Page 1 of The Duke’s Lessons in Temptation

Chapter 1

1817 – The English Countryside

Lady Cora Stanton sat in front of the vanity mirror in her bedchamber as her lady’s maid, Beth, did her hair. Today was the beginning of her family’s country estate party. It would be a week of festivities and revelry. Her mother insisted she only wanted to celebrate the lovely spring weather, but Cora suspected her goal was to find a bride for Jeremy.

Her mother was beside herself because Cora’s brother, the Duke of Stanton, remained unwed at the old age of twenty-eight. She was equally upset that Cora, at the age of twenty-three, also continued to stay husbandless. To a woman like Margaret, the Dowager Duchess of Stanton, Cora’s status as an unwed lady after three years of Seasons meant spinsterhood was barreling down on her.

She studied her reflection and smiled. All those fears would hopefully end soon. Cora’s neighbor and friend, Christopher, the Earl of Bellamy, recently returned from the Continent. They’d been close their entire lives, and he’d hinted more than once that he, too, expected them to wed. Christopher wrote to her monthly about his travels, but she couldn’t wait to see him in person.

He would be arriving today with all the guests. Beth added a pin with a crystal flower to her hair. “You look beautiful.”

Cora stared at her reflection. She was taller than what society deemed fashionable. Petite ladies were all the rage. She towered over most other women and at times felt like all legs. Her blonde, thick hair and blue eyes were her most admired features. Christopher had complimented them more than once.

“Do you think he will find me pretty?”

She didn’t have to say his name. Cora spent many days talking with Beth about Lord Bellamy. Her lady’s maid patted her shoulder. “Of course. Though I wish you had considered other gentlemen while he traversed the Continent.”

Cora frowned at her. “He is our neighbor, and we are perfectly suited. What more could I want?”

“I just worry you didn’t consider all your options. Several lords wanted to spend time with you over the last few Seasons,” Beth replied, amused.

“I found it unnecessary.”

Beth helped her up. “Lord Bellamy would be lucky to have you. Just remember your wants and desires matter too.”

Cora grinned at her. “They all lead to Christopher, the Earl of Bellamy. I chose him when we were children, and my mind hasn’t changed since.”

“Cora,” her mother called from the hallway. “Come, guests are arriving.”

“Enjoy yourself,” Beth said as she waved goodbye to her.

Her mother stood in the hallway. She was also tall and slender, with a touch of gray hair. The few strands bothered her horribly. When she spotted Cora, she beamed. “You look lovely, my dear.”

“Thank you. Who is expected to arrive first?”

“I believe your brother’s friend, the Duke of Blythe, recently arrived. If he weren’t a duke, I would have pleaded with your brother not to invite him. He is a known rogue. I did beg Jeremy to make sure he behaves.”

Cora had only met the Duke of Blythe a handful of times, but she couldn’t imagine her brother lecturing him. While the man oozed charm, he didn’t seem to care what anyone thought of his behavior. “I’m sure he will be a perfect gentleman.”

Her mother, shockingly, snorted in an unladylike manner. “Blythe will behave the way he wants. Enough about him, though. Our next arrivals will be Lady Abigail Spencer and her family.”

She grinned. Abigail was a dear friend. Cora couldn’t wait to spend time with her. Her mother added, “Then it will be Lord Bellamy and his parents. I know you are excited to see him.”

“Aren’t you? He is our neighbor and a dear family friend.”

“Yes, but your father always found him a little self-centered.”

Cora stopped in the hallway, shocked. Her father never expressed that opinion to her. “Father loved Christopher.”

“Your father, God rest his soul, liked him well enough.”

“He wanted him to court me.”

Her mother shook her head. “I don’t think he ever said that.”

Cora didn’t understand why two people on the same day acted as if she and Christopher didn’t suit. Her whole life, it seemed as if everyone hinted that they would wed. Now, those same people appeared surprised at the suggestion. What was taking place? She and Christopher’s families always paired them up for everything.

They reached the drawing room, and her mother grasped her hand. “Don’t be upset. I only want you to be happy. I just wish you had at least considered other suitors while Christopher was away. Still, he is back now, and I would be delighted with a union between the two of you. I want to see you wed sooner than later.”