The Duke's Perfect Wife Read online

  Praise for

  THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON

  “Ashley’s latest flawlessly written historical romance richly rewards romance readers with its multilayered characterization; sexy, secrets-saturated plotting; sharp wit; and enthralling writing.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “Passionate, well-drawn characters, breathless romance, and a memorable love story will leave readers checking out the earlier books in the series and anxiously awaiting the last in the quartet, The Duke’s Perfect Wife.”

  —Library Journal

  “Innovative as ever, Ashley’s third novel about the Mackenzie brothers is a beautifully written, tender, touching romance that will leave readers breathless. Her strong characterizations and poignant yet sensual storytelling draw readers into her unforgettable love stories.”

  —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)

  “Readers will love Ainsley, a strong, independent, cake-loving character who takes the time to consider her options rather than just throwing caution to the wind and following Cameron when he arrogantly beckons.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “Ashley simply has a gift with her storytelling…. Heart-wrenching romance, balanced with a good amount of steamy sex, and an underlying story line all contribute to the book’s enjoyment.”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  “Another winner from Jennifer Ashley…. It’s romantic and heartfelt, steamy and sexy with just the right amount of humor. I absolutely love this book and I cannot get enough of the Mackenzies!”

  —Michelle and Leslie’s Book Picks

  “Jennifer Ashley writes very sensual, sexy books… If you love the first two books in this series, you will enjoy this one as well. If you haven’t tried these, I definitely recommend.”

  —Smexy Books

  LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE

  “I adore this novel: It’s heartrending, funny, honest, and true. I want to know the hero—no, I want to marry the hero!”

  —Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author

  “Skillfully nuanced characterization and an abundance of steamy sensuality give Ashley’s latest impeccably crafted historical its irresistible literary flavor.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “Readers rejoice! The Mackenzie brothers return as Ashley works her magic to create a unique love story brimming over with depth of emotion, unforgettable characters, sizzling passion, mystery, and a story that reaches out and grabs your heart. Brava!”

  —RT Book Reviews (Top Pick)

  “A heartfelt, emotional historical romance with danger and intrigue around every corner … A great read!”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “A wonderful novel, filled with sweet, tender love that has long been denied, fiery passion, and a good dash of witty humor … For a rollicking good time, sexy Highland heroes, and touching romances, you just can’t beat Jennifer Ashley’s novels!”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  “You can’t help but fall in love with the Mackenzie brothers.”

  —Loves Romances and More

  “I really think this series is a must-read for all historical romance fans.”

  —Smexy Books

  “I’m a big fan of Jennifer Ashley’s, whose characters are always fantastic and well written… The cat-and-mouse game between Mac and Isabella is deliciously fun.”

  —All About Romance

  “Since this is the first book I’d ever read by Ashley, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The buzz about The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie made me think I wouldn’t be disappointed, however, and I was right.”

  —Book Binge

  “Ms. Ashley is a superb author who can bring sensuality and passion to life with her characters and pour the emotion off the pages.”

  —Fiction Vixen Book Reviews

  “Isabella is a heroine strong enough to make tough choices even with a broken heart. Mac is a hero willing to admit his mistakes, who determines to become worthy of his heroine’s love once more. While he is at it, he may melt some readers’ hearts as well.”

  —A Romance Review

  “Ms. Ashley did not let me down amid her story of a second chance at love.”

  —The Good, The Bad and The Unread

  “I’ve always loved a marriage-in-trouble story and this is a slightly different take on a favorite trope.”

  —Dear Author

  THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE

  “Ever-versatile Ashley begins her new Victorian Highland Pleasures series with a deliciously dark and delectably sexy story of love and romantic redemption that will captivate readers with its complex characters and suspenseful plot.”

  —Booklist

  “Ashley’s enthralling and poignant romance … touches readers on many levels. Brava!”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “Mysterious, heartfelt, sensitive, and sensual … Two big thumbs up.”

  —Publishers Weekly, “Beyond Her Book”

  “A story of mystery and intrigue with two wonderful, bright characters you’ll love … I look forward to more from Jennifer Ashley, an extremely gifted author.”

  —Fresh Fiction

  “Brimming with mystery, suspense, an intriguing plot, villains, romance, a tormented hero, and a feisty heroine, this book is a winner. I recommend The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie to anyone looking for a great read.”

  —Romance Junkies

  “Wow! All I can say is The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is one of the best books I have ever read. [It] gets the highest recommendation that I can give. It is a truly wonderful book.”

  —Once Upon A Romance

  “When you’re reading a book that is a step or two—or six or seven—above the norm, you know it almost immediately. Such is the case with The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. The characters here are so complex and so real that I was fascinated by their journey … [and] this story is as flat-out romantic as any I’ve read in a while … This is a series I am certainly looking forward to following.”

  —All About Romance

  “A unique twist on the troubled hero … Fresh and interesting.”

  —Night Owl Reviews

  “A welcome addition to the genre.”

  —Dear Author

  “Intriguing… Unique… Terrific.”

  —Midwest Book Review

  Berkley Sensation Titles by Jennifer Ashley

  THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE

  LADY ISABELLA’S SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE

  THE MANY SINS OF LORD CAMERON

  THE DUKE’S PERFECT WIFE

  PRIDE MATES

  PRIMAL BONDS

  WILD CAT

  BERKLEY SENSATION, NEW YORK

  THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP

  Published by the Penguin Group

  Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA

  Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) • Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England • Penguin Group Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) • Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) • Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India • Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) • Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa

  Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, pla
ces, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  THE DUKE’S PERFECT WIFE

  A Berkley Sensation Book / published by arrangement with the author

  PUBLISHING HISTORY

  Berkley Sensation mass-market edition / April 2012

  Copyright © 2012 by Jennifer Ashley.

