The Earls Inconvenient Wife Ruth Ann Nordin

The Earls Inconvenient Wife - Smashwords Edition Published by Ruth Ann Nordin at Smashwords o!yri"ht # $%&$ by Ruth Ann Nordin

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-edication+ To /udy -e0ries whose enthusiasm and love for life ins!ires me to loo( at the "lass as half-full instead of halfem!ty'

Table of ontents *ist of 1oo(s by Ruth Ann Nordin ha!ter 2ne ha!ter Two ha!ter Three ha!ter 3our ha!ter 3ive ha!ter Si4 ha!ter Seven ha!ter Ei"ht ha!ter Nine ha!ter Ten ha!ter Eleven ha!ter Twelve ha!ter Thirteen ha!ter 3ourteen ha!ter 3ifteen ha!ter Si4teen ha!ter Seventeen ha!ter Ei"hteen ha!ter Nineteen ha!ter Twenty ha!ter Twenty-2ne ha!ter Twenty-Two

*ist of 1oo(s by Ruth Ann Nordin Re"ency ollection The Earls Inconvenient Wife 5er ounterfeit 5usband A 6ost 7nsuitable Earl Nebras(a 5istorical Romance ollection 5er 5earts -esire A 1ride for Tom A 5usband for 6ar"aret Eye of the 1eholder The Wron" 5usband Shot"un 8room To 5ave and To 5old 5is Redeemin" 1ride Isaacs -ecision South -a(ota 5istorical Romance Series *ovin" Eli9a 1id for a 1ride 1ride of Second hances Native American Romance Series :historical; Restorin" 5o!e 1rave 1e"innin"s 1ound by 5onor) 1ound by *ove :comin" soon; A hance In Time :novella; . main characters show u! in Restorin" 5o!e and 1ound by 5onor) 1ound by *ove; 0ir"inia 1rides Series :historical; An 7nli(ely Place for *ove The old Wife

An Inconvenient 6arria"e Romancin" Adrienne 2ther 5istorical Western Romances 3allin" In *ove With 5er 5usband 6eant To 1e ontem!orary Romances With This Rin") I Thee -read What Nathan Wants Suddenly a 1ride hristian Sci-3i Thriller Return of the Aliens

ha!ter 2ne A!ril &<&= *ondon >Remind me why Im here)? Nathaniel 1uford) Earl of Roderic() said as he chec(ed his "old !oc(et watch' Perry Ambrose) Earl of lement) shoo( his head in amusement' >I did that e4actly forty seconds a"o' The answer wont chan"e ,ust because you want it to'? With a si"h) Nate returned the watch to his !oc(et and loo(ed out the carria"e window) notin" the crowded streets where horses !ulled other carria"es toward the same !lace+ Rendell 5all' All the ladies would be dressed in their finest in ho!es of snarin" a "entleman@!referably one who was titled@ to marry' The (not in his stomach ti"htened' 5ow he hated the marria"e mar(etA >Remind me) a"ain) why Im here)? Nate re!eated' Perry "roaned) thou"h a chuc(le rose u! in his throat' >Bou !oor) !oor man' Bou really should murder your brother for dyin" without an heir'? >-ont thin( the thou"ht hasnt crossed my mind'? -es!ite his sour mood) his friends words made him smile' If anyone could ma(e him feel better about his current !redicament) it was his childhood friend) Perry' >Bou should count your blessin"s) Nate' Boull have your !ic( of ladies'? Their carria"e came to a sto!) and Nate strai"htened in his seat' 2ne "lance out the window notified him they had reached their destination' 5o!eful youn" ladies who were there to en,oy their Season climbed the stairs to Rendell 5all' 5eaven hel! the ones who were "oin" in for a third Season' Theyd !robably be better off "ivin" u!' Not that such matters concerned him'

5e was here to "et a wife) and with any luc() hed find her before the ni"ht was u!' 5e "lanced at his friend who "rabbed his cane' It was ironic that Perry wanted to "et married but hadnt had much luc(' 1etween the two of them) Perry was far more ,ovial' 1ut for some reason) Perry hadnt found a wife) thou"h hed attended social "atherin"s in the !revious two Seasons' Perry had wa"ered that Nate would wal( out with one before the ni"ht was over because) as Perry !ut it) once Nate set his mind to somethin") he didnt sto! until he "ot it' >Try a more con"enial countenance) Nate)? Perry said as the coachman o!ened the carria"e door' >*adies !refer "entlemen who smile'? Nate forced a smile) and his friend rolled his eyes' >8ood heavens' Bou loo( li(e youre in a "reat deal of !ain'? It was close enou"h to the truth so he didnt deny it' 5e left the carria"e first and breathed in the ni"ht air' Somewhere in Rendell 5all was the future *ady Roderic() the lady whod enable him to !ass on the title to his son' That shouldnt be too hard' It would have been !referable if 5ester hadnt ,ilted him so she could marry the -u(e of ACuilla) but he doubted she would have been content with bein" a countess when she could be a duchess instead' When it all came down to it) the title availed much to "entlemen' 5is friend steadied himself with his cane and lim!ed over to him' >-ont com!are those ladies to 5ester'? Sur!rised) Nate furrowed his eyebrows' >5ow did you (now I was thin(in" of herD? With a shru") he mused) >Bou "rimace when you thin( of her'? >-o ID? >Im afraid so'? Steelin" his resolve) he trud"ed u! the ste!s) "oin" slower than he needed to so that Perry could (ee! u! with him' 5avin"

been born with one le" shorter than the other) Perry lac(ed the "race and s!eed of other "entlemen' >It is unfortunate we cant trade !laces)? Nate mumbled as they a!!roached the entrance of the ballroom' >Bou dont want to trade !laces with me)? Perry re!lied as he followed Nate inside' >6i"ht I su""est you !ic( a lady who is beautifulD? *owerin" his voice so others couldnt hear them) he as(ed) >Bou su""est no other attributeD? >Im not sure you need another one' Should she be as horrible as you fear) youd have the consolation of (nowin" shes nice to loo( at'? Nate chuc(led' *eave it to Perry to find somethin" worth ,o(in" about when Nate faced a decision that would affect the rest of his life' Turnin" his attention to the mission at hand) he scanned the room) notin" the cou!les dancin") some in merriment while others loo(ed as ha!!y to be there as he was' 6aybe it was wron") but he too( a small comfort in (nowin" he wasnt the only bachelor bein" forced to thin( of his le"acy' Perry nud"ed his arm' >What about herD? 5is "a9e went to the !retty blonde on the other side of the room who fiddled with her curls' >No'? >Why notD Shes the best loo(in" lady in the room'? >And she (nows it'? Nate watched as a "entleman a!!roached her' She listened as he tal(ed to her) offerin" him a !olite smile' When he was done) she shoo( her head in dismissal) and the disa!!ointed "entleman wal(ed away' Now he (new why she didnt have a dance !artner' She was turnin" down the offers she was receivin"' >That over there is a vain lady)? he told Perry' >With her beauty) she has a ri"ht to be)? his friend re!lied' >Boure handsome' Shell say yes to you'?

