One Last Kiss

By Ally Broadfield

London, 1812.

Ever since a gossip sheet revealed the details of her extensive dowry, Princess Anna Tarasova has been overrun by fortune-hunting lords. When her childhood sweetheart mysteriously appears in London and asks to court her, it seems too good to be true.

For Captain Mikhail Abromovich, who is both soldier and spy, being chosen to represent Russia in secret negotiations with Britain should be the assignment of a lifetime. The terrible part is that he's certain Anna won't believe his love real once his deception is uncovered and that's one risk he isn't willing to take...

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: May 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781633756519

Book preview

To every girl who married her childhood sweetheart and lived happily ever after.

Chapter One

London, March 1812

A knock sounded at the front door. Not again. Princess Anna Tarasova’s chest tightened as she waited for Bentley’s laborious footsteps to shuffle past before rushing to the window. There had been a constant stream of callers every day for months, with no end in sight. Though the front stoop wasn’t visible from the parlor, she hoped she might catch a glimpse of a carriage or a servant in livery or some other clue to the identity of the caller. No matter how hard she pressed her forehead to the glass, she couldn’t see anything useful. No carriage, no servant in livery. Nothing.

Marya, quick. Go out and fetch me something so you can attempt to identify our visitor.

Her maid sighed and, after setting down her mending, headed for the door. How much longer can we expect this rush of suitors to last? Marya had started out as her nurse, but as Anna and her sister grew, she couldn’t bear to leave them, so she had gradually become their lady’s maid and protector.

I’m sure I have no idea. Anna plopped down on the settee, picked up her knitting, and tried to focus on the scarf she was making for the orphans their parish church supported. Surely the odds were in her favor that at least one of her new admirers would suit. Her luck had to turn sometime.

Marya returned almost immediately, holding Anna’s shawl.

Her heart thumped against her ribs. Well? she asked, dropping all pretense of disinterest.

I don’t know. I think I’ve seen him before, but I don’t recall his name. Bentley showed him to His Grace’s study.

Unable to stay seated a moment longer, Anna stood and rushed to the door, listening for any sign of activity. Go make sure no one is about. I’ll have to get close enough to hear his voice if I am to determine who it is.

That’s a dreadful idea. I’m certain your uncle will let you know as soon as whoever it is leaves.

You know I’m too impatient to wait that long. Please? She took Marya’s hand and looked into her eyes, knowing Marya would never refuse her. Waiting had never been her forte, and she had already wasted enough time on false hope.

Marya’s lips curved downward, showing the weight of her disapproval. Very well, but I leave it up to you to come up with an excuse if we are caught.

Anna listened at the door as Marya’s footsteps trailed off, then became louder again. She stepped back just before the door swung open.

No one is about, but that could change at any moment. Do hurry. I’ll keep watch.

Smiling her thanks, Anna tiptoed down the corridor toward Uncle Henry’s study. She glanced around one last time before shamelessly pressing her ear against the smooth plane of the door. Uncle Henry’s voice was barely discernible through the thick wood.

Sunderland, I grant you permission to court my niece, but please understand that she has the consent of both myself and her father to choose her own husband. My permission does not guarantee her acquiescence.

Biting back a sigh, Anna turned away from the door and drifted back to the parlor. Sunderland. She would not enjoy refusing his proposal. He was a perfectly pleasant man, moderately good looking, and reasonably proficient at maintaining a conversation on the dance floor. Refusing Ravensdale’s overbearing attentions had been her pleasure, but Sunderland was rather desperate to hold onto his properties and needed to marry someone with a sizable dowry to accomplish that. She hoped he had other prospects lined up, because with his family’s history of financial mismanagement, she wasn’t about to trust him with the control of her properties. Or rather, she wasn’t about to give his philandering father access to her wealth. Certainly, she recognized how fortunate she was to be wealthy in her own right, but she didn’t think it was too much to ask to marry someone who valued her more than her net worth.

Marya had returned to her mending, and Anna once again attempted to knit. Her stomach clenched. She would eventually have to accept a marriage proposal, but she had yet to be introduced to any man who was worth the risk of having to cede control of her estate. She was not that desperate to marry. Yet.

