The Rake's Christmas Kiss

By Roxie Brandon

Amazing value Regency Christmas three-story collection. Jam-packed with romance, love, and adventure.

Charming dukes with attitudes and kind hearts. Lovely ladies who want to find love. You'll find all of this and much more in this collection.

The collection includes:
1. How to Capture a Duke
2. The Duke’s Violet
3. Christmas with the Charming Earl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roxie Brandon
• Release date: Nov 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005044862

Roxie Brandon

Roxie Brandon is an author of historical and contemporary romance, beauty and fashion books.Her romances range in setting from Medieval times to the Twentieth Century.She loves walks in the countryside and having afternoon tea with family and friends.

Book preview

HOW TO

CAPTURE A DUKE

Chapter One

Valentina rarely saw her sister these days. Since marrying the Duke of Wiltshire, she spent most of her evenings busy with balls and meetings and the occasional quiet night with her husband. Since it was nearing Christmas, however, Catherine had allowed herself a break.

Duke Alexander Randall of Pembroke is visiting this weekend, Catherine spoke, I’ve only met him once before, and he’s a lovely man.

Valentina quirked a brow, make sure to keep your boundaries. It seems every man within a hundred miles is in love with you, Valentina replied with a smirk.

It was all behind them - but she still enjoyed bringing up Catherine’s not so fortunate history with men. That’s what sisters were for. Catherine’s small nose scrunched up in a frown.

It’s all business. I doubt I’ll see much of him - or Julian - while he’s staying.

Do you know what kind of business? Too curious for her own good she was.

Her sister only shrugged chubby shoulders. Julian won’t say. It’s important Duke things and you know he doesn’t like discussing his work.

Valentina just hummed a response and took a small sip of tea from the china cup nestled in her lap.

Sounds terribly boring. Better them than us.

When she glanced over, she immediately recognised the grin on Catherine’s round face.

Before she had the chance to ask, Catherine said, you know, Duke Randall is a very kind man. Perhaps the two of you should meet if time allows it.

Valentina’s deep brown eyes narrowed, slender arms folded firmly across her chest.

Dear sister, are you suggesting I should court the Duke?

How typical - not everyone was interested in marriage, and Catherine needed to understand that. Why, if she had wanted it so badly she would have agreed to the arranged marriage instead of her! The sickly sweet smile was still firmly in place, Catherine’s eyes bright and cheerful.

Just meet him; it won’t kill you. You never know - you might end up married this time next year! She let out a tinkling little laugh.

Rolling her eyes, Valentina took another sip of tea to avoid speaking. Her gaze was cool as she regarded her sister.

Meeting him won’t do me any harm - but don’t expect anything to come of it. I am not interested in courting right now. Just because I am the older sister does not mean I have to marry.

Catherine let out a snort and ran a hand through her hair. Fine, fine - I won’t push. I’m not like you; I know when to let it go. She hoisted herself to her feet and collected the empty teacups and teapot. Her hands moved clumsily as she balanced it all on one small tray.

Since having so many maids to do the work for her, Valentina had lost her touch.

Here, let me help, Valentina spoke as she took the tray from her hands. It was heavy, but she carried it with ease into the tiny kitchen.

Valentina was right - Catherine didn’t know when to let things go. Thoughts of Alexander Randall occupied her mind as she washed the cups with a rag. She didn’t know him, wasn’t interested in him as a person - yet somehow her curiosity was piqued. Her sister knew exactly what to say to catch her interest.

They worked in silence for a while, china passing between them as one sister washed and the other dried. Within minutes they were done, and Valentina sat down at the little kitchen table.

So, she began, hating that Catherine had hooked her so easily, this Duke. Why do you think I should meet him?

Eyes brightening, Catherine flopped down onto the chair opposite, leaning her chin on her hands.

Well, he strikes me as the romantic sort. Not overly so, but he’s a gentleman with a sense of humour. And of course, being a Duke, Alexander is quite wealthy.

Wealth was good. Honestly, if Valentina were to marry any time soon, she wanted it to be to a man with money. Selfish, perhaps - but they had spent so long in poverty who could blame her?

You are already married to Julian. We don’t need more wealth, she pointed out with a raised brow. Not that she was saying more wouldn’t be appreciated.

That’s true. I’m just pointing out the positives. You’ll find out why he’s so lovely when you meet him.

And if I don’t like him? Valentina challenged, more to see her reaction than anything else. So what if she enjoyed ruffling up her sister’s feathers?

Another shrug. Then you don’t; it doesn’t matter. Then Catherine was up on her feet, brushing down her skirts.

I don’t even know if he has traits you like - you show little to no interest in courting. We’ll find out at the weekend, though.

I suppose we will, Valentina replied, pushing back her chair with a dull screech.

Now she knew how Catherine felt when she and her mother tried to find her a man. Guilt crept up in the back of her mind, but she pushed it down. Things had turned out for the best - so there was no point in feeling guilty.

So, I shall send a carriage for you at half-past eleven on Saturday morning? You will be there in time for afternoon tea and such.

Valentina just rolled her eyes and smiled with a nod. Yes, all right. I will warn you now, though - if I don’t like him, I certainly won’t be seeing him again. Does he know you are trying to get us to court?

She smiled mischievously and shook her head. No - but I’m sure he’ll like you right away.

Valentina let out a small snort of a laugh. Even if he did, there were no guarantees she was going to like him. She was very picky with her men - precisely why she had never been with one. Even so, she found herself looking forward to meeting him, a smile creeping onto her face as she thought about the weekend.

