Bridegroom Wore Plaid (42 page)

The present rendition of Balmoral Castle was undergoing construction as Ian and Augusta’s story unfolds. The centuries-old hunting box originally gracing the property would be demolished upon completion of the present structure, which Albert had designed for his wife and their growing family. In part because of Victoria’s affection for Balmoral and all things Highland, Victorian society became enthralled with tartan decor and “walking” in the Highlands.

And in a second small deviation from fact, I’ve moved the royal visit to Balmoral up by a few weeks. Victoria and Albert typically did not repair to Balmoral until midsummer or even early autumn, though early in her long widowhood, Victoria spent so much time at Balmoral as to cause her ministers and officials concern.

I am confident, as much in love as they were, neither Her Majesty nor His Highness would be offended at these small deviations, made—as they were—in the interests of telling a love story that ends with a resounding happily ever after.

Grace Burrowes

Acknowledgments

An author doesn’t try her wings in a new direction without a lot of trepidation, and after working on a long Regency series, even early Victorian Scotland was new ground for me. I am indebted to my editor, Deb Werksman, for her support in this venture, and of course to all my book people, who’ve once again turned a rough manuscript into a beautiful romance novel. Skye, Susie, Cat, Danielle, Madam Copy Editor, many, many thanks. Dominique, you are among my blessings. Steve, thanks for the guidance and support that has seen this book to its happily ever after.

I am also indebted to a taxi driver in Aberdeen by the name of Abbey. He drove me up to Balmoral and back to Aberdeen, with a running narrative of each little hamlet and landmark along the way. I could have listened to him all day for his accent alone, and that was before he lapsed into the Doric.

I’d also like to thank the staff on grounds at Balmoral Castle. Never was a tired, disheveled, none-too-travel-savvy author made to feel more welcome, or given more congenial surrounds in which to write. I left with many happy memories and a burning passion for more trips to Scotland.

New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author

Lady Louisa’s
Christmas Knight

by Grace Burrowes

’Tis the season for scandal…

Years ago Lady Louisa Windham acted rashly on a dare from her brother, and that indiscretion is about to come to light. She knows her reputation will never survive exposure. Just as she’s nearly overwhelmed by her dilemma, Sir Joseph Carrington offers himself to her as a solution…

But Sir Joseph has secrets as well, and as he and Louisa become entangled with each other, their deceptions begin to close in on them both…

Praise for RITA-nominated
Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
:

“An extraordinary, precious, unforgettable holiday story.”
—
RT Book Reviews
Top Pick of the Month, 4.5 Stars

“Burrowes continues to write outside the usual Regency box with strong characters and humor similar to Amanda Quick’s.”
—
Booklist

For more Grace Burrowes, visit:

www.sourcebooks.com

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About the Author

New
York
Times
and
USA
Today
bestselling author Grace Burrowes hit the bestseller lists with both her debut,
The
Heir
, and her second book in The Duke’s Obsession trilogy,
The
Soldier.
Both books received extensive praise and starred reviews from
Publishers
Weekly
and
Booklist
.
The
Heir
was also named a
Publishers
Weekly
Best Book of 2010, and
The
Soldier
was named a
Publishers
Weekly
Best Spring Romance of 2011, and the Windham sisters’ stories—
Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
,
Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal
and
Lady Louisa’s Christmas Knight
—are garnering their own praise, with
Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish
named the RT Reviewers’ Choice Historical Romance of the Year and nominated for the RITA in Regency Historical Romance.

Grace is a practicing attorney specializing in family law and lives in rural Maryland. She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached through her website at
www.graceburrowes.com
.