Snowflakes and Scandals

Prologue

Prologue

London, December 1807

Eleanor Tinsdale, the Marchioness of Claremont, hurried her lady’s maid along.

“Do you have any idea why he’s called on you, and unannounced?” Sarah asked excitedly. “The Duke of Hampton, if you please.”

She really didn’t have any idea. Ambrose Foxhill, the Duke of Hampton, the neighbor who lived directly across the road from her, had spent the past year on his estate in Suffolk. One year ago, almost to the day, his duchess had run off to the Americas with a rich, handsome plantation owner. Was the woman mad? Who could be handsomer than the Duke?

“What I can’t understand is why she left her little girl behind. Did he force her to? Was he so horrible she had to run?” Sarah’s thoughts mirrored her own, so she was a tad apprehensive about meeting with the Duke.

When she had her come-out three years ago, he was already madly in love with Cassandra, his duchess, despite being introduced to her. Or not his duchess, as the case may be, given she’d run off last year with someone else. Idiot woman.

Having recently lost her husband, and just being out of mourning herself, she wasn’t even sure if it was acceptable to be entertaining the Duke in her home, but she was too curious why he was calling. So she was throwing caution to the wind and her butler had told him she was at home and would receive him.

Finally, Sarah was done and Eleanor stood back to gaze at herself in the cheval mirror. She thought she looked quite presentable. Not a stunning beauty, but she had appeal. Her skin was clear and creamy, her hair shone a burnt copper and her figure was back after the birth of her son.

Her hands shook as she made her way to the drawing room. Her good friend Lady Penelope was due soon. Eleanor prayed in equal measure she would not arrive too soon and also she would not leave her alone with the Duke for too long.

Upon entering the drawing room, His Grace, who stood tall and imposing, leaning against the fireplace mantle immediately captivated Eleanor's eyes. His commanding presence seemed to anchor the room, his chiseled features and rugged charm casting a spell over her. Her husband had never caused this commotion within her.

The Duke's piercing gaze, filled with intensity, met Eleanor's, causing a shiver to run down her spine, while tousled locks of dark hair framed his handsome visage. His eyes, a striking shade of sapphire blue, held a depth of emotion that spoke volumes, revealing glimpses of a soul both tortured and tender.

As her gaze lingered upon him, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her chest. His Grace exuded an aura of confidence and strength, tempered by a vulnerability that tugged at Eleanor's heartstrings. Why was he here?

Her impression of him was one of awe and admiration, mingled with a hint of trepidation. There was an undeniable allure to the man—a raw, untamed beauty that drew her in like a moth to a flame. With each step closer to him, Eleanor felt her breath catch in her throat, her pulse quickening with every beat of her heart.

But amidst the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her, Eleanor remained composed, her demeanor poised and elegant. She met his stare with a steady gaze of her own, a silent challenge passing between them. What did he want with her? Why had he called?

“Ah, Lady Eleanor. Apologies for calling so unexpectedly. But I’m recent to town and I have a favor I wish to ask of you.” In her silence, he added, “It’s regarding my daughter, Lillian. Could I impose on you to have my daughter stay here for a few days?”