8iven that he had no interest in her) he i"nored the comment and continued scannin" the room to see if a !otential *ady Roderic( was lur(in" somewhere' 5e didnt see anyone who stood out' 2h) there were attractive ladies) but he didnt feel that certain s!ar( he had e4!ected to feel when he laid eyes on the one meant for him' >There is another way to ma(e your choice)? Perry said) drawin" Nates attention bac( to him' >Bou could marry someone from a notable family'? Nates eyebrows rose in sur!rise' >Why) Perry) I believe you are smarter than you loo( after all'? With a moc( bow) he re!lied) >Bou flatter me) my lord'? huc(lin") he switched his attention to the fathers in the room) tryin" to decide which ones mi"ht be the ideal father-inlaw' >I su!!ose I ou"ht to "et to wor(' The ri"ht lady wont come to me' I must "o to her) and with any luc() her father will !oint me in her direction'? Nate ste!!ed further into the room) ma(in" sure he didnt intrude on the dancin" cou!les' Soon enou"h) hed be dancin" and tal(in" to ladies whose fathers he "ot alon" with' 5is friend was ri"ht' If he could be on "ood terms with the ladys family) then his life would be easier' S!ottin" some older "entlemen) he headed for them) determined to find out if they had any dau"hters' EEE laire *owell !ulled her white "loves u! to her elbows and then brushed off the ima"inary lint on her !in( evenin" "own' >Sto! fussin")? her sister admonished as she scanned the !eo!le who were dancin"' >3or"ive me) *illy'? She strai"htened u! and forced her hands at her sides'

>Bou neednt be so worried'? >This is my first Season' 5ow can I not worryD? laire as(ed) ta(in" in all the ladies who e4uded far more confidence than she felt' 5ow did they do itD They were calm and !oised) s!ea(in" smoothly and lau"hin"' They seemed to be en,oyin" themselves while sheFwhile she felt as if she was "oin" to be sic(' >I dont feel well'? *illy shoo( her head' >Theres nothin" to it' I survived my first Season) and youll survive yours) too'? It was true' *illy made her rounds to the balls last Season and re!orted her dance card Cuite full' >Bou should have danced with the "entleman who as(ed you instead of stayin" with me'? *illy twirled her blonde strands around her fin"ers' >6ister 6orris mi"ht have money) but he doesnt have a title' I dont care how much he !ursues me' I wont marry a "entleman unless he has somethin" to offer me'? >Even if its loveD 6ister 6orris adores you'? She shru""ed' >A mere infatuation' Nothin" more'? >I thin( its rather sweet the way he tal(s to you'? >Sweet wont ma(e me comfortable for the rest of my life'? >I doubt all the servants and clothes in the world can be sufficient when your husband doesnt love you)? laire whis!ered' *illy lau"hed as she studied the "entlemen as the dance came to an end' >Thats why ladies ta(e lovers once they !rovide their husband with an heir' Bou dont need to worry about me'? She resisted the ur"e to roll her eyes' She wasnt so naGve that she didnt understand the manner in which most of the noble class conducted their !ersonal affairs' 5er "a9e swe!t the room) notin" the cordial manner in which !eo!le conducted themselves' She had to admit the

dancin" loo(ed li(e fun) and !art of her wanted to ,oin) even if it meant some de"ree of embarrassment since she wasnt sure the dancin" lessons had !aid off' She sus!ected her unease came more from how she com!ared to *illy' *illy was "raceful on her feet and able to (ee! !ace with the ste!s to the En"lish country-dance' laire had almost tri!!ed on her way down the end of the line durin" the last one shed !artici!ated in' She much !referred the walt9) thou"h she did wonder if she hurt her dance !artner since she ste!!ed on his foot twice' She crin"ed at the memory' No' 5e wouldnt dare venture her way a"ain' Their mother came over to them with an e4cited smile' >Bour father is comin" over here with a suitable bachelor' I do believe he has a title'? *illys face lit u! and she fluffed her blonde curls' laire thou"ht about doin" somethin" to ma(e her dar( hair more attractive but decided there wasnt much she could do when it was !iled u! on her head with decorative !ins in it' 1esides) he most li(ely would want to dance with *illy anyway' 5er father a!!roached them with a "entleman) and laires eyes went to the "entlemans cane' She wondered what mi"ht have caused him to need it' A war in,ury !erha!sD 5e loo(ed youn"' Perha!s he was in his early twenties' 5e was "ood loo(in" with brown hair) a solid frame) and !leasant blue eyes that twin(led with a sense of mirth' 5er interest !iCued) she focused on her father as he made the introductions' >This is *ord lement)? he told them before turnin" bac( to the "entleman' >These are my dau"hters) 6iss *illy and laire *owell'? laire and *illy curtsied) and *ord lement bowed' >Its a !leasure to meet you)? he "reeted' >I trust youre findin" *ondon to your li(in"D? *illy "lanced at laire) and it too( laire a moment to reali9e her usually outs!o(en sister had decided this "entleman

wasnt one she wanted so she felt no need to encoura"e him to tal( to her' learin" her throat) laire re!lied) >*ondon isF bi") my lord'? 5er chee(s "rew warm' That didnt come out Cuite ri"ht' 5er mother lau"hed and cla!!ed her hands' >Boull have to for"ive my dau"hters' While *illy attended the Season last year) this is laires first time in *ondon' She finds it overwhelmin"'? >Thats understandable)? *ord lement said' >2ne hardly slee!s with all there is to do) es!ecially this time of year'? A!!reciative of his "racious re!ly) laire rela4ed' >I havent seen much of it yet'? >Im afraid weve been (ee!in" the "irls occu!ied with "ettin" ready for the balls)? their father said' >We should do somethin" of interest while were here'? >Bes) we should)? their mother Cuic(ly a"reed' >What do you su""est) *ord lementD? >If they en,oy a circus)? he be"an) >then I su""est Astleys Royal Am!hitheatre' 5owever) if they wish to en"a"e with others in *ondon) 5yde Par( is a "ood !lace to ta(e a wal( or ride a horse'? 5e motioned to his cane' >I !refer ridin" a horse' I have access to a cou!le of horses if the situation calls for it'? Their father shot their mother an e4cited loo(' >1oth activities sound lovely)? their mother said) her head bobbin" u! and down' >We would be remiss if we didnt en"a"e in them while were here' That would be lovely) wouldnt itD? she as(ed her dau"hters' >Bes) it would)? laire admitted) thin(in" that *ord lement was a li(able "entleman' 2ne) !erha!s) she could even be ha!!y marryin" if he was as nice as he seemed' *illy bit her lower li! and breathed a si"h of relief when 6ister 6orris headed their way) his eyes flittin" between her

and *ord lement' When he reached them) he bowed' They returned the "reetin" and e4chan"ed !leasantries' 6ister 6orris ste!!ed over to *illy in an a!!arent move to claim the lady he loved' laire bit her li! so she wouldnt chuc(le' If her sister was smart) shed marry him' She had no doubt hed be devoted to her every day of his life' >6i"ht I have the honor of havin" the ne4t danceD? he as(ed *illy' To laires sur!rise) *illy "ave a Cuic( nod and ,oined him so they could dance the ne4t walt9' She resisted the ur"e to sha(e her head in ama9ement' Was that the same lady who ,ust claimed she didnt want to be with himD Whatever chan"ed her mind in such a hurryD >Im afraid I cannot offer you a dance)? *ord lement said) brin"in" laires attention bac( to him' 5e motioned to his cane and shru""ed' >I wouldnt be too "raceful'? 5er mother waved her hand dismissively' >A "entlemans worth isnt based on how he dances but on who he is) ri"ht laireD? -es!ite her embarrassment to bein" sin"led out) laire nodded' >2f course) I dont mind'? >Shes a wonderful youn" lady)? her father Cuic(ly added' >She li(es to draw) (ee!s a record of her thou"hts) and has been instructed in how to be a "ood wife' I even set aside a si9able dowry on her behalf'? 5er face flushed' She (new her father meant well) but she felt as if she were an animal u! for sale' 1ut !erha!s that was what the Season was all about' 5er father had wished to see her married well) which was why he saved as much as he did while denyin" himself some of the finer thin"s in life' Still) she wished he could have chosen other words to e4!ress why *ord lement mi"ht consider her for marria"e'

