The Secret Lover (Rogues of Regent Street, Book 6) by Julia London

Julia London captivated readers and critics alike with her acclaimed Rogues of Regent Street trilogy. Now the nationally bestselling author Romantic Times calls a rising star returns with the passionate story of a man and a woman pursued by secrets, shadowed by scandal, and surprised by love... Eight years after fleeing England in the wake of a terrible scandal, Sophie Dane is no longer the trusting debutante betrayed by love. Now as companion to a worldly French widow, she returns to London where her arrival instantly sets tongues wagging...and attracts the roving eye of aristocratic Trevor Hamilton. But it is his mysterious brother, Caleb, in whom Sophie senses a kindred soul-and who captivates her as no other man has before. Reared on the continent, Caleb has come home to his ailing father-only to be shunned by society as a fortune-hunting imposter. Sophie, alone, seems to believe in him. But an unexpected series of events sets them both in flight once more. As scandal pursues them to a remote ancestral estate, a man and a woman haunted by the past will defy every convention on earth for a future in each other's arms... Editorial Reviews From Publishers Weekly London (The Beautiful Stranger, etc.) paints a vibrant portrait of early Victorian-era life in this witty, absorbing offering. After an eight-year absence, plain Sophie Dane reluctantly returns to London, where her name is synonymous with scandal due to her decision to elope against her family's wishes and then divorce her abusive husband not long after. Sophie has come as a companion to her flamboyant friend, Honorine, and though she tries to keep a low profile, she quickly becomes embroiled in a situation fraught with scandal potential. While visiting the park, Sophie befriends Caleb Hamilton, a man of questionable lineage, who lightens her heart. At the same time, Caleb's arrogant half-brother, Trevor, suddenly begins courting Sophie, but his attentions unsettle her, especially when she learns that Trevor has forbidden Caleb from seeing their ailing father, Lord Hamilton. The tempo reaches a gallop when Trevor announces his betrothal to Sophie before even asking her, Honorine whisks Lord Hamilton to his country estate and Sophie and Caleb flee London with Trevor in hot pursuit. London's fast-paced narrative is peopled with colorful characters, but her dialogue can be over-the-top (Let me breathe you, let me fill my soul with you once more). Sophie's growth into a strong, admirable heroine is inspirational nevertheless and not without its fair share of thrills. (May 7) Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist After eloping with a man who turned out to be interested only in her fortune, then divorcing the scoundrel, Sophie Dane is sent off to the Continent, where she becomes a companion to Honorine Fortier. Now eight years after Sophie shocked the ton, Honorine announces her intent to visit London. Sophie hopes to keep her return to English society quiet, but when she finds herself attracted to mysterious, handsome Caleb, the illegitimate half-brother of nobleman Trevor, who also happens to be courting her, Sophie once again finds her love life has all of London gossiping. The youngest sister of Julian, the hero of London's The Ruthless Charmer (2000), Sophie is remarkably engaging. Bedeviled by her own insecurities and confused about what she wants out of life, she comes across as a real person. And when London pairs her up with a hero who knows a thing or two about being ostracized, then mixes in appealingly eccentric secondary characters, a bit of danger and suspense, and some nice touches of humor, the result is one delightfully imaginative romance. John Charles Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved Review London's fast-paced narrative is peopled with colorful characters...Sophie's growth into a strong, admirable heroine is inspirational and not without its fair share of thrills. ...Publishers Weekly Sophie is remarkably engaging. Bedeviled by her own insecurities and confused about what she wants out of life, she comes across as a real person. And when London pairs her up with a hero who knows a thing or two about being ostracized, then mixes in appealingly eccentric secondary characters, a bit of danger and suspense, and some nice touches of humor, the result is one delightfully imaginative romance.-Booklist Within the confines of a passionate romance, Ms. London infuses mainstream themes such as parental abuse, familial ties, friendship, and the power of love. She does this with skill and compassion, winning this reader's respect and admiration.-Romantic Times From the Inside Flap captivated readers and critics alike with her acclaimed Rogues of Regent Street trilogy. Now the nationally bestselling author Romantic Times calls ?a rising star? returns with the passionate story of a man and a woman pursued by secrets, shadowed by scandal, and surprised by love? Eight years after fleeing England in the wake of a terrible scandal, Sophie Dane is no longer the trusting debutante betrayed by love. Now as companion to a worldly French widow, she returns to London where her arrival instantly sets tongues wagging?and attracts the roving eye of aristocratic Trevor Hamilton. But it is his mysterious brother, Caleb, in whom Sophie senses a kindred soul--and who captivates her as no other man has before. Reared on the continent, Caleb has come home to his ailing father--only to be shunned by society as a fortune-hunting imposter. Sophie, alone, seems to believe in him. But an unexpected series of events sets them both in f From the Back Cover Julia London captivated readers and critics alike with her acclaimed Rogues of Regent Street trilogy. Now the nationally bestselling author Romantic Times calls a rising star returns with the passionate story of a man and a woman pursued by secrets, shadowed by scandal, and surprised by love... Eight years after fleeing England in the wake of a terrible