On a Wild Duke Chase: The Wayward Woodvilles Book 2 Read online

  Contents

  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

  Epilogue

  Series by Tamara Gill

  About the Author

  Copyright

  On a Wild Duke Chase

  The Wayward Woodvilles, Book 2

  Copyright © 2022 by Tamara Gill

  Cover Art by Wicked Smart Designs

  Editor Grace Bradley Editing, LLC

  * * *

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  * * *

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a database and retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the owner of copyright and the above publishers.

  Chapter

  One

  Woodville House, 1805

  Isla Woodville threw rose petals at her sister Hailey, now the Duchess of Derby, as she ran through the line of family and friends with her new husband, both of them laughing and smiling in their joy. The duke and duchess were not to depart Northumberland for the continent and the wonderful, jealousy-inducing honeymoon until after the wedding breakfast.

  Isla dabbed at her cheeks, unable to fathom that her eldest sister would no longer be living with them. That they would no longer share a room, ride about the estate, swim, and play in the river as they had done so many times growing up.

  She was a duchess now, a wife, and no matter how happy Isla was for her, the lump in her throat would not dissipate.

  Her younger sister—in Isla’s opinion taller and much more handsome than any of the other Woodville sisters—hugged her. They stared wistfully at the ducal carriage as it pulled away from the church and started back toward their home. "Can you believe it, Isla? Our sister is a duchess. The horror of it all."

  Isla frowned up at Julia, wondering what on earth she was talking about. "You cannot mean that. Hailey is the happiest, and I daresay one of the luckiest women in England right at this moment. She fell in love with a farmhand and somehow kissed him, and he turned into a duke. Not many would be so lucky."

  "Yes," Julia agreed, her tone mocking. "But do you not see? It increases our chances of making grand matches as she did. And I do not know about you, but have you seen the gentlemen here this morning? A lot of popinjays if you ask me."

  Isla looked about and pursed her lips. Those in attendance were all very fine and much more handsomely dressed than they all were, even though her family did not lack monetarily. But mayhap, in London next Season, they ought to reside in Cheapside and not Mayfair just to be certain no one realized just how well-situated each Woodville sister was.

  "Very well, I agree. They all look terribly dull, but as they are His Grace's friends, we owe him the honor of being kind and speaking to every one of them. It would not hurt, I suppose, not to make enemies of any of them, especially since I'm to have a Season next year, and you will follow me soon after."

  Julia slouched. "Urgh, do not remind me. Mama has already expressed ways in which to make me appear shorter. Bar cutting off my legs, I do not see any of her ideas as successful."

  Isla laughed, pulling her sister to where the family carriage was waiting. She jumped up without assistance from Thomas, who held out his hand. "No need, Thomas. I'm quite capable, I assure you."

  Their old retainer, who had been in their employ for many years, grinned at Isla before helping Julia up. "I do hope Mama and Papa are not long. Mother seems to be making the most of all the London ton being here today."

  "Well, it is highly unlikely that they will be so again." Her sister Hailey would, of course, host house parties and have to entertain the duke's friends, her friends now too, she supposed, but they would not. They would settle back into their quiet country life and wait for the next London Season. That was enough change that was to come. Now that her sister was a duchess, their ranks had increased, and they would be looked upon more favorably in the ton.

  Not to mention that because of her mama, once known as Lady Anne, the Earl of Smithfield's daughter and newly returned to take her place in society, they would not escape being thrown into the paths of such as the gentlemen who were here today.

  Finally, after a little time, their parents made their way toward the carriage, their smiles making Isla grin. They were so happy for Hailey, and they loved the duke. He had won over all their hearts with his love for their sister. One could not be anything but overjoyed by their marriage.

  "Assist me, Thomas," her mama asked as they bustled up to the carriage. They settled across from them, pleased smiles on both their faces. "Your younger sisters have decided to walk home, which I have agreed to since the service was so very long. They will be home in time to see Hailey and the duke off."

  "You mean the Duke and Duchess of Derby, Mama," Isla said as the carriage lurched forward.

  "Oh, how well that sounds. My dear daughters, you two are next, and I think that since you're such a tall girl, Julia, you shall debut with Isla. You are, after all, twenty next year, and Isla will be one and twenty. A debut together will save money, and we must make the most of your sister's new popularity in town. It will possibly mean you both will make fine matches."

  Julia huffed beside her, staring out the carriage window.

  Isla knew there was little point in arguing with her mama. When she had her mind made up, there would be little to say or do that would sway her. No doubt she was as headstrong as her father the earl was rumored to have been.

  "Let us hope that we find a match that is as loving as Hailey has found. An honorable man who cares for his wife more than anything else. That would be welcome enough for me," Isla added.

