The Beastly Duke: The Sinners Club

By Emma Brady

Seven Deadly Sins in Victorian London: Wrath

A Christmas Love Story

Warren Douglas, the Duke of Ravensmore is uncivilized at best and a murderer at worst. He is content to reside in his castle on the edge of the Scottish border, but knows he needs to find the right woman to help raise his young daughter. Rumors about the untimely death of his first wife have made it a difficult search, but then an opportunity lands in his path.
Daphne Fullerton, the little sister to Viscount Andrews, had waited so long to finally get her chance to enjoy the London season, but it is not turning out the way she expected. Her shy, demure nature is no match for the sharper personalities of society and she longs for the peaceful country life. When she comes across the duke on his way north, a wild impulse makes her offer him a solution to both their problems.

Can a marriage made on a whim become true love? Can a warm heart help heal a cold beast?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emma Brady
• Release date: Nov 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393617617

Book preview

Ch. 1

NEAR THE END OF SEPTEMBER...

There was no doubt that she did not care for wet, sloppy kisses. The way his tongue tried to get into her mouth while he pawed at her. Daphne Fullerton didn’t want to be rude, but his manners were appalling, and she pushed him away.

The spaniel just looked up at her with big brown eyes and a curious tilt to his head.

That is no way to treat a lady, she chastised the dog, which was barely more than a puppy.

The tiny beast barked without remorse.

I don’t know why I bothered rescuing you. You are far from grateful for it.

The soft sable-colored animal wagged his tail and gave her a puppy grin. It was terribly difficult to remain angry at such an expression. Against her better judgment, Daphne reached down to take him in her arms again. There was mud on his fur, so thick that it smeared across her dress and gloves. There would be no saving the expensive garment, and her brother would be livid. Alex had spent a fortune on dressing her for the season. Unfortunately, it had thus far proven fruitless; she hadn’t attracted a single suitor and the season was about to end. This was the most male attention she had gotten the entire time she was in London. 

Seems you have made a friend.

The sound of a strange voice in the dark of the maze startled her. Daphne didn’t recognize who it was, and even with the dim light of the moon above them, she couldn’t see where the person stood.

Are you out here alone?

It was definitely a man’s voice. It didn’t sound menacing, but curious.

I came into the maze with others, but I heard something... She realized her words sounded foolish as she heard them.

You left the safety of the others to follow the sound of a puppy crying?

He sounded distressed.

Now you are the one in distress.

I’m not in trouble.

Not yet.

Movement caught her attention from the corner of her eye, and she saw someone emerging from the hedges. This hedge maze was the pride of Lord Stanhope’s elaborate garden. The exclusive parties he threw were the talk of society because of it. Normally guests would be carrying lanterns when they entered the maze, but Daphne had not thought to take one when she left the group. It was just her and a stranger alone in the dark.

I will scream.

That was the only threat she could make. He laughed at her.

It’s a maze. Even if they were close, how long would it take them to get to you?

It had taken the small party, led by Lord Stanhope himself, a while to get through it. If this man decided to attack her, there wouldn’t be enough time to be rescued.

Am I in danger?

She could hear the wobble in her voice, which meant he could too. He gave her no reply. Clutching the puppy as close to her as possible, she tried to think of a way to escape.

If you try to run, you will only get lost more than you are now.

You will chase me?

Do you want me to?

Daphne wasn’t expecting that, and she felt her skin flush at the thought. His tone wasn’t intimidating, but it held a note of something wicked. She found she was curious about him now.

Show yourself.

He chuckled in the dark.

Show yourself now.

As her voice was became more solid with confidence, his humor stopped.

Daphne held her breath as the man from the shadows emerged and allowed the moonlight to wash over him. He was larger than any of the men she had met in London, reaching at least seven feet. He wasn’t lean either, which was what most men attempted to be. His shoulders were broad, and his chest was as solid as a stone wall. He took a wide stance, showing her exactly how much man there was to see.

