Taming The Bride (Brides of Mayfair 2) (33 page)

“That was quite the sales pitch,” Havelock said in a low voice. “I particularly liked the closing remarks. Genius, really.”

Darius glanced at his friend, and said, “The thing about it is, if this girl is half as good as her predecessor, there might indeed be a duel on the East Lawn.”

“Did you bring your pistol?” Havelock asked casually.

“Of course, but I won’t be needing it,” Darius said. “I can outbid every man here.”

“Even our friend, the Duke of Balfour?”

“Even him, though I should much prefer the excuse of shooting him,” Darius answered.

“Balfour hates to lose. You might require that pistol after all,” Havelock pronounced.

Darius raised a brow. “Be glad I’m a crack shot. As my second you will only have to stand there and look pretty. Much as you did at Waterloo.”

“Ha, ha.” Havelock said, dryly. “If they only knew how many times I saved your sorry arse from Boney’s cronies, not to mention Balfour’s idiot regiment.”

Darius grinned, but didn’t reply. He and Havelock had both saved each other’s hides during the war; they had lost count who had saved whose more often. By Darius’ calculations, they were tied, though Havelock liked to insist he was ahead by one.

“And now, gentlemen, Your Grace,” Lady Night nodded at the Duke of Balfour, as he was the highest ranking peer in attendance. The King had promised to come, but his current mistress, Lady Conyngham, has apparently put up quite a fuss at the suggestion. “I give you, the Incomparable Serena….”

A hush descended upon the room as a figure appeared at the top of the wide staircase. Clad in a shimmering golden gown, she stood for a moment, as if she were in no hurry to even acknowledge the throng of salivating men who awaited her on the salon floor. Glittering diamonds adorned her ears and neck, with one magnificent teardrop pendant hanging enticingly between the tops of her creamy, full breasts. Beautiful, thick auburn locks crowned her head in an intricate arrangement, interwoven with gleaming white pearls. Finally, this woman—whom the most powerful men in London had come to see—faced her audience in the salon below.

Darius stared up at her and almost dropped his champagne flute onto the marble the floor.

“Sweet Christ,” he growled. “
It’s her
.”

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Short Story Collections by Michelle McMaster

SUMMER PASSIONS

Seasons of Love Volume I

Three Delicious Regency Short Stories

“A lady should enjoy those hot summer nights…”

For three lovely ladies in Regency England, the long, hot summer holds the opportunity for decadent pleasures, wicked pursuits, and forbidden passion.

CUPID’S DART

The Marquess of St. Clair has long been a thorn in Daphne Summerville’s side. But when she is forced to act as his nursemaid after a bizarre accident, Daphne discovers that the Notorious Marquess has sensual talents she never knew existed.

LADY ASHTON TAKES A LOVER

Lady Ashton’s friends finally convince her to take a lover for the summer. At a wicked masquerade ball, she meets a mysterious man who fires her passions and turns her world completely upside down, threatening all she holds dear.

THE WEDDING PARTY

Jilted by her intended, Lady Althea Ramsay calls in a favor from her brother’s friend, the Duke of Wakefield. He will pose as her fiancé at a society wedding which the odious man will be attending. But Althea soon discovers that playing a part can set real desires burning in the human heart.

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AUTUMN DESIRES

Seasons of Love Volume II

When autumn leaves start to fall, passions burn like fire…

The second volume in the delightful SEASONS OF LOVE quartet features three unforgettable Regency heroines in three delectable, entertaining short stories.

THE TAMING OF MISS CAREW

Helena “the Hellion” Carew takes pride in speaking her mind, even if it sends most eligible bachelors packing. When her father loses his estate—and Helena—in a card game, she meets the brutish Lord Adrian Rutherford, the one man who has a chance at taming her.

BRANDED

Abandoned by her husband, Lady Alexandra Trent lives a quiet life in the countryside with her young son, trying desperately to forget the man who left her heart in tatters. But when Brandon returns, he awakens dangerous desires and makes a shocking demand of his wife.

THIEF OF HEARTS

Olivia and Jack are two of London’s most notorious jewel thieves. Skilled and passionate lovers, they take each other to the heights of physical pleasure, yet keep their true feelings secret. As they prepare for their next heist, Olivia discovers something about Jack that could change their lives forever.

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Please sign up for Michelle’s mailing list at
www.MichelleMcMaster.com
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Seasons of Love
short story collection, to be released in late 2016.

About the Author

Michelle McMaster
loves writing about dashing heroes and spunky heroines in her historical romances, and is known for humorous dialogue and memorable characters. Michelle holds a degree in English Literature from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia. She enjoys traveling, reading, quilting, and gardening. She lives on the east coast of Canada with her husband and their two dogs, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and a Border Collie mix. Please visit her website at
www.MichelleMcMaster.com
for more information about her novels and to sign up for her email newsletter, to stay informed about future new releases.

If you enjoy fast paced thrillers, Michelle McMaster also writes under the pen name Avery Holt. Check out her website at
www.AveryHolt.com
and look for her exciting
Watch Me
series.