Her Duke at Daybreak Mythic Dukes Trilogy
Page 14
Ash shuddered. “Not that one.” He parted her knees with his leg.
“Oh!” She glanced up through her lashes, all innocence. “You must mean the dress with the red lace.”
“Mmm.” His face relaxed with indulgent recollections. “I like that dress, but I love...”
She dropped his banyan from her shoulders. Cool air titillated her breasts, fully exposed above the transparent, diaphanous layers falling from the gathered waist. “This dress?”
Ash’s cheeks darkened, his eyes dilated.
His wife worked the buttons of his falls. “I love it when you look at me that way.”
Ash hardened beneath her fingers before he caught her wrists in his hands.
“I know a few other things you love.”
“You do, do you?”
Ash sunk to his knees. “Absolutely.” Placing his lips against her breasts, he proceeded to prove his point.
Alicia laughed, throaty and low. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“My darling duchess,” he said, “the debt is entirely mine.”
THE END
Author’s Note
Lovers of history may recognize the love triangle between Admiral Nelson, Lady Nelson and Lady Hamilton. I included some historical details from that triangle—young Captain Nelson met his wife in the Caribbean, and his mistress when she fell into his arms weeping with gratitude for his service. Also accurate are descriptions of his death, the countess’s obsession with his bloody coat, and a disputed codicil that claimed his daughter. That is where the similarities end. The characters in Her Duke at Daybreak, their natures, and their motivations are entirely fictional.
Nelson did not impoverish his family. The codicil requested that the Admiralty ‘remember’ Lady Hamilton. They did not. While they spent extravagant sums on his funeral, Lady Hamilton was left impoverished and in unimaginable debt. She died in exile in France. Only then did Nelson’s family take in Nelson’s daughter, Horatia. Horatia had once sat on the knee of the Prince Regent, but was treated as little more than a servant by Nelson’s heirs. Eventually, she married a country clergyman. She lived out the rest of her life in modest comfort. Lady Nelson never remarried. Lady Nelson and Lady Hamilton remained devoted to Nelson’s memory. Neither—to recorded knowledge—took lovers after his death.
For a wealth of information on the ever-fascinating Emma Hamilton and her love affair with Lord Nelson, including pictures of some of their descendants, see the Emma Hamilton Society. I also highly recommend the book England’s Mistress written by Kate Williams.
And, on a final note, Ashbey’s father is modeled after William Byron, 5th Baron Byron, whose story I encountered while researching Lady Vice. He was convicted of manslaughter for the murder of his relative, but released after he paid a small fine. He was never tried for the murder of his coachman, whose body he deposited on top of his wife. It is said that his pet crickets left his house en masse the day he died.
Acknowledgments
In September of 2016, I had the honor of being included as an author in the first Historical Romance Reader’s Retreat. The conference was magical. I cannot describe what a thrill it was to spend a weekend with other lovers of history and romance. The impetus for this story came out of a somewhat raucous, thoroughly enjoyable dinner with KJ Jackson, Ava Stone, the fabulous sisters Moll & Em. I’m indebted to the conference organizers, Renee Bernard and Delilah Marvelle, whose combined creativity resulted in an unforgettable event that reignited my passion for writing and for the genre, and to my friend Alice, a dedicated Historical Romance reader, for being a wonderful roommate. I’d like to provide a list of everyone who made that experience so special, but I’ll refrain, as it would continue for at least another page.
I’d also like to thank Madeline Iva for keeping me on track, The Killion Group, Inc. for their graphic design, editorial and formatting resources, Gina Danna for her comments, Mary Behre, Sally MacKenzie, and the Washington Romance Writers for an inspiring 2017 Retreat, Stacey Adgern for writing in the city with me, Madeline Martin for a weekend of sprints that shaped the first draft, Talia Surova, and, the writing sisters of my heart, Inara Scott, Susan Sey and Alison Delaine.
Then of course there is my family. The Gavels, my Mom and wonderful sisters, Jo-el and Charlotte, the La Capras, my various nieces and nephews, and the two people I depend on most, Debbie & Richard.
