Georgie Lee - The Secret Marriage Pact

An improper proposal!

Jane Rathbone is used to being left behind, and no longer believes she deserves happiness. But when childhood friend Jasper Charton returns from the Americas, more dangerously sexy than ever, she has a proposition. She’ll give him the property he needs if he’ll give her a new future—by marrying her!

Jasper never imagined taking a wife, but wonders if loyal Jane could be his redemption. And when their marriage brings tantalizing pleasures, convenient vows blossom into a connection that could heal them both...

‘I must hide.’ Jane rushed to the large wardrobe in the corner, then stopped.

She glanced back and forth between Jasper and the door.

‘If Philip catches me in here he might force us to wed.’

Jasper stopped tucking in his shirt. She didn’t know her brother very well if she thought he would force her into marriage, even after finding her in a compromising situation, but he couldn’t take the chance.

He strode up to her, pulled the shirt over his head and flung it away. ‘I think not.’

He took her by the arm and pulled her against him. She let out a startled squeak as she hit his chest.

‘What are you doing?’ Her fingertips pressed into his flesh, jarring him as much as her.

‘Jane, open this door at once,’ her brother demanded, and the brass knob began to turn.

‘Making sure he sees me as an unsuitable suitor.’ He pressed his lips to hers as the door swung open.

Author Note Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Author Note Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Extract Copyright

When I wrote A Debt Paid in Marriage I had a lot of fun creating Jane. In many ways she is as serious and severe as her brother, Philip Rathbone, but with a naive confidence and a rebellious streak. They are wonderful characteristics that both help her and, at other times, create a number of difficulties. I enjoyed exploring how her old friend—and new husband—Jasper allows her to develop and overcome both these aspects of her personality.

Jane was a familiar character to me, but Jasper was a new surprise. This is the first friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience story that I have written. It was a treat to create Jasper and Jane’s close childhood friendship, to explore the pain and troubles of their eight-year separation and how, despite the passing of time, they still remain close. Jasper sees Jane in a way she cannot view herself, and she does the same for him. Through their relationship they both get a second chance—not only at love but at life. I hope you enjoy this return to the characters from A Debt Paid in Marriage , and if you are new to the Rathbone family I hope you enjoy this story and get a chance to read where it all began.

The Secret Marriage Pact

Georgie Lee

www.millsandboon.co.uk

A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEEhasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent. Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books.

Books by Georgie Lee

Mills & Boon Historical Romance

The Business of Marriage

A Debt Paid in Marriage

A Too Convenient Marriage

The Secret Marriage Pact

The Governess Tales

The Cinderella Governess

Scandal and Disgrace

Rescued from Ruin

Miss Marianne’s Disgrace

Stand-Alone Novels

Engagement of Convenience

The Courtesan’s Book of Secrets

The Captain’s Frozen Dream

Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk.

For Nicola Caws in thanks for valuable guidance and insight into my stories.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text An improper proposal! Jane Rathbone is used to being left behind, and no longer believes she deserves happiness. But when childhood friend Jasper Charton returns from the Americas, more dangerously sexy than ever, she has a proposition. She’ll give him the property he needs if he’ll give her a new future—by marrying her! Jasper never imagined taking a wife, but wonders if loyal Jane could be his redemption. And when their marriage brings tantalizing pleasures, convenient vows blossom into a connection that could heal them both...

Introduction ‘I must hide.’ Jane rushed to the large wardrobe in the corner, then stopped. She glanced back and forth between Jasper and the door. ‘If Philip catches me in here he might force us to wed.’ Jasper stopped tucking in his shirt. She didn’t know her brother very well if she thought he would force her into marriage, even after finding her in a compromising situation, but he couldn’t take the chance. He strode up to her, pulled the shirt over his head and flung it away. ‘I think not.’ He took her by the arm and pulled her against him. She let out a startled squeak as she hit his chest. ‘What are you doing?’ Her fingertips pressed into his flesh, jarring him as much as her. ‘Jane, open this door at once,’ her brother demanded, and the brass knob began to turn. ‘Making sure he sees me as an unsuitable suitor.’ He pressed his lips to hers as the door swung open.

Author Note Author Note Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction Author Note Title Page About the Author Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Extract Copyright When I wrote A Debt Paid in Marriage I had a lot of fun creating Jane. In many ways she is as serious and severe as her brother, Philip Rathbone, but with a naive confidence and a rebellious streak. They are wonderful characteristics that both help her and, at other times, create a number of difficulties. I enjoyed exploring how her old friend—and new husband—Jasper allows her to develop and overcome both these aspects of her personality. Jane was a familiar character to me, but Jasper was a new surprise. This is the first friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience story that I have written. It was a treat to create Jasper and Jane’s close childhood friendship, to explore the pain and troubles of their eight-year separation and how, despite the passing of time, they still remain close. Jasper sees Jane in a way she cannot view herself, and she does the same for him. Through their relationship they both get a second chance—not only at love but at life. I hope you enjoy this return to the characters from A Debt Paid in Marriage , and if you are new to the Rathbone family I hope you enjoy this story and get a chance to read where it all began.

Title Page The Secret Marriage Pact Georgie Lee www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author A lifelong history buff, GEORGIE LEE hasn’t given up hope that she will one day inherit a title and a manor house. Until then she fulfils her dreams of lords, ladies and a Season in London through her stories. When not writing, she can be found reading non-fiction history or watching any film with a costume and an accent. Please visit georgie-lee.com to learn more about Georgie and her books. Books by Georgie Lee Mills & Boon Historical Romance The Business of Marriage A Debt Paid in Marriage A Too Convenient Marriage The Secret Marriage Pact The Governess Tales The Cinderella Governess Scandal and Disgrace Rescued from Ruin Miss Marianne’s Disgrace Stand-Alone Novels Engagement of Convenience The Courtesan’s Book of Secrets The Captain’s Frozen Dream Visit the Author Profile page at millsandboon.co.uk .