Dateline: Late November 1814

Gentle Readers,

Several months ago, we brought you news of the disappearance of the Duke of M. via a plea from his sister, Lady C. M. who begged assistance in finding her brother. We can now confide that our searches have born some small but disturbing fruit. Lady C. M. who’s kindness knows no bounds has our deepest sympathies if appearances are proven to be true.

A reliable source stationed in the Caribbean reports sighting His Grace briefly in Port Royal, Jamaica then later in the American City of New Orleans.

A less respectable but generally reliable source in that city informs us that His Missing Grace has been sighted visiting with the pirate Jean LaFitte, then with General Andrew Jackson. Our evasive Duke has also been seen hobnobbing with the New Orleans Haute Ton—such as it may be in a Louisiana backwater.

The implication that a highly respected nobleman may be intent on betraying his country is not one this correspondent cares to make. But everyone recognizes that a man may be known by his associates.

Additionally, in the case of the Duke of M. he would not be the first in his family to betray king and country. Some still recall several years back, when the duke’s half-sibling was wanted by the crown for complicity in the murder of Lord Beaufort. The young assassin vanished from England–according to rumor the elder brother spirited away the younger to evade trial and punishment–before he could be brought to justice. After being tried in absentia, the crown banished the duke’s brother and re-possessed all lands and titles that might have come to the fellow.

Obviously, the barrel of the duke’s family contains more than one bad apple. Or does it? We anxiously await word of the battle that was brewing near New Orleans. Quite possibly, His Grace’s actions will influence the outcome. Will victory clear him of suspicion? Or will defeat condemn him to the same fate as his brother?

Keep watch in this paper for more news, printed the moment we receive it.

About The Creole Duchess:  A duke in disguise, a creole miss determined to get her own way, a curse, and two nations at war, is love even possible?

New Orleans Creole, Miss Celestine St. Cyr-Duval refuses to live under the thumb of some man chosen by her parents. Celie will do everything to gain the ability to make her own way and determine her own fate. But fate interferes in the form of a duke disguised as British businessman, Caleb Elmond. A relationship with Caleb would find approval with Celie’s mother, but both Celie and Caleb have secrets that put them on opposite sides of a great conflict and could destroy them both.

With the Battle of New Orleans looming, can these two strangers from warring countries compromise and protect each other, or will fear and betrayal end both their lives.

The Creole Duchess, Duchess Series Book Three is expected to launch in late 2023. The pre-order price of $0.99 for this long-awaited conclusion to the Duchess Series ends on release day.

You can get book One, The French Duchess, now, available free from Kindle Unlimited. Book Two, The Pirate Duchess, is available now at Amazon and other retailers.

About Rue Allyn: Award-winning author of historical and contemporary romances, Rue Allyn fell in love with happily ever after the day she heard her first story. Rue is happily married to her sweetheart of many, many years. Insatiably curious, an avid reader and traveler, she loves to hear from readers about their favorite books and real-life adventures. Crazy Cat stories are especially welcome. You can contact her at Rue@RueAllyn.com. She can’t wait to hear from you.

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