Redeeming the Rogue Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Acknowledgements

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Twenty-Eight

  Twenty-Nine

  Thirty

  Teaser chapter

  The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

  Dangerous in Diamonds

  Enter the rich world of historical romance with Berkley Books . . .

  Discover Romance

  Berkley Sensation Books by Donna MacMeans

  PRAISE FOR DONNA MACMEANS’S HISTORICAL ROMANCES

  The Seduction of a Duke

  “Wonderfully wicked and deliciously sensual, The Seduction of a Duke is so hot, just turning the pages may scorch your fingers . . . Donna MacMeans is building a reputation for combining humor in her deliciously wicked historical romances.”

  —Romance Junkies

  “[MacMeans] knows how to make the pages sizzle and play on readers’ fantasies while incorporating intrigue and a solid story into her delectable novels.”

  —Romantic Times

  “Donna MacMeans writes with intelligence and panache. Her books will keep you turning the pages late into the night, with characters that are captivating and plots that are solid and engrossing. I truly love a well-written historical romance, and her books are among the very best. In The Seduction of a Duke you’ll find devious villains, believable conflict, and a depth of emotion that will surely make Donna MacMeans an author for your ‘must-have’ list. Don’t miss this one.”

  —TwoLips Reviews

  “A wonderful Victorian romance starring two likable protagonists who fall in love while she applies the courtesan’s diary to their relationship. The story line contains droll double entendres, a staple of Donna MacMeans. With a strong support cast and plenty of wit, subgenre readers will enjoy this intelligent, amusing historical.”

  —Genre Go Round Reviews

  The Trouble with Moonlight

  Winner of the Romantic Times 2008 Reviewers’ Choice Award for Historical Love & Laughter

  “MacMeans’s second novel is ingenious, humorous, and intoxicating. Cleverly blending the paranormal with the sensual and suspense with a passionate love story, she fulfills readers’ fantasies.”

  —Romantic Times (4½ stars, Top Pick)

  “A wonderful historical with a unique paranormal spin on the heroine’s abilities . . . The Trouble with Moonlight grabs the reader from the onset and takes her on an unforgettable ride. The real treat for the reader is Ms. MacMeans’s style of writing—smooth, descriptive, and entertaining.”

  —Affaire de Coeur (5 stars)

  “Take the lively, engaging writing style of Donna MacMeans and combine it with a fresh paranormal twist in a popular historical setting and you’ve got a surefire winner. The characters in The Trouble with Moonlight are brought to life by this immensely talented author . . . With enough twists and turns to keep readers turning pages late into the night, The Trouble with Moonlight will undoubtedly find its way into hearts and keeper shelves. Definitely recommended.”

  —TwoLips Reviews

  “This is a fun Victorian romance with a touch of fantasy starring a fascinating heroine and a bewitched roguish espionage agent . . . A terrific historical.”

  —Genre Go Round Reviews

  “A titillating, intriguing historical romance. Readers will be spellbound by this unique story . . . Containing humorous dialogue, mystical and interesting characters, and a mysterious plot, this is a great escape novel.”

  —Romance Junkies

  The Education of Mrs. Brimley

  “Be ready to laugh and cry. I can’t wait for other books from this author.”

  —Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author

  “MacMeans writes with grace and wit.”

  —Booklist

  “A scintillating take on the classic lessons-in-love theme. Her witty dialogue, sexy hero, and delightfully intelligent heroine—who understands the value of a well-rounded education—are sure to garner her a wide readership.”

  —Romantic Times

  “Oh, what a joy to read! Truly humorous . . . Wonderful writing.”

  —The Romance Readers Connection

  “Both original and charming, the book is a sensual indulgence that reveals a promising new talent in the genre.”

  —A Romance Review

  “A fun and fascinating tale that readers are sure to enjoy . . . Emma and her sensual teacher Nicholas . . . will charm readers with their wit and bring up the temperature with their hot encounters.”

  —Historical Romance Writers

  “Victorian romance fans will enjoy this fun frolic starring two likable protagonists who fall in love while he trains her in the art of love. The droll double entendres make for an intelligent, amusing historical as the student teaches the teacher as much as he does her.”

  —Genre Go Round Reviews

  “A terrific first novel . . . The witty dialogue, steamy situations, and appealing characters combined to form a delightful book.”

