Duke's Pact

Lord Hampton cursed his luck. Six dukes were in league together to force their sons to marry, and one of them was his own father. The old men had drawn up a formal pact, with severe consequences to their heirs included. Edwin is determined to devise a way out of it, he has no intention of marrying any time soon. He's also desperate to get his name off the ton's lips. Mamas are circling like hunters round a wounded stag and every pert little miss is fanning herself. Cassandra Knightsbridge, only daughter of Viscount Trebly, has not had a very usual upbringing. She rides like the devil, leaving her groom far behind . . . if she bothered to take a groom at all. More alarming, there would be few gentlemen who could best her with a fowling piece. She knows those particular habits will not find approval in a London drawing room and ought not be mentioned. That is, until a condescending lord provokes her. Might not a tale of a girl who shoots turn society's attention away from the dukes' pact? The whispers wind their way through drawing rooms and the talk about Miss Knightsbridge blooms. Edwin's love for the lady blooms too, but now he's made it impossible to win her. Contains mature themes.

Lady Sybil Hayworth might be petite, but her looks are deceiving-she comes from iron-willed stock. Her family claims a winding descent from Margaret Beaufort and they are unwavering in defense of their honor. An insult is easily taken, it invariably leads to a feud, and a Hayworth feud will continue until all parties to it have expired. Richard Smythe, Marquess of Lockwood and heir to the Duke of Gravesley, has the misfortune of becoming one of those enemies. He knew of the plot against Cassandra Knightsbridge, and that is quite enough for Sybil. Throughout the season, Sybil had enjoyed finding herself led into dinner by the lord, but all that must now come to an end. She will travel to a house party in Yorkshire and she is determined to forget about the gentlemen of the dukes' pact, especially Lord Lockwood. As her carriage leaves London and rumbles north, Sybil might be wise to remember that Lord Lockwood is a war hero and there is no risk he will not dare. Lord Lockwood, on the other hand, might be wise to understand that it will take more than pushing into Lord Hugh's house party to win this particular battle. Contains mature themes.

Lily Farnsworth is a resourceful lady. As well she should be, her father has spent years dragging the family's estate from the edge of ruin and she's always had to make do with little. A proper season and the gowns to go with it seem entirely out of reach. That is, until Lily discovers she has a particular skill at piquet. Pound by pound, she gathers the funds to pay her own way. Her aunt is delighted to play host in her modest London house and squire her niece to parties. All are certain that one season will be enough to see Lily married well and with the means to help her sisters. Hayes Summersby, Viscount Ashworth and heir to the Duke of Dembly, may be in line to inherit a great estate, but that estate has recently tottered on the brink of collapse. He's only rescued it through his skill at a card table. He's a renowned gambler and has firm opinions about it-the foremost being that women do not have the steady nerves for large bets. That is, until Miss Farnsworth challenges him in Lady Blakeley's drawing room. Despite their mutual dislike, it will not be easy to escape one another. They will find that their acquaintance has turned from uncomfortable to deadly. Contains mature themes.