Excerpt of How to Capture a Duke by Tina Gabrielle

“Kindly tell them that you took me riding this morning,” Olivia said.

Tristan stayed silent as he contemplated the unexpected turn of events. He could do one of two things. One, deny that they had been alone together and have Olivia take the blame for a theft that she did not commit. His grandmother would be forced to give her the cut direct at a ball or at Almack’s, and young Olivia would be ostracized by the ton. 

Or two, he could admit the truth that he had indeed spent a morning unchaperoned riding with her. It wouldn’t matter that it was under the guise of him acting as the head groom. He was the duke, and scandal would ensue. 

If he told the truth, he would have to do the honorable thing. And he knew what that meant.

God, no.

He never wanted to marry. He’d been dead set against it and had already decided his cousin would inherit the dukedom. 

His mind scrambled. There had to be another way out, an escape. He could admit to riding with Olivia, admit to his true position, and still refuse to marry the girl. Scandal would ruin Lady Olivia, destroy her chances of marriage and taint his reputation, but he cared naught what they thought of him. He was a duke, one step below royalty, and along with the power of the position, he knew he would continue to be accepted by the beau monde. He would still be viewed as a favorable match to all the eager mamas when it came to their unmarried daughters. 

But his grandmother, Antonia, would be devastated. She was the one constant in his life. His mother may have abandoned her imperfect son, but his grandmother had stayed by his side, and he would do everything he could to protect her. 

Olivia continued to stare at him, waiting. “Tell them. Please.”

It was the plea in her voice that made him speak. The words left his lips without thought to his own position. It was never much of a choice. 

“S…s-he was r…r-id…she was with me.”

His grandmother’s gasp reverberated in his head, sounding as good as a hangman’s noose around his neck.

His gaze met Olivia’s. Her relief was palpable. 

“You are admitting to being alone with the lady?” Antonia asked.

He answered with a terse nod of his head. 

Antonia pursed her lips then faced Olivia’s mother. “It is decided then. My grandson will act honorably.”

“Your grandson?” Olivia’s mother’s voice rose an octave.

“That is correct. I have the pleasure of introducing you to His Grace, my grandson, the fifth Duke of Keswick.”