Korinas wild winter, p.1
Korina's Wild Winter, page 1
Korina’s Wild Winter
(Season of the Spinster — Book 3)
by Tabetha Waite
Copyright © 2020 Tabetha Waite
Cover Art Design by PI Cover Market and the Midnight Muse
This title is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever, including but no limited to photocopy, digital, auditory, and/or in print, without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations for a review.
Also by Tabetha Waite
Ways of Love Historical Romance Series
How it All Began for the Baron (Christmas prequel novella)
Why the Earl is After the Girl (Book 1)
Where the Viscount Met His Match (Book 2)
When a Duke Pursues a Lady (Book 3)
Who the Marquess Dares to Desire (Book 4)
What a Gentleman Does for Love (Book 5)
Season of the Spinster Series
Triana’s Spring Seduction (Book 1)
Isabella’s Secret Summer (Book 2)
The Spinster’s Alluring Season (Book 2.5)
Alyssa’s Autumn Affair (Book 3)
Korina’s Wild Winter (Book 4)
Novellas
Twelve Gifts by Christmas
Lord Castleford’s Fortunate Folly (Fortunes of Fate #1)
A Lady’s Guide to Marriage
A Promise Beneath the Kissing Bough
Miss Pageant’s Christmas Proposal
The Scot’s Bairn
Novels
Behind a Moonlit Veil
The Secrets of Shadows
The Piper’s Paramour
Anthologies
Heyer Society (non-fiction essays)
Rogues On My Mind (Regency)
The Young and the Ruined (Various Historical)
Short Stories
Love’s Frozen Kiss
Love Out of the Ashes
The Magic Shield
The Journey Toward Hope
Thistles & War
Four Calling Cards
Acclaim for Tabetha Waite
Why the Earl is After the Girl
*BIBA Winner for Romance – 2017
*Feathered Quill Book Award – Second Place in Romance – 2018
“…for a debut novel Ms. Waite painted the heroine to the canvas with in depth emotional pull…a fun read.” --- Romance Reviews Magazine
“This regency novel is filled with passion, lies and mystery.” 4 Stars! --- InD’tale Magazine
“Really enjoyed this book!” 5 Stars --- Sissy’s Romance Book Review
Where the Viscount Met His Match
Book Club Finalist in Fictional Romance – 2019
*Book Excellence Awards Finalist in Fictional Romance - 2019
“…gains a 4 out of 4 star rating from me. Not only did I laugh and cry like a fool while reading the story but also feel thrilled.” -- Online Book Club Reviewer
“Felt like watching a movie while reading it. This book deserves a movie adaptation!! I’m sure it would be a big hit!!” – Online Book Club Reviewer
When a Duke Pursues a Lady
*Book Talk Radio Club Finalist in Romance - 2018
5 stars Top Pick! – The Romance Review
“I really truly loved this book! It was a perfect historical romance story with a touch of suspense. I was completely hooked from beginning to end.” --- 3 Degrees of Fiction Book Blog
“If you are looking for a historical romance that has murder, mayhem, and a bit of political intrigue then you will not be disappointed with (this book)!” --- The Genre Minx Book Reviews
Who the Marquess Dares to Desire
*Raven Awards Finalist in Regency/Victorian/Western Romance – 2019
“The characters are well flushed out and likeable, the romance is allowed to brew and the storyline with the suspense is just enough to keep your interest.” --- Cyrene with Uncaged Book Reviews
What a Gentleman Does for Love
“This book is the last in the series and what a page turner.” –Goodreads Reviewer
“I love this series! It was so nicely done you just got right into the story and couldn’t put them down. I know I’ll be rereading these again!!!!” – Amazon Reviewer
Behind a Moonlit Veil
5 Cup Review! – Coffee Time Romance
5* Crowned Heart Review – “Combining fiction with legend, one will not be able to get enough of this thrilling novel!” - InD’Tale Magazine
The Secrets of Shadows
*Paranormal Category 1st Place Winner – RWA Hearts Through History Chapter
Triana’s Spring Seduction
#1 Amazon Bestseller!