  "Of course," his father agreed, winking at her.

  Isla let the rocking carriage lull her a moment, enjoying the quiet while they had some before the wedding breakfast began.

  "I heard that Viscount Billington is holding a house party next week and has been giving out invitations to those at the wedding that he is acquainted with. A house party to celebrate the end of the Season, apparently."

  Isla had met Viscount Billington, and he was a pleasant-enough gentleman. However, the idea of a house party with the majority of people at this wedding made Isla shudder in revulsion. She did not want to go anywhere until she was forced to next year.

  "Mayhap, you may be invited, Isla."

  "Me?" she said, louder than she ought. "Why on earth would he invite me? I do not even know him all that well, other than the fact he is Derby's friend."

  "That is exactly why I would think you will receive an invitation." Her mother sent her a pointed stare. "It would do you good to go, and you may take Molly with you. Now that your sister is a duchess, we must make improvements where we can, and I have hired more
staff to help upstairs."

  "I will not know anyone, Mama. Hailey will not be in attendance as they'll be traveling to Paris soon. Please do not make me go. I wanted to spend the last of the warm weather at home with my family." Reading and keeping away from everyone, just as she preferred. Not traipsing about England in search of a house party where she knew no one and doubted anyone would pay her any mind without Hailey and the duke being by her side.

  "You will be welcomed with open arms, and I shall make sure you will not be ignored if you do receive an invitation. Do not worry, my dear. It will all work out well."

  The carriage turned into Woodville House's drive, and glancing out the window, she could see the duke's highly polished carriage parked in front of the house. "How long do you think the wedding breakfast will take?" she asked, not wanting to sound too eager to disappear. Still, the week had been chaotic with her sister's marriage preparations. All she wanted was to curl up on her bed, read her latest novel she had purchased and had posted from London, The Italian from Mrs. Radcliffe, and nap whenever she felt the urge.

  "Several hours, although I do not think Hailey and Derby will be here that long. They will be traveling to Kent so he may introduce her to his staff and their new home."

  From what Hailey had told her, it was impressive indeed and only one estate of many. However would her sister manage so many properties and the London town house? Just the thought of such a position made her head ache. When would her sister get time to read books if she had to order dinner, parties, keep housemaids in hand, and have babies? It was a dreadful bore if anyone bothered to ask Isla. Not that anyone did.

  She may enjoy romance novels and gothic tales of spies and highwaymen, but she did not want to live a life of such excitement. A sedate, country gentleman would do her very well. Mayhap Mr. Bagshaw had a brother who could turn his attention to her now that his sibling was married.

  Or maybe she could just remain a spinster and not marry at all and have adventure and excitement only in her mind.

  Chapter

  Two

  Two weeks later, Isla and her maid were led into a large room of Viscount Billington's grand estate outside of York, her mother's plans to have them attend the house party coming to fruition.

  Thankfully, Isla had been able to gain an invitation for her closest friend Harlow York, who was now settling into her own room across the hall from her.

  "If you need anything else or require any assistance with dressing or hair that your maid is not able to oblige with, please let us know. We have several lady’s maids who are more than competent."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Smithers," she said to the housekeeper, ignoring Molly's insulted visage behind the older woman's back. "I shall keep that in mind."

  A tall, middle-aged woman, the housekeeper nodded and quietly left the room, shutting the door behind her.

  "I will not disappoint you, Miss Isla. You will look the most handsome and best-dressed lady here these next two weeks."

  Isla waved her maid's concerns aside. "Do not worry about what the housekeeper said. You know these houses always bring a certain amount of snobbishness with them. I'm certain we shall muddle along perfectly well."

  "And, let us not forget that your sister is a duchess now. There would be few who would treat you unkindly."

  Isla smiled and went over to her bed. Her trunk was sitting beside the bed, and she opened it, unpacking the many books she brought and placing them on the bedside cabinet.

  "Oh, I can do that for you, miss," Molly said, coming over to her quickly.

  Isla waved her away. "I'm more than capable of unpacking my books, Molly. If you would hang my gowns and check that they do not need pressing before the night's events, that would be time better spent, I think."

  "Of course."

  Isla wandered about the room, looking out the window to the grounds, so unlike their own at Grafton. They had a lawn, of course, and a terrace and even a river that ran through the property, but this estate was something else entirely. Grand came to mind when she glanced out on the vast property.

  The sun shone brightly on the pristine lawns. Many gardeners worked in the beds that blossomed with color. The terrace beneath her bedroom window housed several guests. Men and women both were sitting at tables enjoying drinks of some kind and talking amongst themselves.

