Of Dukes and Deceptions: Dangerous Dukes Vol 4

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Of Dukes and Deceptions: Dangerous Dukes Vol 4 Page 23

by Wendy Soliman


  Alicia’s mouth dropped open. When she closed it again, a glittering smile graced her lips. ‘You would do that after the infamous manner in which my uncle attempted to manipulate you?’

  ‘I would do it for you with gladness in my heart because I know how much the place means to you. We will keep the stud running and you can manage it yourself if you wish.’

  ‘Nicholas, I don’t know what to say to you. Your generosity of spirit, your kindness.’ She lifted her shoulders. ‘I am overwhelmed.’

  He smiled at her, sensing that she was weakening but probably for all the wrong reasons. ‘I would not have you marry me out of a sense of duty, Alicia. Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned my plans for the Manor until after you agree to become my duchess. But you have my assurance that the offer of the stud management remains, regardless of whether or not you accept my proposal.’

  ‘I take back what I said about you earlier, my lord duke. Your beneficence implies a true goodness of character.’

  ‘Well, that’s encouraging to hear. Perhaps there is hope for me after all?’

  She tilted her head and smiled contemplatively. ‘Perhaps.’

  ‘But now, as to the reasons why you ought to marry me. Don’t overlook the fact that if you agree, there is no reason why your lessons shouldn’t resume immediately. I will be able to introduce you to some of the punishments that so intrigue you.’

  ‘Well, I own, that does sound rather tempting.’

  Nick choked on a laugh. All the advantages of being a duchess couldn’t sway her, but the prospect of sharing his bed on a permanent basis appeared to give her pause.

  ‘The journey back to Dorchester Park ought to provide ample opportunities for you to displease me.’ He pulled her a little closer, his voice a persuasive purr in her ear. ‘Only think of the punishments I will be able to devise in an endeavour to make you more obedient.’

  ‘Hmm.’ Alicia chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip.

  ‘In fact, a well-sprung carriage is a very good place in which to have one’s behaviour corrected. The rocking motion of the coach, you understand—’

  It was evident from her sparkling eyes that she understood very well indeed.

  ‘And Mrs Vickers?’

  ‘Her services will be surplus to requirements.’

  Alicia smiled and stood on her toes to receive his kiss, only to break it as soon as his lips touched hers.

  ‘Before I agree to become your wife, there is just one trifling matter that needs to be addressed.’

  ‘Ah, of course. Forgive me, I should have anticipated.’ He turned toward the door. ‘Gibson.’

  Nick rolled his eyes as Gibson, with Janet at his shoulder, entered the room immediately, both sporting identical grins. They had been told to wait in the passageway but had doubtless been eavesdropping shamelessly. In which case there seemed little point in his releasing Alicia from his arms.

  ‘Arrange for the transportation of Miss Woodley’s menagerie to Dorchester Park with all expediency.’

  The End

  About the Author

  Hi, I do hope you enjoyed Of Dukes and Deceptions. If so, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear what you thought of this particular novel – what you enjoyed most about it and what you didn’t like. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

  Reach me at [email protected]

  I’m a British author, brought up on the Isle of Wight, but now live in Andorra. I share my life with my long-suffering husband and a rescued dog of indeterminate pedigree named Jake Bentley after the hero in one of my books. Both Jakes are handsome mongrels with independent spirits and wild streaks.

  I’ve had over sixty books published, ranging from Regency romance, (my first love), to contemporary women’s fiction and marine crime mysteries.

  When not writing I walk miles with my dog, make half-hearted visits to the gym, read other people’s tomes…oh, and I’m on a one woman mission to keep the wine trade profitable!

  Check out all of my books, and learn more about me from my website: http:www.wendysoliman.com

  Or on my Amazon author page author.to/wendys

  Follow me on twitter @wendyswriter or on Facebook: Wendy Soliman - Author

  Also available from this Author

  Historical Romance

  Stand Alone Regencies

  Lady Hartley’s Inheritance

  Duty’s Destiny

  A Reason to Rebel

  Forgotten Heiress

  For Want of a Reputation

  Christmas at Castleray

  Ava’s Passion

  Lady Mysterious

  Disinherited

  Divided Loyalties

  A Scandalous Proposition

  The Perfect Impostor

  Lady Impetuous

  Sacrificial Bride

  Dangerous Dukes Series

  To Defy a Duke

  The Duke’s Legacy

  A Duke by Default

  Of Dukes and Deceptions

  Game of Dukes

  Dukes and Indiscretions

  Never Dare a Duke

  Mrs. Darcy Entertains Series Boxset

  Miss Bingley’s Revenge / Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Dilemma / Miss Darcy’s Passion / Kitty Bennet’s Despair / Lydia Wickham’s Journal

  Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 1 – 3 Boxset

  Emma Bingley’s Romantic Nature / Naomi Sanford’s Compassionate Nature / Bella Darcy’s Impetuous Nature

  Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 4 – 6 Boxset

  Eleanor Bingley’s Rebellious Nature / Rosie Turner’s Contrary Nature / Susie Darcy’s Tenacious Nature

  Simon Bingley’s Resolve

  Ducal Encounters Series 1

  At the Duke’s Discretion

  With the Duke’s Approval

  Portrait of a Duke

  For the Duke’s Pleasure

  In the Duke’s Estimation

  Captivating the Duke

  Ducal Encounters Series 2

  Reunited with the Duke

  Christmas with the Duke

  Representing the Duke

  Safeguarding the Duke

  Acting for the Duke

  Emulating the Duke

  Ducal Encounters Series 3

  Conspiring with the Duke

  Dedicated to the Duke

  Impugning the Duke’s Honour

  By Order of the Duke

  Supporting the Duke

  Protecting the Duke’s Interests

  Ducal Encounters Series 4

  As the Duke’s Agent

  Masquerading with the Duke

  On the Duke’s Authority

  Carlton House Cartel

  Chance

  The Forsters

  Compromising the Marquess

  Beguiling the Barrister

  Finessing the Contessa

  Romancing the Runaway

  Victorian Vigilante Series Boxset

  Saving Grace / Heirs and Graces / With Good Grace / Fall From Grace / Social Graces / Elegance and Grace

  Riley Rochester Investigates Series

  Death of a Debutante

  Death of a Courtesan

  Death of a Prosecutor

  Death of a Scoundrel

  Death of an Artist

  Death of a Recluse

  Death of a Matriarch

  Death of a Footman

  Perceptions Series

  A Sense of Belonging

  A Sense of Purpose

  A Sense of Misgiving

  A Sense of Injustice

  A Sense of Turmoil

  A Sense of Destiny

  Contemporary Titles

  English Contemporary Romance Boxset: Reinventing Radleigh/ Shalimar/Silver Lining

  English Contemporary Romance Boxset 2: Name of the Game / Downsizing / Topspin

  The Hunter Files Boxset: Unfinished Business /

  Risky Business/ Lethal Business

  >   Wendy Soliman, Of Dukes and Deceptions: Dangerous Dukes Vol 4

 

 

 


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