My Divinely Decadent Duke by Sandra Masters

Author:Sandra Masters [Masters, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Regency, Historical, Marriage of Convenience
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2015-12-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

London 1822

Gordon Althorn was joined by his friend, Tomas Martinez, at Brooke’s Club where they were both members. Tomas clapped Gordon’s back in friendship. “How does the married man fare?” A sly grin crossed his face.

“I would affirm marriage is a new state of mind and requires attention. I make an attempt to adapt to it.”

“You could’ve knocked me over when you asked me to be your best man.” Tomas sat and ordered a drink.

“It was rather spontaneous, I’ll agree.” Gordon tapped his hand on the mahogany tabletop.

The club was filled by a number of gentlemen. Some gamed at hazard and faro, and others used the wager books. Smoke filled the air and rose like small puffy clouds to the paneled oak ceiling beams.

“Fix your cravat, Tomas, or they’ll request you to leave. They are sticklers for proper dress decorum.” He flexed his boot and gently nudged his friend.

Tomas adjusted the knot. “I hate these rules and regulations. Is it better now?”

“Yes. It’s what we pay them to enforce. Is there any news?” Gordon asked, and then he scanned the room.

“Barbados does well with our sugar factories. There’s still talk of rebellion and slave emancipation, but there is not enough support in the government. I’m inclined to believe it will happen though. We’ll need to pay special attention to elections there. I wish we had more natives we could trust there.”

“I agree, Tomas. I’d like you to make frequent visits and report back to me.”

“Consider it done, my friend, although the ocean trips are harder each time. Perhaps it’s time for me to settle down, too.” He laughed. “You could be contagious. Does your wife like your tattoo? Has she asked you about it?” He took a heavy swig of whiskey and placed the glass off to the side.

“She hasn’t seen it yet.”

“Do you have bed sport in the dark?” Tomas asked, his brow furrowed.

“No.” He turned his head. “It’s a rather long story. Since I owe you my life, I will share our arrangement with you.”

After the tale of his marriage of convenience was told, Tomas slapped his thigh. “And this contents you?”

“No, it doesn’t. It’s inconvenient to have a beautiful woman such as my wife and the inability to touch her. However, I gave my word and little will happen unless she agrees.”

“So the famous rake has met his match.” He smirked.

“Let me put it another way. I can relate to how Adam felt in the Garden of Eden. Cassandra is not only a temptation, but she has a compassionate nature. My mother adores her. The house is alive with laughter, kindness, puppies, and active children everywhere. Although, I should be grateful my dog still spends time with me in my sacrosanct study.”

“You sound domesticated, old chap.” His voice was thick with joviality.

“Perish the thought. It’s a temporary arrangement until my mother recovers.” Liar. Liar. Liar.

Uneasy and restless, just the mention of her caused his loins to clench and his member to firm.

“How long are you in town?” Tomas crossed his legs and engaged Gordon in further conversation.

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