The Marquess's Maddening Dilemma Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright © 2017 by Ginny Hartman

  Dedication

  Synopsis

  Aaron and Alexandra

  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

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2017 by Ginny Hartman

  All rights reserved.

  Cover design by Ginny Hartman

  Book design by Ginny Hartman

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  First printing: October 2017

  To Caroline,

  There is so much I admire about you,

  not the least of which is your amazing athletic ability.

  Every single book I've written is made possible

  because of you.

  A is for Apple

  She was like the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.

  Touching her was strictly prohibited, but that didn't take away the desire.

  Lady Alexandra Worthington has been betrothed to Lord Coldwell since birth, an arrangement that never bothered her until her parent's unexpected death. Feeling as if she has no control over her life, Alexandra begins acting out and soon becomes too much of a burden for her brother, her current guardian, to bare, so she is sent to be under the care of her betrothed's father, Lord Emberson.

  Aaron Beaumont, the Marquess of Emberson, lives an orderly existence—nothing in his life is out of place. That is until Alexandra shows up and quickly turns his structured world upside down. Convinced he is a man incapable of passion, he soon discovers that isn't true as temptation, in the form of a beautiful and lively girl, is thrust upon him.

  The chemistry between the pair is palpable and soon leads to love, a forbidden union that can never come to fruition since Alexandra is legally betrothed to Aaron's son. Can love find a way to conquer when legalities stand in the way?

  “Scandalous.”

  Alexandra giggled as she turned to get a look at herself in the mirror sitting atop her dressing table. “It's only scandalous if we get caught, and I have no intention of that happening.”

  Her giggling only intensified as she caught sight of her reflection. She and her best friend, Lydia, had managed to sweet talk a stable boy into lending them some of his clothing. The only thing currently recognizable was her long, chestnut locks hanging wildly down her back. She quickly grabbed her borrowed hat and stuffed her hair inside.

  “There, is that better?”

  “Not entirely,” Lydia admitted. “You still appear quite lovely.”

  “Lovely?” Alexandra snorted as she glanced once more at her reflection. “I think hideous is a more apt description. I daresay I make a rather ugly boy. Hurry, put your hat on and let's be off.”

  Lydia did as she was told, quickly stuffing her dark, wavy hair inside her hat. The hour was late. They had purposefully waited until all the servants had retired for the night before setting out on their latest adventure. Alexandra slowly turned the knob, and both girls slid silently into the hall, waiting for their eyes to adjust to the dark before scurrying towards the staircase. Alexandra was grateful her brother's bedchamber was located in the opposite wing of the house, for she'd rather die than encounter him while dressed as a boy. Who knows what punishment he'd inflict if he became privy to their shenanigans.

  Thoughts of her brother caused Alexandra's lips to twist into a frown. It had been almost a year since their parents had unexpectedly died, forcing her brother to take on the role of her guardian, a job neither one of them relished. Alexandra was quite sure he felt more comfortable with his newly acquired duties as the Duke of Ludington than he did being forced to watch over her and attempt to reign her wild spirit in, as he so often complained about.

  Cool air assaulted them as they escaped from the house and began running towards the stables.

  “I can't believe how much easier it is to run about in breeches,” Lydia remarked giddily.

  “The absence of a corset makes a tremendous difference as well,” Alexandra added, inhaling freely.

  “Indeed, it does. Have you decided what name I shall address you as while in disguise?”

  Alexandra slowed her pace as they approached the stables. The wooden door creaked loudly as she pulled it open, causing her heartbeat to accelerate. “I think I shall keep it simple and insist you refer to me as Alexander.”

  Lydia wrinkled her nose. “How unoriginal. I have decided to change my identity completely. From henceforth, you may refer to me as Jessie Nightingale,” she said as she gave an exaggerated bow.

  Alexandra couldn't hold back her laughter, a loud guffaw escaping before her hand went up and clasped upon her mouth.

  “I fail to see the humor in my name,” Lydia gently scolded as she straightened. “I think it sounds quite romantic.”

  “Do you prefer I address you as Lord Jessie or will Nightingale simply due?”

  “Just Jessie will suffice.”

  The stable boys had long retired for the night, leaving the horses in peace. Most of them were sleeping, though several of them had become alert upon the girl's arrival. Alexandra went to her horse, Gertrude, and began gently rubbing her side. “Wake up, girl. We are going for a ride.”

  Excitement filled her as she thought of riding the horse bareback in her borrowed breeches. It's something she'd seen her father and brother do on countless occasions and something she'd always wanted to try.

  “Which one shall I ride?”

  Alexandra tilted her head towards the mare in the stable next to Gertrude's. “It's my brother's horse. He calls her Evelyn.”

  For the first time that night, Lydia looked unsure. “I do not want to ride Levi's mare. If he were to find out, he would surely have me hung.”

