Winning The Heart 0f The Mischievous Duke (Historical Regency Romance)

by Ella Edon

  Katherine smiled. She seemed to have added a bit. And she seemed to glow as well. He wondered why he noticed this of her. Shaking his head, he waited for her response.

  "Esther would surely be here. She did—"

  A loud voice cut through, and everyone in the room looked up. "Lady Esther Bowen!"

  Augustus stepped aside, so that Esther, who donned a blue dress with gold embroidery at its hem and her brown hair pulled up in a chignon, leaving her face bare so that her shiny earrings glowed under the light — walked in. She looked beautiful as she descended the stairs. The world seemed to have faded away as he watched her. He saw her eyes scanning the room like she was looking for something. He hoped she was looking for him. He moved away from Lady Katherine, barely waving his hand, and began to make his way over to her.

  A hand stopped him short. He turned to see a smiling Lord Kendal beside him. Stefan smiled tightly, unhappy with the intrusion.

  "Your Grace."

  "Lord Kendal." Stefan bowed.

  "I saw you when you walked in. How do you do?"

  "Very well, thank you."

  Lord Kendal raised a brow. "I don't suppose it has been done. Has it?"

  Stefan let out a shaky breath. Of course, it had not been done. He shook his head. "I want it memorable and special."

  Lord Kendal's eyes sparkled. "Like on a special day." Stefan nodded. The Earl lifted his lips a little in a smile. He nodded and walked away. Stefan turned back to look for Esther, but he couldn't find her.

  Blimey!

  He spotted her, by a group of old men, talking to Lord Milway. He watched her as she made gesticulations with her hand. Lord Milway tried to hold her hands, but Esther shook her head, and with a soft smile, she touched his shoulder lightly before pulling her hand away quickly. Stefan felt his jealousy rising. He made to walk over to take her away from that gentleman. But he stopped himself. Esther looked sideways and their eyes locked. She blushed and waved at him. He realized then, that he had no need to worry. He trusted her and he knew very well that she needed to have that private moment with Lord Milway. She was his, after all. Smiling, he winked at her and turned to Lord Melbourne, who was close by.

  * * *

  She was talking to Lord Lamb the next time he spotted her. He sighed in relief. The waltz was about to commence, and he wanted to dance with her. He wouldn't let anyone else have this dance. Seeing as she was done talking to Lord Lamb, he finally could whisk her away from everyone.

  He made his way through the crowd until he finally got to her.

  She was laughing at something Lord Lamb said, and as she threw her head back, she turned towards his direction. He stopped short when their eyes collided. Her lips turned up in a smile, and she made her way to him with apparent joy.

  They stood just facing each other, trying to themselves for they were surrounded by people. He wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to touch her in all the hidden places he only had seen. Instead, he bowed and spoke loudly. "Dance with me, Lady Esther?"

  She placed her hands in his. "Of course, Your Grace."

  His heart hammered as they both walked towards the dance floor and joined the other couples.

  "I'm so happy to see you." He grinned. She twirled in his arms, stopped right in front of him before they both moved right together.

  "As am I." She smiled. “Stefan, Nicholas just wanted to talk about getting married to Greer. I advised him to do the right thing. Although he still feels deeply for me, I have told him that I'm in love with you," Esther said after a while. Stefan's heart swelled with love. He longed to kiss her. Instead, he simply replied "I trust you. There's no need to explain yourself."

  He still wasn't sure how he had gotten someone like her. All he knew was that his love grew stronger every moment. After their night of passion, he couldn’t wait to marry her. After all, what had happened between them was a seal on their relationship. They were bonded, forever. He knew how Esther cherished her reputation and always wanted the right thing done. He wouldn’t disappoint her ever again.

  He was eager to move forward and build a life with her. It was why he visited her father that morning and made known his intentions of wanting Esther to be wed to him. Her father had been happy. He had agreed but said that the final word belonged to his daughter.

  Now he needed to ask Esther officially, and he was nervous. She wouldn't say no, would she? His heart hammered. Of course, she wouldn’t say no!

  They danced a few more times and with every twirl in his arm, Esther rolled back to him so that he could held her close. When the music came to an end, he gently led her away from the dance floor and in the solace of a nearby corner. He took her hand in his and cleared his throat while trying to find the right words. "Esther. There has been so much between us. We started off as unlikely friends. We were there and trusted each other, even though we were so different. Every time that I was graced with your presence, I felt my feelings for you grow. I discovered that I was able to have affection, one that I never thought I would possess. You won my trust, my care and my love. I didn’t want to believe it at first but you did. You crept into the darkest parts of my soul and you brought light." He stopped and stepped away from her a tad bit.

