Unmasking the Marquess

UNMASKING THE MARQUESS Book Three in Marrying for Love Regency Romance Series by Allie Kensington Copyright © 2023 by Allie Kensington Published by Ardently Admired Press All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. 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 express written permission of the author. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in, or encourage, the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. MFL2023040901 CONTENTS Free Book Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Epilogue Free Book Acknowledgments About Allie Kensington For my Girls - You are amazing, and you can do anything! I love you! Join Allie’s Regency Reader’s Club for a free book, behind-the-scenes information, and exclusive bonus content! See all of Allie’s Books PROLOGUE LONDON, JANUARY 1812 An icy tension hung in the air as Robert Cavendish, the Marquess of Pembroke, eyed his uncharacteristically quiet cousin from across the carriage. He rarely bet on his intuition, but this time he would have wagered that something was wrong. Jeremy Cavendish was not only Robert’s cousin, but his closest friend and confidant since childhood. Jeremy was light-hearted and always full of information and conversation, yet a deafening silence had permeated their journey from Kent to London. Robert only recalled two other times when Jeremy had remained quiet for so long. The last time was when Robert had learned of his own parents’ deaths overseas. Even in his darkest moments, Jeremy had not tried to cheer him up with words. He had only sat in stoic silence, much like he was now. Robert had relied on Jeremy’s constant, silent support. It had helped him through the hours and the days that had followed. Robert shook his head. Surely, nothing so bad as that moment had happened to Jeremy. When Jeremy had said that the business that took him to London in the middle of the winter was urgent, Robert had not hesitated when he’d asked for Robert’s company on the journey. “Is there something on your mind?” Robert asked. When he received no answer, he pressed on. “Is everything all right?” Jeremy, who’d been staring out the carriage window, focused on Robert. He looked weary. “There is much on my mind, but I can do nothing about it at present.” “Is there something I can help you with? I am here to help you, cousin.” Jeremy seemed to force a smile. “Having you accompany me is more help than you realize. I confess, coming into Town is not my preferred place to be in the winter. But we are almost there.” Robert looked out the window, not recognizing this part of Town as anything spectacular. “Do you have business at your club?” Jeremy shook his head. “No, but I do need to meet with a few people on an urgent matter of business. You will come with me, will you not?” There was a nervous tone in his voice, as if he were truly concerned that Robert would abandon him. “Since when do you need me for moral support?” Robert asked. “I am usually the one who wants you around for such things.” Jeremy shrugged noncommittally. “I usually do not need you for moral support, but today it is necessary.” Robert nodded. “Then, of course, I will come with you. It is why you asked me on the journey, after all.” It couldn’t have been to discuss anything else that was pressing on his mind, as Jeremy had stayed silent for most of the ride. The carriage finally pulled to a stop in front of a large, imposing building. Its gleaming white marble facade stood out against the darkening grey winter sky; its tall columns, standing like proud guards at either side of the entrance, gave the building an air of grandeur and elegance. Robert followed Jeremy up the snowy steps toward the large double mahogany doors. On either side of the doorway stood two bronze statues of lions, their tails held high and proud in a defiant stance, ready to protect the building’s inhabitants from intruders. Jeremy knocked on the door, and they were both immediately admitted inside. The large entrance hall was ornately decorated with paintings, the finest chandeliers, and luxurious furniture. The intricately designed marble floors ushered them forward. They were led into a large room with a vaulted ceiling, but where the furniture was sparse compared to the large entry way they’d come through. The walls were covered in large portraits and tapestries, all depicting scenes from London’s past. In the center of the room was an enormous fireplace with a roaring fire, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. A large desk sat at one end of the room. A few plain chairs sat in front of it. The man behind the desk had a curly powdered wig on, though it was hardly the fashion anymore. He pushed his round spectacles higher on his nose when he looked up from his papers. Robert hung back, not wanting to intrude on Jeremy’s private business, but the man who’d brought them into the room ushered him forward. As there was no other seat in the room, Robert took the chair that was next to his cousin. “Ah, Cavendish, I see you have done your job,” the man in the wig said in a squeaky voice. Jeremy looked sheepish as he glanced at