  —Romance Junkies

  Berkley Sensation Books by Donna MacMeans

  THE EDUCATION OF MRS. BRIMLEY

  THE TROUBLE WITH MOONLIGHT

  THE SEDUCTION OF A DUKE

  REDEEMING THE ROGUE

  THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

  Published by the Penguin Group

  Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA

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  (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.)

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  Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  REDEEMING THE ROGUE

  A Berkley Sensation Book / published by arrangement with the author

  PRINTING HISTORY

  Berkley Sensation mass-market edition / August 2011

  Copyright © 2011 by Donna MacMeans.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be
reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group,

  a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

  ISBN : 978-1-101-51743-7

  BERKLEY® SENSATION

  Berkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,

  a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

  BERKLEY® SENSATION and the “B” design are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  http://us.penguingroup.com

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I don’t think it would be possible to write a novel without the collaboration of many generous and talented individuals. I’d like to take a moment to thank them here.

  Thank you to my editor, Cindy Hwang, who suggested the original concept go in a different direction. Thank you to my agent, Cori Deyoe, for her unfailing support. My husband says everyone should have someone like her in their life. I think he’s right.

  While I wish to thank the Romance Bandits for their constant support and friendship, I’d like to single out Jeanne Adams, Nancy Northcott, and Cassondra Murray for brainstorming plots with me amid copious wine and chocolate. My thanks as well to wordsmith Jo Robertson, who helped me over some early hurdles, and to my fabulous historical writer–sisters in the MR-Debut loop who kept me pushing forward.

  Thank you to my daughter, Jessica, for giving me the nonfiction book that inspired this story, and thanks as well to my son, David, whose enthusiastic support for his crazed mother brought new readers to my stories.

  And as always, thanks to my husband for being there through these many, many years.

  Prologue

  LOVE SHIMMERED AS BRIGHT AS A BEACON AS HER brother, the Duke of Bedford, exchanged vows with his new American heiress wife. Arianne’s heart lifted. Both of her brothers had found devoted wives who made them happy. She almost laughed. Some might say her work here was done.

  “Arianne,” her brother Nicholas called before she could leave the Deerfield Abbey chapel. “William and I need to speak to you before you leave for some distant country.”

  She smiled, her penchant for travel well known but perhaps not as well understood. While she had lived at Deerfield Abbey in her childhood, she never considered it home. William’s recent renovations to the abbey failed to rid it of painful memories. Indeed, it was her intention to go to Vienna immediately after her brief stay at the abbey.

  “Surely it can wait till later.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Look at him. I’ve never seen William so happy. I doubt he even knows I’m here.”

  “He knows,” Nicholas assured her. He linked his arm in hers and walked with her outside. “It gives us the perfect opportunity to speak with you about some surprising news on a recent discovery.”

  “News?” She tried to pull back from her brother to better see his face, but he kept her arm tightly linked in his. That more than anything lifted the fine hairs on the back of her neck. She looked at him askance. “William has been quite free with news in his letters. Why should this be different?”

  For a moment, her marvelously talented, handsome rapscallion of a brother dropped his rakish demeanor. “Because some things, dear Sister, should not be committed to paper.”

  SHE AND NICHOLAS WAITED IN WILLIAM’S LIBRARY, THE windows bearing witness to the new vast improvements made in Arianne’s absence. The last time she was here, the abbey seemed to be crumbling about her ears. How serendipitous that while traveling in Switzerland, she had met a wealthy American matron searching for a titled husband for her daughter. Who would have envisioned that today’s festivities would result from that chance meeting?

  William entered the library in high spirits, flushed and grinning widely.

  “Arianne,” he said, “you grow lovelier every time I see you. Thank you for joining our celebration. You will be staying with us awhile, will you not?”

  “Your wife extended an invitation for two weeks,” Arianne said, leaning forward to accept her brother’s kiss on her cheek. “There should be plenty of time for us to speak privately if this is keeping you from—”

  “No,” Nicholas interrupted. “It is precisely because you’re staying that you need to know about certain individuals who you might encounter.”

  Her two brothers exchanged a glance. “Yes. I’m fairly certain he’s going to want to meet you,” William added with an air of mystery.

  Arianne glanced from one to the other, confused and a bit angry that they were obviously keeping secrets from her. “What are you talking about?” She addressed Nicholas, then turned toward William. “Who am I likely to meet?”