He was dressed in fine evening clothes and had a close shave, but his hair was much longer than what was considered fashionable, brushed back from his face. It was a mixture of black and silver that was usually found on old men. While he appeared older than she was, there was no doubt he was still young.

Now do you want to run?

White teeth glinted in the moonlight as he gave her a one-sided grin. He tilted his head to  look at her, which caught more of the light on his face. She was mesmerized. His high, angled cheek bones and straight nose gave him a stern appearance, but he had the most sensuous lips to be found on a man. They seemed so out of place on such a hard-looking man.

Do I look like I’m running?

She didn’t want this man to think she was easily frightened. She forced herself to remain motionless. He took his time running his gaze up and down her body before licking his lips. It went against her flight reflex to stand there, but something told her to prove her muster.

I have seen you before. You are Viscount Andrews’s little sister.

You know my brother?

Most of London was familiar with her charming brother, who had created a scandal when he married into the gambling hell business. People either enjoyed his company for the entertainment or despised him for his flawed character. It was important she avoid the latter.

No. I don’t know anyone in London, he said.

Then how did you get an invite to this party? Each guest had been hand selected by Lord Stanhope.

I asked nicely.

She didn’t know if that was meant to be a joke.

I’m Warren Davidson, Duke of Renault. It’s near—

The Scottish border. I’m familiar with where it is. Daphne had spent years at her aunt’s estate in the north and had become very familiar with most of the area along the border. She found the history around the Scottish and English conflicts fascinating. Renault Castle is one of the oldest to remain untouched after so many years. Very impressive.

You are the first to feel that way since I arrived.

Daphne realized that she was no longer frightened. The tension was gone from her body, and the puppy was growing impatient with being held. As he wiggled, he was spreading the mud and getting it all over the purple beaded bodice of her gown. If she continued to hold it much longer, it would begin to loosen those beads and anger her brother more.

Would you like me to help you find your way out of the maze?

That wasn’t what she had expected him to say, but she was grateful for it.

Thank you, Your Grace.

He extended his arm and offered to let her go first. In silence they walked through the hedges, side by side. Her head barely reached his shoulder as she cast glances at him while they walked. She was trying to get an idea of his thoughts, but his face gave nothing away. She felt like she was holding her breath, but he appeared calm. It would have been better if he was as uncomfortable being alone as she was. There was a slight chill in the air, and she found she was leaning closer to him for warmth.

Are you cold? he asked. Before she answered, he had removed his greatcoat and wrapped it around her shoulders. The puppy in her arms nestled under it. There was an interesting scent that she couldn’t recognize, but it made her want to nestle in as well. She enjoyed the rough fabric of the collar as it rubbed against her cheek.

They turned a corner, and she could hear the sounds of the party again. The puppy in her arms grew excited, trying desperately to get free. Her footsteps quickened once she could find her own way. Just as she stepped out of the maze, she looked behind her, but the duke was no longer there.

Daphne.

She heard her brother calling to her, and as he approached, she could see the wild look in his eyes. His hair was rumpled, as if he had been running his hand through it. A nervous habit he’d had since they were young. Quickly she removed the duke’s coat and returned it to him as he caught up to her, regretting the loss of it comfort.

Where were you? I turned around and you were gone. I have been waiting here for you for so long.

Alex wasn’t alone, and Daphne was quickly surrounded by the other people in the maze group. Lord Stanhope and his sweet wife were there, as well as Daphne’s sister-in-law, Rachel.

It looks like she found something in the maze, said Lord Stanhope, reaching out to pat the puppy on the head. It licked the old man’s hand. Does your friend have a name?

Daphne had never been allowed a pet before, and she wasn’t sure she was going to be able to keep one now. She looked at Alex hopefully, pleading with her gaze.

You can’t expect us to take that mangy animal home. Alex’s eyebrows pulled together.

