The Sinful Count

By Amaya Evans

Angustias Walton is a beautiful girl that dresses like a crow; always wearing black or dressed in unflattering colors like a mourning widow. Even though she is only 18 years old, her old-fashioned hairstyle and hair tensely brushed to the point of pain makes her look like an old lady. Her entire life her mother has been telling her that she was born in sin and taught her an excessive love towards religion. At the same time, Angustias grew up in fear of the despicable passions that come from useless feelings like love. Because of it, she is afraid of this emotion and of anything caused by it. She doesn't want to get married but against her wishes, Angustias is sent by her uncles to London with the purpose of finding a husband. She accepts obediently despite her own desires. She leaves her hometown not knowing that she would find the source of her biggest sorrows and maybe... love.

Isaac St. John is a promiscuous count from Beaufort. He is a man known as a misogynist that has had too many women in his life. Due to his reputation, he is no longer invited by mothers to social meetings. They don’t bother to introduce their daughters to him in the hopes of marriage anymore. On an ordinary day, while Isaac was visiting his friends home, the Marquess and Marchioness of Wilmington, Isaac meets a plain looking young lady dressed with terrible taste. On top of that, she has an unpleasant way of contradicting everything he says. They disliked each other from her first spoken word, but as time passes Isaac starts to see under her horrible appearance. He begins to have feelings for her without exactly knowing how. That is when difficulties for Isaac begin. Because of his growing interest concerning Miss Walton’s wellbeing, his life will change forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amaya Evans
• Release date: May 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781547528936

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.

Book preview

Abstract

The Sinful Count

(Book 2 Hunting a Nobleman)

Angustias Walton is a beautiful girl that dresses like a crow; always wearing black or dressed in unflattering colors like a mourning widow. Even though she is only 18 years old, her old-fashioned hairstyle and hair tensely brushed to the point of pain makes her look like an old lady. Her entire life her mother has been telling her that she was born in sin and taught her an excessive love towards religion. At the same time, Angustias grew up in fear of the despicable passions that come from useless feelings like love. Because of it, she is afraid of this emotion and of anything caused by it. She doesn't want to get married but against her wishes, Angustias is sent by her uncles to London with the purpose of finding a husband. She accepts obediently despite her own desires. She leaves her hometown not knowing that she would find the source of her biggest sorrows and maybe... love.

Isaac St. John is a promiscuous count from Beaufort. He is a man known as a misogynist that has had too many women in his life. Due to his reputation, he is no longer invited by mothers to social meetings. They don’t bother to introduce their daughters to him in the hopes of marriage anymore. On an ordinary day, while Isaac was visiting his friends home, the Marquess and Marchioness of Wilmington, Isaac meets a plain looking young lady dressed with terrible taste. On top of that, she has an unpleasant way of contradicting everything he says. They disliked each other from her first spoken word, but as time passes Isaac starts to see under her horrible appearance. He begins to have feelings for her without exactly knowing how. That is when difficulties for Isaac begin. Because of his growing interest concerning Miss Walton’s wellbeing, his life will change forever.

CHAPTER 1

Angustias was visiting the home of her friend Sonia, who had recently become the Marchioness of Wilmington. They were absorbed in a discussion about Sonia’s plans. She had ideas for a project in which she would create a school for low-income people. Where they would learn basic but important subjects like reading and writing, along with a trade that would allow them to choose a different path than becoming thieves or prostitutes. The marchioness had realized that helping those people by providing them basic skills would give them the necessary tools to start a better life. Her husband Robert agreed with her idea and had given her a small piece of land that he had acquired in an auction. Now she was encouraging Angustias to take an interest and join the project.

I love the idea. I am so bored here. I am always attending meeting after meeting or one ball after the other, but I would love to do something more productive and help people that don’t have the same opportunities that we do. I think it’s an ideal initiative, and very Christian too, as we would be helping our neighbors, Angustias said proudly and touched the rosary that was always around her neck.

