Historical Romance: Lady Likes the Lord A Duke's Game Regency Romance: Wardington Park, #13

By Eleanor Meyers

Lady Maria Kay is getting married… she simply hasn't picked her husband yet.

 

After years of keeping every one of the ton's endless list of social laws, this will be the first choice Maria has been allowed to make for herself.

But… as the Kay Sister the ton adores, a certain man has been all but picked for her by family, circumstance, and fate.

 

Lord Edmund Abbey.

 

It seems everything is telling her to marry Edmund, so in a fit of rebellion, she's ready to allow another man to compromise her in order to ensure she can make her own choice.

Yet while Maria sets plans into action, so does Edmund, and he'll stop at nothing to make Maria his wife.

 

But while their story of romance plays out in the day, Maria's secrets spill in the night.

And soon she and Edmund find themselves caught in a web of murder and a diabolical plot that could mean the end of England as they know it.

 

Will Maria's secrets prove more fatal than her sisters' mistakes?

Will London survive?

 

The book is a full-length regency romance in the historical romance genre.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eleanor Meyers
• Release date: Jun 18, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393508977

Eleanor Meyers

Eleanor Meyers is a hopeless romantic who believes that one should breathe and live on love. She is especially intrigued by the love tales of the Regency era due to the juxtaposition of tradition and love in a very stylistic fashion. At a young age, she is inspired by the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer.  There is a strong romantic appeal about that era and it is Eleanor’s desire that readers will take time to come away with her through her writings and immerse oneself in that time when love was so pure and intense. In Eleanor’s writings, there is a pragmatic display of human’s imperfections; hence characters who may be flawed in certain ways. In the midst of dealing with one’s imperfections, a couple found love, found hope in each other and in God. Eleanor incorporated messages of redemption, forgiveness and sometimes inner deliverances from the bondages that so held a character for so long. It is her belief that no matter how seemingly hopeless one’s situation might be, there will always be hope. They key is to wait and to believe and to hold on. So come away with her and be enthralled in the beautiful Regency era!

Book preview

prologue

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August 1831

London, England

Ezra Creed looked up from his desk as his guards dragged in the two people he wished to see most in the world.

Miss Hann, he said, addressing the woman.

Her breasts almost spilled out of her dress as she was tossed to the floor. Her creamy skin and velvet red dress blended in lovely with his décor. He always did admire the finer things in life— gold, silks, and hand-carved mahogany wooden pieces—but nothing was as lovely as Miss Hann.

Her hands rested on the floor and when she looked up, her fearful blue eyes connected with his.

He held back his smile but decided he enjoyed hers... whenever she decided to gift him with it. He also enjoyed her on her knees but she’d been gone for weeks, hiding from him. That would never do. Creed didn’t like having the best withheld from him. He’d grown up in the shadow of older, stronger men who’d forced him to do all the work they abhorred but Creed had bided his time and now he was king.

And not just in his own mind. He was king of the side of London that mattered. He controlled every venture that dealt in the pleasures of the flesh, taking a portion from every man who wished to do business on the west or east side of London. He sold and bought girls, opium, and weapons, the likes of which had never touched England’s shores before. And, on occasion, he made people disappear. There was not a crime too grand for Creed to commit and because of the way he’d formed his system of villains, he always got away with it.

Miss Hann’s eyes filled with tears, and Creed glanced at the man at her side. Mr. Sims, is it?

Mr. Sims looked around the room, then at Creed, with a mixture of confusion and fear. Where am I?

Welcome to the Abyss, Creed said with his arms open in greeting.

The Abyss? Mr. Sims looked around at Creed’s grand office. The painted walls, the molded ceiling work, the silks and paintings. Everything Creed owned was perfect.

Even Mr. Sims, though Ezra was sure the man didn’t know that as of yet. Sims was a thin man with average looks. He was also balding at the middle of his head but Creed had not taken him because of his charms. Creed was interested in Mr. Sims’ other capabilities.

The man’s eyes returned to Creed and he said, I don’t understand. Am I here because I paid for a whore?

Miss Hann didn’t even flinch at the way she’d been addressed. So used to it was that she gave Mr. Sims a bland look before turning away. She was pretty, and one could easily mistake her for soft until she opened her rather cynical mouth.

Creed sighed and turned to a guard. Place Miss Hann in a chair. She’s not in trouble.

Miss Hann was roughly grabbed from the floor and thrown into one of the chaises, amongst expensive pillows. He thought she looked lovely there.

Then he turned his eyes to Mr. Sims. You’re not in any trouble either, Mr. Sims but I will need your help on an urgent matter.

Mr. Sims studied him and narrowed his eyes. Who are you?

I am Ezra Creed.

