The Mad Duke & Mayhem

Chapter 1

November 1883, the woods near Huntington.

As she pushed through one more bush, Emelia Bennet signed as her scarf got stuck in the brambles again.

“Stupid, stupid. Should’ve stayed in the inn,” she mumbled as she untangled her scarf and held the path open for Missy, her beloved Corgi.

The fact that she couldn’t have stayed was another fact to sigh about.

“Why did dear old Dad do this in November, Missy? He could’ve waited till February. It wouldn’t be so darned cold then,” she bent down to pet Missy.

Looking around the clearing she had stumbled into after 4 hours of a long walk, she found some berries which looked edible enough, and sat down with Missy at her feet.

“We’ll just eat and move on soon, Missy. I’m sure when we reach Huntington, I’ll find some work there, and we’ll both be able to eat properly,” Emelia said while stroking her soft fur.

Emelia closed her eyes to take in the woods with all her other senses and heard the distinct, soft gurgling of flowing water.

Jumping up, Emelia clapped her hands, and cheerfully exclaimed, “Oh my God, come on Missy! There’s water here somewhere.”

Running headlong through the bushes, Emelia jerked to a halt when she saw a naked male swimming in her pool. Her pool! She needed that water, and so did her pet!

Marching out like she didn’t notice anyone, Emelia bent at the edge of the pool and sipped the cool, refreshing water. Missy trotted out of the trees and joined her there.

“Oye,” came a voice from the pool.

Pretending she didn’t hear anything, Emelia continued gulping down the water from the pool.

“Oye!” came the irate voice again. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Turning a shark gaze at the stranger, Emelia responded, “Drinking some water. Can’t you see that?”

Emelia got her first good look at him, and her eyes widened a bit. He was really broad and built, she guessed he was quite tall as well. Other than a scar across one cheek, his masculine face was flawless.

“Of course I can see that. But did’t you see me here? Barging in on someone bathing?”

Emelia couldn’t bring herself to look at him any longer, so she whirled around quickly and ran towards the safety of the trees.

“Hey!”

She was absolutely not going to stop for anything till she reach Huntington.

Unfortunately, her scarf had other ideas, and she was snagged on the first bush she chose to cross.

Hanging from her scarf she silently cursed, “Why did I get up this morning!”