The door creaked open and Uncle Henry entered. That makes eight this week. He dropped heavily next to Anna on the settee and ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair. You’ve another suitor to add to your list, Anna. I have half a mind to hunt down that Lady Nonpareil who wrote the gossip sheet with the terms of your dowry. Or better yet, the person who gave her the information. The entire household has been in chaos for more than two months, and the list of gentlemen clamoring for your hand continues to grow.

Anna kept her eyes trained on the scarf. I think we both know that would be a useless endeavor.

More than likely, but it would give me great satisfaction. He patted her hand. Don’t you want to know who your new suitor is?

She couldn’t very well tell him she already knew. Of course.

Sunderland. He’s not a bad sort, but his father is. You are a logical choice for him.

Anna set down her knitting and tilted her head toward the ceiling. Feigning interest in the mural, she said, I’ve always dreamed of landing the perfect match based upon financial necessity.

Uncle Henry shrugged. You can’t blame him for trying.

I suppose not. She clasped her hands together. However am I to handle the ball tonight? We will be overrun. Perhaps you should start withholding your consent.

On what grounds? Much like the terms of your dowry, I’m certain it’s already quite well known that you have free rein to choose a husband.

Anna raised a brow. But your refusal would narrow my prospects.

He bit back a smile. So you want me to be considered a killjoy instead of you.

Precisely.

Anna and her sister, Natalya, had been in England for nearly two years, ever since her father decided it was inevitable that Napoleon would attempt to conquer Russia. He insisted they go to stay with their aunt and uncle before troop movements made it impossible for them to complete the journey. It was likely also his solution to ease them out of mourning following the death of their mother.

The door creaked open again, and her sister appeared. You could allow me to attend the ball. Surely some of Anna’s suitors will be interested in me once they realize she has no intention of marrying them.

Natalya. You must stop eavesdropping. I cannot imagine where you learned that wicked habit. Uncle Henry shook his head.

Anna met Natalya’s eyes and bit her lip to prevent a laugh from escaping.

I’m sorry, Uncle Henry, but truly, now would be the perfect time for me to come out. There is no shortage of suitors.

Managing your sister is already more than I can handle. Besides, I thought we all agreed you would not make your debut until Anna is married.

Natalya focused her gaze on the Aubusson carpet and pushed at the fringe with her foot. "You and Aunt Sarah and Anna agreed. I was not consulted."

He nodded. That is as it should be. You are barely sixteen.

Her lips tightened. I shall be seventeen next month. What if Anna never chooses anyone? Then where will I be? I shall be labeled a spinster before I even come out.

Uncle Henry rose and strode to her, taking her hands in his. I’m sorry, poppet. I must ask you to endure for a bit longer. After all, patience is a virtue that will aid you well in life.

Natalya raised her brows. I certainly hope so. Otherwise I’ve already wasted an exorbitant amount of time.

Anna quashed the smile threatening to form on her lips. Natalya, will you help me choose a dress for the ball? Perhaps if you help me look especially enticing, I shall discover the man of my dreams tonight.

Natalya shrugged. I suppose it’s worth a try.

Thank you for the vote of confidence.

A knock sounded at the door and Bentley entered. Your Grace, are you at home for Lord Shelby?

Uncle Henry took a deep breath. I suppose so. There’s no point in putting him off. He’ll only come back later.

Natalya dashed out the door and waved for Anna to follow her. She put a hand to her unsteady stomach and let the smile fade from her face as Natalya bounded up the stairs. The entire process would have been more agreeable if even one of her suitors had taken the time to get to know her at least a little before applying to her uncle for permission to court her. How would she ever find someone who wanted her for more than her dowry now that someone had revealed the details of it to Lady Nonpareil? And if she did find such a man, would he be agreeable to her maintaining control of her inheritance? If only her mother was around to guide her. She missed her more than ever.

…

So you’re not really a princess? George Caldwell asked as they waited for the dance to begin.

Anna stiffened. She had already agreed to dance the minuet with him and there was no polite way to rescind. Surely he could not be as terrible as her friend Charlotte, Lady Marley, had warned.

No, I assure you my title is legitimate. In Russia, the children of the emperor are titled grand duke or grand duchess. As a cousin of the tsar, I am a princess.

How odd. He waved a hand in dismissal. Then again, you Russians have a strange way with names as well.

