My Lady De Burgh

Deborah Simmons

His Whole Family Was Cursed!How else to explain this rash of marriages by the Brothers de Burgh? Robin de Burgh alone swore to remain unwed, despite ironic fate, which used foul murder to mate him with The One–spirited Sybil, a damsel in distress who insisted she needed him not!When convent walls became more prison than refuge, restless novice Sybil knew 'twas time to leave. But never did she expect to trade her wimple for a wedding veil, even when Sir Robin de Burgh, knight most impudent, demanded she put her life–and her heart–in his hands!

“Have you some bodily rash that makes you constantly rub yourself?”

For one brief moment Robin was so stunned by her words that he simply stared, then he threw back his head and burst out laughing. Obviously her life as a novice had not dulled her wits or her tongue. There was nothing he liked more in the world than to laugh—well, almost nothing—and in his experience few women had a talent for amusement. Not this one, however. She annoyed him and challenged him, yet did not fail to keep him entertained.

Robin was tempted to tell her that the problem with his clothes lay in the fact that he was wearing too many.

“Indeed, you have guessed it aright, and well I could use with some help with a certain itch that needs to be scratched,” Robin drawled. He saw her eyes widen and her cheeks grow pink.…

Praise for Deborah Simmons’s previous titles

My Lord de Burgh

“…a luminous novel…a love story not to be missed.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

The Gentleman Thief

“Ms. Simmons has a delightful flair for comedy.”

—Romantic Times Magazine

Robber Bride

“…totally captivating, Ms. Simmons’ powerful characters do magical things with this excellent plot.”

—Affaire de Coeur

#583 ’TIS THE SEASON

Susan Spencer Paul, Shari Anton & Tori Phillips

#585 A CONVENIENT WIFE

Carolyn Davidson

#586 BLUEBONNET BRIDE

Jillian Hart

My Lady de Burgh

Deborah Simmons

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and

DEBORAH SIMMONS

Fortune Hunter #132

Silent Heart #185

The Squire’s Daughter #208

The Devil’s Lady #241

The Vicar’s Daughter #258

* (#litres_trial_promo) Taming the Wolf #284

The Devil Earl #317

Maiden Bride #332

Tempting Kate #371

The Knights of Christmas #387

* (#litres_trial_promo) “A Wish for Noel”

* (#litres_trial_promo) The de Burgh Bride #399

The Last Rogue #427

* (#litres_trial_promo) Robber Bride #455

The Gentleman Thief #495

* (#litres_trial_promo) My Lord de Burgh #533

* (#litres_trial_promo) My Lady de Burgh #584

For all my wonderful readers in Japan, with thanks for all your generosity, support and enthusiasm

Contents

Chapter One (#u985973fb-daf5-5581-b82e-9be0e08f274f)

Chapter Two (#u9281847e-4eca-5a10-9d54-74deb6c0d99e)

Chapter Three (#ua62717d7-194c-5e15-b256-8cef5b21b0ce)

Chapter Four (#ubc846442-774b-5096-99d0-8e028be755d8)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

The de Burghs had been cursed.

Robin was certain of it. Although the family continued to be prosperous and powerful, all of its members seemingly healthy and strong, there was an insidious force at work that was gradually weakening its ranks and scattering the de Burghs across the countryside. And Robin knew well its name. Marriage.

Just four years ago the seven sons of the Earl of Campion had been bachelors and determined to remain so. Then, as if directed by some unseen hand, one by one, Dunstan, Geoffrey and Simon had taken wives. Even the earl himself had wed again at Christmastide! And now Robin had been called home to the celebration of his brother