LOGINShare
A Chance Worth Taking
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56When Henry saw Austin step out of the carriage with Marie and Nicole, he was skeptical. When they walked in, Henry asked to speak with him in his office. Austin agreed and smiled at Nicole and followed Henry inside. Once inside, Austin was very professional.
"How are you, Austin?"
"I am well, My Lord."
"A Lieutenant-General now?"
"Yes, My Lord. It is a great honor."
"One you earned?"
"Not in the way I want to earn it, My Lord."
"Tell me."
"While in Scotland, a war chief was gathering forces in secret. I was on patrol and happened across him seeking through the woods. I followed and uncovered their whole operation. I told my commanding officer and unfortunately, it ended with us killing about fifteen of them. I feel responsible for their deaths."
"But you uncovered an entire rebellion."
"Yes and that is why I was promoted."
"So, you like Nicole."
"Yes, sir, I do."
"You really broke
Related chapters
A Scandalous Love The Sacrifice
Once back home, she walked in the door, and from the look on her father's face, they both knew it had gotten back here. Henry looked at Austin and scowled. "In my office, now." "No, father. I made my choice." "I know. Things need to be sorted out, my dear." Nicole watched as Austin walked into the office. She wondered what would happen and when Francis would show up. She went with her mother to the parlor and she told her everything and that the kiss was unexpected for both of them but it was the best thing she had ever experienced. "I don't know if it makes sense, but when his lips touched mine, my heart felt like it was dancing." "It makes sense to me. I got the same feeling with your father." "Really?" "Yes, But there is something I must ask you." "What is it?" "Austin is in the army. At any given moment he could be called away and it could be the last you see him. I do believe it's why he let you go
A Scandalous Love In Trouble
Nicole had walked out of the shop and was waiting for the maid Claire had sent with her. She turned around to look for her when she was snatched from behind. Panic set in as she didn't know what was happening. When she was tossed into the carriage, she took the moment to turn and she paled as she saw Francis. The ride to the docks was rogh as she was tied up and left on the floor. Francis didn't say a word and didn't even look at her as they rode. Once they got to the docks, he pulled her out and took her by the arm and led her onto his ship.Once on the ship, she was thrown into the cabin and the door was shut and locked. She walked over to the window in the cabin and watched with sickening fear as she watched England get smaller and smaller and she feared the worst. Austin arrived a day early and when he showed up at the Birkshire mansion, the authorities were everwhere. Lee was deep in his cups and Jason was trying to calm a hysterical Claire. They were ques
A Scandalous Love Nicole
In order to bring Francis and his crew to justice, his ship was towed behind Ryan's. Austin chose to stay on Francis' ship, unable to face Nicole. Not only was he not there when she needed him most, but he failed to protect her. One of his biggest fears was that he was unsure if he was unable to protect her virtue. Nicole woke up in Ryan's cabin and panicked. She didn't know this man sitting in front of her and she looked for Austin. The doctor came in and checked her over, day after day. The doctor finally advised she have no visitors. Her wounds had healed and he confirmed her virtue was intact. He did report that when he told her where Austin was and why she began to cry. She understood that Austin felt like he failed and she could have comforted him about that but what really got her was that he felt shamed by her without even asking her anything. As she thought more about it, she grew angry. A man just kidnapped her but what he cared about was if her virtue was in
A Scandalous Love Is It Possible
Nicole sat in her window and kept watching to see if Austin would return, but after two months, she gave up hope. Maybe he had moved on and that was what was best for him. How could she ever make him happy if he constantly saw her as the worst possible version of herself? She would've come down to him the day he was here, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't see the looks of pity, shame, anger, or even guilt if he had it. She kept herself locked in her room and refused to come out. Food was left for her at her door, but not even Marie had seen her. Nicole told her what happened and why she couldn't face him, even when nothing happened. It was the sting that he thought it did and it hurt. Even if she gave her word, would he believe it? Would he force her to go through an examine and humiliate her just to prove she would be a virginal bride? She didn't dare ask and she didn't want to know. Night after night, she cried for hours. Some nights, she only shed a few tears, and others, her
A Scandalous Love The Decision
As Nicole waited on her knees in front of him, she began to cry. His face and emotions were unreadable to her at that moment and she was fearful he would reject her and she felt her heart crumble into a million pieces. His face softened and his eyes grew sorrowful as he saw her tears and joined her on the floor and took her hands in his. He cleared his throat, but she stopped him. "If it's bad, I don't want to know. It'd be easier if you just left." "Nicole, I...." "Autin, please. I need you. Just stay with me." He took a deep breath and stared at her. "I have to go, right now I will be back." "What?" "I'm sorry." Nicole was a mess on the floor as Austin left her heart in pieces when he walked out of the door and basically out of her life. Marie found her and saw the numbing look on her friend's face as she saw Austin leave. She didn't know what to do and then she went t the window and realized that she couldn't do anyt
A Scandalous Love Regrets
Nicole had just finished breakfast when Marie came running in. She hooked her by the arm and led her outside. She had just gotten back two days ago and her friend never left her side. Marie looked around and finally sat them down and pulled a letter from her pocket. She handed it to Nicole and Nicole began to shake. "Marie?" "I wrote to him and I am having his letters sent to me so I can give them to you. You can do the same." "Why? You know what he did." "And also know how you've been since he left and your father kicked him out." "Marie...I" "Just read it." She took it out and began to cry. She hugged Marie and walked upstairs. She hurt so much just hearing from him and even though he apologized she couldn't get over it. How could she? She pulled out a piece of paper and wrote back and she hoped she would understand just how much it hurts and she thought this was the best way.
