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Be Yourself
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Jasper was in conversation with Mrs Troutridge, the name suited her, and her beauty therapist had gone overboard with the Botox. His mind wandered to a fantasy painting of Evadne Troutridge with a mermaids tail and her long blond extensions floating in the water and her humongous breasts bobbing up and down in the waves like a life jacket. She would be caught in a fishing net and struggling to get out to be with all her mini triplet Troutridges; Wayne, and Dwayne, "ooh I just had to call them after cowboys." She had told him breathlessly.
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The Disreputable Duke Hangover
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Jasper went to his study and slumped in the chair behind the desk. Christ, what the hell was he going to do? His fucking father! If he didn't hate him when he was alive, he damn well did now. How was she supposed to get married in six months, to a woman who was a virgin? That was ridiculous, and Henry had said that his father was sick and tired of Jasper cavorting around with these hussies, and what he should be doing was settling down with a nice tidy girl who would give him children and especially a boy to inherit the dukedom. Bloody hell did his father think he was living in the 1800s? Six months was not enough time for half of the girls he knew to put their makeup on, never mind organise a society wedding. God forbid, he was screwed. He leaned back in his chair and went over the meeting with
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"Jasper, what is it just stop asking stupid questions and tell me?" Ellie said, feeling somewhat worried this wasn't like him. "Tell me? If it helps then yes I am, I've slept with no one." She said, looking up at him with eyes full of love. He seemed to heave a sigh of relief."So, what's the problem?" She asked, knowing now that there was one. "What is it, Jasper?""In precisely six months, I'm thirty-five, my father changed his will, put riders in; it now says that I must be married by the time I reach that birthday. If I'm not, I don't get the money, my mother can't stay in the manor, and Henry will give the properties, to my long lost half-brother who will also take on the dukedom, and if they can't find him, it will probably go to the fucking dog's home." he shook his head in disbelief."You weren't here when he was alive; we used to have incredible rows about my not being responsible for the whole heritage thing. He thought that being an artist was n
The Disreputable Duke Henry's Rules.
When they got back to the house, Ellie shot off to the kitchen. Jasper followed her slowly, wondering what to do next. She was rooting through the fridge."Are you hungry, we could have take-away if you wanted?"Ellie shut the fridge door she was too exhausted to cook, worn out with all the feelings of exasperation, love and fright at what was about to happen. She nodded,"That would be nice, and I'm too tired to cook.""Usual?" he asked.Ellie noddedAutomatically she put plates to warm and took out a bottle of wine from the alcohol fridge. Jasper came and took the bottle out of her hands,"I think we can put that back." He said as he returned it to the fridge. "I think we deserve something special to drink this evening." He went down to the cellar, and she heard him checking bottles, and he returned with a bottle of Roederer Cristal. "I think this is what we need tonight.""Yes, you don't want to get blood in your alcohol str
The Disreputable Duke Disgraceful Love Life
Ellie's face blanched at the thought of that, of going to bed with Jasper.He laughed "God Ellie is the thought that terrifying?"She shook her head, "I er, I'm not very good with men," she mumbled."Ellie," he reached out to her hand, holding it gently, "You don't have to be good with men, only with me, and only when you say so."She still looked scared."Go and sit upstairs, and I'll make the coffee."She stared blankly at him. "Ellie, despite popular opinion, I do know how to use my coffee machine. Now go." He said firmly.Ellie went. This whole thing was getting ridiculous.He wasn't long, and once he had poured the coffee, he sat next to her, reaching for her hand."Now, tell me what are you scared of.""Nothing," she said quickly,"Hmm, not sure I believe that you went extremely pale when I mentioned that you wouldn't be getting much sleep."Ellie didn't say anything. Jasper m
The Disreputable Duke Moving Out
The next morning, Ellie lay in her bed, just letting the events of the day before run over in her mind. This feeling of anticipation, these turbocharged butterflies jumping about inside her were so very tiring. There was a feeling of warmth inside her though, she was fighting it, and she knew without a doubt that Jasper would never keep this up. He would be back to his girls before she knew it, and even more likely now that she was moving to the river apartment. There would be no one here to keep an eye on him. Still, that was not her problem. She didn't believe anything he said to her, though she did believe what he said last night about not physically hurting her, she did believe that.She thought back to the kiss, and it wasn't like the one in the kitchen that had been a fighting kiss, the one on the sofa was slow, soft and lingering. Jasper murmured that she was beautiful, so beautiful. For a while, he had just held her, and she loved the warmth of his breath agains
The Disreputable Duke Henry's Office
Jasper moved closer to her, and Ellie could hardly move away, she was pressed up to the arm of the sofa as it was. One thumb strummed the nipple he was nearest to. Ellie stiffened she wasn't supposed to be doing any of this today, it wasn't fair. She thought as he nuzzled the sensitive point beneath her earlobe. She let out little whimpers. He lifted her onto his lap."Are you thinking about what I'm going to do to you, Ellie? I can't wait to undress you." Jasper took a chance, and his hand slipped under her top, fingers edging into her bra until he exposed her breast. She drew a sharp breath as the cooler air tightened her nipple."Shh it's ok" he murmured, "This is as far as we go," as his lips tugged the rosy peak into his mouth.Ellie felt boneless, and she couldn't have moved or pushed him off even if she wanted to. She couldn't open her eyes properly, she was warm, hot even, her breathing was all ragged, and she loved the feel of Jasper's
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The Disreputable Duke Jasper's Present.
