Dashing Rogues: A Historical Romance Collection

by Dawn Brower, Amanda Mariel

  DASHING ROGUES

  DAWN BROWER

  AMANDA MARIEL

  MONARCHAL GLENN PRESS

  CONTENTS

  DAWN BROWER

  Surrendering to My Spy

  AMANDA MARIEL

  Love Only Me

  DAWN BROWER

  Earl of Harrington

  AMANDA MARIEL

  Scandalous Intentions

  SURRENDERING TO MY SPY

  DAWN BROWER

  PROLOGUE

  JUNE 1815

  Lady Rosanna Kendall strolled down the hall of her family’s townhouse. Her brother, Edward, was the current Duke of Weston. He’d inherited the title when their father passed on. An echo of voices came through the walls. Rosanna stopped short when she recognized who was speaking with Edward in his study. Lord Seabrook was in there. “Dom,” she whispered to herself.

  Dominic Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook. She’d loved him from afar most of her life, and he was now a breath away. If she dared to go into the study and interrupt she’d be able to see him, and if she was lucky enough maybe a touch as well.

  Did she dare?

  Rosanna inched closer to the room. The door was slightly ajar. She peeked inside and a movement caught her attention. A blur of dark fabric, a slight hint of blond hair, and then nothing more. She wanted the full view of Dom’s perfection. He had to be the most handsome man in creation—glorious golden hair, eyes the color of a stormy gray sky, and the face of an angel. That is if an angel could master the wicked glances the marquess threw out with regularity.

  Rosanna was no fool. He was a rogue of the highest accord, and made no secret he wasn’t seeking a wife. Dom found what he desired in the arms of many other women. Her heart hurt to realize he’d never love her the same way she did him. Unrequited love would be her lot in life. She shook her melancholy away and focused on their discussion. It wouldn’t do to fall into that particular line of thought. Dom would never be hers, and it was time to let the fantasy go. She’d had suitors aplenty, but not one of them measured up to her dream.

  “I wish you wouldn’t involve yourself in this,” Dom said. “James…”

  “I don’t bloody care what my brother would say,” Edward spat out. “I’m the Duke of Weston, and I can do whatever I want.”

  What were they arguing about? What did it have to do with James? Rosanna hadn’t seen her other brother, Edward’s twin, in a couple of years. He’d joined a Calvary regiment and went off to fight in the war against Napoleon. She was terrified they’d receive horrible news about him one day. It was hard to sit with the knowledge he could be gravely injured or—she gulped—die fighting. Dom was James’s best friend. If not for their friendship, she’d not have had the opportunity to become acquainted with Dom. She saw a side of him none of his chosen lovers did. He was funny, protective, and loyal to those he cared for. That was the man she’d fallen in love with. Rosanna was vain enough to realize she’d noticed his face first, but once she’d seen past his blinding beauty and into his soul everything changed.

  A loud crash brought her back to reality. It echoed through the room as something thudded against the wall. Rosanna jerked back and clenched her arms against herself.

  “You’re a fool,” Dom shouted. “What you’ve done…”

  “I’ve done nothing you haven’t.”

  “There is a difference and you better well realize it before you make a mistake you can’t return from.” Dom’s voice was edged with a hardness Rosanna had never heard before, and involuntarily flinched. She raised her hand to her chest and placed it against the rapid beat of her heart. What had Edward done? “Tell me what your reckless plan uncovered.”

  “Not here,” Edward said. “You never know who’s listening.”

  She took a step back and hugged the wall. What if he’d seen her through the crack in the door? They would both chastise her for eavesdropping if she were to be caught. What was Edward hiding? What made him so nervous? Should she be worried? Dom appeared to be angry at her brother, and Dom never even remotely raised his voice. He was always carefree and congenial. If Edward didn’t want to discuss it at their home—it must be serious. She should leave before they exited the study. They’d both turn their ire on discovering her hovering nearby.