Mr. Sims’ brows rose. I’ve never heard of you before. Then he looked at the guard at the door and asked, Might I stand?

No, Mr. Sims, Creed said, leaning back in his chair. Only my friends stand in my presence.

Mr. Sims shrunk back and sat on his heels.

Creed placed his elbows on his desk and rubbed his hands together. I need you to build me a box.

A box? Mr. Sims asked.

Creed held his eyes. You know what kind of box I mean, Mr. Sims. A Jack-in-a-box.

Mr. Sims’ expression cleared. I’m not a toy maker, Mr. Creed. I make carriages.

Creed laughed, a sound that was even rough to his own ears. Then he stood and said, Do you know the history of the Jack-in-a-box, Mr. Sims?

Mr. Sims said nothing.

Creed circled his desk as he spoke, The story goes that Sir John Schome built one four hundred years ago in order to hold the devil and save the town of Buckinghamshire.

Folklore, Mr. Sims said.

Indeed, Creed said as he crouched in front of Mr. Sims. Because no box can hold the devil, Mr. Sims.

The carriage maker’s eyes flashed.

Creed lowered his voice and said, "The French called it ‘diable en boîte’, Boxed Devil. But you see, Mr. Sims, I know that you’re no Sir Schome. You don’t keep Jack in his box. You help release him and that’s what I need."

Mr. Sims was visibly shaking and sweating now.

Creed went on, I need three finished by month’s end.

Mr. Sims moaned then cleared his throat. I... can’t.

Creed lifted a brow. You can’t?

Mr. Sims’ head did a series of small shakes. His forehead broke out into a sweat. I... didn’t make the first Jack-in-a-box.

Creed frowned. But I heard—

My partner did, Mr. Sims said. He blinked rapidly. He built it. Mr. Rutley. I took the credit when he died. I’ve tried to find an instructional for the device, sure he’d left it behind somewhere but have yet to locate it if it does exist. I’m terribly sorry.

Creed stared at him. Well, then, Mr. Sims, it looks like you’ve wasted my time.

Mr. Sims’ eyes widened. I-I didn’t know. He started shaking his head.

Creed touched the back of Mr. Sims’ neck. I understand what it’s like to live in the shadows, Mr. Sims. I know what it’s like to watch other men crawl to the top while you sit at the bottom, for years, forced to watch as everyone else took the glory and you got nothing in return.

Mr. Sims took a deep breath and looked down.

Creed patted his shoulder and took his hand back, then slowed his words. I was you once, Mr. Sims. I had to do things I didn’t like doing.

Mr. Sims looked up.

I’ve done many things I didn’t like doing, Mr. Sims but I was hungry and men do what they must to survive.

Mr. Sims swallowed audibly.

What I don’t like, Mr. Sims, are liars. Creed looked at his guard then returned his eyes to Mr. Sims. In fact, I loathe them.

Miss Hann made an involuntary sound in the back of her throat.

Please. Mr. Sims moved forward, only to have himself pulled back when a leather belt was wrapped around his neck. His words were then cut off and his hand went to the strap pressed deep into his fleshy throat. He struggled to remove it and find air. His eyes bulged and his face reddened, and Creed wondered at what age he’d grown used to scenes such as this one. A man pleading for his life and those pleas falling on deaf ears.

Miss Hann made a sound that resembled a sob.

Creed turned away, went to his desk, and stared at Miss Hann. I want that Jack-in-a-box.

She was still staring at Mr. Sims, fixated and breathing harshly. He watched her lovely breasts move before calling her name once again. Her head slowly turned in his direction.

I want the Jack-in-box, he said.

But it’s impossible to get. She leaned away and dropped her shoulders in a submissive way, fearing her life would be forfeit like Mr. Sims’. But she was much too lovely to die in such a way and much too useful. If Creed did kill her, he’d find a way to preserve her beauty when the deed was done.

The sound of a body dropping brought peace to Creed’s office once more.

Then he said, If you can’t secure me the box then you must convince its owner to use it for my purposes.

Miss Hann looked up at Creed and nodded.

He returned her nod and said, Now, come here.

Miss Hann was a great actress, since she was able to hold her repulsion as he stood and walked over to him.

Creed heard the door open and the sound of Mr. Sims’ body being taken from the room.

It was good to be king.

*   *   *

chapter 1

*   *   *

March 1832

London, England

He’s perfect. He’s the one.

Lady Maria Kay smiled up into Cole Leverton’s light blue eyes as he spun her around the ballroom.

Cole, she’d started to whisper in her mind last year, wanting to know what it would sound like on her tongue on the day she addressed him informally as her husband. Until then, he was simply Lord Marion, the son of the Earl of Chasewood, and the handsome gentleman she’d chosen to marry.

