To Tempt a Dashing Lord (Preview)

Chapter One

Miss Catherine Hall’s smile was brighter than normal, for she was doing the one thing that brought her the most joy after all the sorrows she had endured. She sat with the younger children of the orphanage, reading them a children’s book with bright, colourful pages. Her employer, Lady Evergreen, sat in a chair next to her as Catherine read the story slowly and the children leaned forward in anticipation. Since Lady Evergreen, Countess of Waverly, a widow with no children, was the orphanage’s patroness, they often visited the children there to bring them goodies and play with them. 

Today, Catherine was reading one of her favourite books to the children. The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes not only captured the children’s attention each time, but it told of an orphan who one days marries for the better. Catherine read with enthusiasm as the children began to lean forward from where they sat on the floor, all eager to hear what would happen next.  

“Then what happens?” one of the children yelled out as Catherine slowly turned the pages to read how Margery Two-Shoes married the local landowner. 

“Now, we won’t discover that if we have children shouting,” Catherine said sternly, causing the child to quieten down once more. She smiled at all of them as she nodded her approval to the small one.  

The children all clapped happily as the book came to an end, a few calling out for Catherine to read another book. Lady Evergreen chuckled at their enthusiasm, gripping the top of her cane in her hand as she looked out over the small crowd.  

“Come now, children,” she said. “Why don’t you all see to the toys I have brought you? Enjoy playing with them.” The children cheered happily and raced to their beds to open up the packages that contained a new toy for each of them. The room filled with the sound of happy children as she and Catherine simply watched the splendour. 

“It does my heart good to see these poor children so happy,” Lady Evergreen mused. 

“I agree, My Lady. I do enjoy love spending time with the children. I always look forward to our visits to the orphanage,” Catherine admitted. 

“That pleases my ears to hear, Miss Catherine. I wouldn’t want you to become bored in your position to an older woman.” Catherine chuckled as she looked toward the Countess. She might be much older than her, but Catherine had learned that appearances were often deceiving. 

“I don’t think a single day in your employment has been a boring one, My Lady. I look forward to each morning with you and will do so until we both pass on.” 

“Considering the fact that I don’t ever plan to die, then I can only assume that we will be spending much time together for years to come.” Catherine nodded her agreement as she turned her eyes back on the happy children. They were all taking turns showing each other their new toys and playing together with their things. Catherine had never known such poverty in her lifetime. And it wasn’t until this past year that she had even considered any sort of employment. 

Catherine sighed as she thought about her current predicament. She knew she should be at her father’s townhouse, enjoying a leisurely day or visiting with all of her acquaintances. The Season was in full swing and she should be dining with a multitude of families each night to find a prospective husband. There would be dinner parties, balls, and perhaps even trips to the opera to see the Ton dressed in their finest and on display for the masses to see. But instead, Catherine needed to work to keep a roof over her head and food in her belly. 

When her parents passed away a few years ago, Catherine had every faith in her younger brother that he would be a wise earl. He’d inherited the family fortune and title at the age of eighteen and had been tutored since a young age to one day be responsible for everything. She had no doubt in her mind that Denver would be a fine gentleman and present her to the public for her own Season. 

However, that was not the case at all. The wealth of her father went to Denver’s head. He desired more than simply maintaining what they already had. He began to make risky business deals that fell through. And when he needed a way to quickly recoup everything he’d lost, he started to frequent the gambling halls in the hopes of winning big. When Denver started drinking heavily, Catherine knew that he had become a lost cause. 

When word started to circulate about their dire need of money, Catherine started to receive quite a few different offers from gentlemen. At first, she thought she actually had chance at marrying after all even though her brother could no longer offer anyone a dowry in exchange. But it became rather clear to her that these gentlemen only wanted her for a mistress in exchange for money and protection. 

One particular gentleman, Lord Whetstone, had been rather forward with her on more than one occasion. He’d forced a kiss upon her lips at a dinner party when they were together in the gardens. Catherine had thought he’d taken her outside to propose. When he gave her a different offer, she had been appalled and tried to return inside immediately. He’d tried to force himself upon her then and only through brute force had she managed to escape, feeling more embarrassed than she ever had in her life. Her gown had been ripped and her reputation had plunged even further. 

