I am so excited to feature the debut novel from Constance Remilliard. Her Victorian romance, The Earl’s Debt, is a joy to read and the author’s distinctive voice jumps off the page. The Earl’s Debt is brimming with all the sensuous delights of the era and perfectly blends historical detail, good humour, action, steamy scenes and of course, a beautiful romance.
Blurb for The Earl’s Debt
She was powerless against the man who owned her…
He was up to his neck in his brother’s debts…
Were they destined for disaster, or does love stand a chance?
Anne Merritt is a penniless ward about to be married off to the highest bidder her cold and exacting guardian can find. Ever rebellious, she manages to elude her keeper one night, finding herself in the company of the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer. But when she discovers he is not who he appears, she must rethink her role—and her very actions—as outside forces threaten to destroy all she holds dear.
Can Anne’s bold nature save both herself and Drosselmeyer from ruinous fates? Or is her bravery, this time, misguided?
Filled with heartbreak and heroism, The Earl’s Debt is a steamy Victorian romance rife with family entanglements and characters all too willing to break society’s rules. Discover just how much damage one dying aunt and one dastardly widower can do to an upstanding earl and a debt-ridden girl. Before time—and luck—run out.
Book one in The Worthy Peers series.
Excerpt from The Earl’s Debt
She peered more closely at the gentleman. “Herr . . . Drosselmeyer?”
“None other, miss.” He bowed.
“You look quite different without your beard.”
“Well it was you whorecommended a moustache instead.” He gave her a lopsided grin.
She instantly relaxed. “And have your prospects since improved?” She began to brush debris from her crumpled dress while sneaking glances his way. He was indeed the man she remembered, and as handsome. She really shouldn’t notice.
“Yes . . . and no,” he hedged.
“Pity,” she said. “I liked you better with the beard.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “You like me, then? Well, that is a relief, given you just beat me black and blue.”
“As it was you who nearly got me killed, sir, I daresay the beating was deserved.”
“And I say I deserve thanks for having just saved your life, miss.”
“Thanks?” she sputtered. “Had you not startled me into slipping, I should have been perfectly fine.”
“Or dead.” He stared at her.
“Yes, well that would not have been the worst possible outcome,” she muttered under her breath.
“Oh?” He quirked his brow at her once more, looking either peeved or amused, she couldn’t tell which. “And pray what worse outcome than death is there?” he prodded.
“Marriage,” she ground out.
#
Sedrich suppressed another grin. “Now that, I think, warrants more discussion, miss.”
He was secretly thrilled to have spotted her at the Haverford fête. Even more thrilled when he’d spied her surreptitiously escaping the party.
And thank goodness he’d followed.
He promptly removed his frockcoat to spread upon the grass beside her. “Please.” He indicated she should sit upon it, which she turned to do before proclaiming in fresh outrage,
“I beg your pardon, sir!”
Sedrich briefly noted the location of his hand; Lord help him, he’d just patted the woman’s crushed bustle.
“Miss Merritt, forgive the impropriety, but you have grass all over your . . .” He stopped himself in time.
“Were you about to tell me I have grass all over my . . . derrière, sir?”
She could scarce speak the word ‘arse’ aloud, making the earl unable to contain himself. “Well, I needn’t anymore as you’ve just said it yourself!” He shook his head, stifling a chuckle.
“Goodness, is it bad?” She frowned, turning to try and view her own posterior. “Tell me, sir, are my skirts stained? Henkel will murder me if I’ve ruined my only lawn dress. Be honest now.” Her face slipped into distress.
“I’m afraid so.” He chose to be bold. “Your arse”—he dared to whisper the word with a smirk—“is decidedly green, miss.”
“Oh bother!” She sighed loudly, promptly flopping down upon his coat. “It is the price one pays, I suppose, for a little adventure now and then.” She looked up at him in a radiant smile, only to cover her mouth quickly with her hand.
“Now why do you do that?” he asked.
“Do what?”
“Cover your mouth when you smile.”
~
The Earls Debt is out on 5th February 2024.
Pre-order your copy now and get the free companion novella, To Woo a Maid.
About the author
Constance Rémillard has been a romantic for as long as she can remember, devouring books when young and now penning them with a vengeance in middle age. She’s lived part of her life abroad, immersed in other languages and cultures, and another part outdoors, immersed in the botanical. She now resides with her family of humans, chickens, cat, and plants in the United States. She hopes you enjoy her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
