The Second Lady Southvale

THE SECOND LADY SOUTHVALE
BY

SANDRA HEATH.

PUBLISHED BY ROBERT HALE

ISBN 978-0-7090-8090-9





WASHINGTON 1811.

We are introduced into this regency romance at a fourth of July ball being held at the Carberry Mansion in Washington, by a very wealthy and influential business gentleman, Mr William Carberry.

America and Britain were on the brink of war once again, so when an English Lord was announced into the ball accompanied by the son and the heir of the house, Mr John Carberry, who was somewhat unsteady on his feet, it would be expected to cause quite a stir, which it certainly did.

Lord Southvale smilingly advanced into a somewhat hostile gathering, where a stunned silence had now given way to loud whisperings, seemingly unaware of the tension his arrival had aroused and proceeded to ask Miss Rosalind Carberry, the only daughter of the house, for the pleasure of her company in the next dance.
Mr William Carberry was looking thunderous and staring at his son in almost stunned disbelief. Mr John Carberry now blushing highly, had sobered up quite suddenly.
Lord Southvale was attached to the English Embassy in Washington and was known slightly to the Carberry family.

Rosalind at first was inclined to refuse the English Lord, but looking into his eyes something happened to her and she could not help but dance with him. The dance was to be a minuet and Rosalind was swept away by the feelings of breathlessness and excitement that she experienced by dancing with the English Lord.

Going out onto the terrace with Lord Southvale, against her better judgement, she experienced feelings, which she had never before known, so when he begs her to meet him the next day she agrees to go riding with him. Despite the fact that she knows that her father would be furious, the excitement she feels at the thought of meeting with Lord Southvale again was so overwhelming that she had very little sleep that night.

At breakfast the next morning her father’s anger was unabated and he warned John that unless he stopped drinking and mended his ways he would be asked to leave the family home. Rosalind decided to say nothing of her appointment with Lord Southvale. Unfortunately when she came down the stairs ready for her clandestine assignation with Lord Southvale, her brother was waiting for her and no matter how she tried to dissuade him he was determined to accompany her.

John wanted to talk to her about the ball and his father's anger, knowing the reason for his behaviour Rosalind was gentle with him and gave up trying to make him leave her to ride alone.

When John realises that she has promised to meet Lord Southvale he is very angry and endeavours to dissuade her, she however is determined to keep her secret tryst with the English Lord.

John rides angrily away but warns her that Lord Southvale will break her heart and ruin her life, he gave her no reasons for this warning.

This lovely Regency romance has many twists and much unhappiness is experienced but will true love conquer all and bring a happy ending for Rosalind and her English Lord. Have fun reading this compelling book and find all of the answers.
I happily award this book 5 Roses. AS