  “Something you should have considered before you followed a trail that could lead to your death.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Dom. That’s unlikely to happen.”

  Was Dom right? Had Edward done something that could get him killed? She’d been worried for so long about James’s safety and perhaps she’d been praying for the wrong brother. Rosanna backed away from the study and headed to the library. It was close enough to Edward’s study she’d be able to hear when they left—it was only a few doors down the hall.

  She stopped short when she realized the library wasn’t empty as she’d assumed. Lady Callista Lyon, the Countess of Marin sat, reading a book, on a nearby settee. She glanced up as Rosanna entered. Her dark green eyes brightened when she met Rosanna’s gaze. Callista was betrothed to her brother, Edward. They were set to be married in a sennight, and the wedding was to take place at Weston Manor. Everyone was scheduled to travel there by midweek.

  “I’m sorry to disrupt you,” Rosanna said. “I thought the library was unoccupied.”

  “I welcome the intrusion,” Lady Callista said and set her book down. “I sent my maid to fetch my cloak. It’s past time I went home.”

  It was rather unusual for her brother’s intended to be lounging in their library. There were still proprieties that should be met. The countess was skirting the edge of what was acceptable by remaining alone. She’d not been so bold in the past. What had the lady been thinking? Perhaps the upcoming wedding was making her take risks she’d not have otherwise taken. She was rather independent, and a widow, but that didn’t mean she should ignore what it her actions might mean to her reputation.

  Rosanna didn’t know Lady Callista well. She’d married the elderly Earl of Marin when she was nine and ten, and then the earl had died a mere six months after the marriage. She’d been out of mourning no more than a month before she caught Edward’s eye. It was no surprise why. Lady Callista was a beauty. She had beautiful mahogany hair, the greenest eyes she’d ever seen, and her heart-shaped face was exquisite. Rosanna wished she could be as graceful and poised. She didn’t feel as if she could truly become close to her as one would with a member of the family.

  “I have your cloak, milady,” Lady Callista’s maid said as she entered the room. “Do you wish to depart now?”

  “You’re leaving?” Edward entered the room. “I didn’t realize how late it was. I’m sorry I left you alone.”

  “It’s all right. I entertained myself. We can discuss the wedding plans on the way to your estate in a couple of days.” Callista nodded at her maid. The young woman draped the cloak over her with care. “I’ll take your leave until then.”

  Edward nodded. He didn’t even spare Rosanna a glance. “I’ll see you out.”

  It was brief and over before she’d even realized what happened. Lady Callista and Edward left the library without a by your leave. Edward’s relationship with Lady Callista was so…odd. She wasn’t sure what it was that bothered her. Perhaps she never would. In her experience, it was hard to truly understand what went on between two people. Only those inside it were truly aware of all the nuances. Maybe one day she’d share that wonder with another.

  “What are you doing all alone in here?”

  Rosanna turned and met Dom’s gaze. She repressed a sigh at the sight of him. This had been what she’d wanted—some time to
stare at his male beauty and hear his voice in that low tone that sent shivers down her body. She’d never tire of being around him.

  “Edward left to escort Lady Callista to the door. I don’t rate a glance from my brother these days.” She tilted her head and studied him. “What are you doing here?” Perhaps that was insolent, but she couldn’t help herself. She’d never stood on formality where Dom was concerned. Why hadn’t he left before her brother came into the library?

  Did Edward and Dom have plans to go somewhere more private to discuss Edward’s discovery after Callista was gone for the evening? Edward could have forgotten his fiancée was lounging in the house while he and Dom disagreed over—well, whatever it was her foolish brother had done. She had no doubts he’d been the one in the wrong; Edward could be rather impulsive.

  “I have business with your brother, brat.” He strolled into the room. “But I can keep you company until he returns.”

  “It’s not necessary.” As much as she loved him, and adored being in his company, Rosanna was afraid she’d confess it all in a blubbery mess of need. He turned her insides to mush, and her thoughts weren’t far behind. “I’m capable of spending time by myself.”

