Lady Hope and the Duke of Darkness: The Baxendale Sisters Book 3 (20 page)

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Authors: Maggi Andersen

BOOK: Lady Hope and the Duke of Darkness: The Baxendale Sisters Book 3

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Daniel drew in a deep breath. “It’s not wise to put my resolve to the test,” he murmured against her hair. “I want you so much.”

She didn’t want him to move away. She yearned for his kisses. Her body felt hot and strange, and unfulfilled. She was a little embarrassed that Daniel showed more resolve than she did, but when his mouth curved in a tender, loving smile, such thoughts drifted away. They walked back to the house, her hand nestling in his, as he describing the country house where they would live when in England. “I intended to sell the estate, but I’m glad I’ve kept it.” He glanced at her. “I haven’t lived there since I was a boy.”

It was his way of explaining the house held no sad memories for him. She wanted to learn more about the family he’d lost, but there was plenty of time for that.

They joined her parents in the parlor. “We’ll hold the engagement party here and invite friends, and the Brandreths, of course,” her mother said, ticking off an invisible list. “Hope, you must write immediately to your sisters with the news.”

Charity came in, a dab of red paint on her chin, her face flushed and triumphant. “I’ve finished! It’s the best painting I’ve ever done.”

“Bravo, Charity. May we see it?” Daniel asked.

Charity smiled. “I shall welcome your opinion, Daniel.” She turned to Father. “I have decided never to marry.” She helped herself to a muffin from the plate on the rosewood table. “I wish to become an artist.”

“Oh no,” Mama said faintly, leaning back against the cushions.

“We shall see about that,” Father said, but Hope thought he lacked his usual conviction.

****

Miles called as Daniel prepared to travel back to Tunbridge Wells for the christening.

“I’m pleased to see you,
mon ami
,” Daniel said. “Or I think I am. It’s not another mission is it?”

Miles laughed. “Much better news. Wellington and the king have expressed their wish to thank you for your efforts in France. They will do so in person at a reception at Carlton House.”

“I would be delighted to attend.” Daniel grinned. “Should it not clash with my wedding.”

“You’re getting married?” He clapped him on the back. “Splendid news! I never thought I’d see the day. Who is the bride?”

“Lady Hope Baxendale.”

“Ah yes. An excellent choice.”

Later at Highland Manor, Graves showed Daniel into the parlor, where the family gathered around Hope. She sat on the sofa, cuddling the noisy addition to the family, Lucas Edward Chaloner Winborne. His mother, dark-haired, Honor, watched her baby with a proud smile. The two tall, dark-haired Brandreth men came forward to shake his hand as everyone greeted Daniel with welcoming smiles.

“My love!” Hope settled the baby in his mother’s arms. She hurried to embrace him. “Come and meet the family.”

Epilogue

London, six weeks later

“Wake up, sleepy head; we are to inspect your father’s new purchase of a Mayfair townhouse at noon, and tomorrow, we sail for France on the morning tide.” Daniel kissed the tip of her nose.

Filled with a delightful lethargy, Hope opened her eyes and yawned, disappointed to see her handsome husband fully dressed. He sat beside her on the bed. “Their house is a short walk from here, and we slept so little last night, my love.” She reached for his perfectly tied cravat.

He took hold of her wrist and shook his head with a grin.

“I shall forgo breakfast.” She snuggled down beneath the quilt.

Daniel pulled off the covers. He lay on the bed beside her and, grasping her waist, rolled her on top of him. She gasped as her breasts crushed against his hard chest. The passionate intent in his dark eyes set her aflame. She ran a finger along his jaw.

“You had your valet shave you. How thoughtful.”

He grinned and raised a brow. “Oh, why?”

Hope pouted. “You force me to be indelicate, sir, and mention you haven’t made love to me today.”

His hands cupped her derriere pulling her hard against him. “I believe five o’clock this morning counts as today.”

She struggled, trapped in his arms. “So it does. I shall call for my maid.”

Daniel tightened his hold and stroked her between her legs. Her body throbbed in response. She lost her breath.

