your heart and burn up the night.

~ Vonnie Faroqui, Ink Slinger’s Whimsey

Love, love, love Myriah Fire!

It’s a brilliant, fast-paced, and ‘true to its title’, ‘going to catch you on fire’ romance. Looking forward to more! Hoping Claudy Conn plans to share more of her historical treasures with us.

~ Candice Stauffer, author

Myriah has always been my favorite

This is a sweet, funny, charming romance. The characters are likeable and the story is well told. I loved all of the Claudette Williams (now Claudy Conn) books, but this one has always been my favorite. I hope she will put out more of her backlist.

~ lmjolicoeur on Smashwords

5 Stars for Rogues, Rakes, and Jewels!

Being a huge fan of Jane Austen, with Emma and Pride and Prejudice being two of my favorite romance novels, I was thrilled when Claudy sent me her regency romance to review. This novel had everything: danger, a villain, twists, and more secrets between characters then I could count. I really enjoyed the story and the strong female lead. One thing that I will say about Conn’s Regency romance is this is no Jane Austen. There was serious heat in the book between the main characters. That just made this an even better Regency piece. I recommend it for a fun and delightful read. I will look to read her other Regency romances now.

~ Emily Walker’s Reviews

5 Stars

Another fun regency by Claudy Conn. Full of characters who come to life and pull you into the story. And as always the evil villain lurking about ready for his chance to wreak havoc. From the forests of Nottingham to the streets of London, there is plenty of excitement and page-turning adventure from beginning to end.

~ Reviews by Jutzie

After the Storm

By

Claudy Conn

Copyright Page

After the Storm

By Claudy Conn

http://www.claudyconn.com

Copyright © 2013 by Claudy Conn

Edited by: Karen Babcock

Cover Artist: Kendra Egert

All rights reserved

Published in the United States of America

Smashwords Edition

February 2013

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Names, characters, and events depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Excerpt of Oh, Cherry Ripe

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt of Hungry Moon: Quicksilver

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Excerpt of Through Time-Pursuit

Copyright © 2012 by Claudy Conn

Discover this and other titles by Claudy Conn at Smashwords.com:

Risqué Regencies

Oh, Cherry Ripe – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/135532

Myriah Fire – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109011

Rogues, Rakes & Jewels – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/171997

Taffeta and Hotspur – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/179452

Wildfire Kiss – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/221331

Runaway Heart – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/239110

Netherby Halls – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/272171

Legend Series

Prince Prelude—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/159840

Spellbound—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96103

Aaibhe—Shee Queen – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/110252

Shee Willow—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103389

Prince in the Mist – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104045

Trapped—Legend – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/112028

Free Falling—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/92368

Catch & Hold—Legend – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124602

Shadow Series

ShadowLove—Stalkers – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63037

ShadowHeart—Slayer – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/84350

ShadowLife—Hybrid – http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/143173

Through Time Series

Through Time-Pursuit – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210166

Hungry Moon Series

Hungry Moon: Quicksivler – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257284

Dedication

To my Bob, because he came into my life and gentled me into his.

~ Prologue ~

Did ye not hear it? No: ’twas but the wind,

Or the car rattling o’er the stony street;

On with the dance! Let Joy be unconfined,

No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet.

To chase the glowing hours with flying feet—

But Hark! That heavy sound breaks in once more,

As if the clouds its echo would repeat;

And nearer, clearer, deadlier than before!

Arm! Arm! It is—it is—the CANNON’s opening

Roar!

—Lord Byron, 1816,

written to mark the Duchess of Richmond’s ball on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo

THE WIND, NO longer warm from the rays of the sun, bit at her face, causing her to blink. Long, chestnut-colored hair whipped around her slender neck and her lashes. She put one ungloved, delicate hand up and brushed the thick strands away from her face as she stopped her determined steps.

Desolate eyes stared at the tall oak—their oak. They had carved their initials there when they had a future, when they had hope.

Johnny, she whispered. Oh, my Johnny. Finality infiltrated her tone and resignation the slope of her shoulders. Anguish tempered by time swept through her body as she dropped to her knees, heedless of the damp grass.

A year had passed—one entire year since the Duchess of Richmond’s ball, since the last time she had kissed his lips, seen his face—one year since Waterloo.

A sick sensation swept over her when she tried to recall his face, that wondrous, boyishly handsome face as he stood before her that awful night.

