Duke of Daring: Regency Romance (Lords of Scandal Book 1)

by Tammy Andresen

  Duke of Daring

  Lords of Scandal

  Tammy Andresen

  Copyright © 2019 by Tammy Andresen

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

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  www.tammyandresen.com

  Hugs!

  Contents

  Untitled

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Epilogue

  Marquess of Malice

  About the Author

  Other Titles by Tammy

  Untitled

  The Duke of Daring

  Lords of Scandal

  By Tammy Andresen

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you so much for choosing The Duke of Daring. I know you have a lot of choices! While this is a stand-alone book, to enhance your reading experience, I’d recommend downloading the free prologue to the series, Lords of Scandal. Not only will it give you a little romance with Emily and Jack’s story, but it will introduce you to the cast of characters in Lords of Scandals. All my best and happy reading!

  Love,

  Tammy

  Chapter One

  “Drat. It’s raining again.” Emily huffed as she stood at the window, staring and frowning deeply.

  Minnie Chase crossed the room and brushed back Emily’s hair. The woman had a serious case of pre-wedding jitters. Never having been married, Minnie didn’t quite understand it, but two days ago, when she’d suggested that Emily simply calm herself, her cousin had burst into a shower of tears. Minnie hadn’t made the suggestion again. Rather, she’d taken to whispering near-nonsensical words into her cousin’s ear. “This is England, Em. It’s always raining. At least the garden will be lush for the day of the ceremony.”

  “Lush, yes. That’s a good point.” Emily relaxed against Minnie, her brown hair brushing Minnie’s bright red locks. “You’ve been such a comfort, Minnie. Thank you. After what happened last week, I’ve grown so worried that this wedding won’t happen.”

  Minnie winced. That was an excellent point and explained a great deal about Emily’s jitters. Minnie rather agreed, in fact if she were in Emily’s place, she wouldn’t be marrying the man at all.

  Last week, Emily, along with Minnie and her sister, Ada, and Emily’s sisters, Diana and Grace, had gone to a secret gaming hell called the Den of Sins. There, they’d discovered that Jack, along with five of his friends, ran a secret gaming hell and used the proceeds to pad their fortunes.

  Minnie’s gut clenched as she remembered that night. The men had been none too happy to have their secret discovered by ladies of society. One in particular had irritated Minnie beyond belief. Daring, they’d called him, but she knew him as The Duke of Darlington. Just thinking his name caused goose pimples to rise on her flesh.

  But worse than meeting an errant duke, Emily and Jack had almost cancelled their wedding. “The nuptials are going to happen. Jack said he would retire from the club and that you were what was important.” She gave Emily a squeeze.

  Emily nodded against her shoulder. “You’re right. I just…I can’t…I seem to be filled with doubt.”

  Minnie gave Emily’s back a tiny pat and then she let her cousin go. “I know. It’s only a month until the wedding and then you can cease worrying.” An entire month of keeping Emily constant company. Not that she was completing the task alone. But still. She sighed. It was going to be the longest thirty days of her life.

  Emily gave an absent nod, then turned to look through the rain-streaked window. Minnie knew Em wouldn’t reply. She’d already retreated back into her worried thoughts. Something she did with more and more frequency as the wedding drew closer.

  “Perhaps,” she touched Emily’s arm, “we could arrange an outing this evening. Aunt Melisandre is hosting an intimate dinner. We could go so you have something to take your mind off the wedding.”

  Emily waved, not looking at Minnie. “I couldn’t possibly. I’m a wreck.”

  Minnie looked up that ceiling. No denying that. “Perhaps I could write to Jack. See if he could escort you?”

  “Jack?” Emily’s full attention focused back on Minnie. “What a marvelous idea. We could go together. When I’m with him, I forget to be afraid.”

  Minnie’s insides fluttered. Emily was the perfect example of why a woman needed to use her head and not her heart when she selected a husband. Not that Minnie needed an example. She’d fallen in love last season only to have her hopes and dreams dashed. Emily only confirmed her worst fears. While she knew Emily loved Jack from the first instant their eyes met, there had been secrets and lies and now a whole heaping pile of uncertainty. “All right then. I’ll write him now.”

  Minnie crossed the room and sat at the desk. Dipping the quill into the ink, she pulled out a fresh piece of parchment from the top drawer. Then she took out the quill again and perched the utensil above the paper. Instead of writing, however, her own mind drifted.

  How to choose a husband had dominated her thoughts of late. Minnie had reached one and twenty years of age, past time to be married. And her younger sister Ada was ready for her first season. Which meant that Minnie needed to find a husband or place herself on the shelf. The very idea of Minnie becoming a spinster sent their mother into a dead faint.

  Minnie wasn’t sure how she felt on the topic. On the one hand, she couldn’t quite picture being alone her entire life. On the other, however, she tried to visualize the man who would tolerate her for the rest of his life.

