Page 4 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

“His Lordship is looking for you, Your Grace, My Lady,” Jasmine announced.

“All right.” Sarah nodded. “Where is he?”

“He’s at the foot of the stairs with a guest,” Jasmine answered.

The warmth of the house pricked Arabella’s skin as they opened the doors to get back into the merriment. She felt so much better about her tribulations after talking with her sister. Maybe she could handle this.

“Which guest?” she asked.

“The worst rake in all of London,” Jasmine whispered in her ear.

Arabella’s eyes widened.

“I heard no maiden is safe around him. He?—”

“I think that’s enough from you, Jasmine,” Sarah interrupted. “I will not tolerate you slandering anyone under this roof.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Jasmine curtsied. “I’m sorry, Your Grace.”

That’s when Arabella’s whole world stopped for the briefest moment. Standing in front of her, about thirty meters away, was a very tall and handsome man with black hair and dark brooding eyes. His overcoat was an ash-gray color that made the subtle hints of blue in his eyes pop. His breeches and undershirt were a stark white—fit loosely yet flattered his waist. His black leather Wellingtons reflected the candlelight around him.

The deep inhalation of warm air she had taken only a moment before was forced out of her lungs when she took in the sight of him.

Lord have mercy on my soul.He is a sight for sore eyes.

Who was that man, and why had she never seen him before? Surely someone who looked like him would have stuck in her mind, and she would have not forgotten a face like his. No way. She could tell she was not the only one who found this mysterious gentleman as alluring as she did. Looking around, there were women around her age and some even older casting glances at him every once in a while.

Sarah caught her staring, and she giggled, gently gripping her arm.

“Sister, who is the gentleman talking to Leonard?” Arabella asked, her eyes fixed on the stranger.

“I thought you might be fascinated by him. Ara, that is Edward Fitzroy, the Duke of Soulden.”

“Oh my,” Arabella breathed. “Why have I never seen him before?”

“Because you shouldn’t have,” Sarah answered firmly. “He’s the renowned rake Jasmine had been talking about, and as much as I don’t like to tell tales, you aren’t safe around him.”

“Why not?” Arabella asked with a laugh, even though her fascination made her want to know more about him. “It’s not like he could steal my virtue after just one conversation.”

Sarah shot her a warning look but said nothing.

If the Duke of Soulden was a renowned rake, then that meant he’d know how to pleasure a woman without needing to trap her in marriage.

Arabella smiled inwardly at how Providence worked. He’d given her the answer to her desires on a platter of gold.

I believe he may be the one I spend my night of passion with.

ChapterTwo

“Ah, welcome Your Grace. His Lordship has been looking forward to your arrival,” the butler standing guard outside the estate cheerfully greeted as Edward approached, tipping his hat and head to him.

“Well, I am flattered to make his acquaintance,” Edward responded, nodding to the man’s bow. “I do believe I have only met him once.”

The butler allowed him to enter, and Edward was greeted by a beautiful display all around him. The robust banquet hall was decorated in the Season’s best. Silver balls stuck into the leaves of large evergreen wreaths lined the tops of the walls, with thick garlands branching them all together. Intertwined into the garlands were specks of silver and gold, adding a whimsical glimmer to the hall.

Edward could barely enjoy the sight, before Lord Kilroy, a face all too familiar, approached him, three of his daughters trailing behind. He inwardly groaned at the upcoming conversation.

“Good evening, Your Grace. I hope this evening is treating you well,” Lord Kilroy said, his wide smile making his eyes crinkle. He gave a slight bow, and his daughters curtseyed.

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