scandal, Sophie Dane is no longer the trusting debutante betrayed by love. Now as companion to a worldly French widow, she returns to London where her arrival instantly sets tongues wagging...and attracts the roving eye of aristocratic Trevor Hamilton. But it is his mysterious brother, Caleb, in whom Sophie senses a kindred soul--and who captivates her as no other man has before. Reared on the continent, Caleb has come home to his ailing father--only to be shunned by society as a fortune-hunting imposter. Sophie, alone, seems to believe in him. But an unexpected series of events sets them both in flight once more. As scandal pursues them to a remote ancestral estate, a man and a woman haunted by the past will defy every convention on earth for a future in each other's arms... About the Author Julia London was raised on a ranch in West Texas, where she spent her formative years in the middle of vast wheat fields driving a tractor at the reckless speed of five mph. In spite of her humble beginnings, Julia went on to earn a degree in government and eventually landed in Washington, D.C. There for nine years, Julia had her brush with greatness when one day she actually shared an elevator with a senator from Iowa. She eventually returned to Texas and now lives in Austin with two enormous Labrador retrievers. Wicked Angel is Julia's second book and a sequel to her first, The Devil's Love. Julia is currently working on her next book for Dell. Excerpt. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Prologue London, England, 1836 Sophie could scarcely hear what Stella was saying; her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears and filling her throat that it was difficult to even breathe. It was bitterly cold, so cold that every bruise on her body seemed to throb with eager vengeance. But it was precisely that throbbing pain which forced her to put one foot in front of the other, to keep moving down the walkway, calmly, despite an inner voice warning her to turn back. Turn 'round, turn 'round, turn 'round! It's not too late! He'll not know you attempted to escape if you turn 'round now! Ooh, milady! That'd be his lordship Allenwhite just ahead! What are we to do? Stella whispered frantically. Sophie lifted her gaze, saw the portly gentleman walking briskly toward them. Instinctively, she lifted her chin, wincing at the pain in her jaw where she had been struck just that morning. We shall say good day and keep walking, she said low, ignoring her maid's fearful grip of her fingers. Lady Stanwood, how do you do? the man asked, pausing to tip his hat. I am very well my lord, thank you. Stella's grip tightened painfully. You'll forgive my manners for hurrying past, sir, but I am quite overdue for an appointment with my modiste, and I confess, I'm rather chilled to the bone. Allenwhite seemed almost relieved, gave her a curt nod. Yes, indeed, a nasty day to be abroad. I'll not keep you, my lady. Good day, my lord. She continued walking, pulling Stella along, her step quickening in time to her pounding heart. She would not allow herself to look back, would allow herself nothing but to stare straight ahead. They were almost there. It was too fantastic to believe, but they were almost there. Almost free. They rounded the corner onto Bond Street, felt a respite from the wind. Where was Claudia? Sophie's heart plummeted into the pool of her fear-Claudia was not there. She had promised to meet them at the corner of Audley and Bond streets! Had something happened to her? Julian! Julian had discovered their plan and stopped Claudia from coming! The panic spread thick in Sophie's throat. No. No! She could not come so close and be denied! It was so unfair! God! Frantic, she glanced furtively over her shoulder-Lord Allenwhite had continued on, his head down, oblivious to her and Stella. How long would it be before someone asked him if he had seen her? Sophie fumbled anxiously with her cloak, pushing it open so she could stare at the small watch pinned to her breast. Five minutes past two o'clock. Claudia was five minutes late. She was not coming. By the saints, what could have become of Lady Kettering? Ooh, there's something amiss, I feel it in me bones! Stella squeaked, gripping Sophie's arm tighter still. Unable to assure Stella they would indeed succeed, Sophie swallowed and stared at the deserted corner of Audley and Bond Street. The words simply would not come, smothered by the weight of her heart, now lodged in her throat along with the fear and the biting dis- appointment . . . and an insane sense of relief. It is over. Her little fantasy of escape was over. It was foolish to have thought she might have succeeded. There was nothing left but to turn around now, hurry home before William discovered what she had almost . . . No! She would not allow herself to think what he might do. She would simply hurry home now, before she was forced to imagine it. She would find another way out of this nightmare, surely. Or perhaps she would live with the consequence of her foolishness all the rest of her days. Tears suddenly blinded her, and Sophie looked again at her watch. Seven minutes past. Claudia was not coming. She should have known it was impossible. She should have realized there would be no escape from the private hell she had created for herself. Sophie blinked, felt the tears freeze on her lashes. Huddled beside her, Stella was frightened unto death. Sophie opened her mouth to tell her they would go back now, end this silly escapade, but a hack careened around the corner of Bond Street onto Audley before she could speak. Her heart swelled; Stella turned, too, just as Claudia flung open the door ahead of the coachman and leapt to the ground. She glanced quickly up the street and then down, her gaze landing on Sophie and Stella several yards away. She began walking purposefully toward them. Sophie's heart filled to almost bursting. Freedom! For the first time in several months, she could taste the sweetness of freedom mix with the acidity of fear.