Thawing A Duke's Heart (Faces of Love Series #1) by Jessie Bennett Page B

genealogy. She was an older woman with no children of her own. She seemed to me to be very cross and always had a scowl on her brow. Lastly, I met Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was an older gentleman, though young for a colonel. He was wearing his Red Regiment coat with shining brass buttons. He seemed a bit reserved, but very kind.
    Finally, Mary came down, but it was easy to see that the excitement of the day had taken a toll on her. We all made our way to sit for dinner. I was happy that I was seated next to the colonel and not Lady Heather, who enjoyed continuously giving me advice about being a lady, though we had just met. She seemed to have an opinion about everything.
    The colonel, for his part, made short, polite conversation, kept to himself and allowed the conversation to flow around him.
    “Mary tells me that you like horses,” Gaffton asked in my direction.
    “I do.”
    “We have a very excellent selection in our sheds. You will have to go out for a ride while you are here. I have become far too busy this time of year, and Mary would be unable to in her condition. It would be a great benefit to us if you could stretch their legs on our behalf.”
    “I would love to, Your Grace.”
    “You like horses then?” I heard the colonel ask me in a low voice.
    Gaffton caught it though.
    “Yes, Fitzwilliam here is a connoisseur of horse flesh. He did me the liberty of picking out all the ones we have here.”
    “You’re too kind, Your Grace. It is a small hobby of mine.”
    “I am sure it has served you well, in battle, that is. Have you seen many battles, Colonel?” I asked.
    “I suppose as much as any man. I am currently taking leave from my battalion for a short season in order to help get my house in order before returning.”
    “By putting it in order, he means attending the horse auction that comes from the east every five years,” Gaffton chimed in with amusement.
    “I’ve never missed it,” Colonel said with a boyish grin and wink.
    I wondered at his age. He was certainly older than my nineteen years. He had beautiful dark black hair, but the beginning of white was just showing at his temples. That could also be due to the things he had seen as an officer in the Royal Military. His eyes were the most beautiful crystal blue shade, with small wrinkles at the edges. I imagined that they were from smiling and laughter, though he hadn't done much of either tonight.
    “What is this auction?” I asked.
    “Every five years, men from the east travel across Europe, bringing with them exceptional horses. Of course, they still keep the Arabians to themselves; they are the private breed of the Sultan.”
    “I am familiar with Arabians,” I said.
    He seemed to take stock of me at this. I really did have a passion for the animal. “Well, they do bring other fine breeds with them. Honestly, I only buy mine from this auction and use them for producing future generations.”
    “It seems to be more than a hobby then,” I encouraged.
    “I am sure that someday, when I retire or the war is over, it will be more. For now, it is a good distraction.” He looked at me, hesitating a moment. “I would be happy to take you along with me if you would like to see it. It is a spectacular sight; all the horses and exotic men from the east.”
    “I would be happy to go with you, as long as it's not too much trouble?”

    End of sample teaser chapter.

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Acknowledgement
    T hank you for taking your time and energy to read “Thawing A Duke’s Heart”. Without your continuous support, I would not have written this book.
    Wherever you are, I appreciate you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank my wonderful Facebook fans, my advance copy reviewers and beta readers in advance for making this series a success

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