A Raging Madness
by Jude Knight

Their marriage is a fiction. Their enemies are all too real.

Blurb
Ella survived an abusive and philandering husband, in-laws who hate her, and public scorn. But she’s not sure she will survive love. It is too late to guard her heart from the man forced to pretend he has married such a disreputable widow, but at least she will not burden him with feelings he can never return.

Alex understands his supposed wife never wishes to remarry. And if she had chosen to wed, it would not have been to him. He should have wooed her when he was whole, when he could have had her love, not her pity. But it is too late now. She looks at him and sees a broken man. Perhaps she will learn to bear him.

In their masquerade of a marriage, Ella and Alex soon discover they are more well-matched than they expected. But then the couple’s blossoming trust is ripped apart by a malicious enemy. Two lost souls must together face the demons of their past to save their lives and give their love a future.

Interview with hero Alexander Redepenning, third son of Brigadier General Lord Henry Redepenning, and grandson of the 6th Earl of Chirbury.
Formerly a career officer in a dragoon regiment, Alex has been discharged following injury to both legs.

1. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That’s hard. I don’t feel I’ve achieved very much, to be honest. I was a competent officer; I obeyed orders, and I looked after my men and they trusted me. That’s really it. Now? After my injuries? That life is gone.
I’ve been carrying out some inspections for my cousin Rede. He inherited the Chirbury title from our cousin George, and the estates were in a mess. I’ve done a fair enough job of cleaning things up, but any trustworthy person with an ounce of common sense could have done the same.
If I dropped off the face of the planet, my family would miss me, but the rest of the world is unlikely to notice, and I’ll leave the place little different to where I found it.
It would matter to Jonno, I suppose. Jonno’s my manservant, and it is marginally possible that he needs me as much as I need him. He was going to spend his life working for his brother on the family farm and instead he is well on the way to being a gentleman’s gentleman. Still a servant, but arguably one with more opportunities, and certainly more cash. Is that my greatest achievement? I suppose it is.

2. 2. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I know it’s unfashionable, but what I really yearn after is household bliss. When I was young, I assumed I’d one day have what my father had: a happy marriage, a house full of children. It can happen. My brother Rick found his Mary, and my cousin Rede his Anne. If I had a chance, that chance is gone. Who would want to marry a broken down ex-cavalry officer, horrendously scarred, unable to ride, nightmare-ridden and without an occupation?

2. 2. 3. What is your current state of mind?

Mustn’t grumble. Things could be a lot worse. I’ll be fine.

2. 2. 4. What is your favourite occupation?

Riding used to be what I loved best in the world. Of one kind or another. (Alex winks and flashes a quick grin.) I’ve not ridden since my horse and I were shot up. I’m trying to get strength back into my thighs, but if you put me on a horse at the moment, you’d have to tie me on. As to the other kind of riding, the little gentleman doesn’t rise to the occasion any more. The injury has gelded me as well as crippled me, it seems. The doctors say it isn’t permanent, but what woman would want me now?

2. 2. 5. What is your most treasured possession?

A miniature portrait of my mother. I used to carry it with me in my breast pocket, but it got lost somewhere on the trip back to England when I was injured. When I told my father, he had another painted from the portrait he has.

2. 2. 6. What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My career, I guess. I can’t remember a time I didn’t dream of being a cavalry officer, and I joined up as soon as my parents allowed.

2. 2. 7. What is your favorite journey?

Beyond a doubt, the journey home to Longford Court, where I grew up. In the last few miles, as we pass landmark after landmark from my childhood, I feel a peace settle over my soul. I stayed away after my mother died. All of us did. My father moved to London, and none of us could bear to see how the place she once graced with her love had been neglected by my uncle and later cousin George. But my cousin Rede and his wife live there now, when they’re in the country, and Anne has made it a home again.

2. 2. 8. What is your most marked characteristic?

Loyalty, I think, probably. I don’t trust easily, but those I do trust have my devoted loyalty.

2. 2. 9. When and where were you the happiest?

It’s a toss up between my childhood, when the whole herd of us roamed the countryside under the generalship of my brother Harry, and the army, when I knew my job and did it to the best of my ability. Not now, that’s certain.

2. 2. 10. What is it that you most dislike?

Bullying. A man who hurts those in his power—soldiers, servants, women, children, animals—doesn’t deserve to be called a man. He is scum. He’s worm-eating vermin.

2. 2. 11. What is your greatest fear?

I fear letting people down; people who depend on me.

2. 2. 12. What is your greatest extravagance?

It used to be horses. I’ve been known to empty my purse and promise my next six months’ expectations for a good horse. Since I was injured, I’ve been given more money than I can spend, but I have no will to spend it. Not at the moment, in any case.

2. 2. 13. Which living person do you most despise?

Baroness Carrington, who is still alive somewhere, though she disappeared after what people are now calling the Battle of Abbey Farm. Not just for the way she treated me, but for her part in the capture of innocent women. She’s a woman herself. How could she do that?

2. 2. 14. What is your greatest regret?

I have a few, as you might imagine. But the one that floats to the top is little Ella. I could have courted her. Her father would have had me, no question. But she was so young, and I thought I had time, and after what the baroness did I was– bruised. Yes, bruised. But suddenly it was too late. She was married to that bounder Melville, and I had to watch him crush the joy from her life. If only I’d spoken up!

2. 2. 15. Which talent would you most like to have?

You won’t laugh? I’d like to write poetry. I’ve tried, and I’m dreadful. I follow all the rules, but it lacks spark. I think it would be very soothing to create something beautiful out of ugly angry feelings.

2. 2. 16. Where would you like to live?

To settle, you mean? I’ve always thought I’d retire one day to a country estate. I’d like to have a townhouse in London or maybe one of the other big cities, but just for visits. To live, I’d like the country. I used to imagine my children exploring the country-side as my brothers, sister, and cousins did when we were children. Even without a wife and family though, my heart is most at peace in the country.

2. 2. 17. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Letting down a member of my family. When they are disappointed in me, it breaks my heart.

Author Bio:
Jude Knight’s writing goal is to transport readers to another time, another place, where they can enjoy adventure and romance, thrill to trials and challenges, uncover secrets and solve mysteries, delight in a happy ending, and return from their virtual holiday refreshed and ready for anything.
She writes historical novels, novellas, and short stories, mostly set in the early 19^th Century. She writes strong determined heroines, heroes who can appreciate a clever capable woman, villains you’ll love to loathe, and all with a leavening of humour.

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