"My father was a man of sentimental whims, Lady Delilah," Arthur replied, his voice a low, gravelly baritone that vibrated in her chest. "I am not. The Hollow is private property, and I will not have half the village trampling the flora for the sake of cheap ale and ribbons."
The following is an original story inspired by the title and style of Sofie Darling's Regency romances, focusing on the tension between a spirited lady and a formidable duke.
The Duke’s gaze dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second before meeting her eyes again. "And if I win, I want something more than your silence, Delilah. I want you to attend the Duchess of Marbury’s ball next week—as my guest. On my arm."