As *ord lement o!ened his mouth to s!ea() a "entleman ran over to him' >Im sorry to disturb you) my lord) but your ward has been cau"ht in a situation that demands your attention at once'? A sli"ht frown crossed his face) but he turned bac( to her and smiled' >Please acce!t my a!olo"ies' Im res!onsible for my cousin' Perha!s I can !ay you a visit sometimeD? >6ost certainly)? her father s!o(e before she had the chance' 5er father told him where they were stayin" while in *ondon for the Season) and she wondered if *ord lement was bein" !olite or if he would) in fact) !ay them a visit' As he lim!ed away) her mother chuc(led and "ave her arm a li"ht sCuee9e' >I believe you ,ust mi"ht do well this Season'? >A fine match)? her father a"reed) his chest !uffed u! with !ride' 5er mother scanned the !eo!le in the room and told her father) >While the situation with *ord lement is !romisin") !erha!s wed do well to find other notable "entlemen who mi"ht ta(e an interest in laireD? 5er father nodded' >5avin" your !ic( of "entlemen would be to your advanta"e)? he told his dau"hter' laire hid her disa!!ointment' Shed ho!ed that this would be the e4tent of how many "entlemen she was e4!ected to interact with durin" her Season' 5er stomach tensed into (nots as her !arents discussed !ossible matches) and she was) once a"ain) fiddlin" with her "loves' 5er father loo(ed at laire in e4citement' >I thin( I have a !ossible match for you'? 1efore she could even see the "entleman he had in mind) he was hurryin" off to tal( to him' With a si"h) laire waited as her father retrieved another "entleman to introduce her to'

ha!ter Two A half hour later) Nate was no closer to findin" a wife than he had been when he arrived at this obno4ious ball' It wasnt that the ladies werent attractive) but it was nearly im!ossible to find a suitable match' 5e should have (nown that the Season was the !erfect "rounds for fathers who were so ea"er to see their dau"hters marry u! that they s!ent the entire conversation flatterin" him' What made matters worse was that Perry had been called away to rescue his ward from another round of drin(in" with his friends' 5ad the youth not had a !enchant for ma(in" !oor "amblin" decisions while drun() the matter wouldnt be an issue) but as it was) Perry left in haste) leavin" Nate without someone to vent his frustrations to' 5e scanned the room and saw a "entleman he hadnt s!o(en to yet' Perha!s this "entleman would steer him in the ri"ht direction' S(irtin" around the area where the cou!les danced) he reached the "entleman who s!o(e to 6ister 6orris' 5e waited for the two "entlemen to notice him and offered a sli"ht bow' >8entlemen'? 6ister 6orris "rin widened as he and his friend bowed in return' >*ord Roderic() I didnt thin( you too( an interest in the Season'? >6y brothers untimely demise a year a"o chan"ed that for me)? he re!lied' >I heard the unfortunate news about your brother)? the "entleman standin" by 6ister 6orris said' >5e was a "ood !erson'? If he had left an heir) he would have been !erfect) Nate thou"ht for the thousandth time since he learned of his death' To the "entleman) he offered a smile' >Than( you' I assure

you) hes "reatly missed' I am Nathaniel 1uford) Earl of Roderic('? >Its a !leasure to meet you) my lord' Im Enoch 6or"an) the -u(e of Rumsey'? Nate smiled with relief in (nowin" he was tal(in" to a "entleman who a!!eared to be of the a"e where he mi"ht have dau"hters loo(in" to "et married@dau"hters who werent li(ely to consider him only for his title since their father was a du(e' 1ut to be sure) he as(ed) >What brin"s you here toni"htD? >This is my dau"hters first Season'? >ReallyD And where is sheD? The du(e !ointed in the direction of a youn" lady dancin" the walt9 with her !artner' Nate tried to determine whether she was interested in the "entleman she was currently dancin" with or not' She was smilin" and seemed to be tal(in" amiably to him' >Isnt that *ord Edon shes dancin" withD? Nate as(ed' Rumsey frowned' >5o!efully not for lon"' 5is most notable accom!lishments are "amblin" and women of ill re!ute' I fear hes ta(en an interest in her dowry'? 6ister 6orris chuc(led' >I doubt shell entertain his affections' Shes much too smart for that' In fact) if I wasnt already interested in someone) Id be ha!!y to dance with her'? >I would !refer it if you would)? Rumsey told him' >Ideally) my dau"hter would have a marria"e based on more than convenience) but a "entleman whod treat her well would be best) even if they didnt love each other' A love match mi"ht not be common but is ideal'? >Bou were luc(y that way)? 6ister 6orris commented' Rumsey smiled at whatever memories crossed his mind' >Bes) I was'? 5e "lanced at Nate and as(ed) >Are you loo(in" to "et marriedD?

Ta(in" that as his cue) Nate nodded' >Im ho!in" to find a lady whose !rimary motive isnt marryin" u!) if you (now what I mean'? >Boure ho!in" for a love matchD? 5e shru""ed) unsure if that was the ri"ht way to term it' >Id li(e someone who can value me for me and not the a!!eal of my wealth and title'? Rumseys eyes lit u! with a!!reciation' >If youll e4cuse me) my lords)? 6ister 6orris be"an) >I thin( Ill dance'? After they e4chan"ed sli"ht bows) Rumsey shoo( his head' >Bou cant blame him for tryin") but hell never win her'? >Win whoD? Nate as(ed) his curiosity !iCued' >I dont (now her first name) but her last name is *owell' 5e !ro!osed to her last year) but she declined' 1etween you and me) I believe the reason she declined had to do with his social standin"'? >5e has no title) you meanD? >E4actly) thou"h he does have a rather im!ressive sum of money' 7nfortunately) that sum wont buy him a title'? >Poor fool'? >Bes' Poor fool) indeed'? Rumsey shru""ed' >I tried to e4!lain to him that her father will never a"ree to the marria"e) and she wont run off to 8retna 8reen so he has no ho!e of bein" with her'? >Who is her fatherD? Nate as(ed) needin" to (now which father to avoid in case Rumseys dau"hter didnt ta(e a li(in" to him' 5ed already decided hed !ursue her because he li(ed Rumsey) but he wouldnt force her to marry him' Rumseys "a9e traveled across the room before he !ointed to a round fellow with a ,ovial lau"h who was drin(in" some wine and tal(in" to a cou!le of "entlemen' >Thats him' 6ister *owell' 5e saved u! a !retty sum of money for his dau"hters

dowries to attract a suitable husband) but if he thin(s money will ma(e his dau"hters ha!!y) hes sorely mista(en'? >I cant ar"ue with that'? Rumsey turned bac( to him' >I see the music has sto!!ed' 6i"ht I introduce you to my dau"hterD? >I would be deli"hted'? As he followed Rumsey to his dau"hter) who bid farewell to *ord Edon) Nate ho!ed this would be it' 5ed love nothin" more than to be done with the blasted search for a wife' When they reached her) Rumsey motioned to him' > atherine) this is *ord Roderic('? Nate bowed and she curtsied) and thou"h she wasnt e4actly the !rettiest lady hed ever seen) she "reeted him in a manner that indicated shed been brou"ht u! to be a !ro!er lady of her future estate' That meant she would ensure her duty in "ivin" him an heir and run the home smoothly' 8iven that her father was a du(e s!o(e even more in her favor) so he dismissed her homely a!!earance' -es!ite what Perry thou"ht) this decision was too im!ortant for him to be concerned about a ladys loo(s' >I was wonderin" if I mi"ht have this danceD? Nate as(ed as the music be"an' >It would be my !leasure) my lord)? she re!lied in a !leasant tone she most li(ely em!loyed in all situations' >Ill leave you two to the walt9)? Rumsey said before he left them' Nate offered his hand to her) and they be"an the dance' She was li"ht on her feet) !rovin" she was familiar with the dance' >-o you (now all the dancesD? >Bes) my lord)? she re!lied' 5e couldnt be sure) but he thou"ht she was loo(in" at him the same way shed been loo(in" at *ord Edon' Not sure how to ta(e that) he cleared his throat and smiled' >Bour father tells me this is your first Season'?

