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HER PERFECT DUKE

JUNE

ELLA QUINN

DEDICATION

To my granddaughters Vivienne and Josephine. May you always find love and friendship. And to my husband for sticking by me and my life changes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to Anna Harrington for putting the project together and patiently keeping all of us headed in the same direction. She has been amazing. Thanks also to my editor Ali McGraw for catching all my typos and helping make this a better book. And thank you to my readers. Without you none of this is worth it. You are all amazing!

PREFACE

Still suffering over the loss of his wife and child, Giles, Duke of Kendal sees Lady Thalia Trevor at a market and is instantly smitten. There is only one problem. She is already betrothed to another man. Will she defy her powerful father to marry him?

CHAPTER 1

Somerset Castle, May 1819

His Grace, The Duke of Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Tweed Manor

My dear Duke,

It has come to my attention that you have six grown daughters, but no son to carry on your title. My daughter Lady Thalia Trevor has reached the age of eighteen. I will offer her to you as your wife in exchange for the strip of land you own in Eastern Northumberland that marches along my land.

Lady Thalia has been raised to be an obedient lady, yet she has been educated as befits a duchess.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my proposal.

Yr. Servant,

Somerset

Berwick-upon-Tweed, May 1819

My dear Lady Hawksworth,

Allow me to commend you on your prescience. Your father-in-law wrote to me concerning Lady Thalia, offering her to me in marriage. After giving the matter much serious thought, and unless you have an objection, I shall propose that Lady Thalia be allowed to visit along with her mother for one month, beginning in mid-June. I believe I have the perfect suitor for her.

Yr. Servant,

Berwick

My dear Berwick,

Lady Thalia will be visiting my mother-in-law’s family in Lincolnshire near the town of Wintering during June. Their lands are across the Humber from Hull’s estate. Hawksworth and I will be joining them toward the middle of that month.

Yours in friendship,

M. Hawksworth

My dear Lady Hawksworth,

I shall adjust my plans accordingly.

Yr. Servant,

Berwick

Dear Duke,

Before I commit to a second marriage, I must meet your daughter and come to know her. My first marriage was extremely satisfactory. My wife and I had much in common and a great affection for each other. Would it be possible for Lady Thalia and the duchess, and naturally you too if you wish, to join me in Berwick for the month of July?

Yr. Servant

Berwick

Dear Duke,