  She rested her chin on her other hand. Minnie had a tendency to tell men exactly what she thought of them, precisely when she thought it. A trait that had frightened more than one suitor away.

  Looking down, she realized the parchment now had a giant blotch of black ink dead in the center of the page. She let out a sigh and pulled out a fresh piece, penning a note to Jack.

  Lord Effington,

  Lady Emily Chase requests the honor of your presence at the home of the Countess of Wilmington’s dinner soiree this evening. She finds herself in need of a diversion.

  Minnie stopped, frowning with one side of her mouth. Did that sound right? It was true, of course, but perhaps it was too forward? She shook her head. When had she started questioning herself? Probably about the time her father had insisted she find a husband this season or he’d find one for her. Her mother concurred. They were aligning against her.

  Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope to see you this evening.

  Kind regards,

  Miss Minerva Chase

  She dusted the paper and then carefully folded the note, rising again to ring the bell. Attending the ball would do her good as well. Not only would it give her a break from Emily’s nervous melancholy but it might give her an opportunity to find a suitor before her father had the chance.

  Lord Dartagnan Darlington, The Duke of Darlington, sat across from his closest friend, ally, and companion through many
a lurid tryst and tried to keep his poker face in place. Jack knew him better than anyone, which made lying to his friend exceptionally difficult. “Do you have any plans with Emily between now and the wedding?” he asked, attempting to keep his voice light.

  Which was odd in and of itself. He had a naturally deep and rumbling baritone much more suited to thinly veiled threats than to light banter about ladies.

  Jack squinted an eye. “Odd question.” His friend turned his head to the side. “Daring,” he asked, using Dartagnan’s nickname at the club.

  Actually, Jack had a nickname too, Effing. But Tag had known Jack since before the club and somehow, he’d always thought of the Lord of Effington as just Jack. “What?”

  “Are you feeling all right? You’re not acting like yourself.”

  Tag snapped his teeth together. This was not going the way he’d planned. He needed to redirect the conversation quickly. “I’m fine. The last time I saw Emily, however, she threatened to call off the wedding. I’m concerned for you.”

  Jack grimaced as he looked down. “Right. Thanks for reminding me.”

  Tag’s gut clenched with guilt. He’d wanted to distract Jack, not hurt him. When Emily had walked into the back room of their secret club with her sisters and cousins in tow, their livelihood, at least the fun part of it, had been jeopardized. If word got out they ran the club, it would ruin the mystery that surrounded their identities and could cost them patrons and coin…. One of Den of Sins’ greatest assets was the mystery that surrounded its owners. Men theorized they were pirates, highwaymen, or cutthroats. No one ever concocted a story that declared the club run by a duke and his fellow peers. “Sorry, chap. I was just worried. You’ve patched things up with her?”

  Jack splayed his fingers on the desk. “More or less.” He cleared his throat. “But she’s been exceptionally nervous and her sisters and cousins—” Jack’s head popped up. “Who you’ve obviously met.”

  Tag gave a curt nod trying to disguise that the sisters and cousins were the exact reason he’d come. “I vaguely remember them.”

  Jack cocked a brow. “Oh please. Flames ignited between you and Minnie.”

  He snorted despite himself. “Those weren’t flames. It was just her bright red hair.” Fiery shades of copper as glaring as her personality.

  It was Jack’s turn to snort. “Daring. I know when you’re attracted to a woman.”

  Tag lowered his brow, leaning forward. “This time you misunderstand. It was not attraction. I was honestly stunned and appalled by the woman. A more flamboyant example of feminine attributes has never crossed my path.”

  Jack pushed back in his chair, arching a brow. “More flamboyant than the group of gypsies you hired one year for my birthday? More garish than the troop of actresses you brought to—”

  “Point made,” Tag grated. “They were women of a different cloth. Minnie, as you called her, is the granddaughter of an earl. She should a have more sedated decorum.”

  Jack stared at him for a moment before he shook his head. “I agree on that point. There is little that is sedated about Minnie. She does everything with a great deal of zest, energy, and enthusiasm. Even verbally sparring with dukes.”

  Tag’s mouth went annoyingly dry. Because he thought of one activity in particular where zest, energy, and enthusiasm would play out nicely. The acts he pictured also involved that mane of glowing hair trailing down her shoulders and onto his, spilling across his pillow. For a moment, his eyes closed.

  After the ladies had left the club that evening, Jack had gone with them. The rest of their friends and fellow club owners had stayed behind. That’s when the five men had decided they needed to make sure Emily’s family did not disclose their secret gaming hell. And so they’d devised a plan. Each of them would watch one of the ladies to ensure she was trustworthy. A fact-finding endeavor.

  One of their friends, Exile, a brawny Scot with a noble heart, had insisted they keep their activities appropriate. If they didn’t, he’d personally see them escorted to the altar. And Tag couldn’t have that yet. He’d marry eventually, of course, to some simple girl who bore him a few children and didn’t ask too much of him emotionally or otherwise. A woman like Minnie was too spirited, too like the woman who’d nearly wrecked his life and his soul six years before.