Employment soon came Catherine’s only option. Without her brother around to offer her protection, and no wealth of her own, she had been forced to start searching for an opportunity to survive. She’d met Lady Evergreen at Hyde Park right before the fashionable hour. She’d stumbled and was leaning heavily on a tree when Catherine approached her and offered her assistance. They’d formed a strong connection afterwards, especially when Catherine had explained her current situation. Lady Evergreen took Catherine under her wing, opening her house to her as her companion. In return, Catherine’s reputation was forever ruined after entering the service industry. Without any other option, it was the only thing Catherine could do to keep a clear conscious about herself. 

“You’re doing it again, my dear,” Lady Evergreen said, causing Catherine to focus back on her reality instead of becoming lost in her thoughts. 

“Forgive me. I was getting carried away again,” Catherine said as she forced a small smile to her lips. 

“I know things are not ideal. But you shouldn’t sulk so. It will give you wrinkles.” Lady Evergreen was never bothered about speaking her opinion. Catherine figured it was a benefit of growing old. 

“You must never have sulked a day in your life, for you don’t have a single wrinkle,” Catherine replied, a true smirk coming to her lips then. 

“Don’t patronise me, young lady. It will not lead you to gaining a higher income,” Lady Evergreen said, a smile on her own lips as she said the words. Catherine had learned to never really take anything Lady Evergreen said very seriously or personally. The woman was rather brave in her words and never feared who might overhear her. 

“Would you play skipping rope with us?” asked a young girl as she approached Catherine. 

“I would love to,” Catherine replied, thinking that by playing with the children she might be able to distract herself from her own personal woes. She enjoyed visiting the orphanage mostly because she knew that the likelihood of her marrying and having children of her own was rather slim. Therefore, she was quick to share her motherly love with these children when she and Lady Evergreen had no children to tend to at home. 

~*~

Marcus stepped out of his carriage and looked up the walk towards the orphanage. He could hear children laughing from within, yet all he could do was scowl. He wasn’t really particularly interested in going inside. Yet, he’d promised his aunt that he would make an appearance during her bi-monthly visit to the place to which she donated the majority of her wealth. Or whatever was left of her overbearing husband’s fortune. 

Marcus walked up the stone path to the orphanage after passing through the open gate. The smell of Town was rather stronger in these parts, as the poor and the disadvantaged lived in cramped homes. The orphanage was always full of children whose parents had either died suddenly from illnesses that were more prevalent in this part of Town, or who had been left there on purpose when the parents could no longer afford to keep them. All in all, it was a rather depressing place to be when he already felt rather depressed. 

Stepping into the orphanage, Marcus was quickly greeted by one of the attendants that worked at the orphanage. She greeted Marcus and then showed him through the building to where his aunt was currently presiding. It was there that Marcus saw a room full of the younger children playing with what appeared to be brand new toys. No doubt they were the latest contributions from his aunt, and perhaps even a bit from his own charitable donation after an attempt to improve his family’s name. 

But what surprised him the most was the sight of a young lady, dressed in finer clothing than the attendant who had greeted him, playing jump rope with the young children. They all laughed together as the young lady did her best to keep up with the rhythm, holding her gown a bit higher than what was proper so she could clear the jumprope with ease. And when she missed the rope that came to smack against her ankles, the children all laughed with delight. 

“Oh, my goodness,” the young lady said as she clutched her chest and regained her breath. “You all are so good at jump rope.” She looked towards his aunt, and that’s when she seemed to realise that he was in the room and immediately lowered the hem of her pale-yellow gown back down onto the floor. She turned away from him quickly as though to compose herself before holding the end of the jump rope so the children could have their turns. 

“Ah, my dear nephew. Come join me,” Lady Evergreen said, pulling Marcus’ attention to his aunt. He sat down in the chair next to her, forcing a smile onto his lips as he greeted her. 

“It is good to see you after you’ve been out at sea for so long. We barely had the opportunity to visit at the funeral,” Lady Evergreen said as she rubbed her hands together before placing them back on her cane. Marcus wondered if she was cold during the warm weather of Spring. She was wearing a satin gown made of dark burgundy with black lace trimmings that truly showed that she still had plenty of style and class for a widow of wealth. 

“My days have all started to blur together since I returned to the news of my brother’s sudden death. I wasn’t ready to bury him…wasn’t ready to be an earl,” Marcus said, keeping his voice low since he wasn’t sure who might be listening to their conversation. He could never really trust those he didn’t know fully when it came to personal matters. 