He hadn’t actually proposed as of yet but Maria knew that to be because he feared her rejection. For years, she’d teased the ton, dancing her way through the season, only to leave without so much as allowing a gentleman to properly court her but now that she was twenty-three, she knew it to be time.

Cole’s stunning eyes narrowed on her and he said, You’re different tonight.

Maria couldn’t hold back her grin as she whispered, Am I, my lord?

The hand he had wrapped around hers tightened while the one at the small of her back seemed heavier, almost pushing her closer to him.

While holding his eyes, Maria tightened the hand she’d placed on his shoulder and rubbed her thumb gently against his jacket, adding just enough pressure so she knew he’d feel it. It wasn’t much as a way of getting his attention but in the presence of more than two hundred people, Maria had to be subtle.

She knew her gesture worked when Lord Marion’s eyes darkened. Then he opened his mouth to speak, only to close it once more and continue studying her.

Maria bit her lip and looked away. She was used to flirting with men. She had learned how to do so expertly at the hand of her uncle’s wife, Aunt Abigail, the Duchess of Wardington but Maria had never felt comfortable doing so. Yet with the number of visible rejections she’d given men since her first season, she knew that if she wanted to marry, she’d have to make that known somehow.

She thought about her other sisters who’d married and recalled that both had not only married for love but had fallen in love in a matter of a day but their happiness had not come easy.

Since the four Kay sisters’ arrival in London five years ago, there had been much gossip about them. Madalene, the eldest, had failed her first season and had been all but laughed out of London to become a teacher at an all girl’s school in Bath. Now, Madalene was not only the headmistress of the school but she was also the Countess of Pengross and married to a man who adored her. Margaret, who could never be outdone, had raised the hairs of every lady and gentleman when the news had spread of her affair with a footman, and yet somehow, Margaret had impressed them all by marrying one of England’s most notorious actors. The youngest sister, Marianne, who’d been known for her mischievous young ways, had calmed in recent years and was now a companion to Princess Victoria. How Marianne received such a prestigious position, no one knew but Maria suspected it was Marianne’s fun personality that the princess adored.

Her older sisters, Madalene and Margaret, had both married and had a child, so Maria knew all the eyes of Society were on her now, watching and waiting to see what Maria—who they thought to be the timidest of the Kay sisters—would do and was sure that many mothers and fathers hoped Maria would choose their son.

Why?

Because Maria was not only beautiful but there had not been a word of gossip about her, and among the Kay sisters, that made her rare. Maria not only had royal blood but she also held connections through her family. Her uncle was the Duke of Wardington. Her cousins were the Duke of Oakley and the Marquess of Clariant, and thanks to Madalene, she had a brother-in-law who was an earl.

So many a gentleman wanted her and now the time had come to settle on one.

And she was choosing Lord Marion before fate chose someone else.

Fate’s option made her shiver... and sadly, not with distaste but with want.

Are you cold? Cole asked as the music began to draw to a close.

Maria knew it to be her moment, so she took it. No. In fact, I believe I would enjoy a bit of fresh air.

Cole blinked but then the surprise vanished and he said, Today is a fine night. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time outside. The music stopped.

Maria’s mouth dropped open in surprise.  He thought she wished to go to the balcony alone.

And why would he think otherwise? How often had she declined his offer to pay call? She’d even refused dances on nights when she’d been completely wary of marriage.

But she needed Cole to see that she’d changed.

He took her hand, placed it on his arm, and started to walk her across the ballroom in the direction of Aunt Abigail. She knew she needed to act fast before it was too late.

It’s quite warm in here, she began. Perhaps you’d enjoy some air as well, my lord?

Cole’s blond head turned in her direction, and his eyes met her directly.

Maria lifted her chin and held his gaze, even though her throat was drying.

He began to slow his steps. Are you asking me to join you on the balcony?

No, she whispered. I’m asking you to join me in the garden. Then her eyes widened at how bold she’d sounded even to her own ears. Never mind that she’d whispered the words. Never in her life had Maria tried to take a man into a secluded place to be alone.

And openly offer herself to be compromised.

But that was exactly what she’d just done, and her heart raced as she saw the heat that came into Cole’s eyes. Eyes that seemed to offer more than just the kiss she was planning. She suddenly wondered just what she was getting herself into.

Do you make such a statement in jest? he asked.

It seemed a fair question. After all, she’d never led him to believe she wanted more than friendship from him before.

Maria fought to find her voice and then said, I don’t jest.

