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    Love Lessons With The Duke
    Love Lessons With The Duke
    Love Lessons With The Duke
    Ebook268 pages4 hours

    Love Lessons With The Duke

    By Ruth Ann Nordin

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    About this ebook

    Camden Hollis, the Duke of Ashbourne, needs to pay off his brother’s debts, but all he has is a troubled estate. So when he hears that Lady Seyton is known for teaching ladies what to do to secure marriages by the end of the Season, he comes to her for help.

    Helena Walter, the Lady of Seyton, doesn’t know what to think of Camden’s unusual request. How could a titled gentleman who is so good looking need help getting a wife? Her initial response is to turn him down, thinking he is merely wasting her time. But then she catches him bumbling through a conversation with a lady, and realizes he–more than anyone–needs her help.

    And so the lessons begin. But before long, Camden is convinced she’s the perfect one for him. She, however, is a widow and is happy with her freedom. He might find it’ll require a scandal to get the two things he wants most: a love match and securing his estate.

    Books in the Marriage by Deceit Series
    Book 1: The Earl's Secret Bargain
    Book 2: Love Lessons With The Duke
    Book 3: Ruined by the Earl
    Book 4: The Earl's Stolen Bride

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRuth Ann Nordin
    Release dateFeb 14, 2015
    ISBN9781311671066
    Love Lessons With The Duke
    Author

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

    Read more from Ruth Ann Nordin

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    • 4/5
      A very entertaining love story about the events of early England
    • 3/5
      Left a lot unsaid. Story didn’t seem finished. I was puzzled by the way it ended.

    Book preview

    Love Lessons With The Duke - Ruth Ann Nordin

    Marriage by Deceit: Book 2

    Love Lessons

    With

    The Duke

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Love Lessons With The Duke

    Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

    Copyright © 2014 by Ruth Ann Nordin

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Cover Photo Image of couple from Period Images. http://www.periodimages.com/-/galleries/regency/jax-max/-/medias/068bb976-2615-11e3-8c64-45a187e462d8. All rights reserved – used with permission.

    Cover Photo Image Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com All rights reserved – used with permission.

    Interior Photo image Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com All right reserved – used with permission.

    Table of Contents

    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

    Chapter Twenty-Five

    More in the Marriage by Deceit Series

    All Books By Ruth Ann Nordin

    Where To Find Ruth Ann Nordin

    Dedication: To Lauralynn Elliott, an awesome friend and fellow writer whose kindness continues to be an inspiration.

    Chapter One

    June 1816

    My lady, there is a gentleman who wishes to speak with you, the butler said.

    Helena Walter, the Lady of Seyton, glanced up from the book she was reading in the drawing room. She ran through a list of possible gentlemen who’d pay her a visit, and her mind came up blank. Who is he?

    The Duke of Ashbourne, the butler replied. He said he left a calling card.

    Did he? She didn’t recall. But then, she was so busy, she hardly knew if she was coming or going on some days, especially this time of year when she was helping ladies secure marriages. This day had been a much needed reprieve, a chance for her to take a moment to catch her breath before she had to go to Miss Jasper’s residence tomorrow.

    Shall I send him in or tell him to come back another time? the butler asked.

    Her gaze went to the book in her hands. Truth be told, it wasn’t that interesting of a tale. She supposed a light diversion couldn’t hurt. All right, let him in. Perhaps he was a father who wished for her assistance in helping his daughter find a husband.

    As the butler left, she closed the book and placed it on the table in front of her settee. Rising to her feet, she patted her blonde hair to make sure she was presentable. It wouldn’t do to look sloppy when meeting with the father of a potential client. But instead of the middle-aged gentleman she expected, the blond gentleman who followed the butler into the room was young. He couldn’t be much older than her, and she was twenty-four.

    Thank you for agreeing to see me, my lady, the duke greeted and offered a bow.

    It took her a moment to find her voice. Your Grace, she replied and curtsied. She looked at the butler and offered a nod, indicating he should bring the tea and scones. Turning her gaze back to the duke, she said, I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I can’t recall making your acquaintance before.

    We haven’t met. He offered her a hopeful smile. I wasn’t sure you’d be willing to talk to me, but I had to try.

    Oh, of course. He must be the brother of the lady she was being asked to help. I’m always happy to talk. She gestured to the chair across from the settee. Please, sit.