“No one is ever ready for death, Marcus. Well, perhaps besides me. When your uncle passed away from seeking the bottom of his brandy glass too many times, I became the happiest woman alive,” his aunt said, causing Marcus to actually smirk at the comment. It was no secret that Lord Evergreen often over indulged and had a handful of concubines. Marcus sometimes wondered if his aunt had a hand in his demise. She had always been the sort that was rather forward and bold with her words and actions. 

“I’ve known too much of death in the number of years I’ve been alive. The war against France seemed to give my life purpose as I served as captain of my own ship. I lost men at sea, yet the water seemed to swallow up all that death. Now, back in Town, I feel the weight of my brother’s death each day,” Marcus said, feeling as though he’d never really be able to get over the depression he’d succumbed to. 

“Your body is still recovering from your own wound to the leg, Marcus. You need time to heal your body and mind. And both of those things won’t happen if you don’t become more active. The name of Kingston will become but a whisper if you don’t show yourself more in public.” 

“I’m working on it, Aunt. I’ve come today at your request. I have an invitation to dine with Lord Hunter’s home where he plans to introduce me to all sorts of gentlemen.” 

“My goodness, Marcus. You need to broaden your social circles. I know you and Lord Hunter served together in the Navy, but there is more to life than war and death.” 

“I suppose I’ll have to take your word for that,” Marcus said as he turned his focus on the children once more and their varies games around the room. “Who is the young lady that is playing with the other children? One of your new charity cases?” 

“I suppose you could say that,” Lady Evergreen mused. “Her name is Miss Catherine Hall, sister to the Earl of Sedgewick. And, she is my companion.” 

“Companion? Why would a proper lady choose to do such work?” Marcus asked, surprised by the details. 

“You are not the only one who has troubles, you know. All that Miss Hall explained to me is that her brother could no longer support her. Miss Hall had no choice but to take up employment. And since she’s a proper lady, I thought she’d be fitting as my companion.” 

“That surely is a terrible story. She has no reliable family and now she has to deal with your antics on a daily basis.” His teasing caused the older woman to laugh openly, pulling the attention from the children and Miss Hall. Marcus looked at her, observing her fair features. Her blonde hair and blue eyes were tantalising. Her slim figure yet rather large breasts would make a man mad with desire. Marcus was certain she could have a great fortune if she agreed to be a gentleman’s mistress. 

Marcus offered her a smile, which she returned before focusing back on the children. The little girls seemed interested in convincing Miss Hall to play dolls with them as she sat upon the scuffed wooden floor. Marcus admired her ability to play so easily with the little ones and that she was bold enough to do so in front of a gentleman. Marcus reasoned that perhaps Miss Hall was as bold as his aunt. 

As Marcus watched the children playing, he tried to remember ever hearing of a Lord Hall before. He’d been out at sea ever since his parents passed away and his older brother rightfully took the title and all responsibilities. He never thought he’d be Earl and had enjoyed serving in the Navy and rising up in the ranks. There were times when Marcus longed to return to serving his country, but the pain in his left hip often reminded him of not only his new responsibility but also the fact that he’d never be able to serve again with his injury. 

“Come dine with me soon, Marcus. I would like to see more of you. Being around young people keeps me young, after all,” Lady Evergreen said. 

“Is that your secret, Aunt? You suck all the life out of these young people so you can remain so beautiful?” Marcus asked with a chuckle. 

“I cannot share my secrets with you yet, Marcus. You’re not even married yet.” 

“Nor do I wish to be,” Marcus said firmly, knowing how his aunt could be full of all sorts of ideas. “It’s too soon for me to even think about having a wife.” 

“You’re an earl now, Marcus. The only thing you should be thinking about is marrying, having a litter of children, and maintaining the family fortunes for the next generation,” Lady Evergreen retorted. 

“Martin was raised so that he could do all of this. I didn’t have the same education as he,” Marcus reasoned. “I doubt I’ll do as well as he.” 

“If a fifty-two-year-old woman can manage estates and households while not completely draining the coffers, I’m confident that a young man such as yourself can do the same.” Lady Evergreen smirked as she rapped her cane down on the wood floor, gathering all of the children’s attention. Marcus knew it was time for them all to say their goodbyes, even though he had just shown himself. It suited him well since he longed to return to the solitude of his townhouse. 

 

Chapter Two

“Miss Hall, may I introduce you to my nephew, Lord Kingston,” Lady Evergreen said once the children had left their room to have lunch in the dining hall. She rose to her feet and gestured to the gentleman beside her, causing Catherine to dip down into a curtsey to show her respect. Catherine knew that Lady Evergreen had no children and was surprised by the introduction because she had never mentioned her family very often. More so, she found this Lord Kingston to be a very handsome man.