>Bes) my lord'? >I su!!ose this must be overwhelmin" then'? >No) my lord'? 5e waited for her to continue) but she (e!t loo(in" at him with the same !olite smile that shed had when she danced with *ord Edon) and it was be"innin" to ma(e him uneasy' When she didnt e4!lain further) he ventured) >5ave you seen the si"hts in *ondonD? >Bes) my lord'? A"ain) he waited) but she didnt volunteer any information nor did she as( him anythin"' >So what is your favorite si"ht in *ondonD? She bit her lower li! as if she was thin(in" of an a!!ro!riate answer before she finally said) >I li(e them all) my lord'? 5e si"hed' It was a!!arent *ady atherine wasnt one for words) but maybe that was a "ood thin"' 5e could marry her) en,oy a Cuiet life) and have an heir' 6ost li(ely) hed continue in his !olitical circles while sheF While sheF 5e turned his "a9e bac( to her' >What do you en,oy doin"D? She shru""ed' >I su!!ose I en,oy the same thin"s all ladies do) my lord'? >What (ind of thin"s would those beD? >Ive been tau"ht to !aint) !lay the !iano) sin") dance) be a "racious hostessF? As she rambled off the list of thin"s she could do) he wondered if any of it truly a!!ealed to her' 5er !olite smile didnt waver a bit) but he didnt detect the sli"htest bit of enthusiasm in any of the thin"s she mentioned' 5e debated whether to as( her anythin" else) but he fi"ured he already (new how life with her would be' Shed do whatever thin"s !ro!er ladies did with their time' Whether she truly en,oyed those thin"s or not was u! to her' As lon" as she fulfilled her

role in runnin" the house) he fi"ured that was all he could e4!ect' 1y the end of the walt9) he decided she would do ,ust fine' Sure) she wasnt much of a tal(er) but really) what "entleman needed the headache of a ya!!in" ladyD 5e needed a lady who would ma(e a "ood wife) and *ady atherine met all the reCuirements' 1etter yet) she had a father who could be a friend' *ife would undoubtedly be easier since he "ot alon" with her father' Bes) *ady atherine would be his wife' EEE >Not that I mind (nowin" what Na!oleon is doin" ne4t) but there are so many other thin"s I could be learnin" instead)? *ord Edon said' >-ont you a"reeD? laire (e!t !ace with him durin" the walt9 easy enou"h) but he tal(ed so fast that she had trouble understandin" everythin" he was sayin"' 2ne minute) he discussed the weather) the ne4t he was fascinated with the candles in the chandelier) and now he rambled on about how borin" !olitical tal( was' It didnt hel! matters that she was be"innin" to feel overwhelmed with all the new "entlemen shed been meetin" toni"ht' She "lanced at her sister who was dancin" with a viscount) if she remembered the "entlemans title ri"ht' 5er sister "i""led and re!lied to whatever her dance !artner said' laire si"hed' *illy loved this' The !eo!le) the dancin") the merrimentF *illy didnt mind that it was crowded and hot' *illy didnt feel as if the walls were !ressin" in on her or that the room was tiltin" ever so sli"htly around her' >6iss laireD? *ord Edon as(ed' She sna!!ed her head in his direction' Since he loo(ed e4!ectantly at her) she decided to a"ree with him) whatever it was hed ,ust said' >Bes'? She cleared her throat and forced a

smile' >I a"ree'? 5o!efully) whatever she was a"reein" with was innocent enou"h' 5e nodded' >Boure a sensible lady) 6iss laire'? She smiled) ho!in" to hide her a!!rehension' /ust what made her sensibleD She really needed to !ay attention to him instead of lettin" her mind wander' >Perha!s I should be interested in what the "entlemen in Parliament are doin") but all they do is Cuarrel' -oes 8od "rant (in"s their authority or is authority chosen by "entlemenD There are better thin"s they could be doin"' 1ut no' They ar"ue over thin"s theyll never a"ree on' Senseless chatter) if you as( me'? laire thou"ht *ord Edon was en"a"in" in !lenty of senseless chatter) too) but (e!t silent' The thou"ht did occur to her that he mi"ht be tryin" to bore her' She shoo( her head' It was none of her business) and she had more !ressin" thin"s to worry about' Ever since she was little) she didnt do well in lar"e "atherin"s) and thou"h she mana"ed to co!e as she "rew older) ri"ht now the feelin" of bein" closed in from all sides was "ettin" worse' 6ercifully) the dance ended) and by the sli"ht si"h that esca!ed *ord Edons li!s) she reali9ed he was as relieved as she was' This was her chance to esca!e the crowd) even if it was for a few minutes' She curtsied her "ood-bye to *ord Edon) and before her father could find her in the crowd) she snuc( out onto the veranda for a breath of fresh air' She couldnt dance with anyone else) not ri"ht now anyway' 3or a moment) she leaned a"ainst the cool column) than(ful for the re!rieve' She closed her eyes and too( a few dee! breaths' As soon as her head sto!!ed s!innin") she would be able to "o bac( inside' She (e!t ho!in" *ord lement would return) but so far) he hadnt and she was be"innin" to "ive u! ho!e he would' 1ut !erha!s hed !ay her family a visit within

the ne4t few days' Then if thin"s went well and he fancied her) she wouldnt need to attend another ball) at least not to attract a husband' She had no idea how stressful itd be to "o from one "entleman to another in that room and (now each one was si9in" her u! and tryin" to decide if she was the ri"ht one to "ive him an heir' >Bou shouldnt be out here by yourself'? 2!enin" her eyes) she turned her attention to one of the few "entlemen she hadnt already met toni"ht' 5e had coarse dar( hair and li"ht blue eyes) broad shoulders that fit his dar( clothes rather well) and@her eyes went bac( u!@a sur!risin"ly serious e4!ression on his face' >I cant "o bac( in there ri"ht now'? >Bou cant stay out here unless you have a cha!erone' Someones li(ely to thin( youre doin" somethin" ina!!ro!riate'? 5er chee(s warmed' >I assure you Im not'? >I can see that'? >Then cant someone else see it if they find me out hereD? 5is eyebrows rose in sur!rise' >Not all "entlemen who come out here would warn you to "o bac( inside'? >I dont understand what youre im!lyin"'? >This is not the best !lace for an unaccom!anied lady to be)? he said' >Some "entlemen wouldnt mind enticin" you to the "ardens'? She "lanced at the "ardens which was a "ood distance from them' >I see no reason to "o there when its dar(' I wouldnt be able to see anythin" of interest'? A sli"ht "rin crossed his li!s before he "rew solemn a"ain' >Perha!s not) but Im sure the "entleman would'? She rolled her eyes and rested her head on the column' The "entleman s!o(e in riddles) and she had yet to clear her head' >I cant "o bac( inside ,ust yet'?