They went, all of them, almost merrily to Waterloo. Even then—with those dreadful drums beating throughout Brussels—even then, they looked as though they were off to a parade.

Jenny remembered the sound of those drums, calling their men to arms. The officers attending the Duchess of Richmond’s ball had left hurriedly, some actually going off to battle in their ball attire, and Johnny, her Johnny had been among them.

Exploding cannons—the sound filled the atmosphere, as the beau monde breathlessly awaited the outcome. So many of her friends, so many of the English gentry were there in Brussels that spring.

Napoleon had escaped, gathered his army, and begun to march. The Duke of Wellington, their hero, went off to meet him. The English believed Wellington would win the encounter with the Frenchman and were there to witness it.

No one had anticipated the amount of blood it would take to fulfill their expectation. Thus it happened on June 18, 1815, that Wellington met Boney at Waterloo, and her John was lost forever.

Mac had been there. He had lived, and while she searched for Johnny, Mac found her. Lieutenant William McMillan had taken hold of her shoulders, and when she saw his distorted features she backed up from him screaming. She wasn’t sure anymore what she had screamed.

Jen, Johnny’s last words to me were of you. He said he loves you and that you have to move on …

Jenny thought she could no longer cry and was surprised at the tear that made its way down her cheek. She closed her eyes. She had come to their tree to say good-bye, but could she? She didn’t feel ready. Haunt me, Johnny, come to me as a ghost, she hugged herself and prayed. Stay with me forever.

Her father and aunt had hurried her home to Devon, and even for their sakes it had been so very difficult not to fall into a decline. For weeks all she wanted to do was go to sleep and not wake up.

Her father had coaxed her outside by telling her the horses she loved needed attention. And that had worked to get her out a bit. Slowly, albeit listlessly, she began to eat, talk, walk, but she felt as though all joy in life had been snatched away.

She got to her feet and touched the tree before turning towards home. She loved the quiet solitude of her beloved Devon landscape. It was like a tonic that soothed her. Johnny had never quite been at home in the country. He was too restless.

She crossed the open field with slow, long strides and felt the overgrown grass brush against the thin material of her stockings at her ankles and calves. The day had been touched with scudding clouds, and they hovered with the tease of rain.

It was still mid-afternoon, and yet, because of the overcast sky, it appeared later. Jenny’s gaze swept upwards, and she made the decision to take the shortcut across Farmer Cubbins’ field. She reached the roadside fence, picked up her skirts, climbed nimbly up, sat on the aged wood stocks, and then pushed herself forward onto the country dirt road.

She had been so engrossed with getting her skirts past the splintered rail and her feet over the ditch that lined the road that she hadn’t noticed the rider coming around the bend.

Her sudden descent onto the road caused the horse to rear and champ at his bit. This startled Jenny, and before she knew what had happened, she had released a screech, stepped forcefully backward, and landed herself in the very ditch she had tried to avoid.

~ One ~

A LOW, STRONG MALE voice cursed beneath his breath as Jenny tried to recoup and get to her feet.

As she pressed her hands into the earth and tried to straighten, she heard him dismount and within an instant felt herself pulled up into a standing position, though she wasn’t sure her shoes were touching the earth.

A pair of startlingly blue eyes glared angrily down into her own, and the voice said in a tone that made her open her eyes wide, Well, well, at least it’s a pretty wench that’s detained me.

He sounded as though he were some huge giant about to eat her, and without another word, and before she realized what he was doing, that was what he did.

Jenny found herself being ruthlessly kissed! In that moment, with this stranger’s lips on hers, she was almost too shocked to react, but she was just a bit aware of a tingling sensation that journeyed through her body.

At length her mind returned to her and she made an effort to resist by putting her hands to his chest and pushing hard. This, however, did not budge him. He seemed to hold her in a vice-like grip. She should have been afraid but was too astonished to consider that.

She was, however, furious at his daring, and when he put his head back to look at her and laugh, she felt something of her old self return. The old, vibrant Jenny would never stand for such treatment!

As he got into position, obviously meaning to kiss her again, she reacted and, feeling both outrage and anger, formulated a quick plan.

She immediately relaxed in his arms and allowed the scoundrel to believe he had conquered her. As she expected, his grip eased up.

Jenny had just enough time to bring her booted foot into position and then thrust it hard and forcefully into his shin.

