My Deceitful Marquess

By Amaya Evans

Sonia Hearst is one of the many American heiresses of New York, whose family wishes to marry her off to an English nobleman. Her father is Edmund Hearst, the son of a boxer, he worked hard to have a steamboat emporium and amassed a large fortune but he wants the respect of the people. That is why he sends his daughter to London to get a husband with a title that will give him the prestige that his family lacks. Sonia hates the idea. She has always been a willful and stubborn girl who doesn’t want a man who will order her around and will make her unhappy as is the case with most marriages she knows. Sonia wants to live free and single all her life. She doesn’t want to answer to anyone. The problem is that her father wants Sonia to marry immediately, and she didn’t count on meeting a man who would arouse feelings within her that she didn’t want to have. If she wants to be a single woman Sonia can’t afford to fall in love.

Robert Egerton, Marquess of Wilmington is a man accustomed to women and war. Now after fighting for his country and returning home as a decorated hero. He just wants to live a quiet life. He doesn’t want to think about women, He just wants to devote himself to managing the lands that rightfully belong to him because of his title, but he gets a surprise when he returns to England and learns he is in financial ruin. The few lands that remain are about to be lost and Robert is forced to go through the humiliating experience of seeking an heiress to marry. When he meets Sonia, Robert is surprised by her beauty and then by her way of being. Sonia is the complete opposite of the boring young girls he always sees in the dances. So when Sonia makes him a daring proposal he sees the possibility of staying with the woman and the dowry. He doesn’t need to fall in love. But things get out of control and he will have to fight for his newfound love by tooth and nail.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amaya Evans
• Release date: Feb 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781547515639

Amaya Evans

Amaya Evans es una escritora de género romántico con tintes eróticos. Le encanta hacer novelas con temas contemporáneos, históricos y también suele integrar en sus novelas los viajes en el tiempo, ya que es un tema que siempre le ha apasionado. Ha escrito series contemporáneas como Masajes a Domicilio, que ha gustado mucho tanto a lectores europeos como a lectores americanos. Entre sus novelas históricas de regencia tiene algunos títulos como Amor a Segunda Vista, Me Acuerdo y Corazones Marcados. También entre sus novelas históricas del Oeste Americano ha escrito la serie Novias Del Oeste, que habla sobre el tema de las novias por correo de aquella época, pero incluyendo el viaje en el tiempo. Amaya, adora escribir a cualquier hora y en cualquier lugar y siempre lleva su pequeña libreta de anotaciones por si alguna idea pasa por su mente o si ve algo que la inspira para una nueva novela. Vive feliz con su familia en un pequeño pueblo cerca de la capital, le encanta hacer postres y tiene un huerto que es su orgullo. Estoy casi segura de que si tuviera una casa enorme, tendría 20 gatos y 20 perros, porque odia salir a la calle y ver tantos animalitos sin hogar.

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Abstract

My Deceitful Marquess

(Book 1 Hunting a Nobleman)

Sonia Hearst is one of the many American heiresses of New York, whose family wishes to marry her off to an English nobleman. Her father is Edmund Hearst, the son of a boxer, he worked hard to have a steamboat emporium and amassed a large fortune but he wants the respect of the people. That is why he sends his daughter to London to get a husband with a title that will give him the prestige that his family lacks. Sonia hates the idea. She has always been a willful and stubborn girl who doesn’t want a man who will order her around and will make her unhappy as is the case with most marriages she knows. Sonia wants to live free and single all her life. She doesn’t want to answer to anyone. The problem is that her father wants Sonia to marry immediately, and she didn’t count on meeting a man who would arouse feelings within her that she didn’t want to have. If she wants to be a single woman Sonia can’t afford to fall in love.

Robert Egerton, Marquess of Wilmington is a man accustomed to women and war. Now after fighting for his country and returning home as a decorated hero. He just wants to live a quiet life. He doesn’t want to think about women, He just wants to devote himself to managing the lands that rightfully belong to him because of his title, but he gets a surprise when he returns to England and learns he is in financial ruin. The few lands that remain are about to be lost and Robert is forced to go through the humiliating experience of seeking an heiress to marry. When he meets Sonia, Robert is surprised by her beauty and then by her way of being. Sonia is the complete opposite of the boring young girls he always sees in the dances. So when Sonia makes him a daring proposal he sees the possibility of staying with the woman and the dowry. He doesn’t need to fall in love. But things get out of control and he will have to fight for his newfound love by tooth and nail.

CHAPTER 1

1822

Sonia walked down the stairs when she heard her father’s voice. It’s time. We can’t keep putting it off any longer. When she comes down, I will tell her about my decision.

But you can’t Edmund. If she doesn’t want to do it yet, it’s best to wait. She is still very young, Her mother’s voice sounded annoyed.

I will not change my mind, her father answered sharply.

Sonia appeared in the dining room at that moment. Good evening, Father.

Good evening, my child. We were just talking about you.

Sonia walked up to kiss him on the cheek. I hope it’s good news.

Her father looked guilty. I hope you think so.

