Duke Herheart Final Read Online Free Page A

pounding of the hooves calm his fraying nerves.
    As the road drew to its familiar end, Michael’s concern for Kathryn mounted. He should have overtaken her by now and since he had not, he knew she had not headed in this direction after all. He contemplated turning around but his mount would not be able to ride that distance.
    16

    Duke of Her Dreams – Olivia Ritch

    Michael was too close to home and the possibility of gaining a fresh horse to risk it. He would go back but not yet.
    Slowing Fury to a walk, Michael scrubbed his hand over his face and tried to clear his mind from his pursuit of the missing woman to prepare for what lay ahead. He was coming home for the first time since losing his father and brother. He had for thirty years been the second son, the spare after all, the one destined to be a soldier. Now he was riding toward a completely new destiny. Surveying the familiar land spread out before him on all sides, Michael was indeed quite keen on taking the reins of his family’s vast holdings and becoming the Duke of Asterleigh.
    He kicked his heels and spurred on his horse.
    Excitement building, his heart welled as the façade of Hawthorne came into view. Nothing had prepared Michael for the emotion he would feel, the possessiveness of being master of this…of Hawthorne. Home .
    He reined in. A lad rushed from the stable for Fury and stopped short when he realized who the rider was. The boy was not alone in his wonder and curtains tittered throughout the building, curious eyes peering out in awe at the lone rider.
    “Milord, welcome home,” the boy murmured.
    “Thank you, lad. He should cooperate for you as he’s been ridden hard.”
    “Yes, milord.” Michael saw acceptance in Fury’s huge eyes as he gave himself to the lad, as if he too realized the weight of responsibility that fell on his master’s shoulders and deigned to acquiesce to the ministrations of an underling just this once. The horse also likely recognized a dab hand. Michael expected the boy would become a fine stableman.
    Taking in the view on all sides, Michael admired the long row of stately trees marching alongside the drive that culminated in the wide circular graveled forecourt, then glanced at the lane leading to the stables where the lad had started off with Fury. He could see the stable down below and smell the faint scent of manure and constantly churned dirt.
    He had been up this drive too many times to count but now he studied his home, its gardens and buildings anew, appreciating how impressive it all was. And, it was his . Michael’s chest swelled with pride and he couldn’t help but smile.
    But he would dally another day and time to enjoy the sights. For now, he had a mission. His long stride gained him the steps quickly and Michael watched the great doors swing wide, spilling servants out into the Courtyard while their stately leader Hallthorpe stood at attention on the top step. “Welcome home mi’lord.”
    17

    Duke of Her Dreams – Olivia Ritch

    “Welcome!” “Huzzah!”
    “Good show, mi’lord.” The hearty greetings came from throughout the line of servants that had formed down the steps and extended back into the great hall. His maids curtsied and the footmen bowed and from all around him he felt the genuine warmth of their welcome that was evident in their wide and glowing smiles.
    “Your Grace.” He heard affection in Hallthorpe’s deep baritone.
    “Hallthorpe, I see you have kept the household in order.” He clasped the elder man by the shoulder and gripped his hand firmly.
    “Your Grace, we have been preparing for your return. The staff is heartened to see you returned hale and whole.”
    “I have heard that more than once today. I am as relieved as you.
    Thank you.” In a louder voice he repeated, “Thank you all for your kind welcome. Be dismissed back to your posts.” On his words, the greetings died away and servants melted back into the house and the gardens.
    “Hallthorpe, will you