Out of publication! Soft cover edition available via AD: In 1788, a Russian court intrigue, begun 45 years earlier by one Empress, affects the marriage of an Englishwoman and a Russian nobleman whose fate lies in the hands of that Empress' successor.
The Blurb: In 1788, Count Stropov and his friend, Prince Boro, trail an elusive thief all over Europe. A chance encounter with an English damsel in distress leads them onto a detour: they wager who will be the first to seduce the beauty. Instantly, Count Stropov decides he will claim the beautiful Leonora. Stropov's loyalty belongs to his Russian Empress. Leonora's obligations tie her to her English home. Both are duty-driven and passionate. Thrown together into perilous situations, Stropov and Leonora develop a mutual infatuation. He holds her in his sway because her father gambled unwisely. She holds his fate in her hands ever since he first saw her. Secrets from the past cast their shadows. Present dangers lurk. Stropov and Leonora's stormy relationship turns into more than an interlude, but can they defy the odds stacked so high against them? Both have courage. Both are honorable. Both lack trust. Yet, if tulips can miraculously bloom in winter, perhaps their love can survive even the perils that await them in the heart of icy Russia.
Note: this book is out of publication..you may order your copy from me directly if you wish...please send me a message indicating interest.
Thanks,
Gina
Excerpt
At that moment the sound of fast approaching footsteps cut through the silence. Before the footmen flanking the door could react, a man, clad in a scarlet cloak and silver studded riding boots, strode into the dining room. Beads of perspiration pearled upon a low brow beneath an abundance of black, curling hair. A wild look in his dark eyes, he stood for a mere second until he spotted the Prince who, at the commotion, turned in his chair.
"Venganza é mia. Morirai!" yelled the intruder, flung his cloak back over one shoulder, raised his sword, and lunged toward the Prince.
The footmen sprang to attention, rushing after the stranger; however, he stopped in his tracks even before they could grab him. A stunned expression upon his swarthy face, he dropped his weapon and gripped his right arm. Buried to their hilts, two daggers stuck in his flesh; one, just below his collarbone, the other above his biceps. Blood seeped through the sleeve of his ruffled, white shirtwaist.
With an outcry of alarm, Leonora jumped to her feet. The rash motion toppled her chair. Heedless, she stood and watched the Count who had reacted faster yet. Stropov deftly disarmed the Italian, while the shame-faced footmen hovered to await his orders.
"Sapristi!" A glance filled with loathing at the Prince, who righted Leonora's chair and gently prompted her to regain her seat, accompanied the curse. One last fierce gesture of defiance from the wounded man, and the moment of peril had passed. Overcome, he submitted to his captors. At Count Stropov's command, they led him away.
Stropov turned to his guests. "I beg your pardon, monsieur, mademoiselle. A slight mishap. Pray, do disregard the interruption. It is of no consequence."
Of no consequence? Leonora released a deep breath and remembered her father. He appeared as dumbfounded as she. What had just happened? Still bewildered, she watched the footmen drag the intruder from the room. The Prince hadn't even shown an interest, and Count Stropov signaled to lackeys who hastened to fill the wine glasses.
"What ever was that all about?" she murmured more to herself than to anyone in particular.
Boro heard and smiled at her. "I am not certain, but one might guess it was a case of mistaken identity. No true harm done. I beg your pardon, mademoiselle, and hope the incident hasn't spoilt your appetite."
"I admire your sang-froid, mon prince. The man...you disabled him so swiftly. Those daggers! How did you do it?"
"Oh!" Boro's lips twitched in amusement. "You would not want me to reveal all of my secrets, chérie, would you?"
"Not all." She shook her head and slanted him a glance filled with understanding. "Just this one!"
His laughter rang with genuine delight. Leonora found herself smiling.
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