説明
In a cruel twist of fate, Gwyneth Leighton, a vicar's daughter, is sold to The Dark Stallion, London's most notorious brothel, by her cousin Edward. The madam arranges for an auction and Gwyn is sold to the highest bidder, Andrew Hawksworth, Earl of Scarborough. He takes one look at Gwyn and knows he has to have her, paying an enormous sum of money to ensure she is his. Thus begins a battle of wills between two strong people. Gwyn is determined that Andrew see her as a person, not a mere mistress. Andrew, determined to never let his heart be captured, tries unsuccessfully to bend her to his will. Neither can ignore the fiery passion that flares so effortlessly. between them. Another man at the auction, the very powerful Richard Trelawny, Duke of Cuckfield, has become obsessed with Gwyn and does everything in his considerable power to capture her and take her away from Andrew. With a large cast of characters, Dukes and Earls, Duchesses, servants, prostitutes, large extended families, the story of Andrew and Gwyn's relationship is played out to the final confrontation with the evil Duke. Gwyn discovers the real, terrifying reason he's obsessed with her and wants to destroy her. Long-kept secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, friendships are formed and bitter rivalries are established. A woman who thought her life was over and wanted to die discovers reserves of strength and courage she never knew she had as she captures the heart of the one man determined never to love again. And that man, who thought he'd never be weakened and ensnared by his heart discovers a love so strong he'd sacrifice his own life for it. This is a historical romance like the classics in the genre in the 70s and 80s. Rich with historical detail and a huge cast of characters, Velvet Fire is a sweeping story of a timeless love when everything, even life itself, was at stake.