One Wanton Wager: A Castle Romance, #2

By Amanda Mariel

In the realm of Regency society, where desire is a dangerous game, One Wanton Wager follows Lady Daphne Summerville and the audacious Earl of Brunsford, Alex Beauchamp, as their clash of wills and magnetic attraction ignite a tempestuous love affair. Amidst stolen kisses and a perilous wager, they must navigate the treacherous waters of their hearts, discovering if a rogue's pursuit can lead to an everlasting love that defies all odds.

 

In a world where desire ignites with a single touch, the Regency saga of the A Castle Romance series continues with a tale of tempestuous hearts and daring wagers. Delve into the captivating story of One Wanton Wager as passion collides with pride, and love's flames are fanned by the winds of fate.

 

Daphne the widowed Viscountess Gilford, finds herself ensnared in a web of familial obligations and societal expectations. No longer content to live off the charity of her late husband's family, she resolves to chart her own path. Seeking a husband becomes her mission, though an alluring obstacle stands in her way—a rogue whose charms are as dangerous as they are undeniable.

 

Alex Beauchamp, the audacious Earl of Brunsford, is a man with a reputation for charming his way into the hearts of women. From the instant his eyes meet Daphne's, he is captivated by the fire within her. However, his intentions are far from noble; he envisions her as a willing companion to his illicit desires. But Daphne is no damsel to be swayed by a rogue's empty promises, and she rebuffs his advances with an unyielding spirit.

 

Undeterred, Alex devises a daring proposition—an irresistible wager that could forever alter the course of their lives. He offers to secure Daphne's future if she grants him the privilege of pursuing her affections, albeit in secret. The stakes are set, the challenge accepted, and the rules clear: each stolen kiss shared between them fuels the spark of a hidden passion.

 

As their game of hearts unfolds, Daphne and Alex dance upon the precipice of danger and desire. Yet, behind the veil of their entangled hearts, a storm of emotions brews, threatening to shatter the delicate balance they've crafted. With each stolen moment, they risk unraveling the very fabric of their souls.

In One Wanton Wager love's recklessness collides with reason, and the tempest of their emotions threatens to consume them whole. Can a wager born of mischief and longing transform into a love that defies all odds? Join Daphne and Alex as they navigate the treacherous waters of their hearts, and discover if a rogue's pursuit can lead to a love everlasting.

 

In the game of hearts, desire becomes a dangerous wager, and love's flames are fanned by fate's daring hand. Get ready to be swept away as One Wanton Wager beckons you into a Regency world where passion collides with pride.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brook Ridge Press
• Release date: Dec 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223438359

Amanda Mariel

USA Today Bestselling, Amazon All Star author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.

Book preview

One

Northumberland, summer, 1816

Daphne Summerville, the widow of Roland Summerville Viscount Gilford, sat opposite her sisters-in-law sipping tea. She lowered her delicate porcelain teacup and gave them each a bright smile. Rebecca and Camden had returned to Northumberland yesterday after having departed nearly a year ago and Daphne was thrilled to see her again. She'd missed her sister dearly during her absence.

Phoebe, Rebecca's twin, had missed her just as much. Perhaps more than Daphne had, for the moment the sun crested the horizon this morning, Phoebe had rushed off to Almerry Castle, dragging Daphne in her wake. Not that she would complain, for she also felt like she would burst with excitement at the couple's arrival.

Daphne glanced around the castle's solar with its large stone fire place, sparse furnishings, and worn tapestries before returning her attention to Rebecca. It is good to have you back, but wouldn't you be more comfortable at your parents’ house? Leastwise until more progress is made on the restoration of the castle?

Oh, yes, you know you would be. Phoebe squealed, her eyes lighting. You cannot possibly wish to stay here with scarcely any furniture and only a couple of borrowed servants.

Rebecca shook her head then took a sip of her tea. You well know how much I love Almerry. Besides, I wish to be in residence to oversee every step of the restoration. I have reconsidered my stance and we will modernize to some extent, but it remains important to me that we keep the castles integrity.

Daphne could not keep the shock from her expression. Rebecca had been adamant about keeping the castle as a monument to Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel, the last couple to reside within these walls more than a hundred years prior. What changed your mind? she asked, unable to curb her growing curiosity.

I think Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel brought Camden and I together. Their legacy is strong, their love still flows through the walls and across the landscape of Almerry. They would be pleased to see the castle restored to its prior beauty and brimming with life and love once more. Rebecca cast a wistful glance around the solar, a small grin pulling at her lips. This is home.

I see your mind is set. Phoebe’s shoulders slumped, but only for a moment. It will be a grand castle when you have finished.

Daphne nodded. Indeed, and what's more, I believe you are right. Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel would approve.