  “Our father,” William replied, with brows raised. His eyes studied her face.

  After a moment of shock, she laughed. Obviously, her brothers had conspired to play a trick on her. “That’s ridiculous. Our father is dead. In case you’ve forgotten, that’s precisely why you’re the new Duke of Bedford.”

  Neither Nicholas nor William joined in her laughter. Met with silence, her smile died and faded away.

  “We’ve recently discovered that the old Duke did not provide the seed that produced us,” Nicholas said softly.

  Arianne shook her head. “No. Our mother was not one of those women. She was good. She was faithful.” Her brothers didn’t offer a word in protest; they just waited. “Look at you two,” she continued. “In spite of the age difference, you are mirror images of each other. Surely the same man—”

  “Our mother was faithful,” William explained. “Just not to the old Duke. We’ve learned that due to an infection in his youth, he could not provide needed heirs. He found someone else to take his place in that regard. Someone who has maintained his silence all these many years.”

  The air fled her lungs; blood drained from her face. All these years, she’d believed a lie? Her fingers fumbled in the air; her glance darted between her brothers while she struggled to breathe. “Is there . . .”

  “Proof?” Nicholas supplied. “Yes. We’ve seen the proof.”

  William nodded his head. His voice dropped to a compassionate pitch. “Think, Arianne. It explains so much. Father’s anger. His moodiness.”

  His abuse of her mother. Arianne’s fingers dug into her gloved palms at those resurrected memories. Her head throbbed. Her gaze settled on William, on his quiet dignity, on his pride. “But you’re the new Duke of Bedford,” she said, breathless. “How can that be?”

  “Legally, we are his heirs.” William’s lips moved into a gentle smile. “That’s why the old Duke took such drastic measures. He acknowledged us as his children, and in the eyes of society and the law, that’s all that matters.”

  “But we’re not,” she whispered. Her eyes narrowed in concentration. Such a simple concept, yet it shook all her beliefs. Who was she? Whose blood flowed in her veins? Her life had been defined by her father’s title. If he wasn’t her father, then who was she?

  “And,” Nicholas added, his face launching into a grin, “we’ve met our real father. He’s a marvelous chap, Arianne, and he can’t wait to meet you.”

  “He’s here?” Her head was still swimming with the implications of William’s revelation. Her mind raced to recall the titled gentry present in the chapel. Which one provided the seed? Did he know of her existence before this day? Surely, he must look familiar in some regard.

  “He’s been here all along,” William said quietly. He, more than Nicholas, seemed to understand her shock. “He watched us grow from afar.”

  “Watched us?” How was that possible? Her father was never known for his hospitality. Few visitors came to the abbey. Which could only mean . . .

  “Thackett,” Nicholas supplied. “Do you remember him?”

  “Lor
d Thackett?” She frowned, trying to put a face to that name.

  “Farmer Thackett,” Nicholas corrected with a grand smile. “I suppose that’s where you get your knack for flowers and things.”

  “Farmer Thackett? Not a lord or a sir or even a squire?” Her shock must have shown on her face, as even William started to grin in response. They apparently had eased into accepting the different husbandry, but then they were no longer participants in the marriage mart. They weren’t rated on their bloodlines like a brood mare. At least, not anymore. Not like herself.

  “So you see, Anne,” Nicholas said, his face flushed with humor. “You truly are the farmer’s daughter.”

  Fear of the old Duke had once bound them together. Now the bond dissolved a bit. She felt estranged, adrift, her shock at odds with their easy laughter. What would be the result of this revelation? An anxious thought slipped into her mind. “Who knows about this?”

  “Our wives, of course. Fran, after all, uncovered the connection.” William’s pride for his wife beamed from his face.

  “I think Emma was actually pleased by the news.” Nicholas hugged Arianne’s shoulder. “Wait till you meet him, Anne. You’ll like him immediately. We all do. You’ll see.”

  William looked at her sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Anne. Once the genie has left the bottle, we can’t very well push him back in.”

  She smiled for her brothers’ sake. As William had mentioned, it was a relief to understand the old Duke’s anger. His tendency to abandon her at school, even over school holidays, made sense in light of this discovery. But even that knowledge didn’t lessen her lingering sense of foreboding.