To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield (Wicked Wagers BK1-Regency Romance) Long Novella by Bronwen Evans

Author:Bronwen Evans [Evans, Bronwen]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Historical romance, Fiction
ISBN: 9780473206789
Publisher: Bronwen Evans
Published: 2012-01-30T22:00:00+00:00

Caitlin spent the next morning racing across the Bridgenorth fields trying to erase Harlow’s lovemaking from her mind. She was only partially successful.

He’d offered her marriage. Marriage.

She kept reciting her list, and pointing out to herself that Dangerfield did not meet her stringent requirements. He did not love her and—other than keeping her from winning back Mansfield Manor—he had no interest in her.

Yet, for all that, the offer was tempting. Her body sang at the thought of him and suddenly she felt like tearing up her silly list.

She was, therefore, very pleased to have a week before she’d have to face him in the bake-off. Perhaps by then her body would accept what her mind already knew—the Duke of Dangerfield was not husband material.

The afternoon found Caitlin in the village ensconced in Mrs. Darcy’s over-heated parlor while the old lady fussed about, making tea and tempting her with freshly baked scones. As she smothered her scone with jam and cream, Caitlin managed to slip in her request that Mrs. Darcy teach her how to bake a cake.

“A cake?” A sly smile twitched on Mrs. Darcy’s lips. “You wish me to give you cooking lessons? How interesting. Why have you not asked your Cook to teach you?”

“I wish to learn from the best.” It was no lie, but she would use flattery to get Mrs. Darcy’s agreement if she had to. “You have won the village bake-off for the past five years.”

“Well, well.” Mrs. Darcy leaned back in her chair. “It appears I’m in demand today.”

Caitlin willed her face to hold her beguiling smile. “I’m sure you’re baking is always in demand, but I’m here for lessons.”

“So you said.” Mrs. Darcy beamed knowingly. “But how strange. His Grace was here only this morning requesting the same thing.”

Damn the man! “Really?” Caitlin bit viciously into her scone. “That is odd.”

“Yes, indeed. He wishes to surprise a lady love I assume, for he would not divulge who he was making the cake for.”

The scone stuck in Caitlin’s suddenly very dry throat. Coughing, she scrabbled for her cup and a hasty gulp tea. How on earth could Dangerfield know about Mrs. Darcy? He’d never once attended the church fete.

Once her coughing fit ended, she took the napkin Mrs. Darcy offered and wiped her eyes.

“Quite the coup for me to teach the Duke of Dangerfield,” the old lady said, happily. “I’ll be the envy of every baker from here to London, I should think.”

“Quite. Very advantageous for you. I know it’s a lot to ask, but would you have time to teach both of us—separately?”

But Mrs. Darcy shook her cap-covered head. “I would have time if I could teach both of you together.”

Caitlin’s head lifted and her face went hot. “Oh, I’m sure the Duke won’t wish to share your services.”

“Why ever not?” She poured Caitlin more tea. “He’s due any minute. Stay and finish your tea. I’ll ask him. He’s a lovely man. When he was young he used to come several times a week to my bakery.

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