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    The Rake's Vow
    The Rake's Vow
    The Rake's Vow
    Ebook258 pages4 hours

    The Rake's Vow

    By Ruth Ann Nordin

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    About this ebook

    Miss Loretta Bachman convinces a reformed rake, who has vowed to never sleep with another lady, to marry her and pretend he's deeply in love with her so she can impress the Ton.

    *********

    Thaddeus (Tad) Darkin, the Duke of Lambeth, used to be a rake. In fact, before Lord Edon was scandalizing the Ton, Tad was the one everyone was talking about. Many gentlemen secretly wished they had his charm with the ladies. All reputable ladies were warned to stay as far from him as possible, which only made him all the more attractive. Then, after a tragic event, he took a vow of celibacy, promising he would never be intimate with another lady again. Over the years, this caused him to be the most sought-after single gentleman in all of London. And even though he doesn't want to marry, his steward left him in financial ruin, so whether he likes it or not, he must take a wife.

    After being rejected by the gentleman she was hoping to marry, Miss Loretta Bachman is on a mission to save her reputation. She needs to marry someone who will impress the prestigious ladies in her social circle. So when she catches the leader of the group talking about the very handsome and hard-to-get Duke of Lambeth, she's determined to get him to marry her. All she needs is a little bargaining power, and fortunately for her, she happens to have the money he needs to save his estate.

    When she learns of his vow to remain celibate, she agrees to keep away from his bed. After all, her only reason for marrying him is to secure her social standing in London, not to have a love match. All she asks is that he pretends to be deeply in love with her when they're in public. That way she will succeed in impressing the Ton. But before long, the lines between what is pretend and what is real starts to blur, and it's hard to decide how far to push the limits of their agreement.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherRuth Ann Nordin
    Release dateMar 18, 2017
    ISBN9781370311798
    The Rake's Vow
    Author

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    Ruth Ann Nordin has written almost 100 romances, ranging from Regencies to historical westerns to contemporaries. She plays with other genres from time to time, but her first love is romance. She has been happily married for twenty-two years to a sweet and funny guy, and they have four sons, who are all taller than Ruth now that they're 16, 17, 19, and 20. The good thing is she doesn't need a ladder. She considers herself very lucky to have led such a charmed life. Being able to play with characters and create stories is just icing on the cake. Hopefully, she'll get to keep doing this many years to come.

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    • 5/5
      This book started a little different but ended up with a happy ending
    • 3/5
      One time read to finish the series. Both are quite likeable characters.
    • 5/5
      Oh these books just get better and better. Loved this one good story good communication in the story great ending. Great read

    Book preview

    The Rake's Vow - Ruth Ann Nordin

    Marriage by Bargain: Book 2

    The

    Rake’s

    Vow

    Ruth Ann Nordin

    The Rake’s Vow

    Published by Ruth Ann Nordin

    Copyright © 2017 by Ruth Ann Nordin

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Cover Photo images Period images. http://www.periodimages.com/welcome-to-periodimagescom. All rights reserved – used with permission.

    Cover Photo images Dreamstime. www.dreamstime.com. All rights reserved – used with permission.

    Table of Contents

    Dedication

    Chapter One

    Chapter Two

    Chapter Three

    Chapter Four

    Chapter Five

    Chapter Six

    Chapter Seven

    Chapter Eight

    Chapter Nine

    Chapter Ten

    Chapter Eleven

    Chapter Twelve

    Chapter Thirteen

    Chapter Fourteen

    Chapter Fifteen

    Chapter Sixteen

    Chapter Seventeen

    Chapter Eighteen

    Chapter Nineteen

    Chapter Twenty

    Chapter Twenty-One

    Chapter Twenty-Two

    Chapter Twenty-Three

    Coming Soon in the Marriage by Bargain Series

    Already Available in the Marriage by Bargain Series

    All Books By Ruth Ann Nordin

    Where To Find Ruth

    Dedication: To Mary (irishmary24) who has a beautiful heart. Thank you for all of your encouragement and sticking with me through the years! Your comments always make me smile.

