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Shopping For Toys
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Grant Dawkins leaned against the bus stop and watched the shining glass tower block's doorway where Conway Gibbs offices were. He'd seen Jasper and Ellie walk in hand in hand about an hour ago; they couldn't be much longer surely. She was a bit of a'right that Ellie a bit too a'right to hurt. He wouldn't hurt her too much, not permanently anyhow. Maybe he should just go for Jasper. If he topped him, he would be a Duke. Grant lit another cigarette and thought about that. Would he want that, all that performance? He hardly had the right accent for a Duke, and he couldn't see himself being hoity-toity wiv a load o' toffs, having dinner parties and cocktails. Huh, the only cocktail he wanted was a Jagermeister and some Four X, mind you a nice bit o' smack would be cool.
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The Disreputable Duke Date #2
Grant opened the can of 4X, and pulled the overflowing ashtray towards him, balancing it on the arm of the shabby sofa. He looked around in disgust this was no house for the son of a Duke. The wallpaper was coming off the walls, the kitchen stank of grease. He'd have a few words with Kylie when she came back, there were baby clothes all over the bloody place, and the bin was overflowing with dirty Pampers, and what was that digging into his back. He put his hand behind him and pulled out a bunny-shaped rattle. He threw it across the room where it landed amongst the ironing pile that was half-way up the wall. It wasn't Kylie's fault really, and she kept the flat as clean as she could.
The Disreputable Duke Tom to the Rescue
Jasper sat his desk and jotted down his list of things to do. He should arrange an engagement dinner to present Ellie as his fiancee to all of their friends and family He wanted to make it unique for Ellie, and he would like to surprise her, so the dinner should be held somewhere special.The one thing he wasn't worried about was his mother. She loved Ellie as much as he did. They spent hours on the phone chatting, and they had hit it off straight away when she called in after shopping in town. Ellie's Mum and Dad were a more difficult subject. Her dad, from what Ellie had said, was easy going and liked his golf. Her mum was a bit more difficult, though Jasper was sure she was lovely, just a bit overawed by him and his position as a duke. However, he was sure he could charm her, or so Ellie assured him.Ellie stared at her phone as if it could give her all the answers she needed. Just what could she say to her mum that would not allow illicit an hysterical response. It
The Disreputable Duke Trusting Tom?
Ellie was worried about Tom. He hated her, ever since she turned him down when he caught her on the stairs at a dinner party.She had nipped down to the kitchen to have a word with Davide the chef, while the first course was cleared away. She was on her way back up and that idiot, Tom was waiting for her on the stairs."Is everything alright? She asked as she put her foot on the landing he was standing on.
The Disreputable Duke A****n's in Ditzy Dresses.
"Evening, Tom," said Jasper as he opened the door for him."Jasper, how are you mate." said Tom obsequiously "And what's all this about you getting married? What a load of bollocks." he followed Jasper up the stairs to the sitting room."Let me get you a drink, and I will tell you all about it."Tom sprawled on one of the sofas his suit jacket thrown over the back he would need it near him. He had the bag of rufies in the pocket. "Come on, then, let's hear all about it," he said.Jasper got himself settled on the other sofa and began the tale of his fathers will.When Ellie got back to the house, it was all quiet, she carefully unlocked the inside door to her flat and went to stand at the bottom of the kitchen stairs, she could hear murmured voices and knew Jasper's voice by the tone, his voice was lower than Tom's. She slipped quietly up the stairs to the ground floor and listened again. Tom was laughing. Oh God had she got this all wrong? W
The Disreputable Duke Telling Jasper.
Jasper's eyes flickered open and immediately closed. Bloody Gabriel and his sodding drums again. He screwed his eyes up and turned over, pulling the quilt over his head or tried to. He tugged again. What? He opened his eyes and saw a dark head on the pillow next to him. He rubbed his eyes and looked again. Ellie, what the hell...?The pain in his head was too much. He closed his eyes again, drifting off to the land where his head was pain-free.When Ellie woke up, she looked at the clock, and for a moment she wondered where she was, this wasn't the apartment by the river, and it certainly wasn't her garden flat. It was then that she realised she could feel warm breath on the back of her neck, and the events of the previous evening flooded her mind. Turning her head slowly, Ellie prayed that Jasper was still asleep, and hoping she could escape before he even knew that she had been there. What Ellie didn't expect was that Jasper had his eyes open too. He didn't say
The Disreputable Duke Kylie and Suki
"Listen, your 'Gracelessness'," Richella spat out, "If it weren't for Ellie, you would be about to pay bloody enormous amounts to that fuckwit you call a friend. That photo would have gone straight to the red-top that paid most. Thwaite would have ruined your good reputation," Richella curled a lip, "well, reasonably good reputation. I'm not sure your clients, future and past, would have enjoyed seeing your limp prick on the front page. The ridicule you may have faced Jasper would have ruined you. Not to mention that the two-faced twats who run the country would have determinedly taken the high road and pariah would have been your second name. I'll go and get changed." Richella got up and left the room.Jasper rubbed his hands over his face, god what a fuck up. Just wait until he got hold of Tom.Kylie and Suki walked hand in hand by the side of the Serpentine. They had fed the ducks, and had a little picnic. Suki loved the squirrels, she laughed and
The Disreputable Duke Meeting Mr and Mrs Fox.
Kylie sat in butter-soft cream leather in Richie's car. It was a complete luxury. A Range Rover, she thought. Cars were not high on Kylie's list of .tinteresting things. She couldn't drive, and she either walked or travelled on the bus or tube. This car was glorious, and the seats were high up so that you could see much more than in a regular car. She settled into the lovely cream leather seat, they were very comfortable, but not so good if you had kids she thought—nothing like sticky juice to mess things up."Tell me your postcode, Kylie?" Richie asked, wanting to type it into the GPS. "Ok let's get this show on the road." He said starting the engine, "How's Suki, almost asleep I think.Kylie smiled, "It's been a tiring day for her.""So, what do you during the day, do you work, or do you just look after Suki.""I just look after Suki, though I might think about going to college in September to do travel and tourism,
The Disreputable Duke A Happy Saturday.
Ellie was nervous. She hadn't stopped talking for the last twenty minutes, and she was driving him mad. Once he parked the car, Jasper turned to her, taking hold of her hands."Ellie, Ellie shh, please stop it. I'm quite capable of making people feel at ease, its part of the job love. I know you're nervous, but honestly, I'm looking forward to meeting your mum and dad. Just let me do the talking okay?"Ellie closed her eyes, he was right, she had been going on and on. "I'm sorry my mum makes me nervous. I never feel as if I live up to her expectations. I'm not married to a director of some boring company, I haven't given her grandchildren, and my director husband doesn't play golf."Jasper laughed. "Silly girl. You are marrying a director of one of the most prestigious companies in the world. There is only one Duke of Shettleham, and we will give them beautiful grandchildren, the only thing I'm not too happy about is the golf. It's never really appealed to
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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.