Father, you’re scaring me. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong?

Her father settled into the chair. I’ve been talking with your brother and your mother about the trip he has to make to London. There is some business that Edward must see to there. I would like you to go with him and be introduced into society as you will arrive in time for the season. What do you think?

Why should I go to London? Those people are so cold and concerned with appearances and titles. They are as distant as their country.

What is this manner of speaking? You don’t sound like someone who studied at one of the best schools for young ladies.

Sonia lowered her head in dismay. I’m sorry, Father. She looked at her mother who said nothing whenever her father spoke as always. I just have no interest in that country, she said somewhat bored.

You’ll have to find an interest there. Your brother is leaving in a few weeks and you will go with him. You need to get a good husband that will get you a title.

Father, you know that I don’t want to marry into the nobility, much less live in a place that is so humid. A place where the sun hardly ever rises.

You’re at the right age for marriage. For two years now I’ve given you time to decide which one of your suitors you want as a husband. I didn’t want to pressure you, but I don’t want my daughter to become a spinster.

I will not marry anyone! Sonia shouted and stood up from the table.

Where do you think you’re going? He glared at her and before she could escape he grabbed her by the arm. If you want to continue to enjoy all the privileges you have, socializing with high society, wearing expensive clothes and having carte blanche to buy what you want no matter the cost. Then you’d better start thinking about whom to marry. Keep it in mind because I will not support your expensive habits for the rest of your life.

Sonia jerked her arm free and ran up the stairs crying until she reached her room. She pulled open the door so hard that the people were surprised she didn’t rip it out of its hinges.

Sonia’s mother sat at the table wiping her tears. She won’t be forced into doing something. You know our daughter is not like me.

I’m aware of that woman. That is why her brother will go with her and do whatever is necessary.

Do you agree with this? Frances asked her son.

Mother, don’t you see that every day Sonia is more capricious and insufferable? She doesn’t believe that any of the suitors she has are good enough for her and they are from some of New York’s best families.

But you can’t force her! she protested.

And we will not, Mother. Calm down.

I’ll never be calm seeing how my daughter is sold in exchange for a title.

Enough woman! No one asked for your opinion, her husband shouted. This is my decision, and no one has to give an opinion. He left the dinner that had been served.

But Edmund.

Mother, please. Don’t say anything else. You know he gets when you intervene in his affairs.

Frances watched him walk away and wiped away her tears. I don’t know when your father changed so much. I still remember when we first met. We were both poor, but happy, she sighed wearily. Now, he’s a cruel and aggressive man. He makes me feel like a nuisance all the time, her voice cracked.

Edward crouched down until he was face to face with her. He loves you, mother. It’s just that he has many things to think about and Sonia concerns him.

Frances nodded knowing it was not true. She knew about her husband’s wandering ways for some time. Her marriage was just a facade. She didn’t want to embarrass her children. You’re right son. Sometimes I get sensitive. Don’t listen to me. Frances left the table without eating dinner and went to her daughter’s room.

*****

Frances knocked on the door to Sonia’s bedroom, but she didn’t answer. She tried again, but still no answer. Sonia, I just want to talk for a moment. When she saw that nothing was happening Frances turned to leave and at that moment she heard the sound of the bolt opening. Her daughter’s tear-stained face appeared suddenly.

Mother, what am I going to do? Sonia opened the door for her mother to enter.

My child, I tried to talk to your father. But as always, he didn’t listen to me. Frances approached Sonia and hugged her.

I don’t want to go to a country that I don’t know. I won’t have any friends. Nothing will be familiar.

Sonia, Frances took her hands in hers, you know that I adore you, but I think you should think of yourself. You don’t know if you will meet a good man who will love you and treat you well.

You know that people with noble titles only live by appearances and only care about themselves.

Your aunt, Eugenia, married a good man there and although he is not a high society gentleman, he has properties and mingles with people from high society. He is a homely man, and he loves your aunt. Not to mention your cousins, Horatia and Selina, whom you love dearly. He has provided them with an excellent education. It has helped to open doors for them and they have met important people.

My cousins ​​have lived there all their lives. They don’t have to leave their country to marry.

But they did have to live in other cities with their husbands. They see the family occasionally, but they don’t stay with them all the time. Even so, they are happy. Their husbands love them and Horatia is married to a viscount. They will help you. She patted Sonia’s hand. You will not be alone, darling.

I won’t be with you. Sonia’s eyes misted with unshed tears.

Oh, my beautiful girl. Frances hugged her. I will always be there with you. You just have to write me and I will do the same.

It’s not the same as having you by my side, mother.

Well ... we could plan to spend some seasons together. I don’t know if your father will agree, but we could try to see each other during certain months of the year.

You are assuming that I will live there.

Yes. Frances stroked her face. I don’t think that there is a man in all of England who will see you and won’t want to marry you.

I don’t want a man who won’t listen to me. Who will just want to fill me with children and force me to give up everything I love in order to make his own desires a priority.

That doesn’t have to happen, daughter.

"Mother, men are selfish. They show