Author Q&A
Throughout the course of Nicole Jordan’s “Notorious” series, the wicked rogues of the Hellfire League have all been faithful to one woman: Madame Fouchet. Doyenne of London’s most elite pleasure club, Madame Fouchet has an intimate knowledge of all her clients, chief among them the heroes of the “Notorious” novels. Read on to learn more about Dare North, the enigmatic rogue from THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE, as Madame Fochet conducts an exclusive interview with the notorious Marquess.
Mes chers amis,
Pleasure is my business. As the proprietor of Regency London’s most elegant sin club, I provide fantasies to delight both male and female patrons. Yet I am always eager to explore ways of heightening my clients’ bliss.
And since Mademoiselle Nicole Jordan’s notorious heroes are all known to be such marvelous lovers, I spoke directly to those dangerous rakes and bold adventurers in order to discover the secrets of their success.
Venturing into their lusty, romantic fantasies made my pulse quicken and my heart yearn – as I know it will yours. Trust me on this.
-Madame Fouchet
Dare North, Marquess of Wolverton, formerly the Earl of Clune
THE PRINCE OF PLEASURE, Notorious Series Book 5
Madame Fouchet: Your real name is Jeremy Adair North, yet you are called “Dare.” Is it true you earned that soubriquet because of your devilish sense of humor?
Dare: It’s true, I enjoy having fun. But it is no secret that I am willing to take most any dare.
Mme. F: And “The Prince of Pleasure?”
Dare: For many years I’ve served as one of the prime leaders of the Hellfire League, a gentleman’s club dedicated to pleasure and sensual adventure. Admittedly, I’ve always been fond of pleasure – both giving and receiving it.
Mme. F: You are also known for being outrageously charming and wicked. Is that the secret of your appeal to women?
Dare: Surely you don’t expect a gentleman to talk of his attributes, madame?
Mme. F: Mais non, but you must have some notion why females find you so appealing.
Dare: Let us just say that I give a woman what she wants – and then I give her more of it.
Mme. F: How intriguing, my lord. How do you go about discovering what she wants?
Dare: Long ago I learned to discern a woman’s intimate desires. I focus all my attention and interest on her. And I listen to what she has to say, both her spoken words and, more importantly, the unspoken messages of her body. Once I know what pleases her, all I have to do is deliver. And believe me, I enjoy delivering.
Mme. F: So that is why your skill as a lover is considered legendary. And for your seductions? Do you consider it important to set the mood?
Dare: Most certainly. I strive to free a woman of her inhibitions. To bring her to the point where she feels able to express her most sensual needs.
Mme. F: Recently I have heard some tantalizing tales regarding you and London’s latest thespian rage, Mademoiselle Julienne Laurent. The gossip claims that you are pursuing her in order to make her your mistress. But I gather there is more to the story than that?
Dare: Much more. It is not common knowledge that we once were lovers.
Mme. F: If I were to ask you to share your favorite pleasure fantasy, would this lady figure prominently?
Dare: My favorite fantasy indeed involves Julienne. I own a private estate in Berkshire that serves as a pleasure house. In the past I’ve made it available to gatherings of the Hellfire League. But I’ve frequently dreamed of carrying Julienne away there, so I can have her all to myself. So that we can be young lovers again. Where we can pretend that the difficult past between us never existed.
Mme. F: And your fantasy?
Dare: One of the rooms has a Turkish bath – a most excellent Eastern invention. It consists of a tiled pool filled with heated water, and the surrounding decor resembles a Pasha’s harem, with luxurious piles of embroidered silk cushions. In my fantasy, Julienne and I lie nude on the cushions, massaging each other’s bodies with scented oils and exploring ways to pleasure each other.
Mme. F: So that is your favorite setting for romance? The silken splendor of a harem?
Dare: Honestly? My favorite romantic setting is the country cottage in Kent where Julienne and I once met in secret and held our lovers trysts. It boasts a charming garden, overgrown with a tangle of climbing roses. You seem surprised, madame. Does it shock you that a man of my reputation would be satisfied with so simple a setting?
Mme. F: Oui, it would startle me. You do not strike me as a simple man.
Dare: Ah, but what could be more basic than a man and woman giving pleasure to one another? I confess those are some of my most cherished memories. I lost my heart to Julienne that summer.
Mme. F: Because of her beauty?
Dare: Her beauty was only the start. From our very first meeting her wit intrigued and amused me. And her tart tongue challenged me. She was one of the few women I’d ever encountered who wasn’t awed by my title, or intimidated by my sexual expertise. And then I discovered her astonishing sensuality. She was my match in every way – and, I fear, I became obsessed with her in a very short time.
Mme. F: But your idyll ended.
Dare: All too soon, regrettably.
Mme. F: What do you suppose Mademoiselle Laurent would say about you now, were I to ask her?
Dare: I’ve always known Julienne enjoys my body, and I hope she appreciates my wit. Still, she considers me merely a rake intent on my own pleasure.
Mme. F: But that is not how you see yourself?
Dare: Not entirely. Not any longer. Oh, I want very much to have Julienne back in my bed, but I’m hoping for much more than that. I want her willing surrender. To that end, I have challenged her to a game of seduction. And in return, she has vowed to bring me to my knees.
Mme. F: Then, my lord, I wish you every success – and much luck in pursuing the lady of your heart.
Dare: Thank you, madame. Given my past history with Julienne, I will need every ounce of luck and skill I can muster.
Mme. F: I doubt she can withstand your determined pursuit for long. But it will be a delight to watch.
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