Cornwall Brides

Book Two

REBECCA CONNOLLY

Also by

Rebecca Connolly

The Arrangements:

An Arrangement of Sorts

Married to the Marquess

Secrets of a Spinster

The London League:

The Lady and the Gent

A Rogue About Town

By Hook or by Rook

The Spinster Chronicles:

The Merry Lives of Spinsters

The Spinster and I

Spinster and Spice

Agents of the Convent:

Fortune Favors the Sparrow

The Ears Have It

Cornwall Brides:

Something Old

Text copyright © 2021 by Rebecca Connolly

Cover art copyright © 2021 by Rebecca Connolly

Cover art by Tugboat Design

All rights reserved. Published by Phase Publishing, LLC. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

Phase Publishing, LLC first paperback edition

November 2021

ISBN 978-1-952103-38-4

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021921152

Cataloging-in-Publication Data on file.

Acknowledgements

For Poldark, whose stirring cinematography and honoring of Cornwall’s culture and beauties captivated me from the first and started me on my love affair with that part of the world. Still and always a favorite.

And for Jess, Kasey, Ashley, and Amy, who doubted I’d do this, for helping me plot dancing in the fog. Which is the new thing. Officially.

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Chapter One

Chapter One

Harrison, Lord Basset, was engaged to be married.

The announcement would have shocked any who knew him, and likely over half the members of polite Society, but there could be no doubt that it was true. The papers had been signed and the parties informed.

He was getting married, and soon. In four weeks, to be exact, barring any particular obstructions to the occasion. He did not foresee any, given the eager manner with which his intended’s father had agreed to the terms Harrison had set out in the contract. Not to mention his own worth, being a man of great fortune who had descended from an ancient and distinguished line, and who was in possession of a grand estate in Cornwall.

And as the young lady was of a fine lineage and breeding, her refinement renowned, her reputation impeccable, there could be no objections from any other quarter.

Now he only had to meet her.

Given Harrison had no sentimental notions of affection, romance, or even companionship when it came to marriage, the entire idea of courtship hadn’t seemed necessary in the endeavor. Reputation and family connections would give him a fair enough idea of the lady’s nature and quality, and he knew enough people in Society to be warned off of the harridans and fortune hunters. He didn’t mind spinsters, bluestockings, or those who came from reduced circumstances so long as they met his required family criteria, were fair enough in appearance, and were considered accomplished.