Page 1 of A Villain for a Duke

Chapter 1

Two years ago…

SOME PEOPLE DESERVE THEIR reputation.They work hard for it and have earned the labels attributed to them.It’s something to be proud of, regardless of whether said reputation leads to notoriety or infamy.

Others befall their reputations.Usually with utter devastation.

Then there are those who find a label attached to them and decide to live up to it.No matter the cost.

Without worry for her own reputation, Lady Astrid alighted the carriage boasting the Regium ducal emblem.She fluffed her skirts and took a few steps toward the manor.The place was familiar and inviting, and she had always enjoyed the house parties thrown here.

Her brother stood a few feet away and stretched his arms while his dark hair blew softly in the breeze.

“I didn’t think we would make it here so quickly.”

“It’s a dubious season to travel in, but we got lucky.”

“That we did.”She watched as he began making his way toward the house, but stopped when he realized she wasn’t following him.

She planned to stroll the grounds before the other guests of the house party arrived.The travel hadn’t been arduous, so she didn’t really need to rest up before dinner.What she needed was to stretch her legs and enjoy the crisp fall air.

“Astrid, don’t you want to rest?”Isaac asked.

“No, I’ve been sitting for long enough.”

“You are a bit of a restless soul, aren’t you?Like a bucking horse.Pent up energy but with no particular direction in which to channel it, I’d say.”

“I like to move around.”She restated archly.

Shuffling sounds caused her to turn her head to the footman unloading her luggage.She thanked him and swiveled back to Isaac.“There will be time to rest later this evening.”

Isaac’s half smile was contagious.“This is the Countess of Erewyn.You do know Bethany’s mother, don’t you?”

Astrid chuckled.“You’re right.She always throws quite a lively party, doesn’t she?”

“I’m sure there will be dancing tonight, even though it’s the first night.”

“True.”

“Remind me.How many dresses did you pack?”

“Enough,” she swatted his arm.

He laughed.“That’s the perfect answer, but what I’m seeing is telling me that you packed two trunks too many.”

“You have no idea what we women suffer for fashion.”

“Suffer?I thought you liked that kind of stuff?”

She shrugged.“At times it’s nice.But it can be burdensome to always convey the perfect image.”

“You’re telling me.I’m a duke.”

“Well, then we suffer together!”She took his arm in hers.“But we can conquer anything together.”

He just laughed again.“The question I would have for that scenario is which one of us would be leading the charge.”

“Me, of course,” she said as if it brooked no argument.

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