    Though he did, he didn’t settle back as she expected. Instead, he sat close to the edge, an anxious expression on his face.

    Goodness. Whatever should cause him such worry? Was his sister ugly? Did she have an obnoxious personality? Was she boring? There could be many things wrong with her, Helena supposed, and that would prompt a concerned brother to seek out her help.

    Helena waited until the butler set the tray on the table before she poured them tea. She didn’t speak until the butler closed the doors, giving them the privacy they needed to discuss the details of the business deal.

    She held his cup toward him and shot him an understanding smile. However undesirable your sister is, I’m sure we can work something out. We can find a hairstyle or dress to flatter her. If needed, we can find ways for her to communicate that will require minimal talking. Whatever the problem, I can compensate for it. Everyone has their good points, and we’ll find out what your sister’s are and work on those. I’ve been doing this for three years, and I’ve had every type of client you can imagine. I assure you any lady who has good social graces, a good figure, or a good dowry will attract a gentleman.

    Though he held the cup, he didn’t make a move to drink the tea. My sister?

    Yes, your sister. The one you wish me to find a husband for. You’re too young to be a father, at least of a lady who is of marrying age. She took a sip of her tea.

    Oh. He blinked and shook his head. No. I’m not a father. I’m not a brother either. Well, I was, but not to a sister. I was a brother to a brother. My brother. I mean, I had a brother. I… He released his breath and closed his eyes for a moment. I’m sorry. That came out horribly wrong. I meant, I only have a brother.

    Then is there a female cousin or friend you wish to help?

    No.

    She swallowed her tea and stared at him. Now she was really confounded. What is the nature of your business here?

    He shifted, cleared his throat, and placed his cup on the tray. Actually, I’d like you to help me secure a marriage to a wealthy lady. The wealthier, the better.

    You want me to what? Helena asked, almost dropping her cup. Fortunately, she caught herself just in time and was able to avoid spilling her tea. There was no way he could be serious.

    But instead of telling her he was jesting, he said, I want to hire you for your services. You know, in finding a wife. I hear you can guarantee a betrothal by the end of a Season. I’ll pay you triple if you can get me betrothed in a month.

    B-but, I only offer lessons to ladies, she finally said when she could find her voice.

    I know, but I’m sure you make exceptions from time to time.

    No, I don’t. I’m sorry, but I never offer my lessons to gentlemen. I only offer them to ladies, she said.

    But there’s no one who has your reputation for success in this area.

    Remembering the cup in her hand, she set it down. As flattering as that is, I’m not the right person to help you.

    And despite what he might be thinking, that wasn’t easy for her to say because the fact of the matter was, he was quite attractive in a shy sort of way. His dark blond hair, though short, had a tendency to fall over his forehead in a way that made her want to brush the strands back in place. Then there were those deep brown eyes and full, slightly parted lips.

    She lowered her eyes and stood up. Crossing the room to the window, she put enough distance between them so it’d be easier to stand her ground. A lady could lose her wits to the innocent expression on his face.

    I don’t understand why it matters that I’m a gentleman, the duke argued. Certainly the same lessons you give ladies can apply to me as well.

    No, they can’t. Gentlemen and ladies are looking for different things when seeking someone to marry.

    Really? Like what?

    Sensing the challenge in his voice, she turned back to face him. How old are you, Your Grace?

    Twenty-six. Does it matter?

    At twenty-six, I would expect you to know there is a huge difference between what gentlemen and ladies want.

    They’re both people.

    People who respond to things differently. For example, you don’t see ladies being foolish enough to run to a duel when they get upset.

    I’d never go into a duel, he said. Granted, a few gentlemen do, but it doesn’t mean all of us do. Some of us exercise sound judgment.

    Sound judgment?

    Certainly. Only a gentleman lacking self-control would accept a duel. But ladies aren’t completely innocent. They may not engage in duels, but they can be just as hurtful as gentlemen. Take gossip as an example. Ladies can ruin the lives of entire families with their tongue.

    She wasn’t sure what he was getting at but decided the argument wasn’t worth having. She had more important things to do with her time, such as reading the book she’d been enjoying before he came.