  Alexandra scoffed. “It's not a crime worthy of hanging. He would lecture us both, no doubt, but that's the worst that would come of it. Now hurry, Jessie,” she said, liking the way her friend’s new name rolled off her tongue, “let us be off.”

  Guiding Gertrude to the side of the stable, Alexandra stepped up on the wooden wrung and swung her leg over her horse's back and mounted, liking the way it felt to have the powerful beast between her legs. She waited while Lydia did the same then flashed her a beguiling smile. “First one to the village wins.”

  “Wins what, Alexander?”

  Alexandra was thoughtful for a moment before answering. “The winner gets to decide whether we visit the Pig and Crow or Dead Man's Tavern.”

  “Over my dead body,” a loud, yet firm voice called from the corner.

  Both girls inhaled sharply as a man stalked out of the shadows.

  “Levi,” Alexandra gasped as her brother came into view.

  “Get off your hors
es at once,” he commanded, his jaw twitching in anger.

  She glared at her brother, hoping she could singe him with her fiery anger. Unfortunately, he appeared unaffected.

  “Miss Phelps, kindly remove yourself from my horse.”

  Lydia cleared her throat then lowered her voice as she answered, “I do not know who you speak of. I am called Jessie.”

  It was all Alexandra could do to not laugh at her friend’s horrible male impersonation. Levi inhaled slowly. “At least you picked a more original moniker than Alexander, though that's the only thing I will give you credit for this night. Off my horse,” he barked loudly. This time Lydia listened, quickly hopping down.

  Alexandra watched her friend in disgust. She wasn't supposed to give up so easily. Heaven knew she wouldn't allow herself to be bullied by Levi. Straightening her back, she ignored her brother and led Gertrude towards the door. He may be her guardian, but she was not about to let him dictate her every move. She'd fully planned on riding her horse bareback this night, and that is what she was going to do.

  “Alexandra Ruth Worthington,” he bellowed loudly as she moved past him to leave, “stop this nonsense at once. You can scarce imagine the consequences that would ensue if the ton found out about your antics.”

  “I don't care if they do find out,” she spat over her shoulder.

  “That is what you say now, but someday, when you are wed to Lord Coldwell and scandal is attached to your name, you may experience some regret.”

  The mention of Lord Coldwell made her pull to a halt, her eyes drifting closed as if she could block out the truth of his words. “I'm not marrying Lord Coldwell, at least not anytime soon.”

  “The timing of your union doesn't signify. Your reputation, however, does. I will not allow you to bring shame upon the Marquess of Emberson's household.”

  Alexandra should have known he would mention her betrothal to Lord Coldwell. It was the only point on which he could manage to spark even a modicum of guilt. Fortunately for her, however, it didn't produce enough of an effect this time, and she found herself retorting, “Lord Coldwell is out of the country for an undetermined amount of time. By the time he returns, any scandal that may associate with my name will be long forgotten. Lydia, mount Thunder,” she instructed as she pointed to the black stallion in the corner, “and let us be off.”

  Levi stood with his mouth agape as he watched Lydia go to do as she was told. Finally, he regained his composure. Running one hand through his wild, dark hair, he shouted so loudly that every horse in the stables startled awake. “Enough! You will not continue to defy me. Unmount your horse at once before you provoke me to do something you will regret.”

  Alexandra rolled her eyes. “Like what? Take away my pin money?”

  “That would hardly affect you. No, I daresay I will do much worse.”

  “Go ahead, Levi, try your best.”

  She kicked her horse in the side, urging her into a gallop as she headed for the door, hoping Lydia would follow. Her heart raced as she forced herself to look straight ahead, but though it thrilled her to defy her brother, a sick knot of dread formed in her stomach. What, exactly, would he do to punish her?

  Levi cursed as he watched his bold, obstinate sister gallop out of the stables. He glanced sideways at Miss Phelps and growled, “Don't follow her.”

  Miss Phelps hesitated briefly in her attempt to mount Thunder before letting her leg fall to the ground.

  “Good girl,” he praised her.

  His eyes roved over her figure, noting with a measure of discomfort that she had curves he'd not been aware of previously. Miss Phelps was the same age as his sister, but unlike Alexandra, she'd already had her coming out the season prior. Best friends since nearly birth, both girls were scheduled to have their coming out together, but the unexpected death of their parents made that impossible for Alexandra, as she was forced into mourning instead.

  “She won't go to the village without me,” Miss Phelps said quietly.

  “And that is supposed to assuage my nerves?” he asked, one brow cocked in weary amusement.

  Miss Phelps smiled sadly before reaching up and tugging the hat off her head and shaking out her hair. Levi watched, mesmerized as silky black waves cascaded down around her shoulders. He itched to touch it to see if it was as soft as it appeared.

