INTRIGUE. TENSION. LOVE AFFAIRS: In The Historical Romance series, a set of stand-alone novels, Vivian Stuart builds her compelling narratives around the dramatic lives of sea captains, nurses, surgeons, and members of the aristocracy. Stuart takes us back to the societies of the 20th century, drawing on her own experience of places across Australia, India, East Asia, and the Middle East.    Watching her face intently, Paul read the uncertainty there. Roughly, he drew her into his arms. "Fran, love like ours doesn't die—you know that, don't you?" His lips found hers and she clung to him, startled to find Paul's attraction for her as strong as ever. But was it only that? She trembled suddenly, unreasonably afraid. "Yes," she finally answered, "but—" "There are no 'buts,' darling. Not anymore." The opening of the door startled them both. Dr. Frayle stood there. Then, to Francesca's astonishment, the older woman entered, her face alight with a strange eagerness. "Francesca, my dear," she said softly, "does this mean that you and Paul. . . ." It was Paul who answered. "Yes, it does," he said. "Francesca is going to marry me."