Just a Kiss

By Ally Broadfield

Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she'll be forced to marry her guardian's loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn't have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can't refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

Each book in the It's in His Kiss series is a standalone, full-length story that can be enjoyed out of order.
Series Order:
Book #1 Just a Kiss
Book #2 One Last Kiss

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Apr 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781622663828

Book preview

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Charlotte Lightwood has one season to find a husband or she’ll be forced to marry her guardian’s loathsome cousin. With no title or dowry, she doesn’t have much hope of making a good match. Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, has been the most eligible bachelor on the marriage mart for more years than he cares to count and is very aware of his duty to marry a woman who will add to the wealth and stature of his title. Sebastian makes Charlotte an offer she can’t refuse: he will pretend to court her to help her attract more suitors in exchange for her advice about which ladies he should pursue. As they work together, their mutual attraction grows. When they realize they just might be perfect for one another, they must decide whether to bow to the dictates of society or follow their hearts.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Experience more historical romance with these Entangled titles…

Untamed Hearts

The Duke’s Quandary

Once Upon a Wallflower

Love’s Revenge

An Unexpected Sin

No Ordinary Mistress

Tempting Bella

Once Upon a Masquerade

Just

a

Kiss

an It’s in His Kiss novella

Ally Broadfield

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2014 by Ally Broadfield. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

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Visit our website at www.entangledpublishing.com.

Edited by Kerri-Leigh Grady and Allison Blisard

Cover design by Libby Murphy

Ebook ISBN 978-1-62266-382-8

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition April 2014

To my mom, who nurtured my love of books in every way possible. I miss you every day.

Chapter One

Sussex, February 1811

Sebastian Wilkinson, the Earl of Marley, paced the lengthy corridor outside his grandmother’s bedchamber while he waited for the doctor to finish his examination. Moments later, the door creaked open and he braced himself to receive the diagnosis.

She is out of danger, Dr. Young said.

Sebastian relaxed his shoulders, grateful at long last to be able to inhale deeply again.

However, he continued, she is still frail and therefore more susceptible to illness. You must take measures to prevent her from becoming ill again. He linked his fingers together and held his hands against his ample stomach. She should rest frequently, and you must not allow her to become chilled. I recommend she stay inside in front of the fireplace on rainy days. That was a virulent fever and if she has another, she will not survive.

The doctor continued with his instructions, but Sebastian was no longer listening. He was anxious to see Gran. Dr. Young had served as their family physician since before Sebastian was born, and he always gave the same instructions for care. Holding his palm up to stop the doctor’s inane chatter, he opened the door to Gran’s bedchamber and beckoned to her maid. Margaret, please come and attend Dr. Young. He will go over the instructions for Lady Marley’s continuing care.

Yes, my lord, Margaret said, slipping past him into the corridor.

Sebastian stole into Gran’s chamber and settled into the chair next to her bed.

Her lids fluttered open, and she focused unerringly on him. It’s about time you came to visit me.

He took her warm, dry hand, thankful it was no longer cold and limp. I took tea with you not two hours ago. Doc didn’t mention that your illness left you deranged.

Gran fumbled about on her bedside table.

May I be of service in— He yelped when her closed fan connected with the side of his head. Yes, she would definitely recover. Suddenly exhausted after being relieved of the weight of worry, he allowed himself to slump into the chair next to her bed.

Gran pulled herself up against the headboard and squared her shoulders. Doc has given me permission to travel within a fortnight. We’re already at a disadvantage since the season has started without us, but I trust you will apply yourself to finding a suitable bride this year.

He leaned his head against the back of the chair and studied the molding on her ceiling. What if I don’t wish to have a suitable bride?

I certainly don’t countenance you taking an unsuitable one.

He lifted his head. Gran, I’m serious.

So am I. She slapped her palm against the headboard. It is high time for you to take a wife and produce an heir or two. I want to see you make an advantageous match before I die, and I could go at any moment.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. You needn’t be so melodramatic.

Apparently, I must. You don’t seem to be taking me seriously.