I beg your pardon. Really, he was too much. The epitome of English pomposity. And she was half English. She had never been more grateful for her training in deportment. Her mother’s dear voice echoed in her head. A princess never shows undue emotion. You must learn to school your features.

Princess Anna Feodorovna Tarasova is quite a lot to remember. Why is it necessary to use your middle name?

Anna refrained from rolling her eyes. Aunt Sarah would not approve, even when Anna was so egregiously provoked by Mr. Caldwell. Our middle names are patronymics.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a patronymic?

There was not enough polite intent in the world to pardon Mr. Caldwell’s ignorance. Anna bit back a sigh and pasted a smile on her face. My middle name is derived from the name of my father. It shows respect for one’s ancestors.

If you say so.

Anna was never more pleased to reach the end of a dance. Next up was a country dance with Monsieur de Bonnaire, a deposed French loyalist. Though she didn’t know him well, there was a sort of kinship between them since they were both in London to avoid the machinations of the war. Since she did not see him in the ballroom, she strode to the refreshment table and sipped lemonade to quench her thirst. He appeared just as the musicians returned for the next set.

Good evening, Your Highness. Monsieur de Bonnaire bowed over her hand. She set her glass on a tray and allowed him to escort her back to the dance floor. The fact that he wasn’t one of the many men clamoring for her dowry put her at ease with him. Though his future was as uncertain as hers until the war ended, he had never expressed any worry about his finances.

While they waited for the music to begin, he asked, Do you have any new information from St. Petersburg?

I’m afraid not. All is well at home, though as I’ve mentioned before, my father believes that Napoleon will soon attack Russia. It has been reported that he is displeased by Emperor Alexander’s refusal to join his blockade of England.

Bonnaire nodded. Yes, I can see why that would be upsetting for him. He has little chance of conquering Britain if he does not succeed with the blockade. Have you received any indication that Russia might ally with England? That sort of alliance could be the answer to both of us finally being able to go home.

The music began to play, and Anna held her answer as she moved away. When she came back to him, she said, No, I have not heard anything of the sort, but remember that my father is retired from diplomatic service, and even if he weren’t, he would certainly never share such a thing in a letter.

Yes, of course. How silly of me. He shot her a smile.

The dance required them to part again, but when she returned to her partner, she asked, Have you any news from home?

He shook his head. No, and I haven’t had any success in locating my cousin, my only remaining relative.

Anna frowned. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like if Russia had been torn apart in the same way France had been. Do not lose hope, Monsieur de Bonnaire.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. The music came to an end and he led her toward the refreshment table, where her next partner, Lord Ashdown, was to meet her. Her closest friend, Charlotte, and her husband, Sebastian, the Earl of Marley, had hoped she and Ashdown would form an attachment, but as fond as she was of him, there was no special attraction between them. In fact, though she’d received several offers, she had yet to feel that special something for anyone.

After a quick glance around, she determined there was just enough time to dash to the retiring room before their dance if she hurried. She ought not to have had so much lemonade.

Holding her smile in place, she strode along the edge of the ballroom and exited into a corridor.

Princess Tarasova. How delightful to find you here.

A shiver of revulsion crawled up Anna’s neck. Lord Ravensdale reached toward her dance card and she drew her hand back. She had already refused him twice, and rather firmly at that, yet he still would not cease his attentions. Studying his profile, she decided it was his demeanor more so than his nose that elicited his resemblance to a bird of prey.

He stared down at her. If you don’t mind, I would like to claim a dance.

I thank you for the honor, my lord, but I’m afraid my card is already full.

Before she was able to turn to leave, he clasped her wrist, sending another wave of revulsion creeping over her.

You will keep me in mind if you find yourself with an unclaimed dance?

Of course, my lord. She inclined her head. If you’ll excuse me, my partner awaits. She watched in horror as he slowly drew her hand to his lips, but managed to wait until he turned away before scrubbing the back of her glove against the fold of her skirt. Relief that she hadn’t allowed him to see her dance card flowed through her. She wouldn’t have put it past him to harm someone on the list in order to create an opening for him to force his own suit.

She pushed open the door to the ladies’ retiring room and her steps faltered.

…always so prim and proper. I’ve never seen her without a polite smile pasted to her face. She really is the ice princess. She never exhibits emotion of any kind.

