Meriel Shelby loses her friends and her place in society
when her banker father commits suicide rather than admit
he's bankrupt. Thrown into poverty with her sisters, Meriel
takes a job as governess in the Duke of Thanet's household.
After a quick interview with the duke, Meriel travels to
his country estate to teach his bright young son. Her
feelings of peace end when the duke returns. His remote
manner is gone and in its place is a pleasant, but slightly
arrogant, man who gazes at Meriel with desire. Her feelings
of unease make her think something is just not right about
the man.
Richard O'Neill, the illegitimate and nearly identical
brother of Cecil, the Duke of Thanet, responds to his
brother's plea to masquerade as him. Consumption threatens
Cecil's life and concern for his son's safety from an
unscrupulous uncle force him to beg for Richard's aid.
Richard puts aside his hatred for the aristocrats and the
power they wield. Instead, he remembers Cecil as a young
boy who fought for him against the duchess' hatred and his
father's neglect.
Richard finds trying to maintain his disguise and cover his
interest in the pretty governess proves harder than he
thought. The danger to his nephew grows and Richard
discovers Meriel is a useful ally. Desire grows between
them as they struggle to protect the young future duke.
THE DUKE IN DISGUISE is a tale about the lure of power and
the slippery path to corruption. Richard, with his best
intentions, feels the seductive pull and only with Meriel's
unwavering support and love can he resist. Ms. Callen gives
readers a thoughtful and still romantic read.
The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to
his six-year-old son, but there is something . . .
different about the devilish rogue standing before her
today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never
noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the
last time they encountered each other. Was there always an
alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a
notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let
herself succumb.
Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution
Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-
brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young
heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never
thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or
that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt
him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could
prove dangerous . . . especially to Richard's own heart.
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