A Second Chance for the Broken Duke: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Read online

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2019 by Fanny Finch

  All rights reserved.

  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 written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Copyright

  A Second Chance for the Broken Duke

  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

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  Chapter 47

  Chapter 48

  Chapter 49

  Chapter 50

  Chapter 51

  Chapter 52

  Chapter 53

  Chapter 54

  Chapter 55

  Chapter 56

  Epilogue

  The Extended Epilogue

  Be A Part of Fanny Finch’s Family

  Last Chance for the Charming Ladies - Preview

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Also by Fanny Finch

  A Second Chance for the Broken Duke

  Chapter 1

  Lady Elizabeth Owens was one of the most prominent and lovely young ladies in London, at least according to her dearest friends. At twenty years of age, she was slender, just five feet tall and had long, curly blond hair. Her eyes were naturally narrow and changed from blue to green, depending on how she was feeling.

  She cast her eyes out the window of the coach, admiring the rolling green hills as she rode to the Thornwall estate, a castle far from London. Her heart beat with anticipation, thinking about her closest friend, Lady Agatha. Lady Agatha’s brother, Malcolm Hickson, was the Duke of Thornwall.

  The Duke of Thornwall was known to Lady Elizabeth only because of her friend’s description of him. She was very flattering and Lady Elizabeth had a feeling her friend was becoming a matchmaker. She’d heard rumors that he’d gone into seclusion, after a house fire took his betrothed from him but she didn’t reveal to Lady Agatha that her brother was on the tongues of society. She was afraid it would hurt her feelings.

  Lady Agatha had recently been thrown from a horse and injured herself quite severely. It would be the worst time to tell her such things about her brother. It was obvious from her letters that she dearly loved him.

  Upon hearing the news, Lady Elizabeth immediately asked her parents for permission to visit the Thornwall Castle to aid her good friend. It was not the season for socializing in London, so they obliged.

  Lady Elizabeth was looking forward to meeting Lady Agatha’s brother. Her friend had always spoken highly of him, saying he was handsome, kind, and generous. She was anxious to find out how compatible the two of them would be. Lady Agatha had mentioned at their last meeting that she felt Lady Elizabeth would be a good match for the Duke of Thornwall.

  Lady Elizabeth had not told her parents this, as she did not want them thinking she was going to see Malcolm instead of Lady Agatha. Either way, she was accompanied by her chaperone, Phoebe, whom she considered to be a very dear friend as well as companion.

  “You are looking quite anxious, my lady,” Phoebe said with a smile. “You have not seen Lady Agatha in some time?”

  Lady Elizabeth turned her head to look at her companion, also smiling. “Yes, it has been some time. I almost cannot remember the last time I spoke with her in person.”

  “That is a long time.”

  Lady Elizabeth giggled, covering her mouth with one hand. “I am teasing, of course. I always remember when I see Lady Agatha. She is such a dear friend to me.”

  Phoebe looked amused.

  “I am so pleased that she has moved back to Thornwall Castle. She was sorely missing her home for so long.”

  “Where has she been, if I may ask?”

  Lady Elizabeth looked through the window as she responded. “She was staying at her aunt’s in order to finish her education. She left home four years ago. She has been home for three months. I spoke last to her in person when I was visiting the Damara estate. That is the estate of her aunt. I was so pleased to receive a letter inviting me to Thornwall Castle. I am so excited.”

  Lady Elizabeth pressed her lips together briefly, thinking about Lady Agatha. She had a great fondness for the young woman. She had supported Lady Elizabeth through a difficult health issue nearly a year previous. Lady Elizabeth felt like she would never be able to pay her friend back for her kindness.

  Lady Agatha had taken time from the social season to see that Lady Elizabeth was cared for. Nothing meant more to Lady Elizabeth than that, knowing that Lady Agatha had the same duties to find a husband as she did.

  “I am so excited to see her, Phoebe. I know she is going to be happy to see me. She is such a wonderful friend. I think, though, that I will be upset when I see her in her present condition.”