  "I do love you, and I intend to for the rest of my life, come what may." Stefan watched her pupils dilate as he went on one knee and raised his mother's gold ring in his right hand. "This ring belonged to my mother. And it is a symbol of her blessing. Esther, will you wed me? Will you make me the happiest gentleman in the whole world, and accept my hand in marriage?"

  A crowd had formed around them. Silence reigned, and they all waited for Esther's answer. Her breath was caught in her chest and for a moment she felt as she was watching the scene from above. Then as though snapping out of a dream, she caressed his face and whispered to him "Yes."

  Stefan couldn't believe his ears. He stood up abruptly, slipped the ring on her finger, and hugged her. The crowd cheered. Esther laughed joyfully. With her face pressed against his chest, he heard her say, "I love you, Stefan."

  Stefan laughed while saying it right back. At last, they had each other, and they were going to be alright. Their love would blossom, and they would live a very long and very full life of happiness. They knew it.

  Epilogue

  Lilies sat in every corner in gorgeous enamel-painted French vases adorning the room, making it glow brightly in accordance with the bright lights surrounding them. Henriette had been kind enough to let Esther borrow them from her collection.

  The music that played was low, humming, and cheerful, just like the day. Esther's eyes were filled with joy as she looked around the room at all her loved ones. At everyone who stood there, watching her dance with her husband.

  Her gown was a long lace dress. Its hem stopped far away from her feet and swept the floor she walked on. Its long sleeves were plastered to her skin so finely. Her hair was held up in a neat bun. Her earrings were made of sparkling silver.

  Stefan had said that she looked beautiful and she believed him, because his words were the only ones she needed to hear. They meant everything. He looked dashing himself, in a black coat with tails, adorned with gold embroidery at the hem. His waistcoat was gold-colored as well. His blond hair was combed back smoothly. When he smiled, he looked so handsome. She was in his arms, and she couldn't be any happier while their wedding ball was taking place. It had been quite a hectic day, but it was worth every second of it.

  "I think it’s time we left here, my love," Stefan grumbled.

  Esther laughed. "There are people all over watching us. It is our first dance together as a wedded couple, Your Grace. Have patience and all will be over soon. You shall have me all to yourself."

  Stefan huffed, and his lips twitched. "Very well."

  He twirled her and they moved together in perfect sync. Finally, as the music neared its end, he pulled her against him and then let her fall back, so that he caught her in one arm. Their hearts beat in unison as he smiled down at her while eve
ryone clapped at their performance.

  They were soon surrounded by people who congratulated them with broad smiles and grins. Her best friends walked over, hugged her and curtsied before Stefan.

  "I'm so happy! You two are finally wed. I knew it, I always knew it!" Lady Kinross winked at them before walking by.

  The well-wishers were soon chattering away, drinking wine, dancing merrily and never failing to tease the couple. The children from the orphanage were also present. From the corner of her eye, she saw Robert running around with Evangeline. The girl giggled when Robert stumped his feet and pretended to throw a cap in the air like in a magic show. Augusta watched Robert as well. The rest of the children were playing on their own accord while eating anything that they could.

  "Old friend." Lord Sutherland and his French wife walked to them. Esther turned her attention to them. Eugene slapped Stefan's back before pulling him in for a tight hug. "You're wed! Agnes would be so proud."

  Stefan turned to her at the mention of Agnes, and Esther smiled. He had told her all about Agnes. She squeezed his hands in approval.

  "Félicitations!" Henriette smiled. She pulled Esther into a bear hug and patted her back. "I'm so happy for you, so very happy."

  Esther hugged her in return, giggling. This French closeness was not bad at all.

  Eugene and Stefan talked in whispers, laughing at intervals and glancing at their wives. Esther glared at them both, jokingly. "Now, pray tell, what it is that is being said?"

  "Nothing of utmost importance." Stefan was quick to say. His smirk told her otherwise, however.

  It was two months after the Christmas ball. Stefan didn't want to wait long to wed, so he had his mother organize the wedding for them and invite as many people as she could. He too, like his mother, wanted a grand event.

  "My dear!" The Dowager Duchess said from behind. Esther turned to see her mother-in-law smiling at her. "Esther Hamilton, Duchess of York."

  Giggling, Esther hugged the lady.

  Lady Kendal came beside them, her gaze flickering between them both, a smile on her face. After a few minutes, she said. "Now come, Your Grace. There's a lot I'd like to ask you. Come, come. The ladies were enjoying your company."

  Esther gave her mother a look. Lady Kendal shrugged. "Do you want her to prevent you from dancing with your husband? His Grace would stand there for hours because Her Grace would never let you off so easily. She would fuss over you, darling."

  "I can control myself, Lady Kendal. My son is wed. Am I not allowed to be happy?" The Dowager Duchess glowered at Esther’s mother. Stefan came to stand beside her, and they all laughed with merriment.

