A Day In The Life of The Duke of Chauncy 

His Grace, Oliver Wendall Chauncy would awaken around seven o’clock in the morning to his valet, Batty’s, discreet knock. He would allow his valet to assist him with dressing in his morning wear and typically beginning with a pair of light-colored trousers, fawn or buckskin, a high-collared white shirt with stiff collars and a cravat. He would add a silk waistcoat in a subdued light gray. beige, or cream, and top it off with a long-fitted morning coat made of black or dark gray wool. The coat would have a waist seam, and tails in the back.

The duke would descend to the castle’s lower floors for breakfast in the breakfast room. his meal would consist of eggs, coddled or hard-boiled, toast, bacon, kippers, and porridge accompanied by tea and coffee. At breakfast, he would be joined by his mother, The Duchess of Chauncy, and any visitors they invited to share their meal with.

They enjoy lively conversation and a fresh copy of the London Times delivered by courier when the weather permits.

After his meal, the duke would retire to his study to respond to correspondence, review estate matters, and meet with his estate steward to discuss land, tenant issues, and finances.

Once he finished, the duke would go on his morning ride through his estate, meet with tenants, and get some exercise. At other times, he would ride to the village to check on their welfare.

During hunting season, he would participate in a fox hunt or shoot game as a recreational activity and to assert his social status. A shooting jacket and sturdy boots were required for outdoor activities.

The duke would change into a simpler cut of jacket and matching trousers for lunch. Luncheon would be served in the dining room and often served buffet style with roasted meat, pigeon pie, and seasonal vegetables. Guests and family would be present.

Following lunch, the duke would retire to his study or walk around the castle grounds.

Afternoons were reserved for visiting the neighbors and having tea with the duchess in her salon.

The duke would then retire to dress for dinner which would include formal evening attire. Satin embroidered vests, black formal jackets with long tails and satin lapels, and pressed black linen or woolen trousers with a silk stripe down the sides. Shiny leather shoes, white gloves, and a silk hat and cloak if the duke went out for the evening.

Dinner would be served in the formal dining room and consist of soup, different varieties of fish, roasted game and meat, seasonal vegetables, and elaborate desserts. The men would have wine, port, or sherry. While the women sipped sherry or Madeira.

The Duke of Chauncy avoided houseguests whenever possible to escape his mother’s matchmaking schemes. While she entertained her guest with games such as charades, reading poetry, playing the pianoforte, and whist, he preferred quiet time alone in the library so he could read.

Afterward, he would retire to his study for his evening glass or brandy or port and wait for Cecil to make his nightly report.

Batty would come to collect him around eleven o’clock at night to help him retire. Although members of the peerage donned nightshirts and nightcaps, Oliver preferred to sleep in the nude. Until one too many close calls with headstrong female guests determined to be duchesses convince him a pair of loose trousers benefited everyone involved.

ON THIS CHRISTMAS I THEE WED

Christmas in the Castle
Virginia Barlow
GENRE: Holiday Historical Romance

Bartered to Viscount Hudson Becker by her father, Lady Lavinia Holbrook escapes her arranged marriage and travels to her Godmother, the Duchess of Chauncy to seek asylum. Determined to put men and marriage behind her, she is unprepared for the duke’s interest or his heated kisses. The Duke of Chauncy believes love is a weakness and refuses to take a bride despite his mother’s scheming. When the duchess makes a wager he will marry by Christmas, he considers the matter a lark. Until Lavinia gets under his skin, and he rethinks his position on love and happy ever afters.

AMAZON

The door to her chamber opened with a rush of warm air. A hearty fire crackled on the hearth as she strolled inside and sank onto the bed. Her tight bodice would be too uncomfortable to sleep in and she sat up with a groan to work the lacing of her gown. She must mention to the duchess she would require a lady’s maid since she abandoned Margret in Waterdown with her veil and wedding slippers. Her mood lightened at the thought, and her bodice came off with a tug. Her petticoats followed, and Lavinia removed her slippers and stockings with a loud yawn. Her stays followed, and then, with a shrug, she removed her garter and slipped into bed in her chemise and pantalets.

The crisp, clean sheets were magic against her tired flesh, and with another lusty yawn, she closed her eyes and received the fright of her life.

“I am, of course, delighted with your unexpected presence in my chamber, and although you cannot stay, you may offer my gratitude to my mother for sending you.”

Lavinia froze and turned her head toward the deep voice coming from the direction of the hearth. Panic surged through her as she grappled with the realization that a man occupied her chamber.

“What?” Her eyes widened as they settled on the imposing figure of the Duke of Chauncy reclining in a brocade chair clad in nothing but a pair of form-fitting black trousers.

Oh God, what had she done?

Virginia Barlow has been a dreamer her whole life. She loves reading, traveling, and roses. She will dive headfirst into any romance she can get her hands on in any genre. Although her first love is Regency Romance and always will be. Something about the era calls to her soul like a siren’s song rising from the depths.

She loves to write steamy romances whether fantasy, historical, or contemporary, all are liberally spiced with adventure and sensual, seductive heroes. Her heroines are just as compelling with equal parts intelligence, sass, and backbone. They give as good as they get whether saving their man’s life or responding to his heated kisses, they’re all in.

The most important thing in Virginia’s life is her family, and spending time with them. When she is not bouncing a grandbaby in her arms or handing out popsicles, she is writing and dreaming up her next love story. Virginia has published fifteen romance novels with another two on the way and has half a dozen more circling around inside her head eager to make their debut.

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