Duke of Decadence (Lords of Hedonism Book 1) by Rand Violetta

Author:Rand, Violetta [Rand, Violetta]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: Romance, Historical, Fiction
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2020-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

“What would it be like to be the lady of such a household?” Willa asked as she admired the general splendor of the drawing room.

“The duke remains unwed,” Julia reminded her friend.

That made Willa frown. “Though I do not begrudge a man his past, marrying anyone who had such a full life before I was even born would be too much of a challenge for me to undertake.”

The duke had been married for sixteen years before the duchess died, leaving behind two children, a son and daughter. “Widowers are often desirous of a young bride.”

Willa shook her head. “My children will be heirs to their father’s title and fortune, not the spare set of babes often forgotten once their sire dies.”

A sad reality of the ton…half-siblings left meager inheritances… their mothers often forced to rely on wealthy relations to feed themselves. “I perfectly understand,” Julia said quietly, gazing about, from the matching, crystal chandeliers trimmed in gold and silver leaf, to the flawless marble floors, and the dark wood furniture that graced the open space. Even the chairs, all covered in heavy, gold velvet, were edged with gold. “But sometimes, as you know, dearest, circumstances force the hand of an otherwise independent woman to do what she must to provide for her family a secure future. One in which a bookshop, as beloved as it is, could quietly be sold and that money invested in a new wardrobe to attract a powerful husband.”

Willa stopped and turned, her eyes filled with affection. “What a wonderful friend for having the courage to say such a thing—knowing those funds I would get were provided through her hard-saved pin money. You went without for so long, Julia. Just to see Mother and I settled after everyone else seemed to turn their backs on us.”

“Nonsense.” Julia reached for her friend’s hand and gave her fingers a squeeze. “We are both fish out of water in this environment, I believe. Better to return to our chambers and let the players of such games get on with whatever they do.”

“Such a pretty place to play a game, isn’t it?”

“I will not deny the duke’s good taste,” she said. “However, I am beginning to regret accepting this invitation.”

“But why?” a familiar voice sounded from behind them—a thrilling, masculine voice from an imperious duke.

Willa smiled at him first, before Julia turned. She cringed at the idea of seeing him in his finery—such a gallant figure he made dressed in the traditional black and gray. But turn about she did, and her eyes were immediately drawn to his face. “Your Grace.” She curtseyed.

“Lady Julia. Lady Willa.” He bowed with elegance, his smile reserved for Julia. She could feel it cutting into her even when his gaze strayed down to the floor momentarily. “What could possibly make you regret being here?”

“Well…” Willa started, willing to answer for her.

“Though I am accustomed to such comforts, the Duke of Stanhope’s home reminds me more of a palace.”

“Ah.” He grinned. “The duke would take that as high praise, Lady Julia.

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