  Excerpt from The Seduction of Elliot McBride by Jennifer Ashley

  copyright © 2012 by Jennifer Ashley.

  Cover design by George Long. Cover art by Gregg Gullbronson. Cover hand lettering by Ron Zinn.

  Interior text design by Laura K. Corless.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

  For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

  ISBN: 978-1-101-56159-1

  BERKLEY SENSATION®

  Berkley Sensation Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group,

  a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.,

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014.

  BERKLEY SENSATION® is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  The “B” design is a trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

  PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

  10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  If you purchased this book without a cover, you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It was reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  ALWAYS LEARNING

  PEARSON

  This book is dedicated to my parents: To my father, whom I lost this year, and to my mother, who is stronger than she knows. Thank you for all your encouragement, patience, and love.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Chapter 1

  Hart Mackenzie.

  It was said that he knew every pleasure a woman desired and exactly how to give it to her. Hart wouldn’t ask what the lady wanted, and she might not even know herself, but she would understand once he’d finished. And she’d want it again.

  He had power, wealth, skill, and intelligence, and the ability to play upon his fellow man—or woman—to make them do anything he wanted and believe it to be their own idea.

  Eleanor Ramsay knew firsthand that all of this was true.

  She lurked among a flock of journalists in St. James’s Street on an unexpectedly mild February afternoon, waiting for the great Hart Mackenzie, Duke of Kilmorgan, to emerge from his club. In her unfashionable gown and old hat, Lady Eleanor Ramsay looked like any other lady scribbler, as hungry for a story as the rest of them. But while they craved an exclusive story about the famous Scottish duke, Eleanor had come to change his life.

  The journalists snapped alert when they spied the tall duke on the threshold, his broad shoulders stretching out a black coat, Mackenzie plaid swathing his hips. He always wore a kilt to remind everyone who set eyes on him that he was, and always would be, Scottish first.

  “Your Grace!” the journalists shouted. “Your Grace!”

  The sea of male backs surged past Eleanor, shutting her out. She jostled her way forward, using her folded parasol without mercy to open her way to the front of the pack. “Oh, I do beg your pardon,” she said, when her bustle shoved aside a man who tried to elbow her in the ribs.

  Hart looked neither left nor right as he pulled on his hat and walked the three steps between the club and the door of his open landau. He was master of not acknowledging what he did not wish to.

  “Your Grace!” Eleanor shouted. She cupped her hands around her mouth. “Hart!”

  Hart stopped, turned. His gaze met hers, his golden stare skewering her across the twenty feet of space between them.

  Eleanor’s knees went weak. She’d last seen Hart on a train, almost a year ago, when he’d followed her into her compartment, his hand warm on her arm, and made her take a gift of money from him. He’d felt sorry for her, which had rankled. He’d also tucked one of his cards into the collar of her bodice. She remembered the heat of his fingers and the scrape of the card, with his name, against her skin.

  Hart said something to one of the pugilist-looking bodyguards who waited next to his carriage. The man gave Hart a nod, then turned and shouldered his way to Eleanor, breaking a path through the frantic journalists.

  “This way, your ladyship.”

  Eleanor clutched her closed parasol, aware of the angry glares around her, and followed. Hart watched her come, his gaze never moving. It had been heady, once upon a time, to be the center of that very studied attention.

  When she reached the landau, Hart caught her by the elbows and boosted her up and inside.

  Eleanor’s breath went out of her at his touch. She landed on the seat, trying to slow her pounding heart, as Hart followed her in, taking the seat opposite, thank heavens. She’d never be able to get through her proposition if he sat too close to her, distracting her with the heat of his very solid body.

  The footman slammed the door, and Eleanor grabbed at her hat as the landau jerked forward. The gentlemen of the press shouted and swore as their prey got away, the landau heading up St. James’s Street toward Mayfair.

  Eleanor looked back over the seat at them. “Goodness, you’ve made Fleet Street unhappy today,” she said.

  “Damn Fleet Street,” Hart growled.

  Eleanor turned around again to find Hart’s gaze hard on her. “What, all of it?”

  This close to him, she could see the gold flecks in his hazel eyes that gave him the eagle look, and the red highlights in his dark hair from his Scottish ancestry. He’d cropped his hair shorter since she’d seen him last, which made his face sharper and more forbidding than ever. Eleanor was the only one among the crowd of journalists to have seen that face soften in sleep.

  Hart stretched one big arm across the seat, his large legs under the kilt crowding the carriage. The kilt shifted upward a little, letting her glimpse thighs tanned from all the riding, fishing, and tramping about he did on his Scottish estate.

  Eleanor opened her parasol, pretending that she was relaxed and happy to be in the same carriage as the man to whom she’d once been engaged. “I apologize for accosting you on the street,” she said. “I did go to your house, but you’ve changed your majordomo. He did not know me, nor was he by any means impressed by the card you gave me. Apparently ladies make a habit of trying to gain your house by false pretenses, and he assumed me one of those. I really cannot blame him. I could have stolen the card, for all he knew, and you have always been quite popular with the ladies.”

  Hart’s gaze didn’t soften under her barrage of words as it used to do. “I will speak to him.”

  “No, no, don’t shout at the poor man too much. He wasn’t to know. I expect you tell him very little, in your maddening way. No, I came all this way
from Aberdeen to talk to you. It’s really quite important. I called in at Isabella’s, but she was not at home, and I knew that this could not wait. I managed to get it out of your footman—dear Franklin, how he’s grown—that you’d be at your club, but he was too terrified of the majordomo to let me wait in the house. So I decided to lurk and catch you when you emerged. It was such fun, pretending to be a scribbler. And here I am.”