Lord Grafton's Promise

In order to save her family from financial ruin, comely Lucinda Bronwell sets aside the yearnings of her own heart to wed Sir Alaric Darrow, an kind elderly gentleman with a tidy estate. Though she dreads the marriage bed, Lucinda is even more horrified to find herself a widow mere hours following the wedding ceremony. When Lord Douglas Arden, Earl of Grafton, happens upon the scene of the crime, he discovers his long-time friend and neighbor Sir Darrow dead in an upturned carriage. The new Lady Darrow professes her ignorance of events, and innocence as well. While Lord Grafton immediately suspects Lucinda of foul play, he's too much the gentleman not to assist a lady obviously in distress - and Lucinda herself is obviously ill. Lord Grafton transports her to his own estate and delivers her into the care of his mother, who nurses Lucinda back to health. Once fully recovered, Lucinda is horrified to discover that someone had poisoned her late husband Lord Darrow - as well as having poisoned she herself. While Lord Grafton initially suspects Lucinda of having had a hand in her late husband's murder, he cannot help but change his mind when yet another attempt is made on her life. Using the guise of a Christmas Twelth Night House Party, Lucinda and Lord Grafton join forces to solve the mystery behind Sir Darrow's death - and in the process, find their hearts joining forces as well. This Christmas romance has a blazing Yule Log, a cast of merry revelers and a fragile young heroine who ultimately learns she has more strength of character than she ever dared dream possible. Lord Grafton is a an arrogant aristocrat who learns to look deeper than merely face value, especially when it comes to beautiful young widows. Again, Ms. Mindel has cleverly pulled together a cast of characters that will charm and delight on a cold winter's night. The mystery of "who done it?" will keep you guessing, as will the blossoming romance between the arrogant Lord Grafton and the beautiful young widow who brings him to his knees. Bravo, Ms. Mindel! Truly, LORD GRAFTON'S PROMISE is a Christmas present to all your readers, indeed!