  And Jack. He didn’t know anything about their plan. If he found out they were actively following his bride’s family…

  “So you and Emily are back on good footing? I only ask because what happens with your matrimonial pursuits affects all of us.”

  Jack glowered. “Even if she cancelled the wedding, she wouldn’t share your secrets. I picked a kind and honorable woman. It’s why she’s so damn offended we run a gaming hell called the Den of Sins.”

  “She’s offended you’ve lied to her.” Tag fired back before he’d weighed the words.

  Jack winced. “True. Anyway. Plans continue, but she is nervous. She seems to grow more so the longer we’re separated. It would be so much easier if I could just bring her here with me then I’m certain her fears will vanish.”

  Tag rubbed the back of his neck. He needed the wedding to happen. For Jack’s sake, of course. But also for his own. He’d chosen Minnie to watch over. More because she deserved a good measure of humility and he intended to give it to her. She’d been openly rude to him the one occasion they’d met. In order to do that, however, he needed an opportunity to see her. “Anything I can do?”

  A knock sounded at the door. The butler walked in carrying a tray with a letter upon it. “Forgive the interruption, my lord, but an urgent letter has arrived for you.”

  Jack removed the letter from the tray and tore it open, then scanned the contents. “Thank you, Beasley.” He passed the letter to Tag. “There’s nothing I need. Unless you know how to calm restless women. Emily is feeling especially concerned after all that’s happened, and I’m afraid she’s causing the rest of the ladies to worry as well.”

  Tag picked up the letter and read the lovely bold script, a smile threatening to break out on his face. This was his chance to observe Minnie. Make sure she kept their secret. If she’d penned the letter, she planned to attend the intimate dinner at their aunt’s home. “I can go with you. Keep an eye out for her sisters or cousins who attend while you calm your bride.”

  Jack coughed. “Now I really am worried about you. You hate public functions.”

  Tag stared back, attempting to look bored. “It’s a family function, first of all. And I just offered my help to my oldest ally. How could I refuse this opportunity?”

  “You’re a good friend.” Jack rose and came around the desk, slapping Tag’s back. “Thank you.”

  Tag gave a single jerk of his chin in acceptance. He’d committed a great many shady dealings in his day, but somehow, this one made his stomach turn. He did want to protect Minnie, but he also wanted to teach her a good lesson on how she should treat a duke.

  Chapter Two

  Minnie stood in the entry with Emily gripping her arm. Not only was her cousin digging marks into her skin but she was wrinkling her sleeve’s cuff. And Minnie loved this dress with its bright emerald silk and lace trim.

  “Jack wrote you to confirm his attendance?” Emily asked, leaning close to her ear. She sounded near breathless.

  Minnie looked up to the ceiling praying for some modicum of patience. She should have sent Diana or even Grace out with Emily. If only her parents weren’t forcing her to find a husband. “For the sixth time, Emily, he’s coming.”

  Emily’s fingers dug in tighter. “Don’t be cross. You know that’s how this all started. He lied about where he was so that he didn’t have to attend a ball with me.”

  Minnie sighed. “I know. I was there. And he’s explained why he wasn’t able to come all those times. Why he claimed to be in the country. He was engaged in a business that secured your futures.” Minnie didn’t like his behavior either. If that had been her fiancé she would have tossed him to the side without a glance ba
ck. He was a bad egg in her estimation along with his entire lot of friends. Especially that Duke. She rolled her eyes. The Duke of Darlington was his formal address but his friends had given him the nickname of Daring… The Duke of Daring. Ridiculous. She gave a small snort and one of her second cousins glared at her. She quickly cleared her throat. He was a grown man running around with a pretend name and operating an illicit club. A duke at that. She wrinkled her nose as they stood. He was supposed to be a guardian for the entire country.

  Just outside, carriage wheels sounded on the gravel, the crunching noise punctuated by the beat of the horses’ hooves.

  “He’s here,” Emily exclaimed finally letting go of Minnie’s arm.

  Minnie shook her hand, pushing blood back down to her fingers. The door swung open and Jack stepped inside.

  Instantly, Emily changed. All her worry vanished as a wide smile spread across her lips. Her body straightened and her neck lengthened. “Jack.”

  He crossed the foyer, reaching for her hands. “I’m so glad you sent me a missive today. This is exactly what we need.”

  “I’m glad you came. I…” Emily stopped stepping closer. “I’m scared.”

  Jack leaned in so his nose was just an inch from Emily’s. “Don’t be, love. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

  Emily’s grin broadened but Minnie’s shoulders sank. Somehow watching the couple made her ache just a little. She still didn’t like Jack or agree with what he’d done but…the couple’s bond was undeniable. Would she ever experience love? She’d thought she did once not very long ago. In fact, she’d nearly been engaged to a man she’d considered perfect until he’d ended their relationship. “Are we ready to go?”