  His eyelids drooped low as he stared down at her. “A beautiful lady shouldn’t ever be left to her own devices. What fun would that be?”

  Was he? No, he couldn’t be. Dom appeared to be flirting with her. What game was he playing? She didn’t dare hope he wanted to court her properly. He’d never once indicated an interest in her. He wouldn’t start now. There had to be another reason for him speak to her in an overly familiar manner.

  “I’m not one of your lightskirts,” she said harshly. “Don’t speak to me as if I were.”

  Dom stepped back as if she’d slapped him. Color drained from his face. “I’d never…”

  “I’d hope not.” Rosanna lifted her chin arrogantly. Her tone was filled with an acerbity she’d been unable to control. Probably because she didn’t believe he’d ever consider her as someone other than her brothers’ little sister. It was too late to take any of it back, and she continued to speak before she realized her mistake. “I plan on marriage, and the entire ton knows how you feel about taking a wife.”

  “That they do,” he said sardonically. He gave her a once over with slow, excruciating precision. “I assure you, not only do I never intend to marry, but you’re the last lady I’d ever consider.”

  He spun on his heels and left her alone. Fool—what had she done? His words shattered her heart into thousands of tiny pain-filled shards. She’d pushed him away forever. Would she ever learn? Apparently, she could be as equally imprudent as her wayward brother when making hasty decisions. She’d been irrational, and she wouldn’t blame Dom if he never forgave her. He hadn’t done anything untoward. Dom—was well—Dom; there wasn’t a mean bone in his body. Rosanna might never recover from her blunder.

  ROSANNA WAS SITTING in the library Dom had last seen her in. Had it been two days since he’d laid eyes on her? She was as beautiful as he remembered, and equally as untouchable. Her dark tresses were coiled on top of her head in an elaborate chignon, and her violet eyes drew him in as she observed him with cool efficiency.

  “Lady Rosanna,” Dominic Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook said, with a bow. The discord between them remained palpable whenever they were near each other. She’d been so warm and welcoming in the past, but that changed with one flicker of thoughtless words flung in her direction. He should regret them, and in a way he did. It didn’t change the circumstances. Rosanna needed to understand he would never marry. He wasn’t a fool, and was very much aware of her growing attachment. In a different world, he’d have been pleased and delighted at the prospect of having her as a wife, but his life didn’t leave room for one. “I apologize for intruding, but I have news I must share with you.”

  “I won’t keep you. Tell me what you must, as I’m sure my company disgusts you.” Her voice was hoarse with an unidentifiable emotion. She met his gaze with unrepentant defiance. “I believe I’m the last person you wish to have any sort of discourse with.”

  This had to be about his parting remark—her being the last lady he’d ever marry. No young lady liked to hear those words thrown at them. Dom had been the worst kind of swine to say them aloud to her. He meant them though, but not for the reasons she assumed. Lady Rosanna Kendall was too good for him. He would taint her by spending any amount of time in her company. She deserved a husband who would cherish and adore her. Someone who didn’t have the reputation he’d carefully cultivated over the past few years.

  “I promise you—I don’t disdain you in the slightest.” His forehead creased. She was the one woman he’d always felt more for than he should. He couldn’t tell her that though. It was better if she hated him. “You’re to go to Weston Manor in the morning, and I had to tell you…”

  How could he say it? She’d be devastated once she learned of the news. The whole family would be. What about James? How was he to tell his best friend he was responsible for what happened to Edward. If he’d been able to stop him in his foolhardy inquiries…

  “What is it?” Rosanna leaned forward and studied him. “You’re not usually at a loss for word.”

  Dom didn’t want to hurt her, had never wanted to do her any kind of harm. The words currently lodged in his throat would surely cause her no small amount of pain, but he had to tell her before someone else did. She should hear the news from someone who cared about her and her family.

  “There was an accident…”

  Rosanna leapt up and strode toward him. “Is it James?”

