In this second book of my new Dragonblade romantic suspense/mystery series, the hero, Lord Alexander Marksman, has been searching for his family for some fifteen years. His mother and sister are supposedly somewhere in what was then called the British West Indies, but most of the leads he had known have been dead ends.
Alexander’s father was never meant to inherit the Marksman earldom, and Robert Dutton and Alexander had been living in the London slums for years. In fact, Alexander was born in those slums. One of Alexander’s motivations to become the 12th Earl Marksman was to have enough money to search for his mother and sister, who were supposed to be some where along the coasts of North and South America. But what was the British government’s interest in 1812 in what came to be known as the British West Indies?
In 1812, British interest in the West Indies was primarily driven by economic and strategic concerns related to the lucrative sugar trade and the need to protect its Caribbean possessions during the Napoleonic Wars. The islands were vital for revenue, especially to fund the war effort in Europe, and their defense was paramount to maintaining British power in the region.
- Economic Importance: The West Indies were a major source of wealth for Britain, particularly due to sugar production and the associated trade. The profits and trade from these islands were crucial for the British economy and helped finance the war against Napoleon.
- Strategic Significance: The islands were strategically important for maintaining Britain’s naval power in the Atlantic and for protecting British shipping routes. The British feared French and American incursions into the region, which could disrupt trade and challenge their dominance.
- War of 1812: The outbreak of the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States added another layer of complexity. The British needed to defend the West Indies from potential American attacks while also maintaining their naval presence in the region.
- Naval Strategy: The British naval strategy was influenced by the need to protect the West Indies, with a focus on maintaining control of sea lanes and intercepting enemy shipping.
- West India Regiments: The West India Regiments, composed of local soldiers, played a key role in defending the islands and were formally part of the British Army. These regiments were crucial for maintaining order and defending against potential uprisings or attacks.
- Privateering: Both the British and Americans engaged in privateering, using privately owned armed ships to attack enemy merchant vessels. This further complicated the situation in the West Indies, with privateers from both sides targeting shipping lanes in the region.
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Must he risk one dream to know another?
Tropes you’ll love:
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Soul mates
✔️ Secret identity
✔️ Fish out of water
✔️ Unrequited love
✔️ Dark secret
✔️ Emotional scars
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Innocent cohabitation
✔️ Love interest vs. Missing family
✔️ Honorable marriage
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Emotional scars
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Every Woman Dreams... 