Cole stopped walking toward Aunt Abigail and fear gripped Maria but she told herself that she wanted to be compromised. She wanted to marry Cole. She wanted to become the Viscountess of Marion and then one day the Countess of Chasewood. She adored Cole’s height. He wasn’t so tall that she had to strain her neck to look at him but he was taller than her. He was also beautiful. Every woman wanted him, and he was a painter who’d created stunning work. Some of that work hung in the palace. Cole was kind, smiled easily, and Maria had never heard anyone say a single bad word about him.

He was perfect. He was better than what fate had planned, and she had every intention of making him hers.

Cole watched her for a moment longer then nodded. I will meet you in the garden by the hedge behind the east door in half an hour. Then he started toward Aunt Abigail with new life in his step, and Maria wondered if that was because of her. He quickly placed Maria into Abigail’s care before bowing and turning away.

That’s odd, Aunt Abigail said.

Maria told her mind to breathe then remembered how to speak. What was odd?

Abigail turned her dark blue eyes toward Maria. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off you the entire day and yet he didn’t ask to call on you. He usually does. There was a sadness in Abigail’s gaze, which showed just how much her aunt cared for her.

Maria, however, knew why he hadn’t asked. There was no need when he’d be paying her attention in a much more intimate way in less than half an hour. And if their meeting was successful, when Cole did pay a call, he would bring a ring and be prepared to discuss the wedding contract with her uncle.

Oh, he probably forgot. Maria looked toward the clock on the wall. The stunning piece seemed to reflect light throughout the ballroom. But the beauty of her surroundings was dimmed by the long hand on the clock. She didn’t have much time to calm her nerves, much less escape the ever-watchful eye of her aunt.

It was a stroke of luck when the Dowager Duchess of Hensman and her daughter, Lady June, came over. June moved to Maria’s side just as her mother began to speak with Abigail, who was one of her closest friends.

I saw the way Lord Marion looked at you, June whispered with glittering blue eyes. June had been one of, if not the most, stunning woman of her season and now, more than a decade later, she could still turn the head of more than one gentleman. She was married to Wardington’s youngest son, Lord Mark, and she had given birth to a daughter, Ellen, three years ago. Did he ask to call upon you? Margaret told me that you’d decided to marry.

June’s excitement worked at calming Maria’s nerves slightly, though she did wonder just how much of her plan Margaret had shared.

Margaret, so far, was the only other person who knew that Maria was planning to allow herself to be compromised in the hopes that she wouldn’t have to marry—

Oh, look who just arrived, June said, with her eyes toward the door and a smile on her face. Lord Edmund never comes to these events.

Edmund Abbey.

Maria’s nervousness returned. She tried to stop herself from looking in his direction but couldn’t help herself.

Edmund stood close to the entrance and was immediately approached by his brother, the Earl of Pengross, Marshal Abbey. Then their other brother, Roger, joined them as well. Standing together, the men looked very much alike, and yet different in their own way. All the Abbey brothers had the same mysterious blue eyes and dark hair but Marshal’s face had been scarred when he’d been wrongfully imprisoned, which left one side of his face forever in a tight sneer unless he took care to control it. Besides the scar, he was a wonderful man and never hid his deep love for Madalene. Then there was Roger, who always seemed to have a joke hidden in his gaze. The actor had a way of holding himself that made one wish to stare for hours but while the world watched him, he only had eyes for Margaret.

And that was the heart of Maria’s issue.

Madalene Kay had married Marshal Abbey.

Margaret Kay married Roger Abbey.

So everyone assumed that she, Maria Kay, would marry...

Edmund, who was cold where his brothers were warm, rude where his brothers were kind, and obnoxiously right when Maria wished to prove him wrong. They’d been at one another for years, and though Maria wanted to claim that she felt nothing for Edmund, foolishly...

She couldn’t stop thinking about him or that rare small smile he would give when he knew few were watching. When a look of peace came over him and transformed him into a very intriguing gentleman.

But those looks had always been few and far between and while attracted to him, Maria wanted nothing to do with him. She would break the Abbey/Kay curse and not fall under his spell.

She wondered why he’d showed. Edmund had never appeared at any of the parties of the previous seasons she’d attended but whatever the reason, Marshal and Roger both seemed pleased to see him.

And if her aunt’s voice was anything to go by, so was she. Oh, Edmund is here. Do you see him, dear?

Maria turned to her, thankful for someone else to look at. He’s standing at the entrance of the ballroom, Aunt Abigail. Why, anyone who happens to look in that direction can see him.

Abigail lifted a brow and grinned. "Madalene mentioned how quick-tempered you become when Edmund is mentioned. I also heard that you told him you had no intentions of following

Reviews for Historical Romance

[Leena Aluru · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't bear the excessive sweetness. Edmund was a busy and Maria is self indulging and entitled.