“It’s a delicious Regency romp with loads of humor, intrigue, villains, and delightful characters! – Goodreads Reviewer
“…Made its debut with a bang!” – Goodreads Reviewer
“…A strong start for Tabetha Waite’s new series!” – Goodreads Reviewer
Isabella’s Secret Summer
“What a journey I was treated to. The h/H seemed like real people and not caricatures.” – Amazon Reviewer
“I’m loving this new set of stories! So much fun…” – Amazon Reviewer
“Mrs. Waite raises the entertainment to a top notch with Isabella and Ridge’s story.” – Amazon Reviewer
Alyssa’s Autumn Affair
“An enchanting story that wove its spell from the beginning and carried my heart until the end!” – Amazon Reviewer
“I was amazed how connected I felt to the characters & there were so many emotions I felt during the read.” – Amazon Reviewer
“I am increasingly becoming addicted to this author’s writing. Such talent!” – Amazon Reviewer
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Epilogue
Dedication
For all my readers — may each day be filled with lovely surprises.
Chapter One
Late November 1812
London, England
“What the devil!”
Miss Korina Haverswyth lifted a brow as she leaned over the railing of the terrace where she’d just dumped out the rest of her punch. Apparently, a rather unfortunate gentleman had been walking by at the same moment she’d discarded her drink and he’d been showered with the red liquid. She caught sight of a dark head moments before it was lifted and she was confronted with a pair of ice-blue eyes. They sent a shiver racing through her, and for the first time since she’d traveled across the Atlantic from New York to England, she was actually intrigued.
She rested her elbow on the rail and set her chin in her palm as she looked down at the irritated face of the man with his aquiline nose and sharp jawline. He wiped at his ruined white shirt with a handkerchief and snapped, “Next time, madam, might I suggest checking your surroundings before you decide to douse an unsuspecting victim with your unwanted refreshment?”
Korina rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s nothing that can’t be washed.”
He stopped scrubbing the front of his shirt and narrowed his eyes on her. “You’re American.”
It wasn’t a question, but she answered anyway. “It would appear so.”
“I suppose that explains it then,” he murmured. “No sense of proper manners.”
She snorted, completely unaffected by his barb. But then, it wouldn’t be the first time someone in British society had thought the worst of her. According to her mother, it was one of her failings, while Korina liked to believe it was part of her wonderful charm. “And considering you’re British, that obviously explains your prejudice and lack of personality.”
As his mouth fell open, Korina moved away from the rail with a decided flounce of dismissal. She thought perhaps such a handsome man might have been more interesting, but apparently, he was just like the rest of the dead bores she’d met upon arriving in London. And just as rude. It was just another reason why Korina was eager to return home and cease this foolish search for an English husband. She had no desire to be some man’s chattel just so her parents could flaunt her newfound title in front of the Knickerbockers in New York. Holding such a revered status carried no appeal to her, but America itself did. It was familiar and it was home, even if it was overrun with those “dreadful savages.”
England had certainly held little appeal, the single measure of amusement she’d had in this dreary, rainy land was thanks to a handful of her fellow debutantes. She might even go so far as to call them friends, even though Triana, Izzy, Ro, and Alyssa were all happily married now. Some months ago, they had all planned to travel to New York with Korina in order to start a new life as free, independent women. While she didn’t begrudge them their newfound joy, neither did Korina intend to stay long enough to join their ranks. She fully intended to follow through on her dream, and the plans had already been set into motion. In just a few short weeks she would leave all of this proper English society behind. She’d secretly booked passage back to New York after the first of the year, and January couldn’t arrive quickly enough.
As Korina reached for the handle of the door to return to the ballroom where Lord and Lady Curdiff were celebrating their recent nuptials, a hand appeared above hers and kept it from opening. She calmly turned her head to find herself looking up into her most recent nemesis. She would wonder later how he managed to get to her so quickly when he’d been standing on the ground below just moments before, but right now she was merely annoyed that he was blocking her way.
She looked him directly in the eye, something prospective suitors had found rather unnerving — especially when she would ask them outright if they were merely interested in her dowry — and said firmly, “What do you think you’re doing?”
He returned her stare in equal measure, and something told her this man wouldn’t acquiesce so easily. If it wasn’t those penetrating eyes or that intimidating height, his aura of confidence and arrogance told her he wasn’t one to accept defeat lightly.
But then, neither was she.
“I don’t recall us being introduced,” he said smoothly.
She smiled in a sweet, innocent manner. “That’s because we weren’t.”
“It seems that after this—” He gestured to the front of his once pristine white shirt where there was now a perfect red stain. “—I ought to, at the very least, be given the courtesy of your name.” He grinned broadly. “If nothing else, so I know where to send my tailor bill in order to repair the damage you’ve wrought.”
She scrunched up her nose and thought for a moment. As a brilliant idea occurred to her, she gave him the address of one of the worst gossips to walk the streets of London. “You’re right, of course. Send it down to 31 Hanover Square.”
