An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke

An Arranged Betrothal with a Contrite Duke (Marriages Under Conditions Book #4) HISTORICAL REGENCY ROMANCE NOVEL Sally Forbes Copyright © 2021 by Sally Forbes All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the publisher. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the Publisher. A special gift I would like to thank you for purchasing my book. This is important and invaluable for me. You can join my Regency Romance world and receive a thank you gift in return. A full-length novel called “A LADY’S SECRET” is waiting for you for FREE by clicking the link below. SALLY FORBES Once more, I would like to thank you for your support. Table of Contents Prologue 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 Chapter Twenty-four Chapter Twenty-five Chapter Twenty-six Chapter Twenty-seven Chapter Twenty-eight Chapter Twenty-nine Chapter Thirty Epilogue An Arranged Betrothal with a Scarred Viscount Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two About Sally Forbes Prologue Michael Lawrence greedily opened the top letter that sat on his desk. He saw John Yeats’s name on the envelope and knew immediately what it was. He had asked Mr. Yeats, who was his man of business, to keep in close correspondence about a certain artifact he wished to add to his collection. As an aficionado of ancient Greek artifacts, he was always keen to acquire more. One especially had eluded him of late, and he was eager to hear word of it. He pulled out the letter, his hands trembling as his excitement mounted. He had been searching for this artifact, which was an exquisite vase, still in excellent condition, for many years. He had spent a small fortune tracking it down but had had no luck. That was, until now. The very first line of the letter delivered the news to the duke of Strawbridge: the vase had been found. He paused in his reading, picturing it in his collection, displayed prominently for all to see as a testament to his wealth and taste. He imagined the envy of his peers, the admiration of his guests, and the satisfaction of knowing that he possessed something so rare and valuable. He took great pride in his collection of artifacts, which was worth nearly thirteen thousand pounds. He didn’t exactly flaunt his wealth with such a collection. However, he wasn’t ashamed to admit his expenditure on the pieces when showing it to people. However, the next line of the letter sent the duke’s heart crashing. I’m afraid that the vase won’t be so easily acquired, however. I have made multiple inquiries regarding this piece, and I’ve made many rather generous offers for it. But I was informed by the earl’s man of business that many other collectors have made much higher offers, and yet the earl rejects each one. Lord Tockenham seems quite determined to keep the vase for himself. Michael muttered a curse under his breath. He had authorized Mr. Yeats to make any offer necessary to win him the vase. If the man was telling him that higher offers than his own had been declined, he believed that was truly the case. And thus, even if he tripled the highest offer, he suspected that the earl wouldn’t budge. He knew it would not be easy for him to acquire the vase, but he wasn’t willing to give up his dreams of acquiring it. He decided that he would just have to come up with a creative plan to get his hands on it. Michael had coveted the vase for too many years to give up on it. Especially when he knew that it would be a valuable addition to his collection. He began reading, determined to find some way to change the earl’s mind. But as he continued to read, his hopes began to sink once more. Mr. Yeats advised against Michael making a direct offer. He said that it could backfire and result in the vase becoming even more difficult to obtain. Michael shook his head, puzzled over the whole affair. It seemed that the earl was particularly stubborn, at least when it came to the vase in question, and he couldn’t understand the idea. He understood how important a man’s collection was to him. What he couldn’t understand was why the earl would be so attached to one single vase. Even Michael himself thought that, sooner or later, he might consider selling pieces from his own collection. So, why would the earl reject tens of thousands of pounds for one single piece? However, as Michael read on, he learned that there was a way to gain an advantage in the situation. According to Mr. Yeats, the Earl was in financial trouble. He had apparently incurred some gambling debts that he was desperate to hide from his family. He had also made some unwise business investments, which were crippling what little money he had left. He was in a terrible financial bind, especially with the addition of upcoming expenses for his young son’s education and his youngest daughter’s debutante season. In short, he was in dire need of money. Mr. Yeats suggested that the earl might be willing to part with something he valued, such as his eldest daughter's hand in marriage, in exchange for it. Michael considered tossing aside the letter. It seemed rather extreme to find himself with a wife, just for the sake of even the most precious of artifacts. To end up married for a vase seemed ridiculous. As badly as he wanted the