Rebecca's eyes sparkled with delight as she set her teacup on the table Camden had built when he'd first arrived at Almerry a year ago. I want the two of you to help me decorate. I'd like to maintain a medieval feel. I want to do my best to honor Ariston and Isabel's memory as we refurbish.

What fun, Phoebe said. When do we begin?

Rebecca sat her teacup down. Camden is in town with his cousin, Alex—

The connoisseur of women? Phoebe gasped.

Daphne nearly choked on her tea. The what?

Phoebe gave a mischievous grin as she met Daphne's gaze. Rebecca has written to me about him. Alexander is an earl and enjoys the company of many women. Lord Brunsford as he is formally known, prides himself on being a connoisseur of women. She turned toward Rebecca, Isn't that right?

Indeed. But he’s truly a kind man. No doubt a rogue, but a rather lovable one if I daresay. Rebecca reached for the teapot then poured herself another cup.

Daphne would have to take her word for that because she had no intention of becoming familiar with such a man. She did hope to someday remarry, in fact, she would have to before long. She’d already been a widow for more than three years and felt exceedingly bad about accepting financial assistance from her in laws, Lord and Lady Chesterfield. There was her son Henry to consider as well. After his father, her late husband Roland died, Henry became Viscount Gilford. He would require more as he grew older and what she provided must befit his station. Yes, she needed a husband, and soon. However, a rogue would never suit.

I cannot wait to meet him. Phoebe's eyes lit up with excitement as she flipped open her fan and waved it around with a theatrical flourish.

Rebecca snapped the fan shut, cutting off any further display of enthusiasm. She fixed Phoebe with a stern look and said, He’s been warned to leave you alone.

Phoebe's dark curls bounced as she shook her head in disappointment and placed the fan onto her lap. Her wide eyes drooped at the corners, and her full lips pouted. Why? she asked. I’ve never been in the presence of such a man and was rather looking forward to it.

There is your answer, dear sister. A man like Alex would charm your stockings off before you realized the threat his syrupy words posed. Rebecca smiled and patted her hand. Do stop pouting. I am sure you will be in high demand at Mother and Father's annual house party. You will have plenty of admirers vying for your attention and providing amusement.

I doubt that very much. Mother invites the same families every year and her efforts have yet to garner me any serious suitors. Phoebe bit the inside of her cheek. I’ve grown weary of waiting. I want to fall in love and start a family of my own.

Rebecca took her hand, giving a little squeeze. I know you do, and so you shall.

But a rogue would not help you accomplish that goal, Daphne added. They care not for love and marriage. You must be patient dear.

Unless one is able to reform said rogue, Phoebe argued.

Rebecca gave Phoebe's hand another squeeze before releasing it. You cannot rush love. It finds you when it is ready. Daphne is right about that.

Camden stepped into the sun-drenched solar and strode toward Rebecca. His hessian boots clacked against the hardwood floor as he moved closer until he reached her and leaned down to press a light kiss on the top of her head. He straightened up and said softly, Right about what?

Daphne's gaze locked on the tall gentleman who walked in behind Camden. Mercy, he was handsome. Midnight colored hair brushed his neck and temples, wind-blown and a bit longer than fashionable. His bright green eyes were framed in dark lashes, and his nose, mouth, and jaw were so well formed they could have been carved from marble.

Her gaze trailed lower, taking in his wide shoulders then following the lines of his toned body down to his tapered waist and muscular thighs. He may be the finest specimen of masculinity she’d ever laid eyes on. It wasn't hard to understand why women threw themselves at his feet and fell into his bed.

When she raked her gaze back up his form, his eyes meet hers, a glint of amusement dancing in their depths. She should look away but found herself too captivated to break free. Then he gave a rakish smile, revealing perfect white teeth. She swallowed hard, heat rising to her cheeks as she quickly averted her gaze.

Oh, nothing important. Rebecca waved her hand through the air dismissing the subject. Tell us, how did you fare in town?

Daphne turned her attention to Camden, eager to hear what he had to say. Not because she thought his words would interest her so much as because she needed the distraction.

First, you must introduce me to these lovely creatures. The dark haired rogue stepped closer to Daphne.

Oh, yes, of course. Rebecca stood. Phoebe and Daphne did as well.

Lord Brunsford, may I introduce you to my sister, Lady Phoebe.

Phoebe dipped a curtsey, her gaze boldly meeting his.

Lord Brunsford bowed before taking her hand and dropping a kiss on her glove-covered knuckles. Do call me Alex. We are family after all.

Indeed. She beamed a bright smile. And you shall call me Phoebe.

Lord Brunsford turned his attention to Daphne.

Rebecca gave a nod toward Daphne, gesturing to her with a slight smile. And this is my sister-in-law, Daphne Summerville, Viscountess Gilford.