Then Came You

Chapter One

London, 1820

"Damn, damn...there it goes, the frigging thing!" A stream of curses floated on the gust of wind, shocking the guests at the water party.

The yacht was anchored in the middle of the Thames, the guests assembled in honor of King George. So far the party had been dull but dignified , everyone dutifully complimenting His Majesty's magnificently fitted yacht. With its brocaded furniture, fine mahogany, chandeliers of clustered crystal droplets, gilt sphinxes, and carved lions poised in every corner, the yacht was a floating pleasure palace. The guests had all been drinking heavily in order to attain the mild euphoria that would substitute for a real sense of enjoyment.

Perhaps the gathering would have been more entertaining had the king's health not been so poor. The recent death of his father and a taxing ordeal with gout had taken their toll, leaving him uncharacteristically morose. Now the king sought the company of people who would provide laughter and amusement to relieve his sense of isolation. That was why, it ... read full excerpt from Then Came You ebook