  Isla smiled at the serene view, but her stomach knotted in dread. However would she socialize with these people who were far above her in status? Most of them were titled or children of titled nobility. She was a gentleman's daughter, gentry at best.

  Your sister is a duchess. That changes everything.

  She sighed, wishing Hailey were here with her now. She could handle herself no matter what situation she found herself in.

  The door to her room burst open, and she jumped at the unexpected intrusion. "Isla, are these rooms not the most darling things you've ever seen? We shall have such a relaxing, wonderful time these next two weeks."

  Isla took Harlow's hand, smiling at her friend, who all but hopped about with excitement. "I'm glad you're here with me. Would you like to go downstairs and meet our host?"

  "Lord Billington? Yes, I suppose we should." Isla led them from the room, entwining her arm with Harlow's. "You know his lordship, do you not? He will remember that we're invited?"

  Isla smiled, assuming that he would. "He will remember. He's one of Derby's closest friends, and before Hailey and Derby went off on their honeymoon, he had Lord Billington promise to take good care of us. He will hold to such a pledge. Do not worry."

  Harlow sighed. "That is very good then. I feel a little out of place since the invitation was extended to me through you."

  "Do not feel like that. I'm glad you're here, and his lordship would not have extended the invitation had he not wanted you to attend."

  "That is absolutely correct, Miss Isla."

  Isla looked up to see Lord Billington waiting for them at the base of the stairs. She smiled, but her eyes shifted past his lordship to the man standing at his back. The breath in her lungs seized, and her slipper caught on the last stair. She stumbled. Not even Harlow, who grabbed hold of her to stop her fall, could change the trajectory of the stumble.

  "Miss Woodville, are you unharmed?" Lord Billington asked, the man behind him coming to her aid and helping her to right herself. His fingers tightened on her arm, lifting her, and fire coursed through her blood.

  She shook everyone's assistance off, her face burning and her body humming with some new and odd feeling at his touch. How could she have tumbled down the stairs like some swooning heroine in one of her books?

  She glanced about the room, noticing for the first time several other guests, ladies who smirked at her misfortune. Isla raised her chin and smiled at Lord Billington. "I'm perfectly well, thank you, Lord Billington," she said. "This is Miss Harlow York, if you remember, from my sister's wedding." Isla turned and pulled her friend forward, who stood staring at all the upper-class lords and ladies as if she had seen a ghost. Harlow dipped into a curtsy, deep enough to be a bow to the queen.

  "Lord Billington, thank you for extending the invitation to me."

  "It was my pleasure, of course. Isla is practically family now that she’s related to Derby. We've been friends for many years, you see."

  "Introduce us." The gentleman who had helped Isla after her stumble came forward, his eyes taking in her every feature. Isla swallowed the nerves that sparked at his inspection. He was utterly unlike anyone she had ever met before, certainly the most handsome man she had ever beheld.

  He was tall, taller than even Lord Billington. He had a pleasant smile as if he laughed often and found most things amusing. Not to mention his eyes were the darkest shade of blue she had ever beheld. They took her in, and she wondered what he saw when he examined her. Did he like what he saw, or was she not to his taste?

  Please let me be to his taste.

  Isla threw that unhelpful thought aside and smiled toward this stranger, waiting t
o be introduced.

  "This is Viscount Leigh. Lord Leigh, this is Miss Isla Woodville, who will be joining us for the fortnight."

  His lordship bowed. "Miss Woodville, it is a pleasure to meet you."

  Isla dipped into a curtsy, taking the opportunity to inspect him further as he was introduced to Harlow. His legs appeared muscular under his silk knee-breeches. She supposed, like most gentlemen, he rode his horse often and partook in other exercises to keep himself healthy. "A pleasure, Lord Leigh, and thank you for aiding me when I tumbled at everyone's feet."

  He laughed. The sound was deep and alluring and made her stomach flutter. Mayhap this country house party wasn't such a bad idea after all. Not if gentlemen like Lord Leigh were present. He was above and beyond handsome, and she could while away her day quite happily if the men were all as handsome as he was.

  "We were just heading into the parlor. There is a light supper laid out for us all, and you can wander into the gardens if you prefer. The terrace is just beyond the room. We are not doing too many events today as there are still more guests to arrive," Lord Billington explained as they started toward the parlor.

  Isla took in the house, much larger and grander than any she had been in before in her life. She was sure that the entrance hall itself could fit their drawing room and entrance into it. Although she had yet to see her sister's new home in Kent with Derby, she knew it would be of similar standing and opulence as this house was.

  The floors glistened with polish. The furniture, the finest design, and the paintings that adorned the walls told of a great family's past while their future walked the halls. It was intimidating, and she felt like she was out of place being around nobility. Her sister Hailey should be here. This was her world now, not so much Isla’s.