i 151a650af6a1760c by Unknown

i 151a650af6a1760c by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub


he slipped his hand under her cloak and pinched her nipple. The

jolt of sensation brought a startled cry to her lips. She snatched

indignantly at his hand.

He released a throaty chuckle before he turned on his heels and

sailed out the door, leaving his rich dark laughter to taunt her.

Surrender: Chapter 2

Havenford was a flurry of activity as Earl and Lady Carlton

prepared for the visit the following week of the Duke of Chandle-

mare, Nicholas Kentridge. The Duke would arrive with a party of

five knights and three squires and the stables were made ready and

grooms on stand-by to attend the horses.

Victoria Carlton rushed through an order of fine gowns, deter-

mined that her daughter would snare the Duke. Johanna whirled on

her mother as she suffered through yet another torturous fitting.

“Mother, I will rip this gown off me if you don’t stop fussing.” Jo-

hanna yanked the bodice up over her breasts just to have her mother

yank it down again. Her breasts spilled dangerously over the gilded

edge of the ivory satin. One movement and her nipples would peak

out. “This gown is indecent and I won’t wear it.”

“You professed yourself a fallen women. What does it matter?”

Lady Victoria snorted.

“I’ll run away!”

“You’ve already tried that,” her mother shot back, “and if you

try again, I’ll have you locked in your bedchambers until Nicholas

returns.”

“How can you do this?” Johanna wailed.

“Stop it, you silly child. Nicholas Kentridge is a powerful man.

He will not put up with your spoiled tantrums. And if you run him

off, there will be hell to pay.”

“Why are you set on my marrying him?” Johanna raced across

the room and flung herself onto the bed, burying her face in the soft

down pillows.

Her mother’s delicate hand patted her back. Her soft touch

soothed Johanna and softened her anger.

“Oh, Johanna,” she murmured softly. “Have you not eyes? The

man is the epitome of male grace and virility. Common knowledge

holds that he keeps many mistresses.” Her mother ran her fingers

through the thick tumble of Johanna’s hair. “You’ll be fortunate if

he turns his eye to you for more than producing his heirs. Yet, that

aside, his name and his wealth will reward you and your children

with protection and security all your life.”

Johanna flopped onto her back in a whoosh of crinoline and satin,

suddenly overcome with the enormity of marriage to the Duke. “But

Mother,” she pleaded with genuine sincerity, “have you watched

him?” Johanna’s eyes widened. “He’s… wicked.”

Lady Victoria sighed wistfully and smoothed the front of her

daughter’s frock. “Yes, my dear. In that way, he reminds me of your

father.”



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