“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Catherine replied once she straightened her posture once more, folding her hands in front of her like she had been taught to do for years by her mother. Though she was a companion, her lessons on being a lady would not be easily forgotten. 

“Likewise,” he said simply. He had his hands folded back behind him and was rocking on his feet as though he was anxious to get going. 

“Well, let us be off then. It shall be the fashionable hour at Hyde Park soon enough and I do enjoy my daily walks,” Lady Evergreen said. Catherine went to her side and supported the woman’s left arm as she walked with her right hand firmly on her cane. Lord Kingston led the way towards the front of the orphanage, giving Catherine a moment to really observe him. 

His manner of dress was of the latest fashions. He sported a black riding vest over his muslin shirt, and his trousers fitted him perfectly. It was easy for Catherine to see that the man was rather muscular compared to most gentlemen of leisure. His hair was black and cut short, compared to how gentlemen tended to grow out their hair to be tied back behind their heads. Catherine thought he was rather handsome in his own unique way, and a bit refreshing compared to those she had met in the past. If her situation had been different, Catherine could consider Lord Kingston to be a suitable match for her based on appearances alone. 

“Well, Aunt Daniella, it’s been a pleasure being able to visit you at the orphanage. Till next time,” Lord Kingston said as they approached Lady Evergreen’s coach. Catherine let go of her employer as Lord Kingston helped his aunt up into the vehicle. Catherine was pleasantly surprised when the earl then turned to her and offered the same respect. 

When Catherine placed her hand inside of his, her blue eyes focusing on his brown ones, she felt warmth in his fingers as he helped her up into the coach. However, his expression didn’t hold the same warmth as he appeared rather aloof and unsure. She offered him a pleasant enough smile and thanked him for the assistance before he closed the small door, nodded towards his aunt, and then strolled off towards his own carriage. 

Catherine watched him go as Lady Evergreen’s driver snapped the reins and caused the two geldings to move forward into the traffic of the street. She was curious about the earl and why she had never seen the man before, even though she’d been working for Lady Evergreen for over a year now. 

“My word, that boy needs some work,” Lady Evergreen said with a sigh once the coach was being drawn down a main road in Town. The driver was making quick work of returning them to St. James, which was a comfort to Catherine. 

“What do you mean, My Lady?” Catherine asked, knowing her employer spoke freely with her. 

“My dear nephew has been through such hard times. His brother died suddenly, bringing him back from where he was serving with the Navy. He’s a captain, you know. But now also the Earl of Ralston. It was his brother that was raised to uphold the family title, not Marcus,” Lady Evergreen explained. 

“That must be very hard for him. Most who are able to have such a title in the Navy seem to be very passionate about their profession,” Catherine said thoughtfully. 

“Indeed. Marcus had been eager to join the Navy since he was young, often playing with little tin soldiers with his older brother, Martin. He truly made a name for himself, and his father had been proud of him. Now, he has no family left and is trying to figure out how to be a proper earl. If only he wasn’t such a recluse.” 

“Was it you that convinced him to pay the orphanage a visit?” Catherine asked then. 

“Indeed. I thought it would do his reputation some good if he was seen as a charitable gentleman. The Ton knew his brother. They don’t know anything about Marcus. Therefore, I have tried to persuade him to attend more social functions. He’ll need to marry, after all,” Lady Evergreen said with a huff. Catherine was thoughtful as they traveled through Town. 

If she had still been a lady in her family’s townhouse, she would have liked to hear such news that an earl was in need of a wife. It was the type of gossip she would have used to her advantage to possibly make an acquaintance and see if a relationship could be developed. After all, because of her upbringing and the fact that she’d been a daughter of an earl, it was her duty to marry someone of a similar rank, if not a higher one. But now, things were rather different and were difficult for Catherine. 

She knew that she’d never marry, despite being born into a noble family. Catherine could feel sympathies towards Lord Kingston but would never be able to act on those feelings because she was now serving his aunt. She understood that she’d be nothing more than a companion for Lady Evergreen and would be forced to observe Lord Kingston from afar. Even though he appeared rather stern, he was certainly attractive nonetheless. 