  Of course she’d jump to that conclusion. Why wouldn’t she? He was at war and on the front lines. Dom shook his head. “It isn’t James.”

  “Who is it?” she demanded. “You’re scaring me.”

  Dom closed his eyes and prayed for strength. Rosanna was the one woman he’d always admired and vowed to take care of. No other had ever mattered as much to him. He’d lay down his life to protect her, and here he was about to destroy a part of her. It had to be done. “Edward’s carriage hit something in the road. A wheel broke and it tipped over the side of a bridge. He—didn’t make it.” He stared into her violet eyes and said morosely, “It’s with greatest sympathy I must tell you that your brother, Edward, the fourth Duke of Weston, has died.”

  Rosanna’s screams filled his ears. Tears streamed down her face as she beat her fists against his chest. He took every bit of her ire as he believed was his due. Dom hadn’t protected Edward from his reckless behavior, and now the people he cared about most would pay that price. After a short while, he helped her back onto the settee and called for a maid to see to her care. He turned, exited the room, and left her alone—not once glancing back.

  Rosanna wasn’t his, and never would be…

  CHAPTER 1

  JUNE 1818

  Dominic strolled into the war office. The war hadn’t ended everything as it should have at Waterloo three years ago. Napoleon’s supporters still sneaked around trying to free the man. Espionage always seemed to run rampant within the government. When he signed up to be an agent for the crown it had sounded like jolly good fun. What a fool he’d been. His younger self had been an idiot; not that he wasn’t inclined to make imprudent mistakes these days either. The difference was he stopped and considered the best option hoping he’d not regret the choice in the end.

  This spy business had become old years ago. He was ready to step aside and leave it to other ambitious gentlemen. All Dom wanted to do was retire to his Seabrook Manor and ignore society. He was becoming maudlin and it wasn’t a good state to be in. He was three and thirty and, as his mother liked to point out, well past the time to wed and continue the line. Something he’d been profusely avoiding most of his adult life. Dom didn’t believe he’d make a good husband or father, but leaving the family’s fate in his dimwitted cousin’s hands didn’t sit well with him either. He knocked on his superior’s door and grimaced.


  “Enter,” a deep booming voice called out.

  Dom opened the door and stepped to the side. He waited for the Duke of Branterberry to acknowledge his presence. The older gentleman was a genius in plotting and developed strategies that boggled the mind. Dom often wondered where he came up with his diabolical schemes. Under the duke’s tutelage he’d learned a lot. It had become apparent rather fast he’d signed up for more than he’d bargained for. The life he’d lived previously was superfluous and filled with every luxury imaginable. Being a marquess and one of the esteemed peerage offered him every opportunity to indulge in all the vices known to man—and Dom had partaken whenever possible.

  And it left him completely jaded…

  “You requested my presence,” Dom said, growing impatient. “Are you going to leave me standing here all day?” He quirked an eyebrow.

  The Duke tapped his fingers together. He stared over Dom’s shoulder, apparently lost in thought. After a moment, he shook his head and then waved at Dom. “Come in and shut the door behind you. We’ve quite a bit to discuss.”

  Dom did as he was instructed and sat down in the chair near the duke’s desk. He’d become weary watching the duke—who was still lost in his own thoughts. What was bothering him? It had to be something bad for it to weigh on the Duke of Branterberry. There wasn’t much that fazed him and he took everything by storm. Nothing and no one stood in his way. Dom had always admired that trait in him.

  “I’m sure you’re aware that Bonaparte has been secluded on the isle of St. Helena successfully for years now.” The Duke frowned. “Something we’d like to continue for the unforeseeable future.”

  Dom nodded. “I take it there has been a development in that area for you to be concerned.”

  The duke waved a hand. “I don’t doubt that Napoleon will die on that island. It’s a matter of when.” He leaned back in his chair. “That being said…” He paused a moment and studied Dom. “There is something I believe could be an issue if we don’t handle it.”