    Chapter One

    Late April 1818

    Miss Loretta Bachman stared at the invitations Anthony Barlow, Viscount Worsley, had written the previous year, all inviting her to his dinner parties. They were the only things he’d ever sent her. She should have known his sister made him write them. She should have known he hadn’t written them because he had any real interest in her. But love was blind, and when a lady wanted something badly enough, she only saw what she wanted to see instead of what was really there.

    With a sigh, she tore each invitation up and then threw the pieces of parchment into the fire, which was burning in the drawing room fireplace. Next, she picked up the plans she’d made for the wedding. She had spent long nights working through the details until everything was perfect. But alas, there would be no wedding. Not when he had married someone else. With another sigh, she tore up the plans and threw those pieces into the fire.

    There would be no wedding. The gown she’d bought for the special day would collect dust in her armoire. The children she’d dreamt of having wouldn’t exist. Everything, just like those pieces of paper burning in the fire, was vanishing right before her eyes.

    And there was nothing she could do about it.

    A sob rose up in her throat, and she grabbed her handkerchief and caught the tears as they fell. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t she be more beautiful? More desirable? More… More… Well, more like the lady Anthony married instead of her.

    Damara. Wavy golden blonde hair. Perfect figure with ample breasts. Graceful at social engagements. She was so wonderful that she managed to even gain Lady Eloise’s approval upon her first meeting with her.

    Meanwhile, Loretta just couldn’t compete with such perfection. Gentlemen often preferred Damara’s type to someone like her who had strawberry blonde hair that frizzed if she got stuck in the rain, a willowy frame, and small breasts. On top of that, it’d taken her two months’ worth of lessons to learn how to be graceful enough for polite society, and even then, she didn’t gain Lady Eloise’s approval until their third meeting.

    It wasn’t fair. It just wasn’t fair. Why did God bless some ladies with everything while giving so little to others?

    Miss Bachman, the butler said.

    Sniffling, she wiped more tears away and directed her gaze to him.

    Miss Barlow would like to see you, he said.

    Loretta nodded that Celia was welcome and stood up from the chair in front of the fireplace. Bring in black tea and crumpets, she told him, picking out her dearest friend’s favorite items.

    As the butler left, she went to the settee and sat down. Sure, Celia was Anthony’s sister, and it was difficult to look at Celia without thinking of him, but their friendship could withstand a heartache. In the aftermath of being jilted, Loretta’s only real source of comfort had been Celia. She didn’t know what she would have done if it hadn’t been for her.

    Celia came into the room and rushed over to her. How have you been during my absence?

    Miserable, Loretta admitted as her friend sat next to her. I’m glad you’re back in London.

    I am, too. I hate being in the country. There’s absolutely nothing to do.

    What did you think of Damara’s parents? Did Damara lie about them?

    As much as Loretta hated to speak of the lady who’d stolen her betrothed, she had to know how things went. If Damara had been proved a liar, then it would make Loretta feel better. She would at least have the comfort of knowing she would have been better for Anthony, and better yet, he’d know it, too. It would be a small revenge. It certainly wouldn’t change the fact that he was married to Damara instead of her, but it’d soothe her ego all the same.

    Loretta held her breath, hoping Celia had been right about Damara. But Celia bit her lower lip in a way that meant she didn’t know how to break the news to Loretta. And that was when any hope Loretta had that there was something wrong with Damara flew right out the window. Damara, as she’d feared, was perfect, after all.

    Forget it, Loretta said. I don’t want to hear it.

    I want to hate Damara, really I do, Celia replied.

    I know you do, but I can see you don’t.

    Well, I can’t hate her. Not after meeting her parents. It was awful, Loretta. If you had been there, you would understand. They were so cold. They didn’t care anything about their own daughter.

