To Dare A Rogue
Book 6 of
A Regency Romance
Lana Williams
USA Today Bestselling Author
To Dare A Rogue
Book 6 of The Rogue Chronicles
By Lana Williams
Lady Charlotte Wynn is determined to gather a few memorable adventures before her father selects her future husband. Given Lord Wynn’s difficult demeanor and lack of regard for her feelings, she is certain she’ll dislike the man. Yet she must accept his choice in order to help keep peace between her parents. Her carefully laid plans are threatened by the return of her brother’s best friend. The handsome, somber man is nothing like she remembers, but his rugged appeal proves irresistible.
James Crosby, Viscount Redmond, has yet to find peace since his return to England six months earlier. He tries to bury his painful memories of the battlefield with drinking, gambling, and women, but those do little to fill the holes in his soul. His carousing is interrupted one evening when he finds his best friend’s little sister somewhere she shouldn’t be, making him realize the young girl he once knew is all grown up.
When James orders Charlotte to end her adventures, she boldly dares him to escort her on the next one. After all, if he’s so determined to protect her reputation, it’s the least he could do. Now, if only she could find a way to chase the shadows from his eyes while continuing to smooth her parents’ tumultuous marriage.
Charlotte’s beauty is more than James bargained for. Toss in her quest to enjoy life, and it’s all he can do to remember to protect rather than ravish. One magical kiss and his world is upended. She fills him with the hope that he isn’t as broken as he thought. But her father has already picked her husband, and nothing will change his mind. Can the pair find their happily ever after or will fate deny them the chance?
Table of Contents
Other Books in the Series
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Epilogue
Other Books by the Author
About the Author
Copyright
Other Books in The Rogue Chronicles Series
ROMANCING THE ROGUE, Book 1
A ROGUE’S REPUTATION, a Christmas Novella, Book 2
A ROGUE NO MORE, Book 3
A ROGUE TO THE RESCUE, Book 4
A ROGUE AND SOME MISTLETOE, Book 5, a Christmas Novella
TO DARE A ROGUE, Book 6
A ROGUE MEETS HIS MATCH, Book 7, Coming Summer 2021
A ROGUE’S AUTUMN BRIDE, Book 8, Coming Autumn 2021
A ROGUE’S CHRISTMAS KISS, a Christmas Novella, Book 9, available exclusively in CHRISTMAS KISSES: A Regency Holiday Romance Anthology
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Chapter One
London, England, June 1817
James Crosby, Viscount Redmond, stood in the drawing room of the Wynn residence, staring into the dark garden, wondering what had become of his life. He couldn’t say he cared for the man reflected in the window. In quiet moments like this, when all was still, he knew in his heart he was on the wrong path. His roguish behavior served no purpose other than personal amusement. That was no purpose at all.
With a sigh, he turned away. Better not to examine the reflection too closely. Now wasn’t the time for contemplation. He waited for Edward Adley, Viscount Wynn, an old friend he’d run into a few nights ago at a gaming hell. Though they’d both been three sheets to the wind, his dim memories of the evening reminded James how much he liked Edward. They intended to venture out again this evening. They were nearly the same age, both heirs to earls, and had become good friends during their days at Oxford.
However, they’d lost touch when James bought his commission, following in his grandfather’s footsteps, and left England three years ago to fight Napoleon while Edward remained home. James had returned to London six months ago only to find that peace eluded him. His attempts at staying busy in order to hold back the terrible memories were only successful for brief periods.
Perhaps because his preferred activities were drinking, gambling and women. He had just ended an affair with an intriguing actress, realizing he’d begun to dread evenings with her as they had little in common, and she had expensive taste. Too expensive for his modest income.
His father and mother, the Earl and Countess of Redmond, had thus far turned a blind eye to his behavior, but he knew that would soon come to an end. His father had supported James’ desire to defend England despite being the heir. And he’d suggested James had the right to enjoy himself after fighting in some of the bloodiest battles of the war. But during his visit with them the previous day, James could clearly see the concern in the depths of his father’s eyes.
That made two of them.
What to do about it was another matter. His parents would like him to marry and settle down, but that wasn’t possible. Not when he couldn’t manage his melancholy during the day, let alone at night. Sleep eluded him. He didn't need anyone other than his valet to witness his shouts during the night when nightmares dragged him back to the battlefield.
Though he told himself that he’d soon adjust to life at home and a normal routine, he was slowly losing hope that would ever come to pass. The memories were still too fresh and painful.
Waking up in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, startling at loud noises in public places, and suppressing a surge of adrenaline when someone bumped into him or tapped him on the shoulder made it impossible to pretend like everything was normal. Because it wasn't. He wasn't.
He feared the old James would never return. Yet he had only to look into his mother’s worried eyes to wish he could find peace. He’d hoped by now that the memories
