The Nightingale Chronicles
Protecting Jacqueline
by
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“I don’t understand why it is so important to find a husband,” Jacqueline remarked from the floor of her sister’s bedchamber. She was watching Veronica prepare for her ball. Today was her coming out, and she wore a delicate white gown with rich emerald embroidery and a low square bodice made for Veronica, which hung lightly off her shoulders. Her hair was coiled atop her head with perfect curls whimsically framing her lovely face.
Jacqueline stared at her sister with a mixture of envy and disdain. “I don’t understand this entire notion of dressing up and parading around a ball for men to gawk and ogle to ultimately decide who to marry.”
Veronica turned to her sister. “I get to decide too, Jacque.” She turned her tall, slender frame back to the mirror as her gown was buttoned from behind. Her dark green, almond-shaped eyes stared back at her sister through the reflection, one brow raised. Veronica raised her nose, her perfect button nose, turned up just a touch at the end, in defiance at her sister.
Jacqueline rolled her eyes and threw her long, black curls over her shoulder. Length was the only way she found to loosen the tight tendrils. “Do you really believe that makes me think this any better?” Jacqueline scoffed.
“Even you will have to go through this.”
“Not if I have any say over it.”
Veronica turned and looked at her sister. “Jacqueline, you can’t think Colin will want to marry you; you’re a child. Stop this childish infatuation. Please. He isn’t even in our lives anymore,” Veronica implored.
Jacqueline saw the pity on her sister’s face and decided to ignore it.
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About the Book
Jacqueline Stanford is a free-spirited and unconventional young lady. Her father, the Duke of Sutherland, raised his daughter to be true to herself, shining the standards set by the ton, and encouraging his daughter’s curiosities.
The Duke tried to instill the same openness and acceptance of love to his best friends son, Colin, a young Viscount whose mother died tragically when he was a small boy. He takes the boy in as his own seeking to mentor Colin, but the boy maintains the steely resolve instituted by his father.
Only Jacqueline had ever been able to break his icy walls, yet Colin distances himself from the Sutherland family, resolved to focus on becoming his own man. Colin always harbored a protective affection for Jacqueline, but he denies his feelings and avoids all emotions when he leaves for university. But emptiness looms over him, even as he achieves each challenge, moving his way up as an advisor for the British government.
Years later, after the shocking death of Jacqueline’s parents, Colin returns to her life and finds her in battle for not only her sense of self, but also her very life. In order to protect her, he must fight his own demons, yet he is torn between maintaining his rigid lifestyle and loving a woman who challenges him at every turn. The Nightingale Chronicles: Protecting Jacqueline is a historical romance novel that explores the themes of friendship, forgiveness, and passion bringing with it a little mystery.
About the Author
Alexandra Shaw brings her characters to life through her creative approach to writing. Married, and a mother of two, Shaw enjoys spending time with her family and friends.