The Divided Heart: Book Three: Marie's Story

The sprite wants the spy. Will she get him?

Marie Louise Rebecca Haverford is the pampered only child of Sir Julian and Lady Becca, with whom she has a loving, fun-filled relationship. Although she presents the expected frivolous demeanor to society, she is, in fact, quite intelligent as her father learns when she interferes with his work at Whitehall.
Soon after their arrival in London for her second Season, Marie meets John, Viscount Beaufort, a Whitehall associate of Sir Julian. Lady Becca warns her that Beaufort is immune to young misses, but Marie vows to change all that.
Marie's shifts between maturity and immaturity confuse Beaufort, yet he admires her grasp on life. He resists Marie’s blandishments, partially because he distrusts frivolous females, but also because theft of funds meant for the military in Spain occupies his attention.
Marie is accustomed to getting what she wants, so why does Beaufort not succumb to her blandishments? After all, she is beautiful and wealthy. She never offends by exhibiting any intelligence. As expected by society, she flirts deliciously, pouts adorably, and dazzles every male within view. Every male, that is, except the one she desires. Must she place her life in danger to win Beaufort’s attention? She will do even that to win her heart's desire.

While Peggy dreamed of writing fiction, her business kept her busy for 30 years editing candidates' advanced degrees, faculty research and fiction. She publishes in nationally distributed magazines, received an honorable mention in a Writer's Digest contest, placing at #68 of 8,000 entries for creative nonfiction. For several years, she published a regular column, in the RPG Digest. Peggy edited and is a contributor in 3 anthologies: Challenges on the Home Front, World War II (Chapel Hill Press 2004) Second edition published in 2020.Lest the Colors Fade (Righter Books 2008) A Beautiful Life and Other Stories (Righter Books 2010) Peggy continues editing for Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. and for freelance clients in fiction and nonfiction, Christian and general market.