Charlotte ran hell for leather to her car. She threw open the door and threw her overnight bag, and dived into her vehicle after it. She clutched the steering wheel, her hands shaking, tears rolling down her face. What was she thinking? How could she even think of doing something like that? Was she out of her mind? The tears turned to laughter at how stupid she was, at how ridiculous that she could walk into Ellie's bedroom and somehow get her out of the room so she could do her harm. What a dreadful thing to even think of doing! Next time she would plan ahead, there would be no second chances for Ellie Neyve next time.Ellie looked at the clock, almost four-thirty. It was black outside. Jasper would be home in a few minutes, and she really couldn't be bothered to go and find Charlotte. Whatever it was could wait. If it was that important, she could go and find Francis and tell him. She put another log on the fire. It was so lovely to watch the fire, especia
The Disreputable Duke Murder On Her Mind
"Oh Ellie, you would get a migraine now," Marjorie groaned, "always gets them when she's stressed out,"Ellie began to breathe more easily once she was out of the dining room. "I'm sorry for spoiling lunch," she murmured into Jasper's shoulder."Shh, it's ok, why don't you go and rest? I can handle the children's party. I'll take your mother with me, and she can stand in for you," he half chuckled. He wanted to have a chat with Marjorie. He was getting a bit fed up with her always getting on at Ellie. His darling wife was doing her best, and this Christmas had been a shambles from start to finish, especially today. Ellie had put up with a lot today.Ellie clung to him, and she so wanted to tell him about the baby. She was desperate to see his face when he realised, and she sighed with frustration. They would exchange one gift this evening, something silly, she could tell him then, and then tomorrow they could say to the rest of them. It wasn't something
The Disreputable Duke Christmas Eve Lunch.
Marjorie Fox was cross. Ellie should have been here to greet them, and It was bad form, she thought as Francis took their cases up. She ignored Bill and Francis chatting about cars. She wanted to have a word with her daughter before Gareth and Gracie arrived."Marjorie, Bill, how lovely to see you. Merry Christmas," Rosslyn touched cheeks with them both as they entered the drawing-room. "Come and sit down and get warm. It's suddenly turned freezing today. I'm sure Francis will send tea soon.""Where's Ellie and Jasper? I thought they would be there to greet us." Marjorie sniffed as she sat next to the fire. Although this house was lovely, it was so frigid in the corridors."Yes, I'm sorry they are not here as planned," Rosslyn would protect Ellie. She wouldn't tell them about the lover's tiff because she knew Marjorie wouldn't let it drop. "They just had to run down to the village. I think Mary forgot something. She's getting on a bit and rather forgetful
The Disreputable Duke Discussing Punishments
Just as she was settling down to her toast and tea, her phone rang. She didn't even have to look at it to know it was Jasper, and she carried on buttering her toast. She would ignore him for now.What the hell was a matter with her? Why wasn't Ellie answering her phone? Jasper pushed his hand through his hair. He would have to be careful how he handled this and managed to get back into his wife's good books. He would text her.'Hey, darling, where are you?'Jasper poured his coffee from the silver pot on the sideboard and took it back to the table. He'd just sat down when his mother came in. He stood up to greet her."Good morning darling," she said, "Did you sleep well?""Morning, yes, I sl
The Disreputable Duke Brocklebanks
"Ellie, for God's sake, Ellie, let me in!" Jasper banged on the bathroom door. "Come on, Ellie, it's not what you think!" Jasper waited for her reply, and he put his ear against the door listening for her response."I shouldn't have to think anything because you should be in bed in our bedroom and not with that slapper in her room!" Ellie yelled back."Please let me explain, Ellie." Jasper rested his forehead against the door. This was all he needed today, especially as they had just made friends again. If only he hadn't been desperate for a pee, this would never have happened. Charlotte had come out of her room at the same time in floods of tears. What the hell was he supposed to do? He couldn't just ignore her, could he? For Christ's sake, maybe he should have if this was the result!"Ellie sat on the loo, tearing tissue into tiny pieces. How could he, just how could he? She wanted to shout and scream at him, but she knew it wouldn't make any differenc
The Disreputable Duke Where's Jasper?