He lifted a dark brow. “Somehow I doubt Lady Hurrandy would appreciate that.”
Korina smirked as she shrugged one shoulder. “Oh, I don’t know. She might like a visit from such a virile gentleman. She is a widow after all, and many say she is still rather comely…”
She allowed her words to trail off, for she could tell her bold nature had actually surprised him. But instead of grinding his teeth as she expected he might, his lips twitched as though she amused him. “Rest assured Lady Hurrandy is not on my current list of possible paramours.” He paused. “Now, your name, if you please.”
Korina realized it was the only way she could be rid of him, so she offered a gallant curtsy. “Miss Korina Haverswyth from New York. I’m a grand heiress who is on the search for a title to wed, so unless you are able to point me in the direction of an eligible suitor who doesn’t mind an outspoken wife, I should be returning to the ballroom before I’m missed and my reputation is ruined and you are forced to do the honorable thing. That is, if you’re even a gentleman.” She batted her eyelashes for effect, pleased when he finally moved away.
He bowed slightly. “I would say it’s been a pleasure, Miss Haverswyth, but I think we both know that would be a lie.”
Korina didn’t reply, but sailed through the door and rejoined the crowd. However, the back of her neck tingled with awareness long after she’d left the man’s side.
***
Logan stared after the woman, still unsure whether he wanted to take her over his knee — or kiss her until that sharp-tongued mouth was finally silent. In the end, he shook his head and cracked his neck, and attempted to push his recent encounter with Miss Haverswyth out of his mind.
He made his way back down the terrace and entered the manor through the servant’s quarters. As he passed through the kitchens, a few maids eyed him with surprise, but since he was a frequent guest at the viscount’s residence, they said nothing and continued about their work.
He continued upstairs until he arrived at Lord Curdiff’s bedchamber. He was sure his friend and fellow agent for the Home Office wouldn’t mind if he borrowed one of his shirts to replace his own soiled garment. He gritted his teeth as he removed the item, still irritated about such a sour turn of events. Under other circumstances he might have actually found Miss Haverswyth’s light blond hair and those unusual hazel eyes to be rather becoming. As irritated as he had been, he was far from blind, and it didn’t take much to discern that her fashionable violet gown was a perfect choice to highlight that creamy coloring and curvaceous figure.
It was too bad that she was a shrew.
He shuddered just thinking of the man who would eventually be saddled with her. They would certainly have their work cut out catering to her every whim. The poor man would likely die young from his countless efforts of trying to keep her happy. Or else pray to end it all just to be free of his tremendous error.
“I wondered where you’d run off to. When one of my servants mentioned you’d come upstairs, I had no idea you’d be raiding my linen closet.”
Logan glanced up to see Travell Abernathy, Lord Curdiff, standing in the doorframe as he fastened the last button on his waistcoat. “I do apologize for the delay, but I couldn’t very well give a dinner speech in that.” He pointed to his discarded shirt as he shrugged his jacket back on.
Travell’s eyebrows rose. “I never knew you to be so clumsy, Montgomery.”
Logan’s jaw clenched. “It wasn’t my fault. Some American woman poured her drink over the terrace just as I was walking past.”
“Ah. You must have met Miss Haverswyth then.”
He winced. “You have the misfortune of knowing her?”
The viscount shrugged. “She’s not so bad. Triana and Alyssa both speak very highly of her.”
Logan generally trusted Curdiff’s sister, and he certainly respected his new wife, but in this instance, he had to wonder about their mental capacity. “I suppose I’ll just have to take your word for it. Personally, I hope the lady and I never cross paths again.”
Travell eyed him steadily, turning serious of a sudden. “You might surprise yourself with what you find, Montgomery, if you actually let down your guard now and then.”
Logan set his hands on his hips. “You can spare me your philosophy.” His mind turned distant. “I allowed myself to make one fatal mistake. I don’t intend to let it happen again.”
Travell was silent, and then he said, “I don’t know what happened in your past, but trust me when I say you don’t want to keep your heart closed off forever. I nearly did that when my father left. If I hadn’t allowed Alyssa’s love into my life, I would have missed out on the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I admit that you are very fortunate to have a woman like Lady Curdiff,” Logan said evenly. “But some men aren’t so lucky.” He lifted a brow. “Look at Lord Fremont and his doting wife who kept him a prisoner in his own home.”
Travell had the grace to wince. “That was an uncommon circumstance. Lady Fremont was mad, which is why she is at Ticehurst where she belongs. The last I heard from Lord Fremont, he is recovering in Bath with his sister and her husband.”
