Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction (Mackenzies & McBrides #9)(92)

“Well then …”

Ian glanced at the skylight, which had darkened. Beth had lit lamps as Ian had told his tale into the dusk of the summer night.

“It’s late,” Ian said. “Another time. We’ll tell it all to our children—both stories.”

Beth nodded against him, his strength beneath his coat intoxicating. “Yes, you are right. That will be better.” She made no move to rise though. Leaning against Ian was not only comfortable but desirable.

Then she heaved a sigh. “I suppose we’d better go downstairs before your brothers begin searching for us.”

“Hart knows where we are.” Ian’s voice rumbled beneath her. “He knows to leave us be.”

“Of course.” Ian would have told his oldest brother not to let anyone up to the attic if Beth came to find him—and Ian had known she would come.

“You planned this in advance,” she said with sudden clarity. “Luring me into the attic, keeping me here with your fascinating tales of your family.”

Ian’s slow smile spread across his face. “Maybe.”

“You’re incorrigible, Ian Mackenzie.”

“Incorrigible.” Ian’s brows drew together. “You think I’m un-reformable? Irredeemable? That’s what incorrigible means.”

“Exactly.” Beth slid her arms around him. “I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

Puzzlement flickered on Ian’s face, then it cleared as all interest in the past fled. He focused on Beth alone, his golden eyes darkening, the passion in him as strong as when they’d first met.

Beth found herself on the rugs, Ian’s warmth coming down on her, his hands loosening buttons, hooks, and laces, his kilt spreading to cover them both.

Beth welcomed Ian into her, holding the husband who was her life and breath, as they joined together under candle flames that flickered as golden as his eyes.



Author’s Note



Thank you for reading! I am thrilled to be able to return to the Mackenzie family, and tell more stories about Ian Mackenzie’s ancestors. I had planned to write only Malcolm’s story (The Stolen Mackenzie Bride), but as I learned more about Alec and Will, I knew I needed to tell their tales as well. Will’s book (The Devilish Lord Will) is next—follow and see what trouble Will Mackenzie can get himself into.

As you might guess, the Mackenzie family is very special to me. They walked into my head a long time ago, Ian demanding my attention, his brothers there to protect him. I knew everything about Ian, Mac, Cameron, and Hart before I ever put pen to paper.

From there, the series grew as I included the story of Daniel (Cameron’s son, The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie), and the McBrides, who intrigued me when Cameron’s heroine, Ainsley, talked with such fondness about her brothers.

I hope to do more Mackenzies as time permits. There are Mackenzies of other eras, including Old Dan, the original Duke of Kilmorgan, back in the 1300s. The Mackenzie children will be adults in the Edwardian age, and then there are other characters who pop up (David Fleming and Cameron’s Romany groom) who might want tales as well. (Please see the Mackenzie Family Tree at the end of this book to keep everyone straight!) Historical notes: I love writing about the eighteenth century, which was a period of great change, from the growth of travel and tourism, to wars that reshaped countries and empires all over the globe, to new discoveries in science that forever changed our understanding of the physical world. Art, music, and architecture became the light and airy style called rococo, and discoveries of Herculaneum and Pompeii revived interest in history and classical design. It was an exuberant, vibrant, dangerous, volatile age I have long had interest in, and very much enjoy exploring this amazing century.

Clara, the rhinoceros, is a true historical figure. She was orphaned in India as a baby, and rescued by the director of the Dutch East India Company, who raised her. He gave her in turn to a Dutch captain (Douwe van der Meer), who took her back with him to Europe and showed her off to fascinated artists and monarchs. Very tame, Clara traveled with van der Meer all over Europe, did visit France and Louis XV, and ended her days in England, looked after by her Dutch sea captain until her death. I found the beguiling Clara so fascinating I had to include her in the book!

I hope you enjoyed Alec and Celia’s tale, and I hope to be writing Mackenzies for a long time to come.

For announcements about when more Mackenzies will be released, please sign up for my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/47kLL

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All my best, Jennifer Ashley





Mackenzie Family Tree





Ferdinand Daniel Mackenzie (Old Dan) 1330-1395

First Duke of Kilmorgan = m. Lady Margaret Duncannon |

Fourteen generations |

Daniel William Mackenzie 1685-1746(?) (9th Duke of Kilmorgan) = m. Allison MacNab |

6 sons

Daniel Duncannon Mackenzie (1710-1746) William Ferdinand Mackenzie (1714-1746?) Magnus Ian Mackenzie (1715-1734) Angus William Mackenzie (1716-1746)

Alec William Mackenzie (1716-1746?) m.= Lady Celia Fotheringhay



Malcolm Daniel Mackenzie (1720-1802) (10th Duke of Kilmorgan from 1746) = m. Lady Mary Lennox

|

Angus Roland Mackenzie 1747-1822

(11th Duke of Kilmorgan) = m. Donnag Fleming |