Duke of Desire: A Scandalous Love Story in 18th Century England

was risky, that it could lead to scandal and ruin, but she couldn't resist the pull she felt towards him. She had to come up with

th. As an only child, she was brought up in so much love and scrutiny. Her parents wouldn't let their only child be ruined by treacherous scandals that roamed the Englis

tted bodice that accentuated her slender waist and full skirt that swirled around her ankles as she walked. The neckline was modest, yet flattering, with a delicate lace trim that added a sense of femininity. The sleeves where short showing off her slender delicate looking arms allowing her to move freely. The dress was clinched at the waist with a matching yellow sash tied in a bow at the back. "thank you Liza..." she said as she patted Eliza on her shou

e her approximately and hour and a half to reach amies. She had left her fathers estate at exactly 12noon so she predicted she'll be at amies between 1:30 and 2:00 pm. The duke lived a few minutes from amies, and they ha

only sibling who died five years ago. But she wouldn't be fooled by them, she had a hunch they had come to her home with an ulterior motive. She made her way unnoticed by her mother and cousins to the secret garden where she was expecting her friends. She inspected her arranged on the mat she spread on the grass, checking if all the items for the picnic was ready. She was satisfied. The garden itself was a puzzle they had solved as kids. The three had explored every nook and cranny of each other's home and hers was no exception. The garden was located at the heart of a maze. They had gotten lost so many times trying to solve the puzzle, and after a few months, they were rewarded with this beauty. The garden overlooked a beautiful lake. The lake was filled with so many fallen leaves and swans. It was bre

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as he boasted. She missed her away a couple of times. Now she was exhausted. She closed her eyes, in a bid to concentrate on the more urgent task; locating the garden. She counted her steps carefully as she did when she was much younger, till she arrived at the entrance. She coul

, her friends been hopeless romantics decide to help her out. They both left the garden through the maze with Caroline. They passed her coachman, making sure he noticed the three of them together. They went through the back pretending to want to use the backdoor leading to the kitchen. As they passed the coach man an out of view, they headed straight to the stables. The place was isolated, they took Caroline into a shed and kept watch by the door as she changed into her riding gear. Caroline saw a cowboy's hat on the floor of the shed, picked it up, cleaned it with the hay scattered around the shed. She put it on perfecting her guise. She left

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s a fine woman; the finest he had ever seen and he didn't want to taint her image with any scandal that he was associated with. He knew the ton gossiped about him a lot, about a rogue of a man he is. He found it funny how they would make up all these awful stories about him, and still try to toss their daughters his way. It all started with lady Margarethe's rejection. He had refused the match his parents made for him, before their demis

e could see her clearer now, she was smiling in an apologetic manner. As if to make up for her late coming. She rode like a cowboy with years of experience. His thoughts implying something else, something a gentleman shouldn't think of a lady. He blamed

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ed horse. As she got closer, she could make out his features. It was the duke of pembroke. Her heart skipped a bit. He looked so handsome seated on his horse. She never someone could look ravishing just sitting. His horse was pacin

didn't hear his first utterance. They both rode in silence for a while to the far east side of his vast estate. Him le

arden where she they had originally agreed to meet.

talking and laughing as though they were old friends. Lady Caroline felt a se

un down her spine at his touch. She knew that what she was doing was wrong, that s

roline, his eyes burning with desire. He reached out and brushed a lock of

" the Duke said, his voice low and husky. "I know tha

she should put an end to their relationship, that it could only end

ate kiss. In that moment, all thoughts of right and wrong fled from her mi

r actions could have dire consequences. But in that moment, all she cared