    Regardless, the methods I use to help ladies secure a marriage aren’t the same that would work for gentlemen. She strode to the doors. I’m afraid you’ll either have to find someone else to assist you or figure it out on your own. When she caught the flicker of uncertainty in his face, she added, I hear Lord Edon knows everything about attracting ladies. You’ll be happy to note ever since he married the Duke of Rumsey’s daughter, he’s led a pristine life. You shouldn’t acquire any scandals in your association with him.

    She opened the doors and stepped aside, praying he wouldn’t press the issue further.

    Fortunately, he let out a resigned sigh and went to the doorway. As he passed her, he said, If you reconsider, please let me know. He held out his card. And I mean it. I’ll pay you triple what you usually get.

    Your Grace, there will be no need for me to teach you, she insisted. But he didn’t put his card back in his pocket, and that being the case, she took it. You’re wasting your card.

    He shrugged. I have others. I hope you’ll think about helping me. Thank you for seeing me, my lady.

    Once he left, she released her breath. The last time she helped a gentleman, it ended badly. There was no way she was going to risk going through that kind of trouble again.

    She retrieved her book and settled back on the settee. With a glance at the clock, she saw it would be time to change for dinner in an hour. After that, she’d have a nice, long hot bath, read some more, and go to bed. Mindful of her busy day tomorrow, she turned her attention back to the book.

    She had enough to contend with. She didn’t need to worry about the duke. With the wages he was willing to pay, it was only a matter of time before someone took him under their wing. Then everything would work out as it was meant to.

    ***

    The next day, Camden Hollis, the Duke of Ashbourne, glanced at the full glass of water in his hand. He sighed and stared out the window. Why did he come to White’s again? He should have gone to the townhouse he’d rented for the month. One month. One month was all he had before the four gentlemen his brother had been indebted to would come demanding the payment. What was he going to do? How was he going to satisfy the debts if he didn’t marry a wealthy lady?

    Lord Toplyn came over to him and sat down. You have a fifty percent chance of winning the bet they’re making in the other room. The baby can only be a girl or a boy. I was thinking of joining in. I’m thinking it’ll be a boy. If Davenport has the courage to stand up to Pennella, you know he’s going to get an heir on the first try.

    Camden grimaced. Everyone better hope Lord Davenport didn’t find out there was another wager concerning him. Davenport wasn’t happy after the last one, and quite frankly, Camden didn’t blame him. He wouldn’t like it either if the gentlemen were making sport of his life.

    I don’t understand you, Toplyn said, leaning toward him as if trying to figure out his next move in a chess game. You rarely come to London, but when you do, you spend most of your time here. And even then, you keep to yourself. You don’t go up and talk to anyone. If I hadn’t come over here, you’d be all by yourself.

    He shrugged. Toplyn made it a habit of talking to everyone who’d give him the time of day, so of course, he didn’t understand why some people were more comfortable keeping to themselves.

    What’s troubling you? Toplyn asked. When Camden didn’t answer, he snapped his fingers. Let me guess. Lady woes?

    Lady woes?

    You fancy a certain young lady, but her affections are for another gentleman.

    No, it’s nothing like that. I’m just tired, that’s all. Camden shifted in his chair, hoping that would put an end to the conversation.

    But Toplyn was surprisingly persistent. Tired of what?

    I don’t know. Just tired.

    Toplyn drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. Usually, I would leave someone alone, but you look like you lost your whole estate. Maybe there’s something I can help you with.

    Unless you have a wealthy sister I can marry, then I doubt it.

    I’m afraid to say I don’t have a sister of marrying age. And even if I did, she wouldn’t be wealthy. I lost a good portion of my money in the gambling hells two years back. I don’t dare make that mistake anymore. It’s the only reason I won’t place a bet right now. He gestured to the other room. Though it’s awfully tempting. Fifty percent is a good chance of winning.

    Granted, that was true, but he wouldn’t win enough to get out of the hole his brother dug.

    You know, the best place to find ladies is at balls, Toplyn continued. I’ve been to almost every one this Season, and I don’t recall seeing you there. There’s one tonight at Edon’s. He always has the finest music and drinks. If you don’t find any of the ladies to your liking, you’ll still have a good time.

    Camden released his breath as he considered Toplyn’s words. Since Lady Seyton refused to help him find a wife, he didn’t see what other choice he had. He hadn’t been at a ball since last Season, and all he remembered about it was how awkward the marriage mart was. But he needed to find a wife, and the sooner, the better.