Sonia tried not to roll her eyes. I have spoken to my dressmaker, and she has agreed to teach a few hours a week during the months she has less work. She also recommended a good friend of hers. A widow that has some need for money, who could also teach sewing. It seems that this woman sews beautifully and is interested in the salary that we can pay her.

Who is going to teach writing and reading?

That is where we come in. I wanted to ask if you are free on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday? You could help me with the reading. While I do my best with the writing until we can find someone that will do the work without charging us too much.

Yes, right now there is no money to pay for a qualified teacher, Angustias replied worriedly.

A knock on the door surprised them both.

Good afternoon, beautiful ladies, said a voice Angustias was now used to hearing. It was the Count of Beaufort. The man had become her own personal nightmare in a short period of time. Angustias had hated him since the day they met, but couldn’t help seeing him in her dreams every night. That day he arrived elegantly dressed as always. His black hair radiated an aura of superiority. It was well-trimmed, perfumed and at the height of fashion. His grey eyes were as cold as he was. They were staring at her with disrespect and mocked her. Despite her resistance to admitting the truth to herself, the count was a handsome man. He had an oval face, hawkish nose, full lips and a strong chin.

Oh, Isaac! I think you have read my mind. Come in, darling! It’s good to see you. Sonia welcomed the newcomer with an extended hand. Which he took gallantly to kiss.

You grow more beautiful every day, my lady. What is your husband’s secret?

He loves me and you know what they say. Love makes a woman beautiful.

Isaac agreed and then turned towards Angustias. Good afternoon, dear Miss Walton.

Lord Beaufort, Angustias answered, looking at him like he was a disgusting cockroach when she saw his useless attempt to give her a charming smile.

What a miracle it is to see you at the house of the marchioness. Angustias knew that he was sarcastically addressing her frequent visits to Sonia´s house.

I was invited by the Marchioness and I don’t usually decline the invitation of a good friend. I would never dream of showing up uninvited like other people do. Angustias smiled sweetly.

I imagine you would never do such a thing. Beaufort looked her up and down. Angustias realized he was saying it because he considered her of such low importance. He couldn’t conceive that she could impose her presence anywhere.

Angustias stood up from her chair immediately. Sonia, I think we should leave our unfinished talk for another day.

Oh, but why? I thought you would stay for dinner.

I just remembered that my uncle is arriving tonight. It would be rude to miss the occasion.

Sonia knew she was leaving because of Isaac and gave him an annoyed look. He seemed to regret his attitude and apologized. Miss Walton, if I have offended you in any way, I ask for your forgiveness.

Don’t worry my lord. You would never make me feel offended. You are not important enough. Angustias was irritated. When she realized the impertinent answer that she gave Angustias covered her mouth. I am sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.

Sonia was surprised by their attitude. Maybe this display of contempt was a sign of deeper feelings between them.

Please, don’t say anything else. It’s my fault, Isaac said, his gaze changing for the first time. It transformed from his usual humiliating stare into a bold look.

Please, Angustias, stay and have dinner with us. You too, Isaac. You both know I enjoy your company very much.

Isaac bowed gallantly. Your wish is my command.

Your uncle can wait to see you. Remember our plans must be ready today so we can start working.

Angustias sighed and agreed. All right.

What plans are you talking about? Isaac was suddenly curious.

We are planning a school for people from the lower classes. We will teach writing, reading, and several trades.

I may have heard something.

Well, Angustias and I are acquiring help and organizing our schedules to collaborate. We will teach reading and writing.

A truly noble act, commented Isaac.

My wife is a woman with multiple virtues, Beaufort. I have no other choice but to agree with everything she asks for, Robert said as he entered the room.

Oh, darling. It´s so good to have you here. Sonia rushed to welcome him. Angustias witnessed their love in the way that they looked at each other. It was obvious that the marquess adored his wife.

I see you have hired some teachers. Robert picked up his wife’s hand and gently kissed it.

We have found more women than men that are willing to teach. In fact, it worries me a little. There are a lot of young men interested in becoming footmen, bakers and so on. But so far I haven’t found people to teach them.

"I can help you with that. I know a good man