“Who knew the two of you would be such unabashed lovebirds?” Cass asked with a happy smile. “I can hardly believe my eyes. I go off on my honeymoon trip and miss every bit of the excitement.”

The back door of the house opened and Daphne Swift came hurrying out.

Cass turned to her sister-in-law. “Good morning, Daphne. Is something the matter?”

Daphne clasped her hands together. “Good morning, everyone.” She bobbed a quick curtsy to the group at large, then she turned her attention to her brother, her teeth tugging her bottom lip. “Julian, there’s something I must tell you.” Her voice shook a little.

Concern flitted across Julian’s features. “What is it, Daphne?”

Daphne slowly smoothed her pink skirts. “Remember that time I asked you for a favor? You promised me there’d be no questions asked?”

Julian’s face took on a thunderous expression. “That was a long time ago, last autumn if I remember correctly.”

Daphne absently tugged at the neck of her gown. “It seems that I…”

“Yes?” Cass prompted, concern written across her face.

Daphne took a deep breath. “It just so happens…”

“Go on,” Lucy prompted this time. Like the others, she was perched on the edge of her seat.

Daphne glanced away. “It seems I may be legally married to Captain Cavendish and I need your help to get an annulment.”

Lucy made a strangled sort of squeaking noise.

Jane turned to Cass with wide eyes. “What were you saying about missing all the excitement?”

Thank you for reading The Unlikely Lady! I hope you enjoyed Jane and Garrett’s story. These two were so much fun to write!

I’d love to keep in touch.

• Reviews help other readers find books. I appreciate all reviews whether positive or negative. Thank you so much for considering it!

Coming soon…

Look for the next novel of delightful romance by

VALERIE BOWMAN

The Irresistible Rogue

Available in November 2015 from St. Martin’s Paperbacks

About the Author

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valerie Bowman grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dog, Roo. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, travelling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com, or sign up for email updates here.

Also by Valerie Bowman

ALSO BY VALERIE BOWMAN

The Accidental Countess

The Unexpected Duchess

Secrets of a Scandalous Marriage

Secrets of a Runaway Bride

Secrets of a Wedding Night

NOVELLAS

A Secret Proposal

A Secret Affair

It Happened Under the Mistletoe

ANTHOLOGY

Christmas Brides

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