A Scandalous Love Reunited
Austin was at the small field hospital checking on his men as the battle had been won and there were many causalities. Austin hated how good he was at fighting and killing but his need to see Nicole again drove him to never stop. While he was talking to the doctor, a couple of men came in with a soldier to see him. Austin walked them to his tent and sat down with them. "How can I help you, gentlemen?" "We are here on behalf of Duke Henry Bradshaw." "What is it? Is it Nicole? What's happened?" "We have this letter." One of them handed the letter over and Austin opened it at seeing Henry's seal. Austin, I know I am the one who ran you off, but I fear I have made a grave mistake. Nicole's ha
A Scandalous Love From Solider to Duke
Nicole and Austin stayed upstairs and talked things over and how things were when he left. They talked about how they should move forward together, knowing there was no option but to stay together. They were meant for each other and they belonged together. They were just different people alone and Nicole almost killed herself when he left her both times. She was miserable on her own and she pretty sure if she ever lost Austin again, she would fade into nothing. Even sitting here talking to him, the look in his eyes scared her enough that she thought if she said one wrong thing, she would lose him again. They talked over a lot of things, like if were to die on the battlefield, would she be okay. "If I lose you again, I lose myself." "You have to promise me." "No. I can't promise that if I lose you, I can move on. I won't be able to do it." They talked and agreed that plans for what happened after the wedding, would wait until then. Maybe someone
Latest chapter
A Scandalous Love Revelation
Nicole came out and went to breakfast three days after the tavern incident. Marie was at the table with a plate. She told Nicole that Austin had already been down and was gone to the second house. Nicole sat down and started eating when Lee came down and sat next to her. "Why do you have to be such a bitch?" "Excuse me?" "Do you have any idea what you are doing to him?" "What I'm doing to him?" "So what if a whore was sitting in his lap, you are just his wife." "No, I am his wife, not just his wife. And none of it would have happened if it weren't for you." "You need to make up with him." "We are still living under the same roof, aren't we. For now, that's enough." "No, you...." "Let's not forget that you are indeed his brother, but I am still a duchess and I think you've forgotten your place." Lee stared at her not sure what to say next when the butler came in and told Lee that Austin needed him. Lee got up from the table but turned back to her. "Forgive me, your grace, if
A Scandalous Love The Betrayal
The next morning, Nicole was feeling better and Austin asked her six different times from when she got up and went down to eat. Marie was in her room and said she wasn't feeling good. Nicole said she'd be up to check on her later. She had Lilly stay with her, just to be sure.After breakfast, Austin took Nicole to the house at the back of the property. She smiled as so much had been done. It wasn't run down anymore and there was new paint, doors, windows, and even balconies on the outside. On the inside, they met Lee and they let her walk around. She saw every room and noticed the only room furnished was the study. She smiled as she turned to them when they finished the upstairs and Lee had a hopeful look."Well?""I think she is going to love it.""How do I do it though?""Propose to her here in the bedroom you intend on sharing with her.""How do I get her here?""She's sick today. Tomorrow, if she's feeling better, I will bri
A Scandalous Love Lee and Marie
Austin sat in his office long after Lee's confession and everyone had gone to bed. He sat in the chair in front of the fireplace drinking a glass of whiskey. He was so caught up in his thoughts, that he didn't even hear the door open. When Nicole put her hands on his shoulders, he jumped. "Hey. It's just me." "I'm sorry, my dear, I didn't even hear you come in." "What's going on?" "It's Lee." "What did he say?" "His feelings are true for Marie and he intends to see them through." "Shouldn't you be happy, then? This is great news." "Yes, but Lee is not that type of person. he doesn't care like that and Marie is so innocent." "Most men are like that until they lose their heart." "I know that." "Just see what happens. Your brother might surprise you yet." "I hope you are right." "For Marie's sake, I hope so too." "How late is it?" "Almost morning." "I'm
A Scandalous Love The Announcement
Four days later, she was sitting in the drawing-room. Their families were supposed to arrive tomorrow for the dinner. She was reading a book on the window seat when Lilly walked in with a tray of tea and biscuits. She set it down and Nicole looked at her. "What's all this?" "His grace thought you might be hungry." "That's very kind of him." Lilly dipped her head and left her, knowing Nicole would want to pour her own tea. Nicole went back to her book after getting a plate with biscuits and poured herself some tea. Austin came in later and found the biscuits gone and the teapot almost empty. He smiled and came over next to her. He sat behind her and pulled her into his lap. She smiled when he kissed her and he told her to keep reading. He just wanted to enjoy her company. When Lilly came back a couples of hours later to get the tray, she found both of them asleep on the window seat. She grabbed the tray and excused herself and told the rest of the staf