Chapter Two

The rest of the week passed quickly, and before Valentina knew it, it was Saturday. She found herself in front of her full-length mirror, scrutinising the pale green dress clinging to her slender frame. It was one of her favourites - the first expensive thing she bought once the Duke’s allowance came through. Now it was getting old, and she could tell. Well, she liked it. If His Grace didn’t, then, it didn’t matter.

She wasn’t dressing up for him. It took her barely five minutes to pin up her thick blonde hair. Where Catherine’s was fair and curly; Valentina’s was a dark yellow sand colour and straight as a board. Valentina had, quite obviously, taken on most of her father’s appearance. The only thing they both shared was deep brown eyes and frightful paleness. They didn’t share a single freckle between them.

Downstairs her mother, Cynthia, yelled, Valentina! That’s your coach. Come down so I can see you off.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, trying to ignore how her heart skipped in anticipation. No, she was not getting excited about meeting this man. Of course not - she just wanted to see her sister and brother in law.

She padded downstairs and found herself in a tight embrace, thick arms around her torso.

Mother! she exclaimed, huffing as she gently slid out of the hug. Don’t. Goodness, you’d think I was getting married or something.

You might be soon.

Great. How much had Catherine told her? Apparently too much. Cynthia was far too focused on marriage. Now that only Valentina was left, all of her focus was on her. Perhaps she should just marry her best friend and be done with it. It certainly sounded easier than all of this nonsense.

Have fun dear. Tell me everything when you get home.

Yes, yes. You weren’t this excited when Catherine met Julian.

Cynthia just waved a hand airily and wandered into the pantry. I have more faith in you not to mess this up. Goodbye dear, enjoy yourself!

With that, Valentina swung open the front door. In front of her stood a towering black carriage. It was sleek, shiny and brand new. Two horses stood at the front, perfectly grey Hanoverians. It began to snow as she stepped outside - just a few cold drops that melted before they hit the ground. Perhaps they would get a white Christmas this year?

The coachman helped her inside and then they were off. Valentina took the time to watch the scenery as they rolled by. It wasn’t something she was used to - visits to Julian’ manor were few and far between. The journey this time seemed much longer, too, knowing what waited for her.

She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep - but then she jerked awake, blonde hair falling in her eyes. The coachman tried not to laugh as he helped her down, but Valentina ignored him. Catherine was there to meet her at the entrance.

The huge, drafty foyer was gigantic and sparkling clean. Everything was bright and filled with light - it seemed every room had a beautiful chandelier more impressive than the last. Despite herself, she wondered what His Grace Alexander Randall’s manor was like.

The men are waiting for us in the main reception room. Come on.

Catherine linked arms with Valentina and towed her toward one of the huge oak doors. When it swung open, she was met with the sight of a grinning Julian. So he was in on this too?

Catherine took a seat beside her husband and beckoned her forward. Valentina stepped inside, eyes drifting over the room. Two armchairs and one long, plush sofa, paintings of British historical figures lined the walls. The fireplace crackled, the hot fire warming the room to a soft, cosy temperature.

Then her eyes fell on a tall, broad-shouldered man with a shock of red-orange hair. He was covered in dark freckles. When he smiled, his entire face lit up.

Ah, you must be Valentina! Julian was just telling me about you. He stood, towering over her small frame. I am Duke Alexander Randall of Pembroke. Please, call me Alexander.

Oh, he was attractive. Valentina loved a man with red hair; his was brighter than expected.

Good morning, she replied, and her voice hitched.

No, no. She wasn’t falling for him. To occupy herself she sat down, smoothing out her skirts. Across the room, Catherine gave her a sneaky grin, lips curling upward.

Would you like tea? I should have a maid make us tea.

She gave Julian a kiss on the cheeks and whispered something in his ear. Then, with one lingering glance at Valentina she silently slipped from the room.

Did she have to be so abrupt? And so terribly unsubtle, too. If Alexander didn’t know what this was all about, he was going to catch up soon. This whole thing was ridiculous.

Valentina wasn’t complaining. He didn’t seem like marriage material - then again, no one was in her opinion - but that didn’t mean she couldn’t admire him. Angular face, sharp cheekbones, a small pointed nose. Yes, he was undeniably handsome.

Now that you’ve met Valentina, hopefully Catherine will stop hounding me to get you in the same room. I’m surprised she hadn’t asked you to meet her mother, too, Julian sighed, but it struck Valentina as fake. This was all a setup!

So much for business. Still, it’s always a pleasure to see Catherine’s family.

Valentina sent him a half-hearted glare. She was here now, and there was no getting out of this. She had to play along and hope nobody embarrassed her

. It’s always a pleasure to see you too, Julian. It’s even more of a pleasure to meet the Duke of Pembroke.

She gave him a smirk of a smile. His cheeks were flushed with a dusting of pink underneath the heavy freckles.

The pleasure is all mine, he replied sweetly, a smile gracing his lips. He fidgeted in his seat, broad hands tugging at the hem of his shirt. Was he nervous?

Julian sighed, heaving himself to his feet. It seems Catherine is taking her time. Perhaps she got distracted. I’ll be back in a moment.

Valentina watched him go. Traitor! That was it - neither of them were getting Christmas presents this year. When her gaze shifted back to Alexander, he quickly averted his gaze. It was as if he had been staring - surely not, though.

Is it just me, or did they leave in rather a hurry? I am beginning to suspect something is going on here. Alexander raised a brow, eyes drifting to the firmly closed door.

Valentina nodded. There was no point in hiding it, was there? He had a right to know what was going on. "There is. Catherine seems to believe that you and I are a good match. Romantically so. I think they’re hoping that by leaving us alone we