5e ste!!ed toward her' >Im not tryin" to be rude' Im tryin" to !rotect you from scandal' Bou are aware of what a scandal is) arent youD? She "as!ed and sna!!ed her head bac( in his direction) the sudden action causin" her surroundin"s to s!in around her' She "ri!!ed the column for su!!ort' >Im not an imbecile' 2f course) I (now what a scandal is) but all Im doin" is restin" a"ainst a column on the veranda' Im not far from the ballroom' If someone tries to haul me off to the "ardens) Ill dart for the doors'? >Bou underestimate how Cuic( a "entleman can be'? She narrowed her eyes at him' >Are you such a "entlemanD Should I be worried about youD? 5e bal(ed' >8ood heavens) no' I wouldnt dream of doin" anythin" to tarnish a ladys re!utation' *et me escort you bac( inside) and Ill tal( to your cha!erone about comin" out here with you'? 5e reached for her but she dod"ed him' She wavered a bit but held onto the column' >Ill ta(e myself bac( in when Im ready'? ReallyA The nerve of him to thin( she couldnt do such a sim!le thin" herself' All shed wanted was a few minutes of Cuiet and fresh air to re"rou!) and she ended u! bein" harassed' >Bou dont loo( "ood)? he said) concern findin" its way into his voice' >Bou need to "o inside'? 5is insistence that she couldnt ta(e care of herself was irritatin" her to no end' /ust who did he thin( he was to boss her aroundD When he reached for her a"ain) she ste!!ed away from him and went to the other side of the column' >I dont believe this)? he muttered and too( another ste! toward her' >Bou loo( li(e youre "oin" to faint' Im not leavin" you out here unsu!ervised'? She mana"ed to dod"e him once more) but in doin" so) the world tilted around her and she lost her hold on the column'

She let out a scream of sur!rise as she lost her footin" on the ed"e of the veranda and fell onto the "rass' 3or a moment) she didnt understand what ,ust ha!!ened) but then he was (neelin" ne4t to her and tryin" to !ull her u!' >I can "et u! without your hel!)? she insisted) swattin" at his hands' >What is the matter with youD? he as(ed) !artly frustrated and !artly baffled' >Nothin"' I ,ust dont want stran"e "entlemen touchin" me'? >Stran"e "entlemen touchin" youD? I"norin" the indi"nant tone in his voice) she rolled on the "rass and !ulled away from him' As she tried to stand u!) the bottom of her dress "ot tan"led around her le"s' 5e !laced his hands on her shoulders in an attem!t to !ull her u!' Startled) she tried to !ush him away and fell bac( down' >Sto! this indecent behavior at onceA? her father shouted' They sto!!ed and turned their attention to the veranda where a "rou! of !eo!le rushed outside to see what caused the commotion' It too( laire a moment to reali9e how bad the situation loo(ed' 5er dress was u! to her (nees and the "entlemans hands were on her arms' Neither one of them moved for a whole five seconds) and then somethin" sna!!ed and she mana"ed to shove him away' At what was less than a "raceful movement) she mana"ed to "et to her feet and brushed the lower half of her dress down so she was decent' >This isnt what it loo(s li(e)? the "entleman told the crowd' >I was tryin" to escort her bac( inside when she tri!!ed and fell onto the "rass'? 5er sister wal(ed u! to their father) a (nowin" smile on her face' >A li(ely story'?

>Its true)? laire s!o(e u! des!ite the heat risin" u! in her chee(s' Truly) she couldnt recall a time when shed been more humiliated in her life' >I was di99y'? >-i99y from lust) no doubt)? *ord Edon mumbled) tri""erin" a few "i""les from the crowd' An older lady "ave him a shar! loo(' >I wont tolerate that (ind of tal( here) *ord Edon'? >6y a!olo"ies) *ady adwalader)? *ord Edon re!lied) soundin" a!!ro!riately contrite' laires father turned his attention bac( to laire and the "entleman standin" ne4t to her' >I trust your little tryst will lead to a weddin"D? laires eyes "rew wide' A weddin"D She "lanced at the "entleman' It "ave her sli"ht comfort to (now he was as stunned as she was' learin" her throat) she ventured) >It was an accident' We werentF? She stru""led to find the ri"ht words) but they evaded her' *ady adwalader shoo( her head' >-ont let *ord Roderic( "et away with it) 6iss'? 8et away with itD 1ut there was nothin" to "et away withA *ord Roderic( si"hed) his shoulders slouched' *ady adwalader motioned to everyone to "o bac( inside' >I didnt !lan this evenin"s ball to s!end all of my time outside' *ord Roderic() I assume youll brin" her in for a danceD? 5er father nodded to *ady adwalader' >Ill ma(e sure he does ri"ht by my dau"hter'? *ord Roderic( stiffened for a moment but then offered laire his arm' She couldnt believe this was ha!!enin"' She watched in dread as the onloo(ers shuffled bac( inside) either sha(in" their heads in disa!!roval or snic(erin"' She mentally cursed herself for ta(in" that last dance with *ord Edon instead of as(in" her

mother to "o outside with her so the world would sto! closin" in around her' Reluctant) she acce!ted *ord Roderic(s e4tended arm and wal(ed with him to the veranda' 5er father interce!ted them and broadly smiled' >*ord Roderic() Id be ne"li"ent if I didnt introduce myself'? >Theres no need) 6ister *owell' I (now who you are)? *ord Roderic( muttered as her mother and sister ,oined them' >-id my dau"hter tell you who I wasD? her father as(ed him' laire felt the tension in *ord Roderic(s arm' >Not e4actly)? *ord Roderic( re!lied) neither smilin" nor frownin"' >Someone mentioned you by name'? >2h' 8ood' At a convenient time) Id li(e to discuss your marria"e to my dau"hter'? >Indeed'? 5e shot her a shar! loo(' >I su!!ose youll want an elaborate weddin"'? 5er ,aw dro!!ed' An elaborate weddin"D 7! to five minutes a"o) she wasnt even en"a"edA 1efore she could res!ond) a cunnin" smile crossed *ord Roderic(s face' >As luc( would have it) I need to return to Weston soon' Im afraid there will be no time for such a weddin"' Well have to ma(e do with a !rivate affair'? She narrowed her eyes at him and removed her hand from his arm' >I dont care' I dont even want to marry you'? > laire) lets not be rash)? her father ar"ued' >Bes) such a thin" would foul u! your !lans) would it notD? *ord Roderic( added' >I have no idea what you mean by that)? she told him) not li(in" whatever it was he was im!lyin"' >A !rivate affair will be fine) my lord)? her father said) shootin" her a !leadin" loo( to be amiable'

She "lanced at her mother and sister who were as ha!!y as her father' >When do you want the weddin" to ta(e !laceD? her father as(ed' *ord Roderic(s cold "a9e returned to her' >I see no reason to wait' The whole !ur!ose of this marria"e is to avoid scandal) is it notD? She "ritted her teeth as her stomach tensed u! into a terrible (not' >Is there really no other choice but marria"eD? >/ud"in" by the way you and *ord Roderic( were rollin" around on the "rass to"ether) you must "o throu"h with it)? her sister said) shootin" laire a con"ratulatory win(' laire "as!ed' >We werent rollin" around on the "rass to"ether' I was di99y and fell'? 5er sister shru""ed and offered an innocent smile' >3rom what I saw) you two were intimately entwined'? >Thats enou"h) *illy)? her father admonished' >We dont need to "o into details' The im!ortant thin" is that well "et the matter resolved and theres no harm done'? >Bes) that seems to be of most im!ortance)? *ord Roderic( added' >I su!!ose I should "et a s!ecial license so we can "et the weddin" underway' I see no reason to delay the event'? 5er father lau"hed) !robably not noticin" *ord Roderic(s sli"ht "rimace' >Well do everythin" we can to accommodate you) my lord'? *ord Roderic( "lanced at her with a clenched ,aw' >S!lendid'? laire blin(ed and then studied her family' -idnt they see how o!!osed he was to this marria"eD >Theres no need to stay out here when we can discuss the details for the weddin" inside)? *ord Roderic( told her father' 5er father nodded and hurried to lead the "rou! bac( inside) and laire swore he was half-s(i!!in" in his enthusiasm to see

her married so well' Without another loo( in her direction) *ord Roderic( followed her father inside with her mother trailin" close behind him' 5er ste!s considerably slower than theirs) laire trud"ed after them' 1eside her) *illy whis!ered) >I never reali9ed you were so clever'? > lever howD? laire whis!ered) clenchin" her hands to"ether in nervous dread' 8ood heavens but she was about to be married to a "entleman who detested her because her father made it loo( li(e there was a scandal "oin" on when there wasntA *illy "i""led but (e!t her voice low so no one would overhear' > lever howD The way you !lotted to "et a "entleman with a title alone with you was "enius' I wish Id thou"ht to "o outside by myself so I could sna" someone suitable'? She "roaned and resisted the ur"e to rub her forehead as they !assed by a "rou! of ladies who "i""led from behind their fans' She didnt (now what was worse+ bein" stu!id enou"h to "o outside without a cha!erone or not boltin" to "o inside as soon as *ord Roderic( found her' >I wonder if somethin" similar mi"ht wor( for me)? *illy whis!ered' >-ont be absurdA? laire Cuietly hissed' >-o you thin( hes ha!!y to marry meD? She sto!!ed and motioned to *ord Roderic( whose face remained stoic while her father and mother adamantly tal(ed to him' *illy shru""ed and ins!ected her "loves' >What does that matterD Boull be wealthy for the rest of your life'? She shouldnt be sur!rised' 5er sisters "oal was to marry someone with a title' To her) this was the best thin" that could ha!!en to a lady'