  “She was badly hurt in the accident?”

  “The doctors had to set one of her arms, which broke when she was thrown from the horse. Her whole body is bruised and sore, to the point that it is difficult for her to walk.”

  Phoebe’s face reflected her sympathy. “That is dreadful, my lady.”

  “It really is. She is such a vibrant creature. I cannot wait to give her a big hug. I may have to wait for that, since she is so bruised right now. We only met a year and a half ago but we have stayed in contact through correspondence when we were not able to see each other.”

  “I am pleased you have such a good friend, Lady Elizabeth.”

  Lady Elizabeth smiled at her companion. “She is, Phoebe, she really is. I love her as if she is my sister.”

  “I am glad to hear that.”

  “I am also quite anxious to meet her brother. Lady Agatha says he is a fine gentleman and that I will be fond of him, too. I have never met him before. It will be exciting, I must say!”

  Lady Elizabeth’s excitement about meeting Malcolm was bubbling in her stomach. She knew Lady Agatha was playing match maker. She wondered if her friend had also mentioned what she was doing to her brother or if Malcolm was essentially being set up. The thought made her giggle.

  “He will adore you, my lady.”

  Lady Elizabeth’s grin widened. “Do you think so?”

  Phoebe laughed. “I know so, I truly do.”

  Lady Elizabeth turned her face to the sun, closing her eyes and basking in the warm rays. She hoped so, too. If all went as hoped, she would be related to Lady Aga
tha and they really would be sisters. The thought pleased her tremendously.

  “I am also very pleased that I was able to come to the castle to visit. Mother and Father have been trying so hard to match me with someone, even though it is not currently the social season. They believe it is necessary to keep looking at socializing no matter what time of year it is.”

  “I must say I do agree with them, my lady,” Phoebe said, softly. “They are looking out for you in every way possible.”

  Lady Elizabeth glanced at her companion, nodding. “I do believe that, yes.”

  “They do love you, Lady Elizabeth.”

  The sober nature of her companion’s voice drew Lady Elizabeth’s attention back to her. She gazed at her with a neutral look on her face. “Yes, I know.”

  Phoebe sat forward slightly, speaking in a low, soft voice. “They may not have spent a great deal of time with you, but I know they love you because they speak of you so fondly. I hope you will not think too harshly of them when they begin to dictate.”

  Lady Elizabeth shook her head. “I think no negative thoughts about Mother and Father, Phoebe. Whatever could have given you such a thought?”

  Phoebe pulled in a deep breath and sat back. Lady Elizabeth thought her face looked regretful and began to wonder if something had been said she should be worried about.

  “Oh, Phoebe.” She grinned. “There is no need for me to worry about such things when I have you to worry for me.”

  Phoebe returned her grin, giggling softly. “Yes, my lady, I do not mind taking on your worries.”

  “You are a good companion, Phoebe. I will have to tell Father what a good job you are doing.”

  “That is very kind of you to say.”

  “Perhaps while we are at Thornwall Castle, you will meet a nice young man for yourself.”

  Phoebe shook her head. “It would be nice to meet a young man, my lady, but I have no time for such things. I have a job to do and I am dedicated to helping you find the right husband for you.”

  “Well, I want you to be happy, too, Phoebe. If there is anything you need, you must not hesitate to ask. Am I clear?”

  Phoebe lifted her eyebrows, looking surprised. “My lady!” she cried. “I could never ask you for anything! It is not my place. I cannot imagine what your father would say if he found out I requested anything from you.”

  Lady Elizabeth smiled. “He would not be able to say anything if he did not find out. And who would tell him? Certainly not I. You must promise me that you will inform me if you are in need of anything or want something, say, a different room to sleep in with a better view of the landscape or a few extra pillows on your bed. I want you to be comfortable, too.”

  “That is very kind of you.” Phoebe returned her lady’s smile. “I will let you know if I am in need of a different room with a better view.”

  Lady Elizabeth laughed, softly. “The landscape around Thornwall Castle is said to be some of the best in all the county! I am so excited to see it!”