A Scandalous Love The Confrontation
Austin arrived at his father's estate and as soon as he dismounted, his brothers met him outside. They already knew why he was here. Jason stood tall and tried to reason with Austin about his course of action. "It is reckless of you to go down this path. You could ruin everything you have accomplished." "But she would live a life in fear wondering if he will do something." "He's said he won't." "So they would let him out." "Why would he do that?" "Well, I know someone like you that has never seen the inside of that prison, you won't understand. I, on the other hand, have wardened over that place and know all too well how things are like on the inside. The devil himself would sell his soul to get out." Jason stared, shocked at the confession. Lee came over and clapped him on the back. "I'm with you, no matter what." "I know. Thank you." Then, his father came out and saw him standing there. "
A Scandalous Love A New Day
Nicole woke up the next morning to find herself alone. She was sad at first but laughed to herself. Austin had gotten up early and started working on things that needed to be done. He made a whole list after inspecting the grounds the day before. He grew up the son of an earl who didn't have to do anything and now he was a duke who still didn't have to do anything, but the military made him enjoying using his hands. He needed to do things on his own and she knew this would always be a part of him. She got up and dressed for the day and went downstairs to the breakfast table. There was a buffet of food laid out and the housekeeper told her that the servants had eaten some of the food that went out with him. She smiled at this, glad that this wouldn't be a problem. She enjoyed her maid and housekeeper and cook to sit down and eat with her. Her personal lady's maid was nervous at first when she had first asked, but now it was just something that they did. Once breakfast was ove
A Scandalous Love The Wedding Night
At the reception, it was almost like they couldn't get a moment alone. Everyone had her pulled aside or had him pulled off. They kept trying to get to each other in the crowd, but every time they got close, they would be pulled off again. It was frustrating for them especially since they wanted to be close to each other. After they had the cake and they danced and speeches were given, it seemed like it would start all over again. Anne saw her daughter's face and laughed and shook her head. She raised a glass and tapped a fork against it to get everyone's attention. Once the room was silent and everyone was looking her way, she cleared her throat. "As joyous as today has been, we feel like we never want the party to end. The new happy couple though, like most, would disagree. Luckily, their carriage is here to take them to their honeymoon estate in the country. So, I think it is time to say goodnight and send them on their way." Everyone raised a glass to that as they
A Scandalous Love A Wedding At Last
Nicole was home early from a dress fitting and her mother was still out. Henry or Austin had no idea she had returned, so when she came in, she heard them talking. She was going to intrude, but she stood and listened. "Now, listen, in order to get it down right, you have to make sure all of your tenets and employees are in order as well as the books." "Okay, but as duke, arent I the highest rank?" "Yes. People will have respect for you, Austin, but there will be those who will try and bring you down." "So, know who to be friends with and know who to piss off." "Exactly." Nicole had heard enough and burst through the doors. Both men stood still and shocked. "When were either of you planning on telling me?" "Nicole, honey, we were." "Austin?" "He asked me not to until I was ready." "So, this is what you've been doing?" "Yes." "Why keep it from me?" "You freaked out before ta
A Scandalous Love From Solider to Duke
Nicole and Austin stayed upstairs and talked things over and how things were when he left. They talked about how they should move forward together, knowing there was no option but to stay together. They were meant for each other and they belonged together. They were just different people alone and Nicole almost killed herself when he left her both times. She was miserable on her own and she pretty sure if she ever lost Austin again, she would fade into nothing. Even sitting here talking to him, the look in his eyes scared her enough that she thought if she said one wrong thing, she would lose him again. They talked over a lot of things, like if were to die on the battlefield, would she be okay. "If I lose you again, I lose myself." "You have to promise me." "No. I can't promise that if I lose you, I can move on. I won't be able to do it." They talked and agreed that plans for what happened after the wedding, would wait until then. Maybe someone