Once you give it a good bath, I think you will find it is a spaniel puppy. Lord Stanhope sounded confident. I’m afraid a stray came into the garden a few days ago with her offspring. I thought I had found them all and sent them to a friend of my wife who lives in the country, but it looks like I missed a straggler.

Daphne looked down into those brown eyes and saw such pure love reflected there, it swelled in her chest.

He needs me, she told her brother. I think I might need him too.

The season had not gone well for her. She wasn’t good at talking to people or making friends. At all the parties and events, Daphne had tried to be popular but so far without success. Usually, she could be found standing at the edge of the conversation being led by Alex or Rachel. It was lonely being the only one not comfortable in a crowded room. Alex had seen that as well.

Fine. We can take him home long enough to remove the filth, but I make no promises about something permanent.

Daphne felt her smile spread so wide it almost hurt her cheeks. The puppy reacted by licking her chin. Highly inappropriate for such a party, but she didn’t care. This was the best event she had attended all year.

I will lead you to the carriage so we can get you home, Lord Stanhope offered. That way it will attract less attention from the other guests.

I should be the one to take her. Alex was very protective of her.

Nonsense, you have to stay and make her excuses.

Alex looked at her, concern in his bright green eyes. If she showed any reluctance, he would refuse to stay and go home with her now. She didn’t want him or Rachel to miss the fun on her behalf.

That sounds like the perfect plan. She gave him a brilliant smile.

His lips were pursed, but Alex didn’t argue anymore. Lord Stanhope led her and the puppy around to the front of his London townhome. It was built more narrowly than most of the ones in his luxurious neighborhood because he had designed it to allow for an extensive garden. His was a well-established horticulturist, and that garden was his most prized possession.

Daphne was not the only one ready to escape the party. They found the duke waiting for his carriage at the drive as well. Lord Stanhope called out to him, making him turn. There was enough light coming for the lanterns along the drive that she was able to see his eyes clearly now as she stepped closer to him. They were an unusual gray color. Darker around the edges and lighter around the iris.

Leaving so soon? Lord Stanhope asked the duke jovially, as if they had been longtime friends. I hope you didn’t find it dull. I warned you it wouldn’t be the same level of excitement you are accustomed to.

I wasn’t here for excitement, but I didn’t find what I was looking for.

Not enough eligible women?

Not the right one for me.

Lord Stanhope chuckled, but Daphne didn’t understand what was so funny.

What is it you are looking for, Your Grace?

He looked startled when she asked, and Lord Stanhope blushed just above his white beard. The older man must have forgotten she was there for a moment.

Lady Daphne, I didn’t see you there, the duke said.

That happened to her often.

What kind of woman are you looking for? A wife, a friend, or a mistress?

The duke made a choking noise.

My apologies, Your Grace, Lord Stanhope stuttered. Lady Daphne means no offense.

I never thought she did. The duke watched her as he spoke. I’ve come to London to find a wife. Thus far it has proven to be more difficult than I anticipated.

There are many women to choose from. Daphne include herself among them. She didn’t have such high ambition.

Too many young women fresh on the market. I would rather have an older woman, perhaps a widow. Someone who won’t mind leaving London to live at Ravensmore. Someone who would be a good mother for my daughter.

It was difficult to picture such a hard man as a father, but her own father had been too careless as a parent. Daphne had just met the man, but she was already intrigued by him.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to find such a creature. I’m going to be going home within the next few days. I want to get back before the weather gets too cold at my castle.

For the first time she wanted to know more about a gentleman, and he was leaving the city. Not a single other man had managed to get that far with her yet. Most of them were shallow and insipid, coming close to being dim-witted and dull. When Daphne had tried to speak to them, they never wanted to discuss anything interesting. The casual banter grew tiresome quickly. She suspected the duke seldom talked about anything frivolous.

Lady Daphne is enjoying the season here, but she has spent many years with her aunt up near you, Lord Stanhope said, continuing the conversation while they waited.

Oh? The duke looked for his carriage, no longer interested in her or her history.

"Yes, but now she is looking to make a good marriage as well. So many people on