Before Jasper could reply, Francis jumped in. "Maybe you should introduce your new wife and duchess to your committee's. I think only the mayor was invited to the wedding, so making a special point of taking Ellie, it would be a treat for them, get them on your side too, I dare say." Francis smiled, "I'm sure even Mrs Troutbridge would get the idea that you are very happy newly-weds if you turned up together.""Oh, what a good idea, kill two birds with one stone." Rosslyn said meaningfully, "Now who wants pudding?"Ellie watched Lotte purse her lips together in annoyance. She would thank Francis later for his timely intervention."I'll help Mary with the clearing up," Ellie said as the rest of them went back up to the drawing-room with their coffee.Lottie looked cheerful at having Jasper to herself for a while, "Where are all the staff? I remember when there were lots of staff here.""We still have lots of staff, but they are allowed time off, espec
The Disreputable Duke Charlotte's Memories.
Charlotte Ganderton looked around. The family had modernised the kitchen since she had last been here when she was a child. Mary was stirring a casserole, Good God, why hadn't they pensioned her off? She must be getting on for eighty! Lottie remembered Mary from when she was a child. She remembered that nothing got past that woman. It seemed she had eyes in the back of her head.She had adored Jasper when she was a child, and he'd been her hero. They had raced their ponies through the grounds jumping over fallen tree trunks, and they had sat by the river in a bower of Queen Anne's Lace, pulling the flower heads off and throwing them in the river to race them and eating chocolate and planning their lives. She dreamed of marrying him and being his duchess. They would have two children, a boy and a girl, and they would live happily at the Manor, which was a far more impressive house than the Rectory whe
The Disreputable Duke Husband Hunting.
"Ellie, come and get warm," Rosslyn said, getting up to greet her. She put her arms around her daughter in law and gave her a hug, "Goodness, you're frozen. Come and sit here next to the fire. Jasper, be love and make some more tea. I think Mary has gone for her afternoon nap, and Francis is sorting something out for me."Jasper glanced at Ellie. He knew she'd been crying. Why the hell did she think he didn't want her? She was the one who had disappeared from their bed, not him. He went down to the kitchen to make the tea and was determined to get this sorted out before bedtime.Jasper could hear the landline phone ringing just as he got to the drawing-room door with the tray of tea, and as he opened the door, he listened to his mother talking sympathetically."Of course you must come. You certainly can't stay in a frozen and darkened house over Christmas. No, of course, he won't mind. I'm sure he would love to see you." Rosslyn listened for a few moments. "
The Disreputable Duke An Unexpected Guest.
It was the day before Christmas Eve, and the past two weeks had been the worst of Ellie's life. She and Jasper had said only about a dozen words to each other since their friends had been to see them on that fateful afternoon. The only good thing about this dreadful performance was that Jasper was sleeping in his dressing room, which meant that she could at least get up and be sick if she felt like it without hiding it from him. However, Ellie was sure he would be more impressed if she were pregnant with a herd of elephants rather than with his child. He was furious that she had gone behind his back and sent that text to Ronnie, but this was her family, and she cared a great deal about Gareth.They had not shared a bed for almost two weeks, and this so hurt Ellie. It had only come about by accident, and now neither of them would give in to the other. They were just as stubborn as each other.
