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
Of Dukes and Deceptions: Dangerous Dukes Vol 4 Page 23
