Almost Heaven Read online

  Dear Readers,

  I’m so thrilled to share with you, for the first time ever in digital format, this copy of Almost Heaven.

  Each book I’ve written has a very special place in my heart, but some of the reasons may surprise and amuse you. For example, working on a new novel is usually a difficult, exacting task, one that frequently requires me to work with a hero and heroine who refuse to come to life on the page and take over their own story until I’m a third of the way through the manuscript. Until that happens, I have to nudge and prod these two characters through every page, trying to figure out what they would each say and do that would be consistent with their personalities.

  But not with Almost Heaven . . .

  From the moment Ian Thornton stepped into the torchlit gardens and lit a thin cheroot while Elizabeth watched him from the shadows, Ian came alive on the page. He took over the story; all I had to do was relax and enjoy how he dealt with Elizabeth, and report to readers what happened next. It was a long, complex book, and I thoroughly enjoyed writing every page of it. I hope you enjoy reading it.

  Warmly,

  Judith McNaught

  Praise for the Incomparable Bestsellers of

  JUDITH McNAUGHT,

  “One of the finest writers of popular fiction”*

  NIGHT WHISPERS

  “Never miss a McNaught! Night Whispers heads like the Titanic toward its iceberg of a climax—with shocking revelations. . . . Judith McNaught has written her most stunning work of fiction to date. Sexy, smart, and page-turning, this is a must-read.”

  —Barnesandnoble.com*

  “Fans of romantic suspense will shout that the great Judith McNaught has written something wonderful with her perfect novel, Night Whispers. . . . A tender triumph that will leave readers awed. . . . The characters are warm and charming, and will long be remembered.”

  —BookBrowser.com

  “Fiery passion, taut suspense, and unforgettable characters. . . . McNaught has truly outdone herself with Night Whispers. It is a testimony to her impressive talent. . . . Equal parts romance and suspense, this is a must-read for mystery and romance fans alike. . . . You’ll find yourself delighted with this excellent book.”

  —Rendezvous

  REMEMBER WHEN

  “[A] clever take on the ultra-affluent, ultra-cynical social scene of McNaught’s hometown of Houston. . . . McNaught has a lot of fun with a marriage of convenience that turns out to be anything but.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “Excellent. . . . [A] charming and sparkling tale.”

  —Romantic Times

  “Romantic, witty, and entertaining. . . .”

  —San Antonio Express-News

  UNTIL YOU

  “Delicious. . . . A perfectly wonderful story, with lively, funny, well-rounded characters. Until You is a laughing, loving book, a page-turner and a delight.”

  —The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)

  “Brilliantly done and completely entertaining . . . a surefire hit.”

  —Ocala Star-Banner (FL)

  WHITNEY, MY LOVE

  “The ultimate love story, one you can dream about forever.”

  —Romantic Times

  “A wonderful love story . . . fast-paced and exciting . . . great dialogue!”

  —Jude Deveraux, New York Times bestselling author of Temptation

  A KINGDOM OF DREAMS

  “Wonderful! . . . Judith McNaught is truly the spellbinding storyteller of our times.”

  —Affaire de Coeur

  PERFECT

  “Judith McNaught undoubtedly knows a thing or two about love. . . . Perfect is a steamy romantic escapade.”

  —The Dallas Morning News

  “[An] action-packed romance . . . full of desire and danger.”

  —Rendezvous

  “[The] chemistry sizzles.”

  —San Francisco Chronicle

  PARADISE

  “Another incomparable love story Judith McNaught’s readers are sure to cherish.”

  —Dallas Times Herald

  “Engaging. . . . A captivating tale.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “A blockbuster. . . . an absorbing and heartwarming story.”

  —Rendezvous

  “A thoroughly enjoyable read . . . Paradise is a wonderful way to spend a day.”

  —BookPage

  Thank you for downloading this Pocket Star Books eBook.

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  Acknowledgments

  To my editor, Linda Marrow—

  For the years of harmony, for the long nights we’ve worked together when deadlines drew near, and most of all, for the tremendous skill and enthusiasm you bring to everything you do.

  To Perry Knowlton, who is everything an agent— and a trusted friend—ought to be. I’m not certain what has meant more to me over the years . . . your confidence in me, your excellent advice, or your endless graciousness.

  To Diana Gabaldon, whose knowledge of Scotland is only surpassed by her kindness in sharing this information. Thank you for your help.

  and

  To Susan Prigozen who does know how to recognize all those constellations and where to look for them. Elizabeth Cameron and I are both very grateful to you.

  1

  Fifteen servants wearing the traditional blue and silver livery of the Earl of Cameron left Havenhurst at dawn on the same day. All of them carried identical, urgent messages that Lady Elizabeth’s uncle, Mr. Julius Cameron, had directed them to deliver at fifteen homes throughout England.

  The recipients of these messages all had only one thing in common: They had once offered for Lady Elizabeth’s hand in marriage.

  All fifteen of these gentlemen, upon reading the message, exhibited shock at its contents. Some of them were incredulous, others derisive, and still others cruelly satisfied. Twelve of them promptly wrote out replies declining Julius Cameron’s outrageous suggestion, then they hurried off in search of friends with whom they could share this unsurpassed, delicious piece of incredible gossip.

  Three of the recipients reacted differently.

  * * *

  Lord John Marchman had just returned from his favorite daily pastime of hunting when the Havenhurst servant arrived at his home, and a footman brought him the message. “I’ll be damned,” he breathed as he read. The message stated that Mr. Julius Cameron was desirous of seeing his niece, Lady Elizabeth Cameron, suitably and immediately wed. To that end, Mr. Cameron said he would now be willing to reconsider John’s previously rejected offer for Lady Elizabeth’s hand. Cognizant of the year and a half that had passed since they had been in each other’s company, Julius Cameron volunteered to send his niece, properly chaperoned, to spend a sennight with John so that they might “renew their acquaintance.”

  Unable to believe what he was reading. Lord Marchman paced the floor and read the entire message twice more. “I’ll be damned,” he said again. Raking a hand through his sandy hair, he glanced distractedly at the wall beside him, which was completely covered with his most prized possessions—the heads of the animals he’d hunted in Europe and abroad. A moose stared back at him through glazed eyes; beside it a wild boar snarled. Reaching up, he scratched the moose behind its antlers in an affectionate, if ludicrous, gesture that expressed his gratitude for the splendid day of hunting that particular prize had afforded him.

  A vision of Elizabeth Cameron danced enchantingly before his eyes—an incredibly lovely face with green eyes, cameo skin, and soft, smi