  “We will be there soon, my lady. I am excited as well.”

  Chapter 2

  Lady Elizabeth’s eyes widened when she saw the castle in the distance. She waved her hand at Phoebe excitedly. “Oh, Phoebe! It is so beautiful!”

  Phoebe leaned forward and looked behind her at the castle they were approaching. She gasped, which gratified Lady Elizabeth’s feelings about the grand sight they were approaching. They were flanked on both sides by a long row of fir trees.

  The trees ended at a cobblestone arched bridge. At the beginning of the bridge before the side walls were two tall iron lamps. At the top of the lamps, flame shaped glass frames pointed up toward the sky.

  They rumbled over the bridge with Lady Elizabeth practically hanging out of the window, gazing around her with wide eyes. It was much different from her mansion back home and the house they stayed in during the London season.

  Four wide, round towers rose up to a peak, topped off by a cross on each, reaching into the sky. Each was connected to the main portion of the castle, which rose up majestically made of dark brown stone. Crystal-clear windows were scattered here and there across the walls in an asymmetric pattern.

  Lady Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and saw a row of symmetric holes that ran all the way around the front of the castle. They were for archers and artillery. Lady Elizabeth felt a chill run through her. She would ask Lady Agatha about the history of the castle, as she would surely know. It would be so interesting to find out if those turrets had ever been used in a time of war. Certainly not during Lady Agatha’s life, but long ago.

  Underneath the bridge was a wide moat. She looked down at the rippling water. Perhaps she would have a swim on a warm day.

  She giggled at the thought.

  A huge gate rolled up slowly as they crossed the bridge. It was all the way up when they reached it. To each side, the moat guards were housed in small circular rooms with narrow windows allowing them to see to the front, left and right.

  Lady Elizabeth saw them nod at the driver, who passed into the courtyard without stopping. She looked around her, realizing the bridge was the only way in, without taking down the walls of the castle.

  Lady Elizabeth gazed around her, thinking how bustling this castle had probably been at one time. Now, there was no one there. Benches, chairs, curtains, and supplies dotted the outline of the surrounding walls, reminding Lady Elizabeth that once it really had been lively.

  She pulled in a deep breath as they approached the front of the castle. She sat back, wanting to look proper when she arrived, instead of like a gawking little girl.

  She cleared her throat and prepared herself to meet Malcolm and be taken to see her dear friend.

  The coach gradually slowed and then came to a stop in front of the twelve-foot tall doors that provided entry into the inner parts of the castle.

  Lady Elizabeth nervously bit her bottom lip, looking at Phoebe, whose constant smile comforted and calmed her. She kneaded her gloved hands together, hearing the familiar sounds of the driver climbing down from his perch. She tapped her foot gently under the long skirts of her dress.

  Too much time passed and Lady Elizabeth became impatient. She narrowed her eyes, looking out the window, aching to lean out as far as it took to see why no one had come to open the door. She knew it did not take more than a few seconds to get down and open the door.

  Her heartbeat sped up as her anxiety grew.

  Finally, frowning deeply, she pulled in her courage and leaned forward to peek through the window at the front of the coach. A man had stopped the driver from opening the door for her and Phoebe. He was speaking in a low tone, looking directly at the driver. He was slapping one hand with the other with the back of his fingers.

  She gasped in disbelief and reached over the edge of the door to unlatch it.

  She swung the door open and Lady Elizabeth stepped down from the coach. She grabbed her skirts with both hands and marched over to the two men, glaring at the stranger.

  “You!” she said, stopping a few feet from the man. He had a deep scar running from his left temple all the way to the chin. Other than that, he was a handsome man. Lady Elizabeth’s ire prevented her from seeing that. She also did not notice how well-dressed he was and that chances were slim he was a servant.

  So she said, “You have delayed my driver from coming to open the door. I am an invited guest and I will be treated as such. I am here to see Lady Agatha. She is my friend and I would like to see her as soon as possible! Please find the Duke of Thornwall and inform him of my arrival.”