“Not yet awhile,
ma belle.
” His mouth covered hers as passion radiated from the soft core of her body, rending her needy, hot and limp with desire.

In seconds, she found herself on her back and he’d bunched up her nightgown. He kissed his way down her body, pausing to give due attention to each breast. She moaned and clutched his silky, dark hair. She’d never imagined love could be like this.

****

With a charge of excitement, Daniel stripped off his clothes, which his valet had taken such pains to dress him in, and naked, he gazed down at his bride, her long golden hair spread over the pillow, her lips swollen and parted, her eyes half closed. His beautiful, passionate wife. He joined her on the bed, drawing her soft, warm perfumed body against his. His mouth covered hers as his need to be inside her surged. Hope, her hand on his nape, murmured against his lips.

Taking her hand, he guided it to himself. “See what you do to me?” he rasped out.

“See what you do to me?” Hope said breathlessly as she arched toward him, her legs cradling his hips. He groaned and entered her.

****

“Do you approve of our home?” Daniel’s intense brown gaze sought hers when the carriage stopped outside a breathtaking chateau.

For once, Hope struggled for words. “It’s glorious.” Even though Daniel had described his home in glowing terms, she’d expected a castle with a moat and long, cold corridors leading to big, chilly rooms. But this! It was heaven on earth.

“The chateau was built on the site of an earlier fortress, dating back to the 13th century.” With a proud smile, Daniel helped her down from the carriage and introduced her to his aged butler, Alphonse, who beamed at her. They crossed the wide, paved hall and entered a magnificent paneled library.

“This is where I spend most of my time.” His lips quirked. “Or rather I used to.”

Hope put down her basket. The grey-and-black striped kitten popped its head out. Its pink mouth opened with a mew.

“Come, Tiger, we must get you some milk.” She picked the kitten up.

“Give Tiger to a servant. I want to show you the rest of the house, but first, I wish to see how my horse, Tonnerre fares.”

At the stables, Hope patted the horse’s sleek nose. “Why did you call a chestnut Tonnerre? It means thunder, doesn’t it?”

He grinned. “I was about to purchase a black stallion, but when I saw this Arab gelding, I couldn’t resist. His hooves sound much like thunder when he gallops so I kept the name.”

Hope wandered along the horse stalls, the smell of hay, leather and manure, blending with the scented spring air. She stopped before a bay mare with a patch of white on the face. “Shall she be mine?”

He slipped an arm around Hope. “Until I purchase something better.”

“She seems to have a good nature. I plan to ride astride.” She turned her questioning gaze on him.

He held his hands up and laughed. “I don’t intend to go back on my words. And to be honest,
ma belle
, I can’t wait to witness it.”

She laughed and placed her arms around his neck. “I could kiss you for that.”

He pulled her into the shadowy interior of the stables and obliged.

Dear Readers,

While the Regency world I create in my books is a fictitious one, I do try to incorporate factual research into my stories where I can. In the case of the political events depicted, these are of course, fictional, however, Spain’s desire to recolonize South America and Russia’s claim of sovereignty over what is now Alaska, led to President Monroe announcing in December 1823 that America was opposed to any further incursions by European powers into the Western Hemisphere. This became known as the Monroe Doctrine, which was invoked in several disputes by American governments for more than a century.

Please consider leaving a review for this book.

Every review is appreciated!

MAGGI ANDERSEN

Maggi lives with her husband a retired lawyer, in a quaint old town in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. She has a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing.

When not creating stories, Maggi reads, enjoys her garden, long walks and feeding the local wildlife. Her kookaburras (Australian Kingfishers) prefer to be hand fed.

Maggi’s books and novellas are Amazon bestsellers in Regency and suspense. She has published more than 20 novels and novellas and writes in several genres, contemporary and historical romance, romantic suspense and young adult novels.

Maggi loves to hear from readers. You can contact her through her website.

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Goodreads

Coming in 2016

THE SEDUCTION OF LADY CHARITY

Baxendale Sisters Series

Book Four