Daring the Duke (The Seven Curses of London Book 7) Read online

  Daring the Duke

  Book VII of The Seven Curses of London Series

  A Victorian Romance

  Lana Williams

  Daring the Duke

  By Lana Williams

  Revenge is far from easy...

  Lady Lillian Bartley has but one thing on her mind—revenge. That is, until she meets the object of her vengeance. The Duke of Burbridge is nothing like she expected, but everything she could’ve wished for—in a husband. Attempting to make him fall in love with her so she can break his heart as he broke her friend’s is proving difficult, especially when her emotions are hopelessly entangled and attraction simmers between them.

  When love is in the air.

  Elijah Waters, the Duke of Burbridge, is still reeling from the unexpected death of his father a year ago. Grief-stricken, he realizes too late that his mother has turned to alcohol to drown her sorrow. He discovers someone is selling liquor with harmful additives endangering others, including his mother. Keeping her secret from the ton while he tracks done the culprit is no easy task. When Lady Lillian happens upon his mother in a compromising situation, Elijah fears all is lost. Can he possibly trust the lady who stirs his senses?

  Lillian can’t reconcile what she learns of Elijah with what she was lead to believe, but her broken-hearted friend died, leaving only questions behind. Elijah’s concern for his mother is sweet, his kindness to Lillian heart-warming, and his kisses shake her world. But she must confront him about the past before she can hope for a future.

  Do they dare trust each other and reach for their happily ever after or will fate keep them apart?

  Table of Contents

  Other Books in the Series

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Dear Readers Letter

  Other Books by the Author

  Copyright

  Other books in The Seven Curses of London series:

  TRUSTING THE WOLFE, a novella, Book .5

  LOVING THE HAWKE, Book 1

  CHARMING THE SCHOLAR, Book 2

  RESCUING THE EARL, Book 3

  DANCING UNDER THE MISTLETOE, Book 4, a Novella

  TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL, Book 5, a Novella

  ROMANCING THE ROGUE, a Regency prequel to Tempting the Scoundrel

  FALLING FOR THE VISCOUNT, Book 6

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  Chapter One

  “Whatever differences of opinion may arise as to the extent and evil operation of the other curses that afflict London, no sane man will contest the fact that drunkenness has wrought more mischief than all other social evils put together.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  V. The Curse of Drunkenness

  By James Greenwood, 1869

  London, England, June 1871

  Lady Lillian Bartley drew a deep breath, acknowledging that she was in over her head, only to wrinkle her nose at the stench carried on the early morning breeze. Her dappled grey mare snorted. Apparently, Lillian wasn’t the only one who noted the smell. She’d hoped to escape the soot-filled air during her ride in Hyde Park, but obviously that wasn’t to be.

  The city of London was far different in many ways from her family’s home in the country—the lack of clean air only one of the drawbacks. Becoming accustomed to that would take time, as would the crowds, the traffic, the balls, and the social expectations of the ton.

  However, she was not here to enjoy herself but for a far more noble purpose—revenge. Never mind that it was against a duke. The Duke of Burbridge to be precise. He needed to pay for his reckless actions, and she was determined to make sure he did.

  She lifted her chin, hoping to stave off the uncertainty of whether she was capable of her goal.

  Even now, she could hear the doubts swirling through her mind. They sounded remarkably like her mother’s voice.

  A proper young lady should...

  The daughter of an earl would never...

  A good friend could...

  Though she loved her mother dearly, her frequent reminders of how Lillian should act had worn on her until uncertainty ruled her thoughts.

  But never had Lillian questioned herself as much as she had since meeting the duke a week ago. He was everything a duke should be and more—the sort young ladies dreamed about. Handsome features, dark hair, and startling blue eyes. And his smile. Good heavens. Such charming smiles shouldn’t be permitted. Unfortunately, he’d been kind to her as well.

  Darn him.

  With one glance, he’d stolen her resolve and her confidence as to whether she could gain his notice. In the days following that meeting, she was still working on gathering them once again.

  Heaving another sigh, she decided her concerns could be dealt with later. For now, she intended to enjoy the beauty of the early morning and put all else aside, or at least try to.

  It would take more than the smell and worrying over her goal to ruin her ride. The peace and quiet of Hyde Park at this hour was to be treasured.

  In the week since she’d arrived, she’d determined the biggest benefit of staying in the city was spending time with her brother, Oliver, and his lovely wife of a year, Julia, whom Lillian adored. Julia had declared Lillian the little sister she’d never had.

  Oliver was Lillian’s only sibling and several years older than she. Lillian found the addition of a sister a true joy. Staying with the couple was a gift without measure.

  The age difference between Lillian and Oliver had created a distance in their relationship. When he’d returned from serving in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, he’d been a different man. A cold, distant one focused on medieval studies who kept to himself. Some would even say a recluse.