    I’ve heard enough.

    And truly, Loretta had. Because not only had Damara shown herself to be honest, but she’d also secured Celia’s sympathy. It was just her luck. Loretta had had a good home. Her parents had showered her with everything she’d ever wanted. Her brothers, Brad and Stephen, weren’t around much, but they never hindered her from doing anything. Oh, her older brother Brad restricted how much she could buy from time to time, but he allowed her a lot more freedoms than most ladies had.

    If only she had suffered at the hand of cold and unfeeling parents like Damara had, then perhaps Anthony would have felt the need to come to her aid.

    It must be nice to be so beautiful that a gentleman will marry you the same day he meets you, Loretta said. Though she tried to hide her bitterness, it found its way into her voice.

    There’s no doubt he married her because of her looks, Celia agreed, but she is good to him. They’re happy together. Even so, a part of me still wishes you had married him. You’re my friend. I want you to be happy.

    Loretta smiled. I know you do. You’re the only one who does.

    Celia took Loretta’s hand and squeezed it. We’re the best of friends, Loretta, and nothing will ever change that. No matter who else comes into our lives, nothing will come between us.

    Squeezing her hand in return, she said, You’re right. No one will. Ours is a rare kind of friendship that no storm can overcome.

    Celia nodded and wiped a tear from her eye. I hate seeing you so miserable.

    Well, considering all that has happened, I don’t see that it can be helped.

    No, I suppose not. After a moment, Celia added, "There is one small comfort in all of this. Damara decided not to join Ladies of Grace."

    Really? Why not?

    Not that Loretta wasn’t relieved. She was. Lady Eloise’s small, private group was the only thing she had left that was of any value, and it would be better if Damara wasn’t a part of it.

    As it turns out, Damara and Iris are friends. You remember how Lady Eloise was specific that we must not befriend Iris.

    Loretta nodded. She remembered that all-too-well. Lady Eloise had no respect for anyone who didn’t meet up to her high expectations.

    Iris has forbidden me from going to Lord Steinbeck’s dinner parties, Celia added. My brother and Corin were invited to the last one he had, and because of Iris, I couldn’t go. I’m glad Lady Eloise won’t let her into our group.

    Iris doesn’t like me, either, so you’re not alone.

    I know. I just wish I had been able to spend some time with Corin. He’s so busy with his investments that I rarely get to see him.

    After a moment of silence, Loretta asked, How does Damara treat you?

    Damara treats me very well, even though I haven’t deserved it. As I said, I can’t hate her. She’s nothing like Iris. She’s naïve in some ways, but it’s actually a nice change from everyone in London. You know with Lady Eloise the flattery isn’t all that sincere. She only surrounds herself with people who make her look good. Which reminds me… Do you know when the next social engagement will be?

    It’s not a social engagement like we did last time, but she has requested we all attend her father’s ball.

    Celia’s eyes lit up. The Duke of Silverton is finally going to have a ball?

    I was surprised, too, Loretta admitted as she rose up from the settee so she could grab the invitation. He didn’t throw one last Season. Maybe he’s hoping to find Lady Eloise a husband this year.

    Now that she’s established in Society, she’ll have no trouble securing one. Celia accepted the invitation that Loretta held out to her. When did you get this?

    Today. I’m sure you’ll be getting yours, too. She sat beside Celia. We’re asked to wear a gown no one has seen before.

    Just like we’re always asked to do.

    Yes, except this time, we are all supposed to buy the same kind of necklace to show we’re in the same elite group. Lady Cadwalader’s going to be there, and I suspect Lady Eloise wants us to be noticeable. That’s why she also specified we spend two pounds on our gowns.

    Celia gasped. That much?

    She’d determined to prove that the ladies in her group are better than Lady Cadwalader and her friends. I was thinking of feigning an illness that evening so I don’t have to go.