>Sto! bein" so "lum)? *illy !layfully admonished' >Thin( of all the nice clothes and ,ewelry you can have' Thin( of all the servants wholl do your biddin"' Thin( of all the !laces you can "o for entertainment'? She shoo( her head' *illy had no idea what shed ,ust "otten herself into' >5es "oin" to resent me'? *illy sli!!ed her arm around laires and hel!ed her move forward' >8ive him an heir and all will be for"iven)? she whis!ered' She rolled her eyes and i"nored her sisters last statement' It was "oin" to ta(e more than an heir to ma(e him understand that she didnt tric( him into marria"e' What that somethin" was) she didnt (now) and truth be told) she didnt even (now how to find out'

ha!ter Three laire "ri!!ed the brush in her hands' The !revious ni"ht had been a disaster' In a wee() she was "oin" to be Roderic(s wife) and 8od hel! her but she couldnt thin( of a worse fate' 6arion) her maid) entered her small bedroom and offered her a smile' >Would you li(e me to brush your hair this mornin"D? laire shoo( her head and absentmindedly ran the brush throu"h it' What did it matter how her hair loo(edD Shed already found a husband) even if it was due to the mani!ulations of her family' She never should have left the ballroom without her mother' This was her fault' What she didnt understand was the enthusiasm her father and *illy had for ma(in" it seem as if shed been in a scandalous situation' -idnt they worry about the familys re!utationD >I thin( I should brush your hair)? 6arion told her in a soft voice' laire blin(ed in sur!rise) not reali9in" shed sto!!ed brushin" her hair' With a si"h) she handed the brush to 6arion and stared off into the distance) not seein" anythin" in !articular' 6arion brushed her hair in "entle stro(es) somethin" that had a calmin" effect on her swirlin" emotions' laire didnt (now how 6arion (new what she needed to feel better) but somehow) she did' Someone "ave a ta! on her o!en door' Turnin" her "a9e in the direction of the sound) laire wasnt sure if she was ha!!y or not to see her sister' 3or the moment) she "reeted her) and *illy returned the "reetin" before sittin" on her bed to wait in silence while 6arion finished fi4in" her hair' After 6arion left the room) laire faced her sister' *illy "rinned' >I cant believe your fortune' Ima"ine snatchin" an earl so soonA?

laire "roaned' >It wont be a ha!!y marria"e'? >Sure) it will' Bou shouldnt be so "lum' I didnt come in to rehash our tal( last ni"ht' 3ather wishes to s!ea( to you in the drawin" room'? >Im not sure I want to tal( to him ri"ht now'? >2h) do it' 3athers not u!set'? >Hes not u!setD? laire sna!!ed but bit her ton"ue before she said anythin" else' She stood u! and !ut on her sli!!ers' >0ery well' Ill see him'? To her sur!rise) *illy followed her out of the room and whis!ered) >/ust thin( of how bi" your new house will be' This townhouse is cram!ed' Boud thin( 3ather would rent somethin" better'? >I dont thin( he could afford to with your new wardrobe'? *illy shot her a hurt loo(' >Bour wardrobe was e4!ensive) too' 1esides) he has money'? >And hes lavished a lot of it on us' To rent a more e4!ensive !lace would be his undoin"'? laire didnt (now why she was defendin" him when he was willin" to ma(e her seem li(e a loose woman to the Ton' >Boure ri"ht) of course' Bouve always been the sensible one of the two of us'? She sto!!ed before they reached the stairs and "rabbed laires arm so laire !aused' She hu""ed laire' >Im ha!!y for you because youre marryin" an earl) but Im "oin" to miss you'? laire returned her hu"' >Im "oin" to miss you) too'? Pullin" away from her) *illy brushed a tear from her eye' >Please write'? >Bou (now I will) thou"h I sus!ect youll soon be married as well'? >I ho!e so'? >To 6ister 6orris)? laire clarified'

Thou"h *illy shoo( her head) she didnt vocali9e her o!!osition' Not sur!rised) laire went down the staircase and to the drawin" room' The door was o!en) and her father was starin" out the window' She was about to as( him what he was watchin" with such interest) but he turned in her direction and offered her a tentative smile' >Boure not u!set with me) are youD? he as(ed' >I wish you hadnt done it'? There was no sense in !retendin" she didnt (now what he was tal(in" about' 5e si"hed and motioned for her to sit' When she did) he sat across from her in a chair' > laire) your mother and I want to see you well off' Ive been tal(in" to others to find out which titled "entlemen have "ood re!utations) and *ord Roderic(s is ideal' 5e (ee!s his financial affairs in order and doesnt en"a"e in frivolous !ursuits' When I saw you outside with him) I (new it was the !erfect way to secure your future'? >1ut I wasnt with him the wayFthe way you made it seem'? >I (now' I feel bad about that !art' I saw you fall and (new he was tryin" to hel! you u!'? 5e shru""ed' >Bour sister went throu"h an entire Season and didnt "et married' I didnt want the same thin" to ha!!en to you) es!ecially when I could arran"e for you to marry someone li(e *ord Roderic('? >5es not ha!!y about the marria"e'? >No' I didnt e4!ect him to be) but hell have a wee( to calm down' 1y the time the weddin" ta(es !lace) his mood will im!rove and hell see you for the wonderful "irl you are' 6ar( my word) hell be "lad he married you'? She didnt a"ree) but even if she succeeded in convincin" her father he was wron") the Ton was tal(in" about the !revious ni"ht and would hold it a"ainst her' 5er only reasonable recourse was to follow throu"h and marry Roderic('

>It will be all ri"ht) my dear)? her father said in a tender voice' >I wouldnt have done it if I didnt believe that'? She nodded' Even if she didnt a"ree with what he did) she couldnt fault his motives' 5e !atted her hand and stood u!' As he left the room) she closed her eyes and !rayed he was ri"ht and that in time) Roderic( would be "lad he had to marry her' EEE Nate (new the e4act moment his life came to an end' It was a wee( later in a small church where he muttered his vows in front of a vicar and the mani!ulative family who were more than ha!!y about this monstrosity they called a weddin"' It was dis"ustin"' Absolutely dis"ustin"' 5ow could he have so easily fallen into their tra!D The weddin" was brief) and as he e4chan"ed the vows that sealed his doom) he couldnt hel! but recall the !eaceful life he had envisioned with *ord Rumseys dau"hter' So much for that' In one idiotic decision to try to hel! a naGve lady avoid scandal) hed !lo!!ed himself ri"ht in the middle of it and was now !ayin" the !rice) somethin" that most assuredly !leased 6ister *owell and his dau"hter to no end' The weddin" was done and over within a matter of minutes) and he waited as !atiently as he could for the family to be done hu""in" each other' At one !oint) he overheard his deceitful new wife) 1lair or somethin"@he didnt !ay that much attention when they told him her name@tell her !arents that she didnt want to "o home with him' 5e rolled his eyes' If nothin" else) he had to admire her ability to !lay the victim' If he wasnt aware of her fathers desire to see his dau"hters married to titled "entlemen) he would have believed she was innocent'

