The Dark Duke. Margaret Moore

      Table of Contents

       Cover Page

       Excerpt

       Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       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

       Author Note

       Copyright

      “I would not trust you any more than I would your master,”

      Hester murmured as she paused to admire the horse.

      

      “Which is to say, not at all, I warrant.”

      

      The duke walked slowly toward her. “Lady Hester, you are an intelligent woman, so I do not expect you to trust me.”

      

      “After yesterday, you can be certain of that,” she snapped, her surprise making her sharp when she would have preferred to sound nonchalant “Good day, Your Grace.” She tried to walk boldly past him, but he stepped into her way.

      

      “There is no need to run off. I promise you I will keep my distance.”

      

      “I am not afraid of you.”

      

      “My dear young woman, are you telling me I am losing my ability to inspire terror and awe in the female breast?”

      Dear Reader,

      Who would have thought that when we published Margaret Moore’s first book, A Warrior’s Heart, in 1992, we would be publishing her twelfth full novel, The Dark Duke, five short years later. This story is the next in the author’s terrific new series of Victorian romances featuring a trio of “most unsuitable” heroes. This particular hero has a very nasty reputation, but that doesn’t scare our brave heroine, who sees the lonely man behind the handsome facade. Don’t miss this one. And come fall, be sure to keep an eye out for Margaret Moore’s newest short story, “The Twelfth Day of Christmas,” in our in-line THE KNIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS short-story collection.

      Sweet Sarah Ross by Julie Tetel, which follows the next generation in the author’s ongoing NORTHPOINT series, is a Western adventure story with enough perils to keep Pauline happy. The Secrets of Catie Hazard, by Miranda Jarrett, is a Sparhawk story, this time with a secret baby and lovers who must overcome not only a troubled past but a turbulent present in order to reunite. And Enchanted from Claire Delacroix is the magic-filled story of a valiant knight who can be rescued from a wicked curse only by the love of a beautiful noblewoman.

      All four books this month are ones you won’t want to miss. We hope you keep a lookout for them wherever Harlequin Historicals are sold.

      

      Sincerely,

      

      Tracy Farrell

      Senior Editor

      Please address questions and book requests to:

      Harlequin Reader Service

      U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269 Canadian:

      P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

      The Dark Duke

      Margaret Moore

      

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

       MARGARET MOORE

      confesses that her first “crush” was Errol Flynn. The second was “Mr. Spock.” She thinks that it explains why her heroes tend to be either charming rogues or lean, inscrutable tough guys.

      

      Margaret lives in Scarborough, Ontario, with her husband, two children and two cats. She used to sew and read for reasons other than research.

      For Ruth, Louise, Allison and Amy, the other women in my husband’s