The Duchess - E-book - ePub

Every aristocratic family harbours its secrets-whispers that linger in opulent chambers, swept along by servants and silenced by the weight of ancient doors. Yet none are as beguiling, as darkly captivating, as the tale of Duchess Eleonora Thorneford."The Duchess" is a gripping historical espionage thriller set in the turbulent prelude to World War II. In 1930, Eleonora, a young and beautiful duchess with an inherited title, is unexpectedly thrust into the dangerous world of royal politics and international intrigue.
Invited by King George V to the grand Masked Ball at Buckingham Palace, Eleonora soon discovers that her presence at this glittering event is no coincidence. The King has larger plans for her-plans that involve espionage, deception, and seduction. Eleonora is tasked with a secret mission: to infiltrate the highest ranks of the Nazi Party and help restore Wilhelm II, the exiled German Emperor, to his throne.
As a first cousin of George V, Wilhelm was once a loyal ally to the British Empire, and his reinstatement could prevent the looming war in Europe. To achieve this dangerous goal, Eleonora must become the mistress and confidante, among others, of Prince Oskar, the Emperor's son, while playing the role of the most expensive courtesan in Europe. Caught between loyalty to her country and the perilous affection of Prince Oskar, Eleonora navigates a world of treachery, espionage, and betrayal.
Her skills as a courtesan, her intelligence, and her charm are all tested as she plays a dangerous game where the stakes are higher than anyone realizes. With each passing day, Eleonora finds herself deeper in the labyrinth of war, loyalty, and love, forced to make choices that could change the course of history. Full of lavish period details, passionate romance, and high-stakes intrigue, "The Duchess" is an evocative tale of love, duty, and the shadowy world of espionage.