title: Because He's a Duke
author: Lingefelt, Karen
description: Stranded at a wayside inn, Amanda Shaw must work as a serving girl to pay her bill--and that includes warming the bed of Blake Mallory, Duke of Halstead, when he spends a snowy night. Though Amanda desires the handsome duke who takes her with him the next day, she flees upon hearing she's to be his mistress. Blake, meanwhile, can't forget the fiery serving girl with her refined airs and speech, especially after learning she's a viscount's granddaughter. When their paths cross again months later in London, Blake tells Amanda he feels obliged to offer marriage. He's shocked but fascinated that she doesn't leap at the chance to become his duchess, while she's disheartened he didn't feel so obliged when she was a mere serving girl. As Blake continues his pursuit, Amanda risks losing her heart on the hope he's seducing her not because he's a duke who can have or do whatever he wants...but because he's in love.