Duke?
2. Discuss the relationship between Lily and Rose, and compare and contrast it with what you know about the relationship between Daniel and Morgan.
3. How do you suppose Daniel’s life would have differed had his father and Morgan lived? Do you think he and Lily would have found each other and married? Why or why not?
4. Discuss Lily’s personality. Why do you think she finds such magic in the mundane? Discuss what she might have found fascinating about a cricket chirping and a weed in the garden. And what about Daniel’s hair and eyes? Do you think they’re truly as amazing as Lily suggests? Or is she looking through the eyes of love?
5. Helen Hardt calls this series of novels Sex and the Season, a Victorian version of Sex and the City. Draw parallels between Lily, Rose, Alexandra, and Sophie and Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda of Sex and the City. Which characters are similar and in what ways?
6. Get online and pull up an image of Vermeer’s St. Praxedis. What do you think Lily sees in this painting? Knowing her, why does she enjoy Vermeer’s work so much? Why do you think Daniel purchased the painting?
7. Who defies convention and authority more, Lily or Alexandra? How so?
8. What did you think of Lily’s decision to sleep with Daniel? When did you first realize that Lily had feelings for Daniel? And vice versa?
9. How did you feel when Lord Ashford told Lily she was marrying the duke? What did you think of Lily’s reaction at a time when most young ladies of the peerage would have been thrilled with such a match? Discuss arranged marriages. Some countries still practice arranged marriage today. What would you do if you were forced into marriage?
10. Discuss the relationship between Daniel and his mother. Maggie seems like a loving person, yet she sent her younger son away when he was seven because her husband thought it best. Taking into consideration the era, what might have gone through her mind at that time? What might have gone through Daniel’s mind? Do you feel Daniel has forgiven his mother? Why or why not?
11. Lily mentions that she and Rose suffered advances by Lord Ludley when they were young, yet they never told anyone. Why do you think they stayed silent? Do you think they are scarred by these encounters? Why or why not?
12. Do you think Lily and Daniel’s marriage will be successful? Why or why not?
13. How are Lily and her mother alike? How are they different? What kind of relationship do you think Lily and her mother had while Lily was growing up?
14. This book is full of colorful supporting characters: Lord Evan Xavier, Thomas Jameson, Cameron Price, Lady Ashford, and Lady Amelia Gregory, to name a few. Discuss the roles of these characters. What is their purpose in the story?
15. Rose and Cameron have a story coming next. What do you foresee in their future? What do you think will happen to Lord Evan?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wrote Lily and the Duke in 2007. When I completed it, I went to the internet for resources and was blessed to find the Colorado Romance Writers. I attended their conference in May 2007, and I haven’t looked back since.
Lily and Daniel were my guinea pigs—the hero and heroine in my very first romance novel. I entered the story in a few contests and received valuable feedback. My critique partners at the time, whom I met through CRW, also offered great advice. I revised the story once, and then again. And then again. In the meantime, I worked on my craft and published twenty-plus other stories. But Lily and Daniel always lurked in the back of my mind, waiting for their day in the sun.
After the last of many revisions, that day has finally come, thanks to my good friend Meredith Wild, who introduced me and my work to the men and women at Waterhouse Press. Thank you to David Grishman, Jonathan McInerney, Shayla Fereshetian, Kurt Vachon, and of course, the one and only Meredith Wild. I appreciate your confidence in me!
Thank you to my amazing editor, Michele Hamner Moore, for your diligent work and research.
Thank you to the many contest judges who pointed out places to make the story stronger.
Thank you to my former critique partners—Monica Kaye, Tricia Leigh Wood, Viola Estrella, and Cari Quinn—for all your help with this story and others.
Thank you to the wonderful members of Colorado Romance Writers and Heart of Denver Romance Writers who have inspired me over the years.
Thank you to my family and friends who have believed in me.
And thank you to my readers for helping me get this far. I hope you love Lily and Daniel as much as I do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.
Helen loves to hear from readers.
Visit her here:
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helenhardtauthor
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Table of Contents
Dedication
Title Page
1. Chapter 1
2. Chapter 2
3. Chapter 3
4. Chapter 4
5. Chapter 5
6. Chapter 6
7. Chapter 7
8. Chapter 8
9. Chapter 9
10. Chapter 10
11. Chapter 11
12. Chapter 12
13. Chapter 13
14. Chapter 14
15. Chapter 15
16. Chapter 16
17. Chapter 17
18. Chapter 18
19. Chapter 19
20. Chapter 20
The End
21. Author’s Note
22. Message from Helen
Also by Helen Hardt
23. Discussion Questions
Acknowledgments
About the Author