Mesmerising the Duke (Regency Romance) (Regency Lords Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

room and theatrically proclaimed, “I have a sure hand my Lord Chesterton, quitting would be foolish to say the least.”
    “So you say,” the Earl replied unruffled.
    “Let’s up the ante. I will stake my entire fortune, including my sister’s hand in marriage and the inheritance that comes with,” Danford declared with flourish. The entire room took a breath in stunned shock. These kind of bets were never undertaken in mixed company. It was the height of vulgarity, best suited for a gentleman’s club. Discreetly, those handful of women that had surrounded the players removed themselves.
    For a split of a second the Earl’s expression changed, but it disappeared so quickly only the most astute of observers would have noticed it.
    “Are you sure you want to put that much at stake, Mr. Danford?” the Earl asked in an icy voice. “The measure of a man’s leadership is in his ability to restrain himself from the follies that afflict others.”
    “I assure you, I have my full faculties,” Danford slurred. Douglas looked at Marcus, surely he would not go ahead with this. It was clear the young man was acting more foolishly than he would have if not under the influence.
    “As you wish,” Lord Chesterton said with a sigh. With no further ado, he revealed his cards. The entire room gasped. There was no way the young man could beat the cards that had just been placed on the table.
    Douglas had seen enough. He decided to make his presence known.
    “Well, well, how nice to see you again Lord Chesterton,” he voiced. There was a silver of truth underlining his greeting. The Earl of Chesterton looked up and their gaze locked. Oh Marcus, how I have wronged you, will you not forgive me? But none of the Duke’s thoughts were voiced.  They hadn’t been for years and it was unlikely the Earl would want to hear them today.
    “Your Grace,” the Earl replied with a nod. The entire room was silent. The event unfolding was of such magnitude that the gossip mongers would have fodder for years to come.
    “You are playing an interesting game with the young man here. Fancy doing something more challenging?” Douglas asked in a nonchalant voice as he sat down at the table.
    “However amusing that would be, I believe I am done for the day. You will just have to find someone else to play with… Monty ,” Marcus whispered his nickname quietly so it only reached his ears. The disdain it was said in, cut deep. He started putting away his playing cards and made to leave. Douglas said the only thing he knew would get him to sit back down.
    “I met Lady Arabelle last week. She sends her regards.” The Earl’s impassable face coloured in uncontrolled anger. He clenched his fists. “How gracious of her,” he replied icily. “On second thought, I am happy to play a game with you, Your Grace.”
    “Smashing. How about a game of hazard,” Douglas replied, his gaze unwavering.
    “A game of Hazard, with the Duke of Hazard himself?” Lord Chesterton replied, smiling cynically, “Now that doesn’t seem very sporting.”
    “Don’t tell me you are afraid to lose to me again ,” Douglas taunted. That should do it. I am sorry my friend.
    “A game of Hazard it is.”
    “What are the stakes?”
    “Your entire win from Mr. Danford, including the sister’s fortune.”
    In the background Stephan Danford seemed to regain his senses. Looking distressed, he stared from one man to the other.
    “Interesting, and what pray tell, is in it for me?”
    “Devonport House,” Douglas replied. The entire room gasped in shock. Devonport House was the seat of the Dukes of Staffordshire. It was surrounded by acres of ground, and the manor house itself was so opulent that only last month it had entertained the Prince Regent himself.
    “Done.”
    The game lasted all of five minutes. True to his reputation, the Duke won.
    “Congratulations Your Grace, the money and Miss Danford are all yours,” the Earl said with an angry nod. Before their