    Why? This is a prestigious event. A clash between Lady Eloise and Lady Cadwalader might even be the talk of the Ton for the rest of the Season.

    The gown she wants us to buy is a lot of money.

    So? Brad can afford it. Your parents left a sizable estate to him.

    Well, yes, I know, but I have so many gowns already. If the new gown was only half the cost of what she’s asking, I would feel better about it.

    The fact that you are so wealthy that you can afford to be in Lady Eloise’s group is something that will make other ladies envy you. Don’t you want that?

    I do. It’s nice to belong to something important, but two pounds is excessive. If I feign an illness and stay here, my brother doesn’t have to say no to the expense of the gown and I won’t risk being forced out of the group.

    But it won’t be any fun without you, Celia argued. What if I pay for it?

    No! I can’t ask Anthony to pay for anything else just because you want me to have it. It’s not right since I’m not going to be his wife.

    But this will be my money. I’ll sell some of my jewelry.

    Baffled, Loretta studied her friend’s expression. You can’t be serious. Your jewelry is some of the best in all of London.

    Which is why I’ll get a good sum for it. Loretta, you’re my friend. I can’t go to such an important ball without you. The evening will be incomplete if you’re not there. Besides, don’t you want to go?

    Well, yes. It would be nice. Anyone who was invited to go to such an exclusive ball would have a big advantage over the rest of the Ton.

    Then let me help you by buying the gown.

    How would I repay you?

    There’s no need to repay me. This is a gift.

    Loretta wasn’t so sure this was a good idea. This gift was a huge one.

    I’ll tell you what, Celia began. If I do this for you, then you can owe me a favor.

    A favor?

    Sure. When I need something, I’ll ask for your help.

    It sounded simple enough. Celia never asked for anything she wasn’t willing to do. All right, Loretta decided. You have an agreement.

    Wonderful! Celia clasped her hands together and squealed. I can’t wait. This is going to be the ball that starts our best Season ever! I’m telling you, Loretta. Our dreams are going to finally come true this year.

    As much as Loretta wished it was so, she doubted it. Maybe it would be the Season Celia’s dreams came true, but such wasn’t going to be the case for her. No. For her, the main objective would be keeping her position in Lady Eloise’s group because that was all she had left.

    ***

    Thaddeus Darkin, the Duke of Lambeth couldn’t believe it. His worst nightmare had come true. His steward had left him destitute. How was it possible that he hadn’t been aware of it? Why had he been so dull of understanding that it’d taken his butler to bring his attention to the problem?

    He stood by the window in the drawing room of his country estate. It was spring. It would be a good time to travel back to London. Then he could rent a townhouse through the summer. He needed money, and he couldn’t very well get it by staying here. There simply wasn’t enough money to get through another winter. He was going to be completely bankrupt by November if he didn’t do something.

    He rubbed his tired eyes and returned to the table where the ledger was open in front of him. If it was just him, he might be able to deal with it. He could give the estate to his nephew, who was his heir, and become a priest. He’d already made a vow of celibacy. It wouldn’t be much more to take the next step.

    No. He couldn’t do that. He had servants who’d been loyal to his household for years. He couldn’t send them away. He owed it to them to provide for them. What he needed most was money. And lots of it. He wasn’t sure how he was going to amass the small fortune he needed, but the sooner he formed a plan, the better.

    After a long sigh, he left the room and found the butler who was conversing with the cook in the hallway.

    The butler turned to him. How may I help you?

    I’ve decided to go to London, Tad said. I’d like to leave tomorrow.

    The butler nodded. I’ll pack your things at once.

    Thank you.

    With a heavy feeling of resignation, Tad returned to the drawing room so he could start thinking of ways to renew his wealth.

    Chapter Two

    "This is going to be the social event of the Season, Lady Eloise told the six ladies of her group as they strolled through Hyde Park a week later. It’s imperative we do everything we can to impress the people who’ll be there. If you must refresh your knowledge on etiquette, then do so."