  Julia had changed all that in a matter of weeks. Her friendly nature had broken down Oliver’s walls one brick at a time.

  But Lillian knew how unique their union was. Few relationships moved into a happy marriage. Some, even if they were mere sparks, ended in death, such as her dear friend Helena’s had.

  Hence the reason Lillian had come to London for the remainder of the Season. The Duke of Burbridge had shattered Helena’s heart and left her little more than a shell of her former self. When illness had come, it found little resistance in her.

  If only Lillian had been home last autumn, but she’d been travelling abroad with her aunt and missed the dalliance between the pair. When Lillian returned after the holidays, it had been to find Helena ill. She’d lost her will to live and told Lillian her life held no purpose without the duke’s love. She hadn’t recovered.

  With a heavy heart, Lillian sighed, still unable to believe her friend was gone.

  A few riders passed Lillian along the riding path, none making any attempt at conversation other than a polite nod. No doubt they preferred the solitude as much as she did.

  She glanced behind her to make certain the groom followed. His nod reassured her.

  A
beautiful black gelding galloped across the park, catching her eye. The rider handled the high-spirited horse with ease, using a light touch to guide the mount in Lillian’s direction. He rode with a mastery and confidence that made one look twice.

  And he was riding directly toward her.

  Too late, she recognized him—the Duke of Burbridge. Panic skittered down her spine.

  “No, no, no,” she chanted, willing him to turn and ride in the other direction. She wasn’t prepared to work on her plan for revenge at the moment. She needed another day or two to gather her wits. The brief time she’d spoken with him at the party he’d held at his country estate over a week ago had shaken her confidence, and she had yet to gain it back.

  She forced herself to look away, hoping she was mistaken and he’d continue riding past without recognizing her.

  “Lady Lillian, I thought that was you.” He drew the horse to a walk beside her as he bowed, a graceful movement even on horseback. “What a pleasant surprise.”

  Her heartbeat sped faster at his smile. Was its effect so surprising because he often appeared stern?

  “Indeed,” she offered weakly. So much for an attempt at witty banter, but her thoughts had blown away on the gentle breeze.

  “Beautiful morning.” His piercing blue gaze—nearly the same shade as a lapis lazuli bowl she’d seen in a museum in Paris—moved away from her to sweep the horizon, allowing her to catch her breath. A top hat shaded his brow and made his eyes all the more arresting.

  She’d had the same reaction to him at his house party. The sensation was unfamiliar and unwelcome, especially considering her goal. She had to find a way to snuff it out. “Perhaps, but not as beautiful as in the country.”

  Too late, she berated herself, realizing she should’ve agreed with his remark if she wanted him to like her. Needed him to like her. Then fall in love with her so she could break his heart.

  “True. Hyde Park has much to offer though its location causes a few problems since London surrounds it.” His gaze returned to capture hers, the corner of his eyes crinkled with a smile.

  Curiosity lurked in the depths of his eyes as if he were trying to determine what she was about. No doubt he was so used to women throwing themselves at him that hearing something contrary surprised him.

  Good. That was exactly what she wanted—to keep him on his toes. If only he didn’t have the same effect on her.

  While she’d been plotting the whole idea of revenge at home, it had seemed relatively simple. After all, she was twenty years of age. Thus far, she’d managed to convince her parents that she wanted to wait to marry for another year or two. But she was hardly a young debutante with no experience. She’d been to London before and Paris as well and put a fair share of men in their place.

  However, she’d never flirted with a duke nor tried to make a man fall in love with her. She’d assumed Burbridge would be a stuffy, overbearing man full of himself. And far less handsome.

  The duke was nothing like that.

  Quite the opposite, in fact. With deep brown hair brushed to one side and a tad longer than was fashionable, dark brows that balanced his attractive face and arched over arresting blue eyes filled with watchful intelligence, he was a sight to behold. How could she hope to catch his interest?

  Aware of the heat filling her cheeks as he continued to watch her, she forced another smile. “Are there other places as enjoyable in London as Hyde Park?”

  A sparkle lit those eyes, and his lips twisted as though he were thinking of a private joke. “Enjoyment can be found in a variety of places, depending on one’s company.”

  Was he saying what she thought he was saying? The heat in her face flickered into flames at his suggestive look. He took flirting to an entirely new level. His reputation as a lady’s man was well known, but he was also well liked by his peers. With a sigh, she realized that Helena, so easily impressed by a title, let alone by a handsome duke who showed interest in her, wouldn’t have stood a chance resisting this man.

  Wondering how far he’d take this, she raised a brow. “Such as?” Would he cross the line to vulgarity? She hoped he would, so she’d have another reason to dislike him.

  A smooth chuckle was his only answer. “May I ride with you for a few minutes?” he asked politely, waiting for her answer rather than assuming she’d agree.

  Why did that appeal to her? “Of course.”

  “Are you an early riser?”

