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The Proposal
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Veronica Fox, Roni, was never satisfied with what she had. She had a lovely home. She had a loving, although very busy, husband, and she had a beautiful, good-natured daughter. They had enough money to go on lovely holidays, buy nice clothes and generally enjoy life, but Veronica wanted more. Her eyes were almost out on stalks as she stood on the private terrace in the most beautiful hotel in Paris, where her sister-in-law was having her surprise engagement dinner. Standing almost within touching distance were four of the most handsome and richest men, she could hope to come across.
She knew that Ellie had already taken one of them, but even so, she knew her sister in law would have a job keeping Jasper satisfied. Maybe he would appreciate a more experienced woman now and again. She cast her 'professional' eye over the rest of the men. Two of them were quite possibly the most famous people in the world at the moment. Both Nick Henderson and Gabriel Swann were panty-throwing hanRelated chapters
The Disreputable Duke The Interview - Pt1
Molly Parkes followed the butler down the hallway; she was here to interview Jasper Neyve."This way, please, Miss Parkes," said Francis opening the door into Jasper's study. "May I get you like tea or coffee, Miss Parkes?" "Coffee, please," Molly sits on the sofa and settles back to wait for Jasper. She chews on her thumbnail and wonders if Jasper Neyve is as unassuming as he is portrayed in other interviews or on television. She admits to herself that she is quite nervous about meeting him, which is ridiculous. Molly almost feels like pinching herself to wake up to the fact that she is a hardened hack and not some love-sick teenager about to go on her first date.Molly takes a look around the room. It's very classy; tidy but lived in. There is beautiful objet d art placed around the room, and the furniture is antique. His desk is at the far end of the room; it's an old desk and well cared for but used; it holds a computer, an old anglepoise lamp, a pile of books on
The Disreputable Duke Interview - Pt2
Jasper knew he had to get this over with. It was quite clear this awful woman wasn't going to go quietly. He looked at the mug of tea in his hand; Ellie's mug, her unique mug she always used for her tea. She said tea always tasted better out of bone china. He loved her little quips and foibles; she made him laugh with the silly things she said sometimes. It was all part of her innocence and why he loved her. He looked up again at the woman in front of him; her perfect figure was dressed in Chanel. Her face immaculately made up, elegant cheekbones and soft pink shimmering pouting lips. He shuddered inside."Let me take this, and I'll be back," he said, not waiting to answer as he went up the stairs. He stood outside the study door, taking breaths, trying to slow his heartbeat down. He gulped and opened the door."Here you go, love." He said to Ellie, "You might get something worthwhile out of her when she has had her tea." he told Molly."Oh, you are an angel." Ellie s
The Disreputable Duke Wedding Dress Blues
Ellie picked the phone up; she was a bit nervous about calling Veronica. Jasper hadn't said anything other than that; she suddenly received a call and had to dash off. Ellie hoped everything was ok, and that Gracie was fine. Knowing Veronica, though, she must have come for a reason, that woman didn't do anything by halves.Ellie pressed Veronica's name and waited for her to answer. "Yes, Ellie?" Veronica's voice sounded sharp as if Ellie had done something wrong."Roni, are you ok? Jasper said, you had a call and had to dash off. I hope everything is alright? Is Gracie ok?"There was a few seconds of silence while Veronica registered that Jasper had kept his mouth shut about her demands. Did she wonder why? Indeed if she was him, the first thing he would have told Ellie was that her sister in law was a demanding bitch."I'm fine, er… yeah sorry I had to go, it was nothing important, and Gracie is fine.""Oh, that's good," Ellie said, feeling rel
The Disreputable Duke A Pleasant Morning Run
It was early when Ellie opened her eyes; she had been waking up very early just lately, and she was glad it gave her time on her own. Just recently, there seemed to be people around her all the time, and while it was nice to have company, she sometimes wished that they would all disappear so she could enjoy a bit of peace.This morning she glanced out of the window to find the early morning mist still there. She knew it would burn off later. It had been hot over the past few days, a heatwave. The news was full of packed English sea-side beaches, one teenage girl missing presumed murdered, train fares going up, and photographs of the Prime Minister on holiday in Portugal.Ellie got up and pulled her shorts and T-shirt on; she would go for a run. No one would be up for ages yet, and Betty had today off. She strapped her phone to her arm and put her headp
The Disreputable Duke Random Thoughts
The police were quick to respond to Jasper's call, and they arrived at the house before Jasper got back. They were waiting for them in the sitting room. Rosslyn and Kylie were holding the fort, serving coffee and comforting Ellie's mum. Veronica was talking to Gracie, and they were looking after Suki.Kylie heard the front door slam and feet pounding up the stairs. She was so glad that Richie was back. She had held it together so far, but she had this awful feeling that some of this was her fault. She had been Grant'sgirlfriend, and if she hadn't left him for Richie, maybe this might not havehappened. She wanted to be held and comforted, wanted to pour outall her misgivings seek consolation.
The Disreputable Duke Meet Me At The Bus-Stop.
Kylie ran down the road. She could see the top of Grant's hoodie in the distance. He was walking faster than usual, and there were a few people in between them. A group of about five Asian tourists were right in front of her, then a gap and a couple pushing a child in a buggy, then one chap with a briefcase and then Grant. Kylie was about to move past the tourists when she felt a hand on her arm."Just hang on; you don't want him to see you if he looks this way." Sandra White said. "We're ok here. Have you any idea where he's going?"Kylie shook her head. "No, as far as I know, he's never lived round here. I once saw him here before, on the day that I made friends with Ellie when Suki fell over. We were crossing the road, and he was tagging onto a bunch of tourists walking past their house." "So what do you think he's doing over here?""I have no idea, watching Jasper, I expect, he wouldn't have any idea that Suki or I would be here." Grant turned his head
The Disreputable Duke Relief
Francis Braxton glanced around the sitting room; everyone had gone down to the kitchen to make a meal for Ellie when she got back.There was just Rosslyn standing over by the windows watching for her son's car. Francis went to stand next to her."They shouldn't be too long, not in that car anyway."Rosslyn turned to look behind her and, seeing that everyone had vanished, sneaked her hand into his. Francis squeezed it gently."Everything will be alright now, my love. Don't worry. Ellie is a strong girl, and Jasper has everything sorted."Oh, I do hope so." She held his hand up against her heart. "As soon as this wedding is over, my love, we are going to tell them about us. Jasper will be married, and he will want to live at the manor, especially when children come along. It's their turn to look after it all now, Ellie will be the duchess, and we can go and live in the Dower house and do our own thing. ""I'm sure it will all be fine, darling. I'm surpris
The Disreputable Duke Things To Be Considered
Ellie was still sleeping when Jasper walked into the bedroom. She had been asleep all afternoon, which was good because he had been able to finish his phone calls about things for the wedding."Say something, don't just stand watching me." She said, looking at him with one eye open."Are you hungry?" Jasper said, laughing, "Would you like a drink?""What time is it?" she asked, stretching her arm out to him. He took her hand and began to grin. His darling Ellie was in for a shock on Thursday Jasper was determined everything would be a complete surprise for her."What's so funny?" she said, pulling him to her.Jasper straightened his face. "Nothing, I'm just happy to see you. Do you want a drink?""Yes, please, but a kiss would be nice too.""Hmm, you want a kiss?" Jasper ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "You are very tempting, my love." he said, dropping a kiss to her lips and pulling away."Ellie scowled, "What is that it?""I love it
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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.