Catherine had to reminder herself of all the things she could be grateful for. She had everything she needed to survive, including elegant gowns, because Lady Evergreen refused to be seen with someone in less than high quality clothing. Catherine really looked up to Lady Evergreen because she was such a strong, independent woman. Her employer was a real oddity amongst the Ton, a fact that Lady Evergreen often used to her advantage. 

As the coach came to a stop outside of Hyde Park, Catherine did her best to remember her place. The footman hopped down from the driver’s seat and helped Lady Evergreen down from the coach. Then, Catherine stepped down on her own because she was a service woman. She took up her place beside Lady Evergreen, supporting her left arm once more as they enjoy their walk. But as they passed by other families of the elite, Catherine kept her eyes to the ground. Any sort of conversation was directed at Lady Evergreen, and she was completely ignored. 

~*~

Marcus was looking forward to returning to his townhouse. He would have a small glass of fine brandy, retire to his study, and lose himself in a novel. If he couldn’t sail the open seas any longer, the least he could do was settle for the gripping stories of familiar voyages. This was all Marcus was thinking about as the carriage returned home. 

However, when he stepped down from the carriage and neared the front door of his townhouse, a strange sound rung out in the air. He stopped for a second and listened closely, wondering why the sound was coming from inside his home. A moment later, he was certain he heard the sound of a baby crying and was completely perplexed by the situation. 

Marcus hurried up to the front door and pushed it open, not even waiting for the butler to appear and do so for him. He even left the door slightly ajar as he hurried towards the sound, coming to the sitting room where he saw several members of his staff huddled around a small bundle in Mrs. Denton’s arms.

As Marcus approached the housekeeper with the crying baby in her arms, his temper rising as he tried to comprehend what kind of trick his staff was playing on him, the butler and others soon noticed him and stepped back as they bowed their heads. 

“What’s the meaning of this?” Marcus demanded to know. 

“My Lord,” Mrs. Denton addressed. “This wee thing was found crying on yer doorstep. I collected the child and was trying to calm it when you came in.” 

“Have you notified the authorities? Should the child not be returned to its parents?” Marcus asked. 

“There’s a letter, My Lord,” Mr. Burg, the butler said, stepping forward and handing the sealed letter to Marcus. He quickly opened it and read the few short lines, his heart seeming to stop as he did so. 

 

Dear Lord Kingston,

I deliver to you your niece. With my daughter, Anne, having died in childbirth, and Beth’s father having recently passed away, she has no family left to take care of her. Her grandparents are not capable of raising her. Please have mercy on the child and raise Beth as your own. 

 

The note had no signature to help Marcus understand who the babe’s family members could be. He tried to think hard to if he knew an Anne or if his brother had been in love with anyone. Marcus had been gone from England for the last five years, only setting foot on shore for no more than a month at a time. There was much about his brother that he did not know. But perhaps his only living relative would be able to answer some questions for him. 

The sound of the babe crying brought Marcus back to reality. The sound was maddening, and he was desperate for it to stop. Mrs. Denton seemed to be doing her best as she rocked the child and shushed it calmly, but as the babe’s cheeks turned red with frustration, Marcus had the sense that the child needed more. 

“Shouldn’t someone be feeding it?” Marcus said. 

“It’s a babe, My Lord. The child won’t eat solid foods for many more months to come,” Mr. Burg said. “The babe needs a wet nurse.” 

“See to it that it be done then. Mrs. Denton, I don’t expect you to take care of an infant on top of all your other duties. See to the child’s needs as you see fit,” Marcus said, feeling rather faint at the idea that he was going to entertain the prospect of raising a child. He knew nothing about them and wasn’t sure even where to start. 

“It’s no bother at all, My Lord. There are no dinner parties to plan for or guests to accommodate. For an earl, you are not so demanding as others,” Mrs. Denton said with a happy face. She dismissed the other servants then, with Mr. Burg hurrying to carry out his orders. 

“Did anyone see the person that left the child?” Marcus asked as he stepped closer, wanting to get a peek at the little one. 

“No, My Lord. It was the sound of her crying that did alert us,” Mrs. Denton explained, looking down at the crying babe and trying to sooth her. 

“I’m going to retire to my study. Do let me know if anything changes. Do you think she needs a doctor?” 

“No, My Lord. She seems alright despite the fact that she is hungry. She’ll need new clothes soon, though.” 

“My money is at your full disposal. Send for the items that will be needed for the child, as well as any additional members to the household to see to the child’s needs,” Marcus explained before turning away from the crying babe and hurrying down the corridor towards his study. 