  “I am,” she said. “Life in the country is quite different than in the city.”

  “True. Which do you prefer?”

  “I believe it’s too soon to decide. I’ve determined I must take part in more of the experiences London has to offer this Season.”

  “Excellent notion. Will you by chance be at the Heaton’s ball tomorrow evening?”

  “I have no idea,” she admitted with a wave of her gloved hand. “I’m leaving such details up to my brother and his wife.”

  “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them on a few occasions.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. “Oliver doesn’t normally attend many social functions, but he’s been making a more concerted effort for my benefit.”

  “I find his work on medieval tomes fascinating.”

  Lillian drew her horse to a stop to stare at Burbridge in disbelief. “You jest.”

  “Why would you say that?” He halted his steed as well.

  “Most accuse him of a fondness for either topics that no longer matter or ancient dust.”

  Burbridge frowned. “I’m not certain humanity has changed since civilization formed. The past can teach us many lessons applicable to the present. Why repeat mistakes if we can learn from those who came before us? I think your brother is brilliant for studying history.”

  Lillian resisted the urge to touch her chest the way his words had touched her heart. She had to look away from the intensity of his eyes. Few people understood Oliver’s passion for ancient texts. She’d struggled with it herself until she’d taken the time to understand what he saw.

  Wisdom resided within the carefully penned words of those books, but it took a special person to recognize and appreciate that. A unique kind of artistry was hidden in the leather-bound books with their elaborate illuminated initials marking the beginning of each chapter. The idea that this man might not only understand but respect that talent warmed her.

  However, such a sensation was not part of her plan. Her goal would be much easier if she despised him.

  She cleared her throat and nudged her mare forward. “You have an excellent point, but few others are willing to acknowledge it.”

  “I, for one, am pleased Viscount Frost has a fondness for transcribing and analyzing such unique texts. The papers he’s published on his findings have grown quite popular.”

  Lillian knew Julia had encouraged Oliver to publish his papers more frequently. She’d have to tell her that her efforts were worthwhile. “What else do you enjoy reading?” she asked, determined to turn the conversation to a less appealing topic.

  He paused before answering, as though seriously considering her question. She nearly ground her teeth. Did he intend to thwart her at every turn? “A variety of topics. Information on new scientific breakthroughs fascinates me as much as a good mystery.”

  “Diversity is good for us all.”

  “What of you, Lady Lillian? Is reading at the top of your list of favorite pastimes?”

  “One of them, along with riding, croquet, drawing, though I confess I’m deplorable at needlework.”

  “Ah,” he declared with mock horror. “Do I sense a flaw in what otherwise would’ve been perfection?”

  “If lack of patience for sorting threads is a flaw, then yes, I confess to it.”

  He gave a pretend shudder. “I believe we are of one mind in that respect. I can’t imagine a less pleasurable task.”

  She chuckled, genuinely amused by him and the conversation. Movement out of the corner of her eye caught her notice. “Oh, look.” />
  A swan flew overhead then dipped low to land gracefully on the water. The sight made her miss home even more.

  “The advantage of riding in the park earlier in the day means catching a glimpse of more than just the fashionable people,” Burbridge said as he watched the swan’s landing.

  “Then I shall always ride early,” she declared. Though she enjoyed people more than her brother, the sights and sounds of nature restored her balance and quieted her soul.

  “Until the pace of the many social events convinces you of the wisdom of rising later.” The corner of his mouth curved upward, causing a dip in her stomach.

  He truly was handsome. The goal she’d set suddenly seemed impossible. Who was she to catch a duke’s eye? And why did the one person she wanted to hurt as badly as he’d hurt her friend have to be the one who gave her such unfamiliar yearnings?

  ~*~

  Elijah Waters, the tenth Duke of Burbridge, couldn’t remember enjoying a conversation more. Lillian Bartley had wit, intelligence, and beauty, a compelling combination. However, he had no intention of seeking a wife in the near future. Not with the secrets he needed to guard closely. The passing of his father just over a year ago had upended his life in many ways, demanding his time and attention.

  But if he were considering marriage now, Lady Lillian would be near the top of the list.

  Her beauty had caught his notice at his house party, but she’d acted stiffly, as though displeased to be there. He’d started to think there was something about him she didn’t like.

  The sight of her riding at this early hour proved a temptation he couldn’t resist, and he’d found himself riding toward her. Her innate grace was a sight to behold. The elegant line of her neck, the curve of her cheek, the lush length of her dark lashes over her green eyes were all to be admired.

  But something was hidden in the depths of those amazing eyes. Something wary yet strong. Something that caused her concern yet showed determination. It flickered over her expression as if she walked through shadows then into light only to pass through shadows again. The puzzle of her created the oddest reaction within him. He wanted to help her. To reach out and reassure her. To keep her in the light. But first, he needed to solve the puzzle.