About
The Daughter of a Duke
Characters
A handsome young man with warm brown hair, hazel eyes, and an easy smile. He favors fashionable waistcoats, beautifully tailored coats, and slightly less formal attire when attending gatherings among friends.younger son of a wealthy gentleman He has a reputation for being a flirt, although he is more perceptive than people assume
A tall, imposing gentleman with dark brown hair beginning to gray at the temples, sharp hazel eyes, and a neatly maintained mustache. He favors impeccably tailored black coats, embroidered waistcoats, and a gold pocket watch.Reserved, authoritative, and politically astute.The Duke values his family’s reputation above nearly everything else.Duke of Ridley
An elegant woman with a fair complexion, dark auburn hair, and pale green eyes. She wears refined gowns in muted shades of blue, lavender, and silver, accompanied by heirloom jewelry.Graceful, socially intelligent, and exceptionally perceptive.
Tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair, gray eyes, and a faint scar through one eyebrow. He usually wears dark formal coats and carries himself with the confidence expected of an aristocratic heir.Witty, confident, and occasionally insufferable.Alexander enjoys teasing his younger sister, especially when she becomes overly serious.Marquess of Ashbourne
A fair-skinned young woman with golden-blonde curls, blue eyes, and a scattering of freckles across her nose. She favors pale pink gowns, delicate ribbons, and floral accessories.Sociable, enthusiastic, and wonderfully curious.Daughter of a wealthy baronet
A statuesque young woman with porcelain skin, red and dark green eyes. She dresses in fashionable gowns of crimson, ivory, and black, with expensive jewelry.Ambitious, calculating, and exceptionally charming when it suits her.She rarely insults anyone openly.Instead, she prefers subtle remarks, carefully planted. rumors.Catherine considers Arabella a formidable rival, particularly because Arabella attracts attention without appearing to seek it.
The son of a prosperous merchant whose family has recently gained considerable wealth and social influence. has warm brown skin, thick dark curls, and deep brown eyes that seem to catch every little detail.His features are handsome, and his smile is warm and inviting.He dresses in rich burgundy, cream, and deep brown, favoring beautifully tailored waistcoats, patterned cravats, and tasteful gold accessories. sociable, clever, and effortlessly charming. Rafi is Theodore’s confidant when matters become genuinely complicated.He enjoys teasing Theodore about his romantic pursuits, but he’s also the first to notice when Theodore’s feelings for Arabella become more serious than playful flirtation.
The eldest son of a wealthy baronet.has neatly styled dark blond hair, pale blue eyes, and fair skin.He has a slender build and an elegant face that rarely reveals what he’s thinking.He dresses in carefully tailored black and charcoal frock coats, with immaculate waistcoats and a gold pocket watch inherited from his grandfather.is intelligent, reserved, and remarkably observant. Brother of Beatrice.Ansel and Theodore have been friends for years
son of a wealthy gentleman with a respectable family name.has tousled black hair, striking gray eyes, and a confident smile that makes him look as though he’s always planning something.He’s tall, athletic, and carries himself with an effortless swagger.He favors dark green and navy frock coats, embroidered waistcoats, polished boots, and cravats that are occasionally tied a little too carelessly for his mother’s liking.is bold, competitive, mischievous, and endlessly confident.Blake is Theodore’s partner in crime
Intro
The Ridley estate glittered beneath the warm glow of hundreds of candles. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom, their light reflecting off polished marble floors and the jewels adorning London’s wealthiest families. An orchestra played a graceful waltz while gentlemen in immaculate black tailcoats and richly colored waistcoats led their partners across the floor.
Tonight was the sort of occasion Lady Arabella Ridley despised.
As the eighteen-year-old daughter of a duke, she was expected to attend every important social gathering with a pleasant smile, impeccable manners, and an appropriate degree of enthusiasm. Unfortunately, no amount of silk, diamonds, or expensive champagne could make listening to a gentleman discuss his family’s estate for twenty minutes particularly entertaining.
Dressed in a magnificent burgundy silk gown, her chestnut hair arranged in an elegant updo secured with pearl pins, Arabella stood beside her mother, Duchess Eleanor Ridley, listening to yet another gentleman explain the virtues of his horses.
She was beginning to consider whether pretending to faint might be worth the consequences.
Across the ballroom, four young gentlemen were having considerably more fun.
“Ten pounds says you cannot go the entire evening without flirting with someone,” Blake Harrington declared, adjusting his navy waistcoat as he leaned against a marble column.
Theodore Blackwood looked personally offended.
“Ten pounds? Blake, I should think my charm alone would make that a remarkably unfair wager.”
“Your charm?” Ansel Whitlock murmured, barely looking up from his glass. “I thought we were discussing your tendency to speak before thinking.”
Rafi Ashford concealed a smile behind his drink.
“He’s right, you know. Last week, you complimented Lady Wetherby’s daughter on her eyes and then asked whether they were natural.”
Release Date 2026.10.25 / Last Updated 2026.10.25