It was only when the study door was closed that he seemed to get some relief from the sound of the crying child. Marcus walked over to the small buffet table and opened the lid to reveal a bottle of brandy and two crystal glasses. He filled his cup almost to the top before lifting it to his lips and drinking the contents. He tried to manage the entire glass but had to stop when the burn became too much. 

He settled down at the oak desk and placed the glass down as his vision blurred just a little from the sudden introduction of the alcohol to his body. He waited for the effects to wear off since he was not familiar with the habit of drinking, yet found it relaxing enough when he began to feel too stressed. With the current situation, his mind was spinning as he tried to reason with what he should do. There was now a babe in his house, and supposedly the girl was his niece. 

Marcus opened the letter once more and read through the lines as though he could discover something else. None of it made sense, and he wondered if the person who had written the letter was lying. After all, he’d just come from the orphanage where plenty of children had been abandoned by their families. It wouldn’t be so unrealistic that someone would try to force a child onto him by claiming she was his brother’s. 

It was when the sound of the crying stopped that Marcus became curious to know what was happening. When he opened the door to his study and poked his head out of the door, he saw Mr. Burg hurrying towards him, a pleasant expression on his face. 

“A wet nurse has been found and the child is doing well now, My Lord,” Mr. Burg said. “The other things for the child have also been sent for. Cloths, clothes, a bassinet. Mrs. Denton is overseeing everything.” 

“Very good, Mr. Burg. Keep me updated on the well-being of the child. There is much I must consider,” Marcus said with a sigh. 

“With all due respect, My Lord, is the child yours?” Mr. Burg asked. Marcus smirked as he shook his head. 

“The letter explains that the babe is the late earl’s,” Marcus explained. Mr. Burg gasped as he quickly covered his face and looked down the hallway. “Do you know of something I do not? You did serve my brother, and father before him.” 

“Did the letter state who the mother was?” Mr. Burg asked, his face turning pale. 

“Just the name ‘Anne’,” Marcus said. 

“Then it is as I feared. There was a Miss Anne who was employed by the late earl as a maid. She was let go when their relationship was discovered by one of the late earl’s close friends. Of course, Mrs. Denton and I were aware for it’s not the first time a master had been intimate with a staff member. Especially an unmarried man. That was about nine months ago.” 

Marcus ran his fingers through his black hair, his heart feeling as though it was pounding in his chest. His butler had just confirmed his worst thoughts. Now that there had been some sort of confirmation that the child was Martin’s, there would be no way he could abandon the child without feeling guilty for the rest of his life. 

“Send Mrs. Denton to my study when she has a free moment. I want to understand her perspective on the matter. I believe she has several older children of her own?” 

“Indeed, My Lord. Mrs. Denton’s children are all grown and left the nest. She will make for a very good nurse for the babe,” Mr. Burg said in a very reassuring voice. 

All Marcus could think to do was nod as he returned to his study and sat heavily down in his chair. He picked up the rest of his brandy and drank it down, wondering what in the world he was going to do next. He was an unmarried man now in the possession of his brother’s bastard. Marcus knew he would need to speak to Aunt Daniella about the matter. She was his own living relative and would surely know what to do with the child. After all, it was certain that he couldn’t raise a child. 

---

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With no dowry to speak of, Miss Catherine Hall has become quite desperate as she will most likely never marry. Her brother, the Earl of Sedgewick, has squandered their family’s fortunes, leaving Catherine no other option but to seek employment as a companion for Lady Evergreen. But Catherine’s foreseeable life will change forever when she meets the dashing Lord Kingston. Every time their eyes meet a fire starts deep inside her chest. Will this seductive young man awaken feelings inside her that she could never dream of?

Lord Marcus Kingston, has returned from the Peninsula, to take up his position as the Viscount of the Ralston estate and take care of his infant nephew after his brother’s sudden death. Marcus can’t raise the child all alone and he’s desperately in need of a wife. Even though the tempting Catherine seems to be the perfect bride, he highly doubts his decision to marry a Lady he feels very attracted to, but barely knows. Will he manage to turn this unexpected marriage into a passionate one?

Lost in their lust for each other, both Catherine and Lord Kingston will have to make big decisions that will dramatically change their lives. Torn between burning passion and desire for more, will they regret this marriage, or will it turn out to be greater than they could ever imagine?

“To Tempt a Dashing Lord” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

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