On the Duke's Authority (Ducal Encounters series 4 Book 3) Read online

  ‘Where would be the fun in that?’

  ‘I need to know if you encouraged your friend to visit that woman,’ Zach said, scowling at Frankie.

  ‘Why do you ask?’

  ‘Because I know how impulsive you can be, and I also know you well enough to realise you were plotting something.’

  ‘You are angry with me.’

  Zach sucked in a long breath. ‘I am still smarting from not being able to—’

  ‘To protect Crista.’ Frankie nodded. ‘So am I, and I know that you feel it is your duty to take care of us all. But Crista’s death was not your fault, nor mine, nor Amos’s. And just so that you are aware, I wouldn’t have approved of Leona’s actions if I had known what she intended, even though it seemed safe with Devonshire out of the way. She asked me what I would do in her circumstances, whether I would try to put things right myself, and I agreed that I likely would. But I also counselled her to leave things to you,’ she said. ‘You have my word on that.’

  The tension left Zach’s body and he held her close.

  ‘Have you noticed the recent changes in Amos, especially since he was able to find Ariana’s brother?’ she asked a while later. ‘I have such high hopes for those two. I so want Amos to be complete again.’

  ‘As do I, my love,’ Zach replied, slipping an arm around her shoulders. ‘And all the signs are there. Amos needs to give himself permission to be happy and to live again, but that is a saga for another day.’

  The End

  About the Author

  Hi, I do hope you enjoyed On the Duke’s Authority. If so, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. I’d love to hear what you thought of this particular novel – what you enjoyed most about it and what you didn’t like. Constructive criticism is always welcome.

  Reach me at [email protected]

  I’m a British author, brought up on the Isle of Wight, but now live in Andorra. I share my life with my long-suffering husband and a rescued dog of indeterminate pedigree named Jake Bentley after the hero in one of my books. Both Jakes are handsome mongrels with independent spirits and wild streaks.

  I’ve had over sixty books published, ranging from Regency romance, (my first love), to contemporary women’s fiction and marine crime mysteries.

  When not writing I walk miles with my dog, make half-hearted visits to the gym, read other people’s tomes…oh, and I’m on a one woman mission to keep the wine trade profitable!

  Check out all of my books, and learn more about me from my website: http:www.wendysoliman.com

  Or on my Amazon author page author.to/wendys

  Follow me on twitter @wendyswriter or on Facebook: Wendy Soliman - Author

  Also available from this Author

  Historical Romance

  Stand Alone Regencies

  Lady Hartley’s Inheritance

  Duty’s Destiny

  To Defy a Duke

  The Duke’s Legacy

  A Reason to Rebel

  A Duke by Default

  Forgotten Heiress

  For Want of a Reputation

  Christmas at Castleray

  Ava’s Passion

  Lady Mysterious

  Disinherited

  Divided Loyalties

  Of Dukes and Deceptions

  A Scandalous Proposition

  The Perfect Impostor

  Game of Dukes

  Lady Impetuous

  Sacrificial Bride

  Dukes and Indiscretions

  Never Dare a Duke

  Mrs. Darcy Entertains Series Boxset

  Miss Bingley’s Revenge / Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Dilemma / Miss Darcy’s Passion / Kitty Bennet’s Despair / Lydia Wickham’s Journal

  Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 1 – 3 Boxset

  Emma Bingley’s Romantic Nature / Naomi Sanford’s Compassionate Nature / Bella Darcy’s Impetuous Nature

  Pemberley – The Next Generation Series Vols 4 – 6 Boxset

  Eleanor Bingley’s Rebellious Nature / Rosie Turner’s Contrary Nature / Susie Darcy’s Tenacious Nature

  Ducal Encounters Series 1

  At the Duke’s Discretion

  With the Duke’s Approval

  Portrait of a Duke

  For the Duke’s Pleasure

  In the Duke’s Estimation

  Captivating the Duke

  Ducal Encounters Series 2

  Reunited with the Duke

  Christmas with the Duke

  Representing the Duke

  Safeguarding the Duke

  Acting for the Duke

  Emulating the Duke

  Ducal Encounters Series 3

  Conspiring with the Duke

  Dedicated to the Duke

  Impugning the Duke’s Honour

  By Order of the Duke

  Supporting the Duke

  Protecting the Duke’s Interests

  Ducal Encounters Series 4

  As the Duke’s Agent

  Masquerading with the Duke

  On the Duke’s Authority

  Carlton House Cartel

  Chance

  The Forsters

  Compromising the Marquess

  Beguiling the Barrister

  Finessing the Contessa

  Romancing the Runaway

  Victorian Vigilante Series Boxset

  Saving Grace / Heirs and Graces / With Good Grace / Fall From Grace / Social Graces / Elegance and Grace

  Riley Rochester Investigates Series

  Death of a Debutante

  Death of a Courtesan

  Death of a Prosecutor

  Death of a Scoundrel

  Death of an Artist

  Death of a Recluse

  Death of a Matriarch

  Perceptions Series

  A Sense of Belonging

  A Sense of Purpose

  A Sense of Misgiving

  A Sense of Injustice

  A Sense of Turmoil

  Contemporary Titles

  English Contemporary Romance Boxset: Reinventing Radleigh/ Shalimar/Silver Lining

  English Contemporary Romance Boxset 2: Name of the Game / Downsizing / Topspin

  The Hunter Files

  Unfinished Business

  Risky Business

  Lethal Business