About Wendy
Wendy LaCapra has been reading romance since she sneaked into the adult section at the library and discovered Victoria Holt & Jane Aiken Hodge. From that point on, she dreamed of creating fictional worlds with richness, intrigue and passion. Her stories have placed in several contests, including the 2012 Golden Heart® and her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society’s rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous. She lives in NYC with her husband and loves to hear from readers.
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Books by Wendy LaCapra
Available Now
Lady Vice
Lady Scandal
Duchess Decadence
Upcoming in this Series
His Duchess at Eventide, Cheverley’s story, July 2018
Her Duke at Midnight, Hurtheven’s story, 2019
Upcoming from Entangled Scandalous
Scandal in Spades, April 2018
Select Reviews
Lady Vice
“LaCapra has crafted a high-stakes romance full of twists that will keep readers turning the page late into the night. A sensual story of lost love and redemption with a smoldering hero who will sacrifice anything to regain his first love, LADY VICE is a historical romance readers will treasure.”—Elizabeth Essex, Award-winning Historical Romance Author
“Elegant, shadowy, gorgeous.”—Gaelen Foley, NYT Bestselling author of The Secrets of a Scoundrel
“This debut novel by author Wendy LaCapra is a stunning presentation. Lady Vice entices and intrigues with an outstanding story and fascinating characters.”—Kimberly Rocha, Romance at Random
“LADY VICE by Wendy La Capra is a regency romance overflowing with murder, mystery and the meaning of true friendship and love. …The murder element of the plot added that extra spark of danger, and the tale flowed easily and naturally.”—Linda Green, Fresh Fiction Review
“In addition to our gentleman of the highest caliber and an equally stubborn heroine blinded by the fear of her past, Lady Vice boasts a narrative that includes a murder-mystery, some bribery, strong and eccentric supporting cast of friends, a brothel, and a framing of the true murderer that will make you breathe a sigh of relief that Lavinia and Max will finally get their HEA.”—Tanya, Heroes and Heartbreakers Review
Lady Scandal
“Incredibly explosive, Lady Scandal is a daring romp that combines enough wit, sex and intrigue to knock your garters off. I loved it!”—USA Today Bestselling Author, Delilah Marvelle
“The characters and the plot were so compelling. I particularly loved Randolph. He was just amazing.”—Kilts and Swords Blog
“The attraction is magnetic.”—Tanya, Heroes and Heartbreakers
“With danger, plots and a passion worth fighting for, this Regency romance has got it all!”—Linda, Fresh Fiction
“I highly recommend you read this action-packed adventure filled with mystery and romance.”—Melanie, Bookworm2Bookworm on Goodreads
“...an enthralling read!”—Elaine, Splashes into Books, on Goodreads
“Oh my—this was a story that was not only unique, but was also gripping. “—Krystal, Red Wine and Books on Goodreads
Duchess Decadence
“This second chance at love between Wyn and Thea really tugs at the heart. Watching both Thea and Wyn throughout the FURIES series is a delight and when they finally get to have their day in the sun, it’s absolutely perfect. I enjoyed immensely all the characters and their play off one another, the FURIES love for one another and their kinship is endearing. DUCHESS
DECADENCE is a great read, one I will definitely read again.”–Kimberly R, Book Obsessed Chicks
“Even though LaCapra only has 3 novels under her belt, she writes like she has been doing this for 20 years. As her audience grows, she will be a must have for most readers of historical romance.”–Amy A, from Historical Romance Lover on Goodreads
“I fell in love with this series because it dares to journey down the road less traveled.”–Julie from The Book Review on Goodreads
“I liked Wyn and Thea, they were both charming and lovable. The intrigue was well developed. This story is filled with strong emotions, hope and love! Duchess Decadence was fun to read and recommend this beautiful historical romance!”–Nicole, Goodreads
“There were some beautiful scenes, steamy scenes, and scenes that made my eyes leak”–Brooke, Goodreads
“A wonderful romance, read in one setting.”–Lynn, Goodreads