She felt a great deal of satisfaction as he cried out in pain and paused only briefly to wag her finger and tell him, Fie, sir—fie! Then she ran. She held her skirts in hand and put the road behind her as fast as she could, only stopping when she sighted the green lawns of her home, Ashley Grange.

Once on her own estate, she leaned up against a tree and, breathing hard, hurriedly glanced behind her. Thanking providence her assailant had not deemed it worth his trouble to pursue, she sucked in a long, delicious breath of air and then proceeded to the house. Oddly enough, her anger abated and just a touch of amusement tickled her senses as she thought of the way he’d reached for his injured leg. Ha, served him right.

She looked at her home, Tudor in design, and as always it charmed a smile from her. She loved the look of it. Funny, how Johnny and she had differed in their taste of homes. He’d always preferred the neat trimness the townhouses of London so much more. She sighed and went through the kitchen door, where the staff was bustling about getting things ready for the evening meal.

Cook came forward with her favorite sweet and put it under her nose. Oi made this special for ye, Miss Jenny. Would ye try it for me?

Jenny hugged her first and nodded. Of course. She took a bite, and as it was truly her favorite, moaned over it and said, Oh, Cook, you have outdone yourself. It is so good, I think I will have another …

Cook laughed. Whot, and ruin yer dinner? She shook her head. Go on, then, glad oi am that ye loike it.

Jenny devoured the sweet treat as she moved down the hall, realizing she was hungry. She hadn’t had more than coffee at breakfast and had missed lunch. She hoped she wouldn’t run into her Aunt Beth as she turned the corner, for her aunt would make her go and change; she just wanted to lie down somewhere and read. However, instead, she ran into her father.

The squire held her by her shoulders and said in a tone that would not brook an argument, Come with me, Jennifer.

Oh no, she thought; he only called her Jennifer when he was about to lecture her.

She followed him into the library, where he indicated a chair and said, Sit.

She frowned and said, I do not feel like sitting, Papa.

Nevertheless, you shall, he said and pointed to the chair.

She sat stiffly and gazed at him as she waited for him to speak.

Next week, we shall leave for London, where your aunt is going to launch a London Season for you. There will be shopping for gowns, there will be balls and the theatre, and there will be young and hopeful men looking to dance with you and talk to you, and you will do both.

Papa, she said, her hand going to her cheek, I cannot.

You can, and you will. I have put up with these dismal faces and a Jenny I simply don’t even know for too long. The year is at an end, and so is your mourning.

And I have nothing to say about it?

Nothing. It is because I love you that I am forcing your hand, Jenny. In the end, you will thank me for it. And you will see Mac in town, for when I wrote to him and told him of our plans, he answered that he would be there and in attendance on you.

Mac? Oh, I wish he would, instead, come here. I have no wish to go back to London, she said dolefully.

This is not up for discussion, my child, he answered in a tone she knew too well. Her father could be stubborn when he got an idea into his head.

I see, she said and got to her feet. Fine. Now I would like to go upstairs and take a bath, if you are done issuing your edict?

You are angry with me, Jenny, I know, he said on a gentler tone, but I am doing what needs to be done.

She inclined her head and left the room. She adored her father, but she wasn’t ready for this. She didn’t want to be courted. In fact, the thought of entering a ballroom and filling a dance card made her sick to her stomach.

She just wasn’t ready.

Out of nowhere, she thought of the high-fashioned stranger who had just dared to kiss her on the open road. He had definitely been a muscular Corinthian used to getting his own way! How dare he kiss her? Well, she had certainly taught him what happened to gentlemen who dared to steal an advantage.

Would she be subjected to this in London? Oh, how could she bear to dance with any other than her Johnny? She and Johnny had even learned how to dance together …

Again, the stranger’s face came to mind, and she shook her head over his arrogance and audacity. She made her way into her bedroom and stopped by her long mirror to have a look at herself. She wanted to see what he had seen. Perhaps understand what had moved him to bully a kiss from her.

A reflection of herself made her stop and stare. She certainly looked like a hoydenish girl. Oh, she thought, no wonder he thought you a serving girl! Not that should give him the kind of license he had taken, but, Jenny—you are an awful mess. Your hair is a mass of tangled disorder. Johnny used to say he loved the gold streaks through the chestnut locks. Well, look at that—you can’t see any gold streaks now. Dust layered her hair. Grass stains on her hands and old day gown made her cluck, and she sighed before