And she never does anything that could be considered even mildly inappropriate. Where is that Russian passion I’ve heard so much about? She may be the most uninteresting person I’ve ever encountered.

She’ll still make a match before either of us. Not only is she beautiful, but if Lady Nonpareil is to be believed, she’s also wealthy beyond measure.

Anna smoothed her skirts and forced her lips to curve into her signature smile before moving forward. She inclined her head toward the gossiping busybodies then proceeded into the private chamber. The large looking glass framed her sapphire dress and matching jewelry. Perhaps she should choose less icy colors, but they went so well with her pale complexion and blonde hair. Closing her eyes, she took a deep, fortifying breath. When she emerged, the room was empty.

There were so many chandeliers in the ballroom, Anna had to stop herself from shielding her eyes against the light after the dimness of the corridor. She cast her gaze downward and soon found her forward progress halted abruptly.

Lord Sunderland clasped her arm to steady her. I beg your pardon, princess. It’s quite crowded in here tonight and I’m afraid I was not looking where I was going. Please accept my apologies.

Of course, my lord. It is no matter. Her stomach clenched. He had no way of knowing that she had overheard part of his conversation with Uncle Henry, but surely he would not make an offer for her tonight. She already dreaded having to refuse him, and to be forced to do it at the ball, with everyone watching, would be horrid.

He tilted his head to the side. You seem a bit flushed. May I escort you to the terrace to take in some fresh air?

It was wrong to give him hope that his courtship would be successful, but he was such a kind man she couldn’t bring herself to dismiss him outright. She spotted Ashdown watching their exchange from the other side of the ballroom. I’m afraid I’ve promised this dance to Lord Ashdown. Perhaps later?

I am at your disposal. He bowed over her hand.

After deftly navigating her way through the crowd, she reached Ashdown just before the music began.

Good evening, princess. He bowed over her hand then led her onto the dance floor.

Lord Ashdown. She curtsied to him as he bowed to her then turned to greet the other three couples in their set. The music began, and Ashdown led her through the steps of the dance. When she turned to the right, she came face to face with the sea monsters carved into the Greek columns bordering the ballroom.

Ashdown gave her a slight push, and she hurried to join the other ladies moving to the middle to perform their part in the dance. A swirl of color enveloped her as the ladies spun past her, then it was the gentlemen’s turn to perform.

The next portion of the dance had her back with her partner. When they clasped hands and chasséd to the right, Anna scanned the crowd along the wall and looked straight into the eyes of the only man she had ever loved. She stumbled as they moved back to the left and would have fallen had Ashdown not steadied her.

Princess, are you quite all right? he whispered.

Yes, of course. How clumsy of me. Craning, she glanced back, but the soldier she had seen was gone. Perhaps she had conjured him up to fulfill her longing for someone who genuinely knew her and cared more about her than her wealth.

Ashdown watched her closely as she moved to the center with the other women. She put her right hand into the middle and clasped hands with the lady across from her as they circled to the right. A gasp escaped her mouth at the sight of a soldier standing at the edge of the ballroom. Though the man in question now had his back turned to her, she noted the unmistakable deep green and red tunic of the Russian army. It was unlikely that he was Misha. After all, it had been many years since she had last seen him.

Was it even possible for him to be here in London instead of on the continent with General Barclay de Tolly? If she remembered Papa’s most recent letter correctly, the general was now the Minister of War. Misha would be with him, closer to home, working on defenses against the impending invasion. Though Emperor Alexander had angered Napoleon when he refused to continue the continental blockade against Britain, Russia was not formally allied with either the English or the French at present. There was no logical explanation for the soldier’s presence. Though, she may have mistaken someone else for Misha, she had certainly seen her country’s army uniform.

When their set ended, Ashdown led her to the refreshment table.

Are you certain you are well, princess? he asked, handing her a glass of lemonade. You don’t seem quite yourself tonight.

Still distracted, she smiled demurely at him. I’m fine. I thought for a moment I saw an old acquaintance, but I believe I was mistaken.

It’s quite a crush tonight. I’m not sure I could locate my own mother in here. If you’re certain you are well, I must go. I am engaged for the next dance.

As soon as Ashdown was out of sight, she took what she hoped appeared to be a casual stroll around the ballroom. Her dance partner was correct. It was so crowded she could barely make her way around the