    Lady Eloise glanced over at Loretta, causing Loretta’s stomach to tense into a knot. Why was Lady Eloise singling her out? Was she the one who might possibly embarrass the group at the Duke of Silverton’s ball?

    Loretta glanced at Celia, Miss Webb, Miss Wilmington, Lady Gareth, and Lady Stacey, who were listening to everything Lady Eloise was saying as if it was important they remember each and every word.

    "Shouldn’t everyone in Ladies of Grace get together to make sure we don’t have the same gown?" Lady Stacey asked Lady Eloise.

    I’m glad you mentioned that, Miss Webb said. I was wondering the same thing.

    We can very well arrange for a little social engagement, Lady Eloise consented. I will send you an invite within two days.

    Celia shot Loretta an excited smile. Celia loved those things.

    Lady Worsley! Lady Eloise greeted with a wave.

    Lady Worsley? As in Damara? Loretta turned her gaze to where Lady Eloise was looking, and sure enough, there was Damara. Even when she sat alone on a bench reading a book, she attracted people. Was it any wonder why Anthony preferred Damara to her? No one ever really noticed her besides Celia.

    Damara glanced up from her book as Lady Eloise led the group over to her. As much as Loretta didn’t feel like being around the lady who’d succeeded in stealing Anthony away from her, she couldn’t very well leave. That would only upset Lady Eloise and possibly Celia. While Celia understood her heartache, Damara was Celia’s sister-in-law. Celia had a responsibility to be nice to her.

    Once they reached Damara, Lady Eloise asked, How are you doing this afternoon?

    I’m doing fine, Damara replied. She closed the book and rose to her feet. Is there something I can do for you?

    It would be nice if you’d reconsider joining our group, Lady Eloise said. We enjoy talking to you.

    Damara’s cheeks grew pink with pleasure, and who could blame her? Loretta knew plenty of ladies who would give up everything to be in the group. And to think Lady Eloise was extending a second invite for Damara to join!

    I will not be bitter. I will not be bitter. Though Loretta repeated this to herself, she couldn’t help but feel the all-too-familiar emotion of jealousy creeping up her spine. How was it possible that Damara won over everyone without even trying?

    As honored as I am to be asked, I’m afraid I can’t, Damara told Lady Eloise. I’m friends with Lady Steinbeck.

    We’re willing to overlook that so long as she doesn’t come to any of my social engagements as your guest, Lady Eloise said.

    Loretta resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Was Lady Eloise actually begging her to become a member? Lady Eloise had never done that for anyone before.

    Celia glanced at Loretta, and Loretta could tell her friend felt conflicted between her friendship to Loretta and her obligation to Damara. Loretta put her hand on her arm to assure her that she understood. If Damara came into the group, Loretta might as well leave. Then Celia would be spared the difficulty of choosing between them.

    But, as it turned out, Damara held firm in her decision. No, I can’t. Lady Steinbeck is a good friend, and I couldn’t do that to her.

    I’m sorry to hear that, Lady Eloise replied. You would have been an asset to our group, but I admire your loyalty to your friends. Such a thing is rare, you know.

    Loretta couldn’t be sure, but she thought Lady Eloise glanced over at her and Celia. Loretta’s gaze went to Celia. Had Celia noticed it?

    No. Celia hadn’t. Loretta wished she’d missed the subtle message. Lady Eloise wasn’t all that impressed with her or Celia, and Loretta didn’t know what to do about it. All Loretta had was her social standing in London, and it seemed that wasn’t as secure as she’d thought. She didn’t know what she could do to earn Lady Eloise’s favor, but if she didn’t come up with something, she might not be in the group for long. Getting into the group was only half the battle. The harder part was staying in it.

    You and your husband are invited to my father’s ball, Lady Eloise told Damara. He’s the Duke of Silverton. He’s well respected in London. When Damara hesitated to respond, she added,

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