Never Run From Love (Kellington Book Four) (40 page)

And Madame Thurmond was confident of her continued
freedom after the mysterious death of Mr. Bleaker in Newgate prison.

The members of Clinch’s white slavery ring were
rounded up and convicted.  And while it was a victory for justice, Stapleton
reminded everyone it was only a matter of time before some other villains took
their place.

Because evil was too often delayed, rather than
defeated.

Two nights after the betrothal announcement appeared
in the papers, a very exclusive party was held at Lynwood House.  All of the
Kellingtons were there, including Aunt Prue and her companion Mariah.  The
guest of honor, Melanie Sutton was in attendance, along with her aunt, uncle
and cousin.  The newly married Richard Parker and Anne were there, and while
Anne was initially reluctant to socialize with those she still considered her
betters, it took little time for Lizzie, Jane and Vanessa to convince her she
was truly among friends. 

Joseph Stapleton was also in attendance and it was
he who brought the cigars out to the terrace after dinner where Liam, Ned,
Arthur, Hal and Marcus, Lizzie’s husband, were drinking their brandy.

“Excellent,” said Liam, as he held the cigar under his
nose.  “From the Americas, correct?”

“From Cuba, specifically,” said Stapleton as he
accepted a light from Arthur.  “They were part of the Cassandra’s cargo. We
found them in the warehouse and couldn’t let them go to waste.”

“Certainly not,” agreed Ned, as he stretched out his
legs.  “What will happen to the Cassandra and the Amber Moon?  I’m sure no one
is eager to come forward and claim ownership.”

“The Crown took possession, then sold them at a
discount,” said Stapleton.

“Did the East India Company buy them?” asked Ned.

“No, your sister did,” said Marcus.  “Lizzie decided
those ships would fit nicely with her new plan, one she’s been making with
Jane, Vanessa, Miss Sutton and Mrs. Parker.”

“Good God,” said Ned.  “That doesn’t sound good.”

“My wife has decided to help Miss Sutton in her work
by transporting women to the Americas where they can start new lives.  The
venture will be financed by importing goods, like this fine tobacco.”

“Melanie told me Lady Mary is interested in helping
out,” said Hal.  “She even talks of going to America herself.”

Liam studied his youngest brother.  “Your Miss
Sutton has been a good influence on a great many people.”

“Especially me,” said Hal with a grin.

“Without a doubt,” said Liam.  “Though I believe
your biggest influence came from within.  Therefore I propose a toast to our
youngest brother.  He has lived up to his storied name.”

“You mean the excesses of Henry VIII?” asked Hal.

“No,” said Liam.  “The courage of Henry V.   The
king who led armies in victory had nothing on the man who stormed the Amber
Moon.  To our brother.”  Liam and the others raised a glass.  “A leader of
men.”

They drank.

“Formerly a seducer of women,” said Arthur, as he
took another swig.

“Was that truly necessary?” asked Liam.

“I said ‘former’,” replied Arthur.

Stapleton smiled at the brothers’ camaraderie.  “All
I know is that for the past several months, I have watched Kellingtons – and
Riverton – succumb to marriage one by one.  Lynwood, you and I are the only
ones left in an unwedded state.”

“If you’re looking,” said Marcus with a grin, “my
wife will only be too happy to find you a wife.”

“No, thank you,” said Stapleton.  “I shall remain a
bachelor for the foreseeable future.”

“What about you, Liam?” asked Ned.  “The pressure to
wed will only increase for you now.  I’m sure the mamas will not let you out of
their sight.  Any plans on how to avoid them?”

“As a matter of fact I do have one.”  Liam took a generous
sip of his drink.  “I’m getting married.” 

About the Author

Maureen Driscoll is an Emmy-nominated television
writer based in Los Angeles whose credits include “The Dish” on the Style
Network, “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and Nickelodeon’s “BrainSurge.”  She is also a
former recipient of a Walt Disney Studios screenwriting fellowship, where she
wrote a romantic comedy based on her rather painful divorce.  The script didn’t
make it to the big screen, but it did teach her a few things about happily ever
after.

Before moving to Hollywood, Maureen spent nearly a
decade working on Capitol Hill.  Her novel DATING GEORGE CLOONEY is a political
satire inspired by those years. 

She is currently working on Liam’s book, the fifth in
the Kellington series.  Please find her on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and
MaureenDriscollRomance.wordpress.com.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the following for volunteering their
names:  Linda Thurmond DeCristofaro, Angela Adams Dupuis, Christy Roe Eller,
Anitra Evans, Unnamed Washington Lawyer, Sherry Kinne, Terry Parrish, Sean
Pendergrass, LeeAnn Platner, Sonia Reyes, Loreen Robinson, and Aurelia White. 
If I didn’t get to you this time….I will in the future.

As always, my heartfelt thanks to the amazing
Melanie Friedman at Bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com for being the first to
believe in me and for giving me the encouragement to keep going.  She also lent
Hal’s love interest her name, which was much appreciated.

Thank you so much to Barb Drozdowich for her
terrific work at Indie Book Promo and Jennifer Porter at Romance Novel News for
giving me a chance.  And I couldn’t do this without Linda Thurmond DeCristofaro
who keeps me wanting to be crafty at Somethinfromnothinblog; Terree Nelson
Lyman who expands my TBR list at Thewindowseat13.blogspot.com; Amal Chaaban,
journalist at large; Anitra Evans, ultimate Duck fan; and Janice Minsberg,
all-around great egg.  Jennifer Omner at Allpublications.com did another
amazing cover and makes this so much fun, and author John Heldt was always
there to lend his support.

My wonderful readers were always there when I needed
a push to get going or give me a laugh, and you have no idea how much that
means.  I know a lot of you are writers.  But whatever your dream is that
you’ve maybe shoved into a corner of your life, it’s time to bring it out front
and center and make it a reality.  If I did it, so can you.

Finally, it all comes down to my mom.  Thank you for
a lifetime of love and encouragement.  Although this book’s so naughty, I don’t
think you get to read it.  Maybe Liam’s will be more tame.

But then, maybe not.  Liam and Rosalind have been
waiting a long time.  I suspect they want to celebrate.  Often and wherever
they can.

Copyright © 2012, by Maureen Driscoll

Cover design by Jennifer Omner, Allpublications.com

Author photo by JBC Images, JBCimages.com

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the
Author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

It is also a violation of copyright law to place any
copyrighted document on a file sharing service without express permission from
the author.

This is a work of fiction.  Any similarities to persons
living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are strictly
coincidental.