  Suddenly, his interest in the girl turned to anger as he thought of her visiting a tavern with his sister. Though many of the patrons would be deep in their cups, they wouldn't be too drunk to realize the soft curves possessed by both girls did not, in fact, belong to men. The thought of either one of them being in harm's way while on his watch did not settle well with him.

  Levi growled as he scooped Miss Phelps up and tossed her over his shoulder. He tried to ignore the way his body reacted as she squirmed in his arms, her supple body pressing against his own. “Hold still,” he commanded.

  “Let me go,” she shouted at him while pounding furiously on his back with her fists.

  “Not until you are safely deposited inside, locked in my study. I will send word to your father of your antics and let him decide what to do with you next.”

  Mention of her father made Miss Phelps still. He felt the fight leave her body as she slumped against him. “Please don't tell my father,” she begged, her voice sounding small and pathetic.

  “Do you expect me to feel sympathy for you, because I can assure you I do not. I would never have allowed you to visit Channing House if I had known what you were about. I thought your influence would prove beneficial to Alexandra, but I can see that has not been the case. I shudder to think what else you've been up to without me being aware.”

  “Isn't there something I can do to convince you to remain quiet?” she begged.

  Against his better judgment, Levi lowered her to the ground and stood her before him. The top of her head barely reached his chin. He cupped her face in his hands. She lifted her eyes towards him as he glanced down at her full, parted lips.

  “There might be something,” he admitted huskily as he wondered for the first time in his life what kissing her would be like.

  She slowly whetted her lips with her pink tongue, and Levi felt his insides coil with heat. “Anything,” she breathed airily, and he wondered if she wanted his kiss as much as he wanted hers.

  His head slowly dipped towards hers as he whispered, “Kiss me.”

  “Anything,” she repeated as his eyes drifted closed.

  Regrettably, the next thing Levi felt was not her soft lips against his own. Instead, it was the hard palm of her hand as it came roughly into contact with his cheek, sending his head reeling back.

  “Anything but that,” she hissed as his eyes came flying open.

  His sore jaw twitched with anger as he deftly threw her over his shoulder once more. This time she was kicking and screaming so loudly he was afraid the servants would come running to see what was amiss. Not wanting that to occur, he quickly swatted her backside with his hand. “Shut up!”

  Miss Phelps stilled in his arms and regret instantly filled him. Perhaps he'd hit her a little too hard. He hurried to explain away his actions, “Look, you must remain quiet. If we were to be found out here, like this, it would be easy to come to the wrong conclusion.”

  “Are you implying,” she seethed, “that one would conclude that we were together because we wished to be? Certainly, the fact that you have me strung over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes would negate that image.”

  “Not necessarily. You and I both know that gossip spreads quickly. If we were to be found like this, it would not be long before word got back to your father and we'd both suffer the consequences.”

  “Instead you wish to be the one who bears news to him yourself, correct? That way it is only I who will be punished, not you.”

  Levi felt like she was setting a trap. “That is correct. I have done nothing this night to warrant punishment.”

  “On that point, I beg to differ, Sir. Your punishment will co
me, just you wait and see.”

  Lord Emberson,

  It is with a measure of trepidation that I pen this letter, but I must inform you it is time. I regret to admit that I can no longer care for Alexandra without your assistance. I find her nearly unmanageable since our parent's passing and fear she will only get worse as time goes on. Of course, I tell you this in confidence, hoping you can be of assistance with the matter, acting as a father figure since she has disregarded my authority over her. To ensure she remains in prime marriageable condition, I insist she be turned over to your care at once. I will send her, along with her lady's maid, in a fortnight's time.

  All my best,

  The Duke of Ludington

  Aaron Patrick Beaumont, the Marquess of Emberson, laid the missive aside and groaned. He'd read the letter countless times since receiving it nearly two weeks prior and still found it to be quiet unsettling in its vagueness.

  He'd recognized the Duke of Ludington's seal at once upon receiving the correspondence and for a moment nearly forgot about his dear friend's death. It had been so strange to receive a letter with the Duke's seal pressed into the wax, knowing it was not truly from him. His heart still ached knowing he would never hear from him again.

  Fredrick Worthington, the late Duke of Ludington had been a very special friend to him. His own parent's had passed away when he'd been the tender age of eighteen, leaving him to inherit the marquessate much earlier than he'd anticipated. To say he hadn't been ready for the responsibility would have been a grand understatement. He was fresh out of university when he'd received the unexpected and sad news.

  It wasn't but three weeks after he'd laid both his parents to rest that Juliet had informed him that she was with child. His child. Though still in mourning, he was forced to wed her by special license so that their child would be born on the proper side of the sheets.

  At a time of much sorrow and unexpected change, it was the Duke of Ludington that had come to his rescue. He'd taken it upon himself to take Aaron under his wing and guide him in his new responsibilities as Marquess of Emberson, a kindness he could never fully repay.