  A group of Irish men, distant relatives of Stefan, began to dance at the center of the ballroom. It looked like they were hopping, more than dancing. Their wine glasses were in their hands as they were attempting some rather dangerous spins in the air. A crowd closed in on the Irish men, and Lady Kendal huffed. "Come, Your Grace, we must see them clearly."

  The Dowager Duchess agreed, and they were gone.

  After they left, Stefan leaned in and whispered in her ear. His breath, hot against her skin, made her gasp. It made her feel the familiar fluttering in her stomach.

  "Let us leave here. No one would pay attention to us anymore, my love. It's all merriment now," he whispered.

  Esther shook her head. "We will be here until the very end of our wedding ball, Your Grace."

  Stefan snaked his hands around her waist and pulled her against him. She swallowed hard. With his body so close, she felt the heat all over her. He let his lips graze her ears as he spoke. "You'll be sorry for being stubborn later tonight, my love.”

  Her breath hitched. She turned and stared at him, narrowing her eyes at the mischievous glint in his eyes.

  * * *

  Red, beautiful rose petals lay at every corner in the room. There were candles lighting each side of the large bed. Her wedding dress lay at the foot of the bed, beside Stefan's clothing and his boots. He stood before her, in all his glory, and his blue eyes glinted handsomely under the candlelight. Her wedding night had finally come.

  Stefan looked down at her with a hungry stare. She wanted to cherish that moment forever.

  "You're beautiful," he whispered close to her ears.

  "Thank you." She blushed, feeling heat bubble inside of her. He walked towards her and lowered himself near to her. Her breath caught, her eyes glowed with desire, as she watched him, anticipating his touch.

  He pressed his lips to her earlobes before journeying down to kiss her lips. As he captured her lips in his, his hands caressed her breasts, making her moan and purr with delight.

  She pulled away, smiling. "I love you, Stefan. Always remember that."

  His gaze was clouded as he bent and captured her bosom in his mouth, grazing, sucking and giving her pleasure. "I love you, too. But I also desire you with all of my being."

  She moved her hands through his hair as he kissed her stomach, the spot between her bosom and her abdomen. He kissed his way up to her face, and then he captured her lips in his again. Feeling the need to pleasure him equally, her hands slid down his stomach and stopped at his groin. She paused for only a second before she took him in her hands. She moved her hands a bit.

  She felt him shudder. He stiffened as she began to stroke him faster, pulling her hands across him in swift moves. He rolled over, so his back was on the duvet.

  Esther rubbed at his groin, making him groan in ecstasy. He gripped her wrists and looked into her eyes. Eyes glazed with pleasure. She cast her gaze away, her cheeks red. He pulled her down so that her face was close to his and he took her mouth his. Then, he guided her hands to his shaft and curled them around him. He nodded at her. She began, moving her hands against him. He stared at her as she did, moaning. When he had enough and felt he would combust, he rolled over so that her back was to the duvet and the light shone on her face, highlighting her brown hair. She smiled at him and he slid a finger inside her. His eyes glinted with mischief as she trembled in his arms, her body shaking with immense pleasure and went limp, as though weak from his touch. She wanted him inside her again and again.

  "Stefan," she called. He stroked her gently, making her moan. His fingers penetrated her slowly while he watched her whimper. When he pulled away from her, she gripped his torso and shook her head. "I need you now."

  She guided him to her. He moved into her with both their eyes locking. His shaft against her, moving in with guided hands.

  She screamed his name when he moved inside her again and again. "I love you, Stefan."

  He drove into her, placed kisses on her lips, her nose and her cheeks. When he pulled out, he wrapped her in his arms and hoped to wake up again only to her beautiful smile. Esther felt new again. This was the man whom she wanted, and whom she wished to spend the rest of her life with. Stefan cradled her close to him, like a newborn babe.

  He smiled so happily and said, "I cannot wait to spend every night and day with you, my love."

  His words pleased her. As he pulled her closer and held onto her, she was sure she had made the right decision. She was sure that she had followed her heart, just like her mother and her friends had advised her. She had made the decision that would keep her happy. And the heart, they said, was never wrong.

  The End?

  Extended Epilogue

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  Afterword

  Thank you for reading my novel, Winning the Heart of the Mischievous Duke. I really hope you enjoyed it! If you did, could you please be so kind to write a review HERE?

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  Do you want mor
e Romance?

  Turn on the next page to read the first chapters of my previous best-selling novel: The Earl and the Nightingale

  It's not your typical romance... There is passion, intrigues, mystery, and two brilliant people who team up for an impossible mission…

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  The Earl and the Nightingale

  Chapter One

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