    I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to go, he finally told Toplyn who, for some reason, insisted on staring at him.

    Good.

    Camden didn’t know why the news should satisfy the gentleman so much. They hardly knew each other, but Toplyn seemed satisfied all the same.

    I’ll see you this evening, Toplyn said before he stood up and left Camden alone.

    Well, that was to be it then. Camden would attend balls. Maybe with all the dancing he’d be doing, he wouldn’t have to come up with some witty thing to say to impress the ladies. Maybe simple pleasantries would work well enough. But then, if he did succeed in getting one interested enough to let him visit her, then he’d have to come up with more to say.

    He fidgeted in his seat. This was why he had hoped his parents could have arranged a marriage for him a few years ago, but his father became ill and that put an end to those plans. The whole process of finding a wife was much too daunting. And he didn’t have Lady Seyton’s help. If only he was a lady. Then he could simply wait for gentlemen to come to him. But no. He was the gentleman, and that meant he had to be the one who approached them.

    A round of laughter came from the other room. Looking over at the group of gentlemen who seemed to be congratulating themselves over making another ridiculous wager, he decided he’d be better off taking a stroll in the park. Most of the time, he was content to listen to bits of conversations here and there. But for some reason, today it bothered him. All it did was emphasize how empty his life was. With a sigh, he stood up and headed out of White’s.

    ***

    Helena lifted Miss Jasper’s chin and tilted her head slightly to the side. They were standing in Miss Jasper’s townhouse in the drawing room. As it turned out, Miss Jasper was a quick learner. She was eager to do whatever it took to secure a marriage, which meant she paid close attention to what Helena was telling her.

    Now, smile, Helena said. Not too wide, mind you. You want to show him you’re interested, but you also want him to work to earn your hand. Gentlemen like a challenge. She glanced at Mrs. Jasper, who watched them from her settee. If a lady makes it too easy, gentlemen are likely to grow bored.

    That’s understandable, Mrs. Jasper replied as she picked up her cup of tea.

    Helena turned back to Miss Jasper. When he asks you to dance, pause before answering him. Let him think you have to decide between him and someone else. You might even let your gaze wander to a nearby gentleman. If that gentleman happens to smile, even better. You want gentlemen to think you’re desirable to others. It’ll make you desirable to them as well.

    Helena examined the lady’s hint of a smile and the teasing tilt of her head. Miss Jasper would do well. She had the ability to suggest a possible interest without being obvious about it.

    I think you’re ready to put your lessons into action tonight at Lord Edon’s ball, Helena decided.

    Wonderful! Miss Jasper replied, clasping her hands together. I can’t wait.

    Indeed, her mother agreed, rising to her feet. I’m eager to see if she’ll get gentlemen to come over and ask her to dance this time.

    Oh, she will, Helena assured her. And I’ll be there to offer guidance along the way. Though, she looked at Miss Jasper, I don’t expect to have much to say. You have excellent poise, a soft voice, and a skill for subtle flirting. It seems you were born for this kind of thing.

    Then why didn’t any gentlemen ask me to dance before?

    Because you doubted yourself. You didn’t believe you could attract anyone, so you didn’t make eye contact or smile. You’d be surprised how those two little things can make you more confident. When you’re confident, others are drawn to you.

    Oh, that makes sense.

    It does, but a lot of people don’t realize it. Well, Helena continued, glancing between the two of them, I can’t think of anything else to tell you, so I’ll meet you both at the ball.

    We’re looking forward to it, Mrs. Jasper said.

    We are, Miss Jasper agreed. I can’t wait to see how things go.

    I’m sure they’ll go fine. Indeed, Helena couldn’t recall a time she’d had a better pupil.

    After she said her good-byes, Helena left the townhouse. The day was a nice one. Very pleasant in fact. A slight breeze, not a cloud in sight, and the wonderful smell of flowers in the air as she passed several trees lining the street. She usually took a carriage when she worked, but today, she thought she’d walk. Miss Jasper’s townhouse wasn’t far from hers, and besides, it did good to walk for a change.

    Before she knew it, she arrived at the park. There weren’t many people here this time of day, but she took a moment to debate whether she was up to possibly running into someone she knew. Most

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