Minerva Chesterton, chatelaine to Wolverstone, waits for
the arrival of the new duke with trepidation. She not only
promised the old duke to see his son successfully installed
and settled into his responsibilities, she must mask her
longtime infatuation with him. If Dalziel learns of her
interest, he will use it to his advantage. Minerva will not
become his mistress. Even though her parents were minor
aristocrats, Minerva believes her status as chatelaine and
confidant to the older duke and duchess makes her an
employee. Dalziel will not look in her direction for a
bride.
Sixteen years ago, Dalziel's father banished him from his
life. Against his father's wishes, Dalziel had accepted the
role of Royal spymaster. Dalziel led the Bastion Club with
unparallel success. His only failure was locating one of
Napoleon's spies, who is concealed within the upper echelon
of English society. Dalziel's return after his father's
death leaves him emotionally at sea and unprepared to take
over the running of the Wolverstone extensive holdings.
Minerva is essential to his success and he tamps down his
attraction to her.
Dalziel sees a spark of desire in Minerva's eyes and
temptation overrides his reluctance to seduce her. He
begins a seduction campaign, but becomes reluctant to make
her his mistress. Dalziel contemplates the usual
Wolverstone marriage of loveless convenience and rejects
it. Minerva proves resistant to a marriage without love and
a battle of wills ensues.
Finally to readers' delight, Ms. Laurens reveals the secret
identity of the Bastion Club leader. In telling Dalziel's
story, the author incorporates numerous Cynster family and
Bastion members who participate in exposing the final
traitor. However, this is not the last time readers will
see Cynster and Bastion members. Ms. Laurens begins the
Black Cobra Quartet where romance, adventure and mystery
continue to please her readers.
The men of the Bastion Club proved their bravery secretly
fighting for their country. Now their leader faces that
most dangerous mission of all: finding a bride.
As the mysterious leader of the Bastion Club known
as "Dalziel," Royce Varisey, tenth Duke of Wolverstone,
served his country for decades, facing dangers untold. But
as the holder of one of England's most august noble
titles, he must now take on that gravest duty of all:
marriage.
Yet the young ladies the grand dames
would have him consider are predictably boring. Far more
tempting is his castle's willful and determinedly aloof
chatelaine, Minerva Chesterton. Beneath her serene faÇade
lies a woman of smoldering sensuality, one who will fill
his days with comfort and his nights with sheer pleasure.
Determined to claim her, he embarks on a seduction to
prove his mastery over every inch of her body . . . and
every piece of her heart.
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