The Dark Duke
Margaret Moore
A Most Unsuitable Duke! Adrian Fitzwalter, the Duke of Barroughby, wore the taint of scandal with flair, his very presence charged with the promise of forbidden things. But the gentle Lady Hester knew the rakish pose was only a mask, hiding a desperate and lonely man.With her knowing eyes and quiet beauty, the spinsterish Lady Hester was a far cry from Adrian's usual amours. Yet though her goodness stirred him beyond imagining, he dared not give in to the longing to seek the comfort of her waiting arms, for his happiness would surely be her ruin… .
Table of Contents
Cover Page (#uc3daba79-ea2c-55db-a740-b44147c414b1)
Excerpt (#ub2397545-d560-5f98-a30f-ce6a3ad5ebf3)
Dear Reader (#u8c47c5fa-ef37-569d-b057-95b1e5c6013a)
Title Page (#udb25a753-95f2-5739-89d4-aadf9ef2e39f)
About the Author (#ud62cd136-74b9-596f-bb04-bcbbbb3e7e26)
Dedication (#u3ddf2d0a-e7ff-5507-aeaa-c1e43f02f005)
Chapter One (#u9a63dd4d-0b98-5a4a-be7c-f5ecdd33dbc5)
Chapter Two (#u0842a9e4-ab0f-5d27-a04f-8d4b4763377b)
Chapter Three (#u5c91c497-89c5-5375-b42b-647fc0f05133)
Chapter Four (#uac749384-3a30-56cd-a116-20da0b5dbd1b)
Chapter Five (#u879d055e-e710-5474-8816-f84479db48b6)
Chapter Six (#u56277edc-c59b-5591-af8b-a55f6656bc7e)
Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-Two (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter Twenty-Three (#litres_trial_promo)
Author Note (#litres_trial_promo)
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
“I would not trust you any more than I would your master,”
Hester murmured as she paused to admire the horse.
“Which is to say, not at all, I warrant.”
The duke walked slowly toward her. “Lady Hester, you are an intelligent woman, so I do not expect you to trust me.”
“After yesterday, you can be certain of that,” she snapped, her surprise making her sharp when she would have preferred to sound nonchalant “Good day, Your Grace.” She tried to walk boldly past him, but he stepped into her way.
“There is no need to run off. I promise you I will keep my distance.”
“I am not afraid of you.”
“My dear young woman, are you telling me I am losing my ability to inspire terror and awe in the female breast?”
Dear Reader,
Who would have thought that when we published Margaret Moore’s first book, A Warrior’s Heart, in 1992, we would be publishing her twelfth full novel, The Dark Duke, five short years later. This story is the next in the author’s terrific new series of Victorian romances featuring a trio of “most unsuitable” heroes. This particular hero has a very nasty reputation, but that doesn’t scare our brave heroine, who sees the lonely man behind the handsome facade. Don’t miss this one. And come fall, be sure to keep an eye out for Margaret Moore’s newest short story, “The Twelfth Day of Christmas,” in our in-line THE KNIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS short-story collection.
Sweet Sarah Ross by Julie Tetel, which follows the next generation in the author’s ongoing NORTHPOINT series, is a Western adventure story with enough perils to keep Pauline happy. The Secrets of Catie Hazard, by Miranda Jarrett, is a Sparhawk story, this time with a secret baby and lovers who must overcome not only a troubled past but a turbulent present in order to reunite. And Enchanted from Claire Delacroix is the magic-filled story of a valiant knight who can be rescued from a wicked curse only by the love of a beautiful noblewoman.
All four books this month are ones you won’t want to miss. We hope you keep a lookout for them wherever Harlequin Historicals are sold.
Sincerely,
Tracy Farrell
Senior Editor
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