Versailles, 1756.
At the court of King Louis XV, the Chevalier Charles d'Éon de Beaumont's name is on everyone's lips. A mysterious androgynous figure, as handsome as he is intelligent, he arouses fascination and envy.
For his part, Alexandre is 21 years old. He's been his squire for three years, mourning an impossible love for his master, to whom he is utterly loyal. He sometimes finds himself hoping for more, as he sees their relationship deepen, but fears that one day he'll be passed over for someone more interesting.
Sent to St. Petersburg on an espionage mission, the two men cross paths with Gaïa Vassilievna Parchoukova, a young woman as dangerous as she is intriguing, who could well be their undoing. When reality calls their hearts to order, the masks fall off, and when they return to Versailles, nothing may ever be the same again.
Written by Lucile Guyot, based on an original idea by Stephan Boschat. Translated by Alexandra Maldwyn-Davies.
Just when she's decided to leave the Town, Lady Cressida Belverst is forced to marry Lord Calan Haverston, the man who coincidentally knows a way out. Agreeing to marry for all the wrong reasons, can Cressida and Calan find out where their hearts truly belong?
***
It is impossible to leave the Town, but one woman is determined to escape with the help of her betrothed.
Lady Cressida Belverst has always been judged as a walking scandal. Oh, how she tries (on some rare occasions) to be proper! When her parents arrange for her to marry a rich lord, Cressida has had enough. She has to leave the Town because she will not be forced to live with a man she doesn't love. But what happens if the very man she's betrothed to is the only one who can help her get out?
Calan Haverston, the Lord of Easton, takes the risk and helps his betrothed by using his knowledge of the Town's secrets because he is as willing as she to stay free of marriage for reasons completely different. He has dark secrets he cannot share with her, and his life is not one he can likewise open to anyone. But what happens when she leaves after awakening desires he thought he has under control? And what happens when he finds himself longing for her?
Cressida goes to a completely different place, one she has only heard in stories and read in books, with hopes of finding what her heart has always longed for. But love, mystery and secrets will chase her and it will only be a matter of time before she realizes what her heart truly desires.
*This story is a standalone title in the Haverston Family series.