Loving a Fearless Duchess: A Historical Regency Romance Book(85)

THE END



Can't get enough of Penelope and Nash? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…

Will Penelope and Nash extend their family?

How is Edward doing with his new duties?

What happens between shy Mira and Edward?

Click the link or enter it into your browser

http://abigailagar.com/extended



(After reading the Extended Epilogue, turn the page to read the first chapters from “The Duke's Broken Heart”, my Amazon Best-Selling novel!)





The Duke’s Broken Heart





Introduction


Phineas Collins, Duke of Exeter, left London for India to escape financial ruin caused by his irresponsible father. After having restored the family's fortune, he returns five years later seeking a wife at the marriage mart to produce an heir and to live in Collinswood, his country estate. He prefers the quiet to the London noise and crowds.

Lady Charlotte Albert begins her first season at the marriage mart. Outgoing and vivacious, she draws men to her. Although she is the opposite of what Phin is looking for, he is attracted to her. Lord Bernard has also shown an interest in her. Being deeply in debt, his interest is in her large dowry. To improve his chances with Charlotte, Lord Bernard spreads rumors about Phin that stem from his father's irresponsible ways.

Charlotte rejects Phin because of the rumors and gets him heartbroken. When he is in France on business, his friends and family work to clear his name. A group of influential Dukes restores his reputation. When Phin returns, he wonders if he truly wants a woman who has rejected him. He has to decide between walking away from Charlotte forever and spending the rest of his life with her. Will he choose wisely?





Chapter 1


Silas brought his hand over his eyes making a visor against the brightness of the midday sun. London’s docks were active at this time of day, with sailors unloading ships and carting crates to nearby warehouses. Silas took out his handkerchief and kept it at his nose as if he had a cold in full bloom. He never got used to the stench of rotting fish and ripe bodies of men who spent months at sea without visiting a port.

No matter. He would wait as long as it took to see the Lady of Assam glide into port. He would know her when he saw her. The British East India Company had newer sleeker ships than the tubs bobbing in the water before him. And they had a much more profitable cargo.

Finally, she slipped into port as if she were 10 feet above the ocean with barely a wake or sound. Painted black with brass fittings and her name painted in a brass colour, longer and thinner than most ships, Silas was amazed at the difference between this ship and the one docked next to it. My God, did they have a monopoly on everything? he thought.

The gangplank was moved into place, and Silas focused on the men exiting the ship. Gentlemen would exit first, so he expected to see his brother at any moment.

It had been too long since he saw Phineas. He missed having his big brother and best friend near. The dark years with father’s decline and Phin in India were finally over.

There he was, watching his feet, carefully navigating the plank. His skin was brown from the sun in India, and that same sun had bleached his hair blond. He had filled out since Silas last saw him, but then again, so had he. Silas was happy to see Phin’s smile intact.

Finally reaching the bottom, Phin looked up and scanned the dock. Silas shot an arm straight into the air and started waving like a lunatic. Phin saw him, gave a short laugh and put up one index finger. He stopped a sailor, said something Silas couldn’t hear and pointed to Silas’ carriage. The sailor couldn’t miss it. It was shiny black with the Exeter crest painted in red and mustard yellow. The footmen were all in red with mustard yellow trim. Phin smiled to himself. Silas always did have good taste.

He was happy to see his brother’s enthusiastic welcome. Silas’ letters were always long and entertaining, but Phin was nervous about his return. Father was dead. He couldn’t ruin Phin’s reputation any longer.

Phin broke into a run and took Silas into his arms for a vice-like hug. Silas was slow to let go, tears pooling in his eyes.

“Let me look at you, brother,” Phin said with a grin. After surveying Silas from top to bottom, he nodded.

“I didn’t know what to expect. Pasty face, paunch, stiff attire. But Silas, you look good. You look as if life is treating you well. I approve.” Phin nodded again.

“I’m happy you approve,” Silas said dryly. “But no one looks healthier than you. The ladies are going to hunt you down. I fear they will set up camp at our front door and never leave us alone.”

Phin raised his head, opened his mouth to respond but said nothing when the two sailors approached him carrying his trunks. He pointed to Silas’ carriage.

On the way to the townhouse, Silas asked, “So is your plan the same?”

Phin nodded. “No change. I am single-minded about my goals now that I’m home. Marry Mercy off, find a quiet wife, head to Collinswood, and renovate the castle all the while working with Everett. Phin placed a hand on his brother’s arm. “Silas, you know any time you would like, you can join us.”

Silas swatted his hand through the air. “Don’t sidestep. We’re talking about the plan. Why quiet?”

Phin looked at his brother and smirked. “Silas, you have had enough experience with the opposite sex to know they can give you a headache. I don’t want drama. I want an heir and someone to run the castle.”