EXCERPT

Wed Him Before You Bed Him, #6

Don’t Bargain with the Devil, #5

Let Sleeping Rogues Lie, #4

Beware a Scot’s Revenge, #3

Only a Duke Will Do, #2

Never Seduce a Scoundrel, #1

• I've always had a thing for sexy magicians. Then I saw The Illusionist, and I couldn't help myself--I had to create a magician hero! I had great fun doing the research. I discovered Giuseppe Pinetti in The Lives of the Conjurors and a site about card conjuring history, and used a bunch of his magic tricks in Diego's act. I also found a site that explained various old style tricks, among other resources. I had so much fun coming up with his tricks! I made sure I understood how just about every trick could be done before I put it in the book.

• Sadly, I had NO trouble finding out about the Battle of La Coruna, and the tragic march that led up to it. Some of the stories were so heart-wrenching. Women and children really did die by the side of the road on that march. 

• I was even able to find out info about licensing practices at the time. I love Google Books.

Things at the school have been quite hectic lately, with my young ladies marrying at a dizzying pace. Poor Lucy Seton, however, one of my favorite graduates, has had a difficult year ever since that scoundrel Peter Burnes broke her heart by choosing a rich heiress for his betrothed. That is why I asked her to step in when one of my less reliable teachers quit without notice. Lucy will be teaching drawing at the school until I find a replacement.

I can only hope that keeping her busy will distract her from her troubles. At least now she fully understands what I have been drilling into my students from the beginning—any man who puts his purse above his heart is not worth the having. It is very important for these young ladies to separate the fawning fortune-hunters from the genuine gentlemen. Young women are so easily swayed by flattery. They do not always see the glint of avarice in a young man’s eye.

I do wish that she hadn’t had to learn this lesson the hard way, however. She is such a passionate young woman—I would hate to think that the dreadful Burnes has broken her spirit. If anyone deserves to find love, it is young Lucy. Her loyalty to her friends—and to my school—demonstrates her fine character. I only wish I could find a man good enough for her. And now that this Diego Montalvo is sniffing around her, I am truly worried.

Perhaps I should ask Cousin Michael, my anonymous benefactor, for his advice in the matter. Or perhaps not. His letters have been rather sharp of late. I don’t know quite what to make of him.

But one way or the other, I intend to see Lucy Seton happily settled. What sort of friend and instructor would I be if I did not?

Most sincerely yours,
Charlotte Harris
Owner and headmistress
Mrs. Harris’s School for Young Ladies