Soft Sweet Fire

Stand alone Historical romance where love found is at cross purposes due to lack of faith in love and each other. After her father's death, Brenna Elizabeth Peterson is forced to live with a mother she had long believed dead and a new step-father. Nearly raped, beaten for it, threatened to be sold to some Earl for her virginity, Brenna is forced to flee and sets out walking to London, keeping off the roads, hiding, fearful of being found. After several days of traveling, Brenna is caught in a rain storm and collapses not knowing she had been heading in the wrong direction. Lord Gavin Trevelyan, Marquis of Crestfield, bored with London and the manipulations of Lady Alaine Lowes leaves London and sets out for his home on the Cornish coast, but not before his brother-in-law the Duke has brought to his attention, it is past time he weds. It would put an end to the rumors flying about him. On his way home to Cornwall, Lord Trevelyan finds Brenna collapsed on the road, unconscious with a high fever. Knowing Aidee, his housekeeper, has a way with medicine and healing, he brings Brenna to his home, Cresthaven. Through the Bible and the minature she carried with her Lord Trevelyan discovers he knew her father. Listening to Brenna's delirious outbursts, Lord Trevelyan is able to piece together her past. Determined to protect her, Lord Trevelyan coerces Brenna into marriage. As Brenna's health improves, so does their relationship and during the trip to visit his sister, the Duchess, passions are unleashed. Brenna wonders about all these new feelings until she comes to realize she has fallen in love with Gavin but he informed her from the very beginning, he did not believe in love. A trip to London with the intent of introducing Brenna to London society proves to be more than Gavin planned on when he comes to realize he has fallen in love with his wife. But London proves to be the undoing of Brenna and Gavin's relationship as Gavin becomes acquainted with the green eyed monster called jealousy. Love without trust can leave a relationship vulnerable and open to outside influences when amidst the intrigues of London society. Just when Gavin is about to declare his love for Brenna, she mysteriously disappears. Rumors about London has it she has run away with the French spy. But has she? Or has she disappeared into thin air.