He studied each wrinkle and dark spot on her face. After singlehandedly raising him following the death of his parents, she had earned each of those marks, just as she’d earned the right to see him settled. And she wouldn’t truly relax until he married. He owed her that much and more. All right, Gran. This is the season in which the Earl of Marley will find a wife.

…

London, March 1811

Charlotte Lightwood strode through the front door and started up the staircase. Her eldest niece, Amelia, followed on her heels. Charlotte stopped abruptly when her sister-in-law’s voice carried up the staircase from the parlor. Amelia crashed into her back and placed a hand on Charlotte’s shoulder to steady herself. She turned toward her niece and put a finger to her lips. They simultaneously tilted their heads toward the parlor. The identity of Elizabeth’s guest would determine whether Charlotte and Amelia would join them, as would be proper, or scurry up the staircase like mice being chased by a cat.

The rumble of a male voice drifted to them, and the decision was made.

Scurry. Unquestionably scurry. They raced up to the first landing, but they were too slow.

The heels of Elizabeth’s half boots tapped against the parquet floor as she exited the parlor and halted at the base of the staircase. Charlotte, there you are. You must come to the parlor and speak with cousin Horace.

Charlotte froze. She would rather have had her fingers broken one by one than be in the same room with her sister-in-law’s cousin, who was most decidedly not related to her.

You too, Amelia.

Resigned to her fate, Charlotte descended the stairs and gave her cloak to their butler, Adams, who stood by with an appropriately stoic expression but for his mouth, which was pinched in disapproval. Charlotte shuffled along behind Elizabeth, Amelia trailing her closely.

Horace lounged on the settee near the window, tapping his sausage-like fingers against his thigh in impatience. He rose and wiped the perspiration from his upper lip as Charlotte entered the parlor. She curtsied. Good afternoon, Mr. Janson.

Charlotte, her sister-in-law chided, it’s not necessary to be so formal with our cousin.

She gritted her teeth. On the contrary, it was very important for her to keep Horace at a distance. He crossed the floor quickly, took her hand, and kissed it. She was thankful she hadn’t yet removed her gloves. Even without direct contact, a shiver of revulsion swept through her. His overly watchful gaze and clammy hands always left her feeling unclean.

Charlotte dropped into a small chair and smoothed her skirts, grateful Elizabeth hadn’t been able to maneuver quickly enough to force her to sit on the settee with Horace. Amelia took the chair next to her, and Elizabeth fidgeted beside Horace.

Horace settled his bulk back into his seat. I understand you and Amelia went for a walk in the park.

Yes. After a day of rain yesterday, the sunlight today was too tempting to ignore. Charlotte fussed with the fringe on the pillow next to her.

Did you wear a bonnet? Horace asked. I wouldn’t want you to mar your skin with ugly freckles.

Charlotte drew in a sharp breath. The nerve of the man. As if her appearance was any of his concern.

How kind of you, Horace, Elizabeth added quickly, glaring at Charlotte.

Charlotte gave Amelia a meaningful stare, willing the girl to say something to focus the attention of her mother and her odious cousin on herself. Amelia gave an almost imperceptible shrug and turned to Horace. How long will you be in London?

He swung his reptilian gaze toward Amelia. That depends on how much time it takes me to conclude my business. For now, I plan on at least a fortnight, but I will stay in town as long as is necessary. He stared at Charlotte, as if in challenge. A prickle of uneasiness swept through her.

Elizabeth stood. I nearly forgot. Amelia, she said without so much as a glance at her daughter, I would like your opinion on a new pattern Madame Poirier sent over this afternoon. I must respond today if she is to finish my dress in time for the Chadwick ball.

Horace began to rise, but Elizabeth stopped him. There’s no need to stand on formality among family. Charlotte will entertain you in our absence. We shan’t be long.

Charlotte’s face filled with heat, and Amelia gave her a confused look.

Elizabeth pushed her daughter into the corridor and pulled the door nearly closed. A mere inch of light struggled to shine through the narrow gap. Charlotte was