Duke of Chance: Lords of Scandal Read online

His arms tightened about her. “Tell me that doesn’t change anything between us.”

  Was he actually worried? That thought made her grin like a fool. “Of course it doesn’t.” Heat filled her cheeks. “If I’m being honest, I was fooling myself that I cared for Edge. It was always you Chance. Ever since I was a little girl, it was you.”

  He leaned down then, capturing her lips with his own. “Always me?”

  Her palm skimmed along the stubble of his jaw. “Forever.”

  He rumbled deep in his throat as he kissed her again. “How soon do you think your aunt will allow us to be wed?”

  “In two or three months,” she said with a teasing giggle that earned her a growl of protest.

  “Did you say two weeks?”

  She shook her head. “That will be sure to quiet the gossip.”

  “The gossip can go to the devil,” he said as he kissed her again. “And it will quiet soon enough when they all see how happy we are.”

  Happy? She was glowingly happy as he gave her a long, leisurely kiss. When he finally lifted his head, she stared up into his tawny gaze. “I love you, Chance.”

  His thumb brushed over her bottom lip. “Daisy, you are my heart. Thank you for restoring my faith in life and love.”

  Her heart was near bursting from her chest. She was exactly where she belonged.

  Epilogue

  A fortnight later…

  * * *

  Daisy held Chance’s hand as they watched their closest family and friends mingle. It was their wedding breakfast, after all.

  The ceremony had filled her with such love that she was overwhelmed with emotion still as she stood next to her new husband, her head lightly resting on his shoulder.

  He leaned down and grazed a soft kiss over her temple. “You’re quiet, love.”

  “Just happy,” she answered, staring up at him. “Today has been so perfect.”

  He nuzzled her ear. “Not as perfect as tonight is going to be.”

  She bit her lip as she glanced quickly around the room, wondering if anyone could guess at their conversation.

  They’d managed a few stolen moments in the last few weeks, but Daisy had missed sleeping next to him. Finally, tonight, she’d be in his arms. “Chance,” she breathed her fingers tightening on his biceps.

  He slipped his hand to her waist, and began to pull her closer.

  “There’ll be time enough for all that shortly,” Hart grumped, coming to stand next to them.

  Chance straightened, glaring over his head. “Shortly? It’s been an eternity waiting for this wedding.”

  Both Hart and Daisy laughed at that.

  “Two weeks is hardly an eternity,” Hart rumbled. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’d gone and fallen in love.”

  Chance tightened his arm about her waist.

  Daisy looked up at her husband as he winked back. While their feelings weren’t exactly secret, they hadn’t discussed them with anyone else either. It wasn’t that their love was secret. It was just meant for them alone.

  At least her relationship with Hart was improving. She had apologized for scaring Hart with the Edgemere scandal, and Hart had confessed he’d made a great many mistakes over the past few years.

  In her heart, Daisy was sure her brother was ready for real changes. Not just to their relationship but in life too.

  Like Chance, her brother seemed tired of playing the rake.

  Daisy glanced over to the corner where Arabella stood with one of Daisy’s friends, Lady Abigail Williams. A little smile graced her lips.

  Abigail was just the sort for her brother.

  And if Daisy had her way, she’d see the two of them matched for certain.

  It only seemed fair after the way Hart had meddled in her life that she return the favor.

  She glanced at Abigail who gave her a smile in return.

  Waving the other woman over, she looked at her brother. Hart didn’t know what was about to hit him.

  Of that, Daisy was absolutely certain.

  Chance leaned down, whispering in her ear again. “What are you about?”

  She gave him her most innocent look as she returned his gaze. “Nothing at all.”

  “Oh. It’s something. You have that same look on your face you wore when you told Hart the open boxes at the club were a weak point. You’re clever and you have discovered something.”

  “I have not,” she sniffed. “But I have made a plan.”

  “A plan?” Chance asked.

  “To repay Hart’s favor.”

  Chance’s brows drew together. “Which favor is that?”

  She looked back at her brother. “His favor to us. He’s been instrumental in bringing us together and changing our future.”

  Chance’s hand tightened again, but this time she knew it wasn’t desire or need, but worry. “What have you planned?”

  “Nothing.” She shrugged. What she meant was, you’ll see. But instead, she changed the subject. “Any luck finding Sir Thomas?”

  “Not yet,” Chance said as he shook his head. “But we’re getting closer. And once we do, we’ll leave London.”

  She wasn’t in a rush. She had her own scheme to see through.

  Daisy glanced at her brother.

  He didn’t know what was about to befall him…

  * * *

  Marquess of Diamonds is the next book in the “Lords of Scandal” series… Pre-order your copy today!!!

  Marquess of Diamonds

  Lords of Scandal

  Lady Abigail Williams sat on the settee in her parlor ready for her dear friend, Lady Daisy, to arrive. Anticipation made her clasp and unclasp her hands as she attempted not to fidget. Her mother despised fidgeting.

  The afternoon sun streamed in through the windows warming the room. It was a delightful day to see an old friend.

  And even better because Lady Daisy Longrove had had some delicious experiences to share that Abigail couldn’t even dream of. But she’d like to. She sighed. Dream that is.

