Whirlwind Wedding

The first book in the Whirlwind series, 2000

This book is dedicated with love and my heartfelt gratitude to Deborah Smith, Sandra Chastain, Anne Bushyhead, and Ann Howard White for throwing me a lifeline when I was adrift at sea and sinking fast.

And to my critique partners Donna Fejes, Susan Goggins, and Carina Rock for smoothing the rough waters and pulling me back onboard every time I was ready to jump ship.

And, as always, to my incredible, wonderful, and supportive husband Joe-the Captain of my Heart; and my terrific, makes-me-so-proud son Christopher, aka Captain Junior.


Acknowledgements

I would like to acknowledge the following people for their help and support.

My editor, Maggie Crawford, for her encouragement and guidance.

Editorial assistant Caroline Sincerbeaux, for her patience and help.

My agent, Damaris Rowland, for her faith and wisdom.

My mom and dad, Kay and Jim Johnson, for a lifetime of love and support-and for bragging about me.

My sister, Kathy Guse, for all the laughs and good times- and for bragging about me.

My in-laws, Lea and Art D'Alessandro, for the precious gift of their son-and for bragging about me.

My uncle Bill and aunt Gwen Johnston, and my aunt Eve Johnson, for their cards and letters-and for bragging about me.

(If you meet any of these "bragging" people-prepare yourself!)

I would also like to thank all the wonderful people at Bantam/Dell, most especially Amy Farley, Kara Cesare, Marietta Anastassatos, and Adrian Wood.

Thanks also to all the members of Georgia Romance Writers, especially Martha Kirkland, who is my best research resource.

And a very special thank-you to Wendy Etherington, Jenni Grizzle, Shari Griffin, Deborah Dahlmann, Steve and Michelle Grossman, Jeannie and Ken Pierannunzi, Cherie Imam, Sheryl Brothers, Christine McGinty, and to all my wonderful friends and neighbors for their incredible support.

Last, thank you to all the readers who have taken the time to write or e-mail me. I love hearing from you and your support means the world to me. Stop by and visit me at www.JacquieD.com

or say "hi!" at JacquieD@MCIWorld.com.

Chapter 1


England, 1816


Austin Randolph Jamison, ninth Duke of Bradford, stood in a shadowed alcove and surveyed his guests. Couples swirled on the dance floor, a colorful rainbow of expensively gowned and jeweled women escorted by perfectly turned out gentlemen. Hundreds of beeswax candles twinkled in the overhead chandeliers, casting a warm glow over the festivities. Over two hundred of Society's elite had gathered in his home, and he had only to reach out his hand to touch any one of a dozen people.

He'd never felt so alone in his life.

Emerging from the shadows, he plucked a brandy from a passing footman's silver tray and raised the snifter to his lips.

"There you are, Bradford. Been looking for you everywhere."

Austin froze, smothering a vicious oath. He wasn't sure who the speaker was, but it didn't matter. He knew why whoever stood behind him had been looking for him, and his stomach tightened into a knot. Well, there was no escaping now. Tossing back half his brandy, he braced himself, then turned around.

Lord Digby stood before him. "I just visited the gallery, Bradford" Digby said. "The new portrait of William in his military uniform is magnificent. A fitting tribute." His round face collapsed into a frown and he shook his head. "Deuced tragedy, passing on during his final mission."

Austin forced himself to nod politely. "I agree."

"Still, it's an honor to die a war hero."

Pressure built in Austin's chest. War hero. If only that were true. But the letter locked in his desk drawer confirmed his suspicions that it was not.

A vivid picture of William flashed through his mind-that last gut-wrenching image that nothing could erase. Guilt and regret slammed into him, and his fist tightened around his brandy snifter.

Air. He desperately needed air to clear his mind. Excusing himself, he headed toward the French windows.

Caroline caught sight of him and smiled and he forced himself to smile at his sister in response. As much as he dreaded social functions, he was pleased to see Caroline looking so happy. It had been too long since that gleam of carefree joy had lit her lovely face, and if hosting this damn ball was what was necessary to make her happy, then host it he would. Still, he wished Robert were here instead of traveling on the Continent. His jovial younger brother was much more at ease in the role of host.