>Bou must "o home with him)? her father softly told her from where they stood several feet from him' >5es your husband now'? She loo(ed over at him) and thou"h he (new he should !robably do the decent thin" and turn his attention elsewhere) he crossed his arms and stared strai"ht at her) refusin" to blin(' -id she honestly thin( itd !lease him to be du!edD She turned bac( to her father and vehemently shoo( her head and muttered somethin" he couldnt ma(e out) nor did he really care to' If she e4!erienced half the !ain he did at bein" tra!!ed into this horrible marria"e) then all the better' If he was "oin" to be miserable) the least she could do was be miserable with him' After what seemed li(e eternity) her father and mother mana"ed to !ush her over to him' >Boull have to for"ive our dau"hter) my lord)? her father be"an' >Shes terribly shy'? >2hD? 5e "lanced at her' >She wasnt terribly shy at the ball when we were outside'? She "as!ed at his im!lication) and while somethin" in the bac( of his mind warned him it was wron" to say that) at the moment) he didnt !articularly care to listen to his conscience' > ome on)? he told her) decidin" hed had enou"h of this stu!id "ame' >*ets "o home'? She sla!!ed his hand) but he ti"htened his "ri!' She clenched her teeth and stom!ed her foot on the floor' >NoA I demand an annulment'? 5e lau"hed' >Thats the most absurd thin" Ive ever heard' Bou ,ust stood there and !romised yourself to me for better or worse'? 5e !ointed to the s!ot where theyd been standin" by the vicar whose eyebrows rose' >Im sorry) my lady) but theres no undoin" what 8od has ,oined to"ether'? >1ut-?

>-ont ma(e a scene)? her mother warned her dau"hter in a "entle tone' >Boure married now' Its time to act the !art'? >E4actly)? Nate a"reed' >Now come alon"' Ive "rown tired of this whole thin"'? When she continued to di" her heels into the ru" as he attem!ted to escort her out the door) he !ic(ed her u! in his arms and carried her out of the church' 1y the time they were in his carria"e) she was cryin"' >Bour family is no lon"er around) so you can sto! !retendin")? he muttered under his breath) irritated she continued on in this charade' >Im not !retendin")? she sobbed' >I really dont want to be married to you'? 5e "roaned and handed her his hand(erchief' >-o you thin( you can be done cryin" by the time we reach my townhouseD Id rather not have !eo!le thin( the worst) even if I was tric(ed into this marria"e'? And how the Ton was already tal(in" about that oneA 5e didnt need them addin") >And *ady Roderic( cried all the way home from the weddin")? to the "ossi!' It was bad enou"h that they a"reed to s(i! the weddin" brea(fast' She nodded and wi!ed her eyes with the clean cloth' >Ill try'? 5e si"hed but (e!t his thou"hts to himself' Anythin" hed say would !robably ma(e thin"s worse) and as it was) thin"s were bad enou"h' When she sto!!ed cryin") she held the hand(erchief out to him) but he "rimaced' >Hee! it' I have !lenty more at home'? Since she didnt say anythin") he turned his attention to the horses and carria"es as the coachman led them bac( into the heart of *ondon' Truth be told) he hadnt been o!!osed to a formal weddin"' Indeed) hed envisioned it when he thou"ht hed be marryin" Rumseys dau"hter' 1ut no' Instead) he

ended u! with a s!ecial license) a rushed weddin" and a Cuic( de!arture for home as if he was doin" somethin" wron"' Too bad his friend Perry was bac( at his estate handlin" thin"s with his ward' 2therwise) Nate would invite him alon" and have a cou!le of drin(s to curse money-hun"ry families' 5e let out a lon" si"h) determined to !ut all of the horrid events leadin" u! to this marria"e behind him' The only thin" he could ho!e for was that shed "ive him an heir and then they could s!end the rest of their lives i"norin" each other' Bes) that would be the new focus' 8et the heir and be done with it' EEE 5er husband hated her' laire (new this with all of her heart) and nothin" her !arents had said would convince her otherwise' >8ive it time' This was sudden' Bou and *ord Roderic( are in shoc()? her father said' >5es willin" to do the ri"ht thin" and marry you' 5e cant be as bad as you say)? her mother added' >1ut loo( at the way hes "larin" at me)? she told them' None of her !rotests did any "ood' They i"nored all of her !rotests) thin(in" once she "ot settled into her new life) shed be lau"hin" about how she ima"ined Roderic(s an"er' E4ce!t she wasnt ima"inin" it) and no amount of rationali9in" it was "oin" to wor(' 5er husband hated her' She had no idea how he felt shed deceived him into marryin" her' She tried to ar"ue for him that he was innocent of any wron"doin" in front of the crowd who didnt believe her' She !leaded for an annulment' Shed done everythin" she could to let him off the hoo() but nothin" wor(ed' Perha!s if hed ta(en the time to !rotest the marria"e instead of silently "rumblin" about it) they could have avoided

this whole travesty' 1ut no' 5e went alon" with it) and to ma(e matters worse) he im!lied they were outside doin" somethin" they shouldnt beA Why would anyone let her out of the marria"e in a situation li(e thatD The more she thou"ht throu"h everythin") the an"rier she "ot' She was outside) not far from the ballroom) and he wouldnt leave her alone' All she needed was a few minutes for the world to sto! tiltin" around her) and then she could return to the ballroom to dance with more "entlemen her father thou"ht suitable for her' A few minutes' Was that really too much for her to as(D It wasnt li(e she ventured out to the "ardens alone' If Roderic( had been a true "entleman) he wouldnt have bothered her' 1y the time they reached his townhouse) she was no lon"er tryin" to hold bac( her tears' In fact) there were no more tears to shed' At the moment) she was tryin" to control her simmerin" ra"e' As soon as the carria"e sto!!ed) she bolted out of it and stormed u! the ste!s to the front door' >What are you doin"D? her husband as(ed in a mi4ture of shoc( and irritation as he ste!!ed out of the carria"e' >What does it loo( li(eD Im "oin" into my new house)? she sna!!ed before o!enin" the door' She i"nored the butler and footman and stormed u! the first fli"ht of stairs she found' -es!ite the commotion "oin" on behind her as a confused butler and footman as(ed Roderic( what the !roblem was) she !ressed on' 5ad she not been so an"ry) she would never have acted in such an unladyli(e way' 1ut she fi"ured she had nothin" to lose since her husband already loathed her and !eo!le were already lau"hin" at her e4!ense' When she reached the to! of the staircase) she !retended she didnt hear Roderic( demand she sto!' Instead) she !roceeded forward) chec(in" each room alon" the way to determine where

her bedchamber would be' She heard his footste!s as he came u! the stairs' Startled) she hurried to find the room meant for the lady of the house' To her dismay) he was already closin" in on her when she finally found it at the end of the hall' She "lanced bac( in time to see a scowlin" earl headin" her way' Refusin" to let him intimidate her anymore) she scowled in return before dartin" into the room' It wasnt a ladys room) e4actly) but it had a bed) a wardrobe and other items to ma(e her !rison comfortable' She tried to close and loc( the door before he could reach her) but he stuc( his foot in the doorway' She tried to (ic( it out of the way) but it was no use' 5e was "oin" to come into the room whether she li(ed it or not' 8roanin" under her breath) she left the door) !lo!!ed down on the bed) and crossed her arms' >This is my house)? he sna!!ed' >Bou will not treat my staff that way'? She shru""ed as if she couldnt care less what he thou"ht' And really) at the moment) she didnt care what he thou"ht) "ood or otherwise' >Bou have no ri"ht to be defiant to me'? She rolled her eyes' 5e stood in front of her) his hands on his hi!s and stared at her' She refused to loo( u! at him' 6aybe if she waited lon" enou"h) hed "o away and leave her alone' >This mess is your doin") 1lair) so I su""est you@? 3urious) she made eye contact with him' >1lairD 6y name isnt 1lair'? 5e had ,ust stood there at the weddin") si"ned the document with her name on it and everythin") and he was callin" her 1lairD >Whatever your name is) I su""est you@? She bolted to her feet and "lared at him' >6y name is not 1lair' Its laire'?