  She placed her hands over her heart as she considered her friend.

  Daisy had very recently become engaged to the Duke of Danesbury, which was the only reason her mother had permitted her to have Daisy for this visit.

  Not a fortnight ago, her mother had insisted that Abigail cut all ties with Daisy. Odd, how her friend becoming engaged to a duke changed everything, including the course of their friendship.

  Abigail wondered if her mother would be so forgiving of her own daughter if Abigail should step out in such a way. Not that she ever could. Her mother had the sharp vision of a bird of prey.

  And big plans for her only daughter.

  “Now,” her mother said from just behind her. “We won’t even hint that we’re aware of Lady Daisy’s past scandal.”

  “Yes, Mother.” Past scandal? Was that what they were calling it? Daisy and a known rake—and fortune hunter—had been caught kissing in the garden at Lady Westmoreland’s ball. Her older brother had refused the man’s suit and then his best friend, the Duke of Danesbury, had swept in, offering for Daisy himself and saving her from certain ruin.

  Was it just Abigail or did the entire thing sound terribly romantic?

  Like a story she might read in a book…

  At least one of the books she kept tucked behind the headboard in her room so that her mother would not discover the titles. Not that they held anything truly scandalous, but even simple romances were frowned upon by her mother. She thought them trite.

  One of her blonde locks fell over her shoulder and she brushed it back, attempting not to sigh in reverence.

  How she would love to participate in a story like that. Yes, she’d marry as her mother wished. Yes, she’d make a good match and be a dutiful wife and mother, but just once…

  A partial sigh escaped her lips. Just once she’d like to know what if felt like to be bad. A little.

  “I know,” her mother said, patting Abigail’s shoulder. “It’s difficult to think that
such scandalous behavior on Daisy’s part is now going to be rewarded.”

  Abigail blinked, looking back at her mother. Still beautiful, her mother stood straight and tall behind Abigail, her blue eyes sparkling as she shook her head. Her mother had been engaged shortly after her first ball, to an earl no less, and the fact that Abigail had been through an entire season without an offer grated.

  Well, not to Abigail.

  She’d been mostly relieved.

  She’d had interest from at least a few suitors. But her mother insisted that Abigail needed to work on the delicate art of appropriate flirting. Whatever that was.

  Abigail refrained from saying that in order for her to flirt, she had to actually hold some interest in the fellow she was flirting with. Her mother didn’t wish to hear it and would only chastise Abigail’s naïve nature. Abigail might also point out that flirting was what Daisy was likely doing when she was pulled out to the garden, but she didn’t utter those words either.

  With her mother, it was best to say as little as possible.

  The door opened and their butler escorted Daisy inside the room.

  Abigail stood, beaming at Daisy as she held out her hands to her friend. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Her mother sniffed behind her as Daisy reached her, and the two embraced. “I’m glad too,” Daisy answered quietly. “I’ve so much to tell you.”

  And Abigail wanted to hear all of it. Every word. Just as soon as she could get her mother out of the room.

  Abigail linked her arm with Daisy’s. “It’s such a fine day. Perhaps we should stroll about the park.”

  She gave her mother a quick glance, noting her mother’s wrinkled nose. “In the sun?” The older woman asked with the slightest huff punctuating the last word.

  Her mother swore that keeping her face out of the sun’s rays would ensure her skin remained young and vibrant. If her mother’s skin was evidence, then it was true. But still, Abigail enjoyed the warmth after a long, cold English winter. “We’ll wear our sun bonnets,” Abigail assured her mother with a smile.

  “It’s good to see you, Lady Hamilton,” Daisy said with a curtsey.

  “And you, Lady Daisy,” her mother replied. “Soon to be Her Grace.”

  Daisy blushed, pink filling her cheeks.

  Her mother stepped forward, her gaze sweeping down Daisy. “You do sparkle, dear. You always have.” Then she looked at her own daughter. “My Abby could use some of that magic. Perhaps you could help her.”

  Daisy’s brows shot up as Abigail started in surprise. Her mother didn’t wish for her to act like Daisy…did she?

  Abigail had spent her entire life sitting up straight, smiling politely, sipping tea demurely, as she played the pianoforte with tempered ease. She’d been groomed to perfection.

  And Daisy had landed her duke by being…well…less than perfect. Quite the opposite really.

  And while Abigail privately delighted in Daisy’s victory, surely her mother did not. Every other word she’d uttered on the topic had been condemning.

  Abigail’s brows lifted as she linked arms with Daisy, pulling her back toward the front door.

  They stopped for their sun hats, Abigail dutifully tying her ribbon under her chin before they made their way outside. Their Mayfair address afforded them lovely views of the park and as they entered the gate and started down the path, Abigail plucked at the ribbons once again, removing the bonnet.

  “Abby,” Daisy said with a laugh. “Careful or you’ll freckle.”

  Abigail sighed at the truth of those words. Her skin was so pale, it freckled easily. “Why must I show evidence of every tiny indiscretion?”

  Daisy squeezed her hand. “You’re a sweet person who’s kind and honest. Duplicity is not in your nature.”

  Abigail wrinkled her nose. “I’m boring. That’s what I am. Which means you must tell me every exciting thing that’s happened to you over the last month. I need to live vicariously through you.”

  Daisy laughed as they started down a side path, winding and tree-lined. In hushed tones, she told Abigail about Lord Edgemere’s kiss and the Duke of Danesbury’s intervention. But the story didn’t end there. She went on to tell Abigail how the duke had wooed her, convinced her that Daisy’s heart and hand should be his.

  Abigail sighed, touching her heart. “Oh Daisy, how wonderful.”

  Daisy gave her a rueful smile. “It didn’t always feel wonderful. In fact, there were times where I was shaking in my shoes with worry. And then there was my brother. We’re still recovering from the terrible disagreement we had.”

  The Marquess of Hartwell. Abigail felt her insides flutter as she pictured the dashing lord. She’d met him once, not that he was likely to remember her.

  He’d barely glanced at her as they’d been introduced.

  But she remembered him. Tall, dark, brooding, and handsome.

  He was the stuff of dreams. Fantasies.

  “But you are recovering?”

  Daisy nodded. “I think so. Slowly.” Her friend really frowned for the first time since she’d arrived. “He’s so stubborn. And unruly,” Daisy said staring off into the park.

  And dreamy. Abigail sat on a nearby bench, covering her heart. “He just needs the right woman to soften him and teach him to compromise.” She could write a book about compromising, as she’d done it all her life. Always following her mother’s rules.

  Daisy shook her head. “Perhaps,” she said, then came to sit next to Abigail. “That’s how it’s been with His Grace but with Hart…” Daisy wrinkled her nose and then let out a long breath. “He hardly spends any time with women of quality. Not even me. I’m not sure he even remembers what to do with one.”

  Something inside Abigail’s chest fluttered. She swallowed down a lump. “Perhaps I could be of service.”

  Daisy scrunched her brows. “How so?”

  Abigail shrugged. “My mother says that I didn’t receive any offers because I’m not a practiced enough flirt.”

  Daisy tsked. “You just didn’t meet the right man. That’s all.”

  Abigail smiled, appreciating the sentiment. “Still. I could use some practice with gentlemen and sounds like your brother could use some too.”

  Daisy sat back on the bench. “It’s not a bad plan except for one small detail.”

  “What is it?” Abigail asked, spinning to face her friend. “Tell me.”

  “Hart is opposed to anything that’s actually good for him.”

  Abigail’s mouth twitched. “Perhaps you should present it to him as though it were bad. Very, very bad.”

  Daisy’s brows shot up. “Abigail. I do believe that that is a marvelous idea and so devious coming from you. What’s happened to the woman I’ve known all these years?”

  Abigail only smiled outwardly, but inwardly she answered. She was tired of doing everything exactly right. She wanted just a bit of bad too. And the Marquess of Hartwell? He was perfect for the task.

  * * *

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  Hugs!

  Other Titles by Tammy

  Lords of Scandal

  Duke of Daring

  Marquess of Malice

  Earl of Exile

  Viscount of Vice

  Baron of Bad

  Earl of Sin

  Earl of Gold

  Earl of Baxter

  Duke of Decandence

  Marquess of Menace

  Duke of Dishonor

  Baron of Blasphemy

  Viscount of Vanity

  Earl of Infamy

  Laird of Longing

  * * *

  The Dark Duke’s Legacy

  Her Wicked White

  Her Willful White

  His Wallflower White

  Her Wanton White
br />   Her Wild White

  His White Wager

  Her White Wedding

  * * *

  The Rake’s Ruin

  When only an Indecent Duke Will Do

  How to Catch an Elusive Earl

  Where to Woo a Bawdy Baron

  When a Marauding Marquess is Best

  What a Vulgar Viscount Needs

  Who Wants a Brawling Baron

  When to Dare a Dishonorable Duke

  * * *

  The Wicked Wallflowers

  Earl of Dryden

  Too Wicked to Woo

  Too Wicked to Wed

  Too Wicked to Want

  * * *

  How to Reform a Rake

  Don’t Tell a Duke You Love Him

  Meddle in a Marquess’s Affairs

  Never Trust an Errant Earl

  Never Kiss an Earl at Midnight

  Make a Viscount Beg

  * * *

  Wicked Lords of London

  Earl of Sussex

  My Duke’s Seduction

  My Duke’s Deception

  My Earl’s Entrapment

  My Duke’s Desire

  My Wicked Earl

  * * *

  Brethren of Stone

  The Duke’s Scottish Lass

  Scottish Devil

  Wicked Laird

  Kilted Sin

  Rogue Scot

  The Fate of a Highland Rake

  * * *

  A Laird to Love

  Christmastide with my Captain

  My Enemy, My Earl

  Heart of a Highlander

  A Scot’s Surrender

  A Laird’s Seduction

  * * *

  Taming the Duke’s Heart

  Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart

  Taming a Duke’s Wild Rose

  Taming a Laird’s Wild Lady

  Taming a Rake into a Lord

  Taming a Savage Gentleman