The Duchess Of Drury Lane

Passion, jealousy, and scandal abound in this regency romance based on the real-life rags-to-riches story of British actress Dora Jordan. Having grown up poor and fatherless in Ireland, Dorothy Jordan is determined to overcome her humble beginnings and become the most famous comic actress of her day. While performing on London’s Drury Lane, Dora catches the eye of the Duke of Clarence, the man who would become King William IV. Beginning a romance that will endure for twenty years—and produce ten children—Dora experiences great happiness with the Duke. But ultimately, Dora’s generous nature becomes her undoing. Betrayed by the man she loves, Dora is faced with the harsh reality that life rarely resembles the happily-ever-afters of the plays she performs. An extraordinary woman born into extraordinary times, Dora Jordan’s story is one of great passion and even greater pain. In The Duchess of Drury Lane, Freda Lightfoot reveals the true story of the rise and fall of an actress who captured the heart of a king. “With a host of fleshed out characters, this fast-paced, biographical novel is pleasure to read and a great addition to historical fiction centered on royal personages.” —Historical Novel Society

She plays a part in society. He's convinced she's been miscast. Raised to be a future duchess, Celeste Worsley must marry the duke her grandfather chooses for her. That means staying away from Malcolm Hollandale, one of the infamous self-made Millionaires of Mayfair. The only problem? He's irresistible, completely unacceptable to her family, and she's been in love with him since the first time she saw him. On his hands and knees and covered in his newest attempt to varnish the Drury Lane stage, chemist Malcolm Hollandale tries to ignore the enticing woman everyone calls The Duchess. Celeste is everything he can't have, but when she needs his help to right a wrong, he can't refuse her or her plush red lips. A stolen moment leads to a forbidden love that neither can walk away from, but fate has other ideas. Yet, Malcom can't stop thinking that perhaps this bold, passionate woman might be the perfect formula for achieving all his dreams.

Reproduction of the original.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1881.