>Bour name doesnt concern me'? >It should'? >1ut it doesnt' Bour manners) however) are a !ressin" matter' Bou dont thin( the way you stormed into this house and i"nored the butler and footman will "o unnoticedD Peo!le have a tendency to "ossi!'? >I want you to re!eat my name'? 5e blin(ed in sur!rise' >WhatD? >6y name is laire' I want you to say it so youll remember it in the future'? >I wont ta(e orders from you'? She "ritted her teeth) her hands balled into fists at her sides' 5er husband was im!ossible' >-oesnt my name matter to you at allD? >Not really'? >Bou could at least address me formally since you dont say my name as a term of endearment'? 5e stared bac( at her in a silent challen"e she was sure was meant to intimidate her into submission' The insufferable oafA She had a mind to smac( him ri"ht u!side the head' >Im your wife' I demand to be addressed with res!ect'? >That would be true if you had behaved honorably' Since you concocted this scheme to tra! me into marryin" you) I dont res!ect you' So no) I wont refer to you as *ady Roderic(' 1ut never mind all that' Its done) and until you "ive me an heir) well have to bear with one another'? She crin"ed at the thou"ht of him touchin" her' >I cant be with you that way'? Es!ecially when he hated herA >Bou should have thou"ht about that before your clever little !loy last wee(' Bou cant deny me my husbandly ri"hts) so whether you li(e it or not) well be wor(in" on "ettin" that heir and well start toni"ht'?

1efore she could voice her !rotest) he shot her an amused smile and left her alone'

ha!ter 3our Nate slouched in the chair in front of his des( in the library) and thou"h he stared out the window) he didnt see anythin"' 5is life (e!t re!layin" in his mind' The "ames he and his older brother had !layed as children) the reali9ation that titles meant more to ladies than love) the news of his brothers death and funeral' 5e recalled the ladies his brother fancied but couldnt decide on one he could marry' And it wasnt li(e his brother was nearin" an old a"e when he fell off his horse and died' At twenty-three) they all thou"ht he had enou"h time to "et a wife and an heir' Nate si"hed' And now at twenty-three the res!onsibility fell to him' The door to his library o!ened but he didnt loo( away from the window' >*ord lement is here) my lord)? his butler called out from the doorway' Nate motioned for him to let his friend into the room in a half-hearted "esture then let his hand fall lim! in his la!' 5e heard the familiar ta! of Perrys cane as he entered the room and mana"ed to turn his head in his friends direction' Perry lim!ed to the chair on the other side of his des() so he strai"htened u! and faced his friend' When Perry sat down) he rested the cane a"ainst the des( and stared at him) his eyebrows raised in what Nate was sure was amusement' >I hear you married)? Perry said) a sli"ht twitch turnin" the corner of his li!s u!' 5e scowled' >Bou missed the weddin" by three hours'? >It wasnt intentional) Nate'? >I (now' It was ,ust as well that you didnt ma(e it' It was more li(e a funeral anyway'? 5is friend chuc(led' >Bou shouldnt mo!e about' *oo( at the bri"ht side' Bou dont have to worry about findin" a wife anymore' Bou have her) and now you can have the heir'?

>Bou mean to tell me you havent heard about my trans"ression outside *ord and *ady adwaladersD? >Bou (now I dont !ay attention to what the Ton says)? he said in a soft voice' Nate "lanced at the cane and (new his friend was ri"ht' Why would he !ay the busybodies any mind when they !itied him for bein" born with one le" shorter than the otherD It wasnt a bi" difference) but it did enou"h to dissuade most ladies from wantin" to marry him' >Its unfortunate you wish to marry but cant while I didnt wish for it but had to'? >Thats the way it "oes sometimes'? Nate stood u! and lumbered to a cabinet to retrieve two "lasses' After he !oured whis(ey into them) he handed one to Perry and sat bac( down' >Are you aware of who my wife isD? >Bes' I "ot your missive' Bou married 6iss laire *owell'? 5e "ritted his teeth' >Bes' 6ister *owells dau"hter'? >I met her'? >-id youD? >I thin( shell ma(e you a "ood wife' In fact) I came to con"ratulate you'? Nate "runted' >Bou are aware that 6ister *owell is ambitious to see his dau"hters married to titled "entlemen who are wealthyD? >Bes) I heard of his re!utation'? >So what ma(es you thin( my marria"e to his dau"hter is "oin" to be a "ood oneD? >5er father mi"ht be ambitious) but hes harmless' 5e ,ust wants a "ood life for his dau"hters' Bou cant be"rud"e a "entleman that) Nate'? >Not unless he lets his dau"hter lure titled "entlemen outside where his dau"hter fi"ures out a way to create a scandal'?

Perry lau"hed' >Thats ridiculousA? >Is itD? >Bes' *ady Roderic( isnt the ty!e whod lure you outside'? >Well) she did'? >5owD? >I saw her "o out on the veranda so I followed her outside' I su""ested she "o bac( in before the wron" (ind of "entleman found her and too( her into the "ardens' She refused to listen to reason and fell onto the "rass' I couldnt leave her there) thrashin" about li(e a drun(en sailor@? Perry lau"hed harder' >Thrashin" about li(e a drun(en sailorD? >Bou (now what I mean'? 5e shoo( his head' >Im afraid I dont' Ive never seen a lady fall off a veranda'? >She wasnt e4actly "raceful as she tried to "et u!' Its a wonder she mana"ed to wal( down the aisle today without tri!!in" on her "own'? >That isnt a nice thin" to say)? his friend (indly admonished' >I dont feel li(e bein" nice) Perry' The !oint is) she and her father orchestrated it so that everyone had to come runnin" out to find me tryin" to hel! her u!' I dont (now how she did it) but she made sure her dress was u! to her (nees' She did a "ood ,ob of ma(in" it loo( li(e I was) in fact) tryin" to ta(e liberties with her' Now I (now why she (e!t !ushin" me away instead of hel!in" her'? >She was !ushin" you awayD? > lever) isnt sheD I mi"ht detest her) but Ill be the first to admit that shes not stu!id'? Perry leaned bac( in his chair and crossed his le"s' >I met her in the ballroom ri"ht before I "ot called away to ta(e care of

my ward) and I dont believe she was tryin" to "et you in trouble' I thin( shes shy' Bou !robably startled her) and when she fell) she was too embarrassed to let you hel! her'? 5e rolled his eyes' >Bou have a lot to learn about ladies'? >2ne lady who ,ilted you in the !ast doesnt ma(e you an e4!ert either'? 8ranted) his friend had a !oint) but Nate had accurately assessed the situation and (new what (ind of mess hed "otten himself into' Perry lifted his "lass and held it u!' >I !ro!ose a toast to you and *ady Roderic(' 6ay you have a do9en children to"ether'? Nate "rowled at him' 7ndaunted by his friends sour res!onse) he dran( some whis(ey and added) >I (now you didnt as( for my advice) but Im "oin" to "ive it'? Nate (new this was comin"' 5is friend always found some cheerful way of loo(in" at thin"s) no matter how awful somethin" was and this was no e4ce!tion' 5e dran( from his "lass and reluctantly waited for him to continue' After ta(in" a si!) Perry said) >Bou needed to "et married) and even thou"h this wasnt what you !lanned) you should ma(e the best of it'? >Thