The Scarlet Lady's Duke of Desire

The Scarlet Lady's Duke of DesireA REGENCY ROMANCE NOVELLUCY LANGTON Copyright © 2023 by Lucy LangtonAll 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. Table of ContentsTable of ContentsFree Exclusive GiftThe Scarlet Lady's Duke of DesireIntroductionChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5Chapter 6Chapter 7Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter 10Chapter 11Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 14Chapter 15Chapter 16Chapter 17Chapter 18Chapter 19Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27Chapter 28Chapter 29Chapter 30Chapter 31Chapter 32Chapter 33Chapter 34Chapter 35A Duke in Pursuit of PassionIntroductionChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Chapter 4Chapter 5 Free Exclusive GiftSign up for my mailing list to be notified of hot new releases and get my latest Full-Length Novel “The Enchanted by a Fiery Lady” (available only to my subscribers) for FREE!Click the link or enter it into your browserhttp://lucylangton.com/adelaide The Scarlet Lady's Duke of Desire IntroductionMiss Melody Thornton, the daughter of a scandal, born to an earl's second son and a common servant, has always been an outsider amidst the judgmental gazes of high society. With one foot in each world but fitting into neither, she prefers to keep her nose buried in books rather than experience life the hard way. Despite society's rejection, a captivating Duke's attention lures Melody into his seductive world and the opportunity to stir up some chaos within the society that has so often shunned her.Will she finally find the courage to break free from her shell and take a chance at passionate love, even if it means stirring up scandal?As expected, Lord James Hastings has taken to his new title as Duke of Haston with ease. Well-respected and versed in noble life, he knows he must fulfill his duty and find a suitable wife. The ladies of the ton yearn for his attention, but when he meets the alluring Melody, his desire to conquer her body and soul threatens to unravel his carefully crafted reputation.Will he succumb to the temptation and risk losing everything for the woman who has captured his heart?As honour clashes with irresistible passion, Melody and James can not help surrendering to their undeniable lust. Can they defy their predestined fate and everyone’s expectations, for the sake of all-consuming love? Or will their scandalous affair go down in flames before it fills them with sparks? Chapter 1Miss Melody Thornton stood at the edge of the dancefloor, as she always did during balls. She watched, longingly, as couple after couple danced past her, wondering what it might be like to be one of those ladies who was asked regularly to the dancefloor.As the daughter born of scandal, it very rarely occurred. And though sometimes that was a relief, especially when some of the gentlemen in attendance were less desirable, it also left her quite miserable at times. Her only solace was standing beside her best friend, Miss Petunia Blackford. Brown-haired, blue-eyed, pretty and petite, Miss Blackford, as the daughter of Viscount Blackford, was well-liked and often sought out at such events. Though Melody thought she would be even more sought after if she did not insist upon associating herself publicly with her. “I cannot believe I allowed you to talk me into coming tonight,“ Melody sighed deeply, feeling the eyes of several other guests upon her. Their expressions were only mildly unpleasant towards her, but it was enough to tell her they thought that she had no right to be amongst them. It had always been that way. She had been dealing with the scorn of the ton since the moment of her birth, through no fault of her own, but sometimes it affected her more than others. That particular night was one of those times. She hadn't really been feeling up to attending anyway, but standing there with so many scowls and whispered comments thrown in her direction, she constantly felt the urge to run. “Oh, Melody, we have barely been here for half an hour,” Petunia protested. Though she shook her head, her updo was pinned to perfection and didn't move an inch on her head. Though the diamond tiara upon her head looked heavy, she seemed to be having no trouble with it either. Petunia made everything look flawless and effortless and next to her, Melody felt as though she stuck out like a sore thumb.Yet, she would not change her best friend for the world. She just wished that they could keep their company together private so not to leave a smudge upon her friend's reputation, as there was already one upon her own. “Yes, and that half an hour has been enough for everyone in the room to begin their gossip about my being here,” Melody said, discreetly tilting her head towards several older ladies across the dancefloor who were glancing at her, their heads close together as they whispered to each other. “Oh, Melody, stop being so self-centred,” Petunia said mockingly and with great affection. “Not everything is about you, you know.” Though said in jest, her words made Melody's gut churn at the truth behind them. Deep down they both knew Melody was right. She could see it in the way that Petunia kept shooting warning glares at those close by. But Melody's friend's silent warnings could only go so far. As the daughter of a viscount, she had some influence but not enough.And Melody hated her to use it either way. Though she could never give up the one true friend she had, she often concerned herself with the problems it might cause for Petunia if they were seen to be too close. Would her friend struggle to find herself a husband if men believed her to be too close to the product of a scandal? Though she often thought herself silly for