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CHAPTER 1

London, 1875

Sarah Rose Hood was in love with her husband She was almost sure of it

Jaood care of her in the twoa home and servants and new dresses She loved him Surely

And she feared him Just a tiny bit

“I’ll be late, I’loves froed them on “Hanover ant to discuss the provisions of the new bill, and you kno he tends to go on”

Sarah nodded as if she did

“You needn’t wait up” His rich voice traveled in waves over her skin as he leaned down to brush a kiss against her cheek “Good night, Sarah”

She had to hide a shiver at his touch “Good night,” she returned, still breathing in the strange spice of his soap

Strange That was the best word to describe her feelings of late It was decidedly strange to live in such intie to be so abruptly picked up froentlee and everything that entailed

Not that she hadn’t wanted to marry James She had craved it, but

When she heard the front door close, Sarah shook her head and rose to her feet to ring for dinner The hts Jaed her to invite friends over to keep her coave her ti the way a wife ought to and filling her time with appropriate activities

Theticked by in peaceful silence, and Sarah spent the rest of her evening curled in a chair in the cozy parlor, sipping wine as she soaked up the dra was her greatest indulgence, and Jaed her to spend as much as she pleased at her favorite bookshop Another reason she was certain she must love him

The new novel proved far too delicious, and the wine as well When Sarah looked up fro storms, she realized that it was after ten and past time to ready for bed When she rose too quickly, her head sooziness

“Oh, lass of wine too many Or two

She wobbled a bit as she ht for the stairs Thank God James hadn’t come home early to find her drunk And thank God he’d hired her a quick and capable lady’s s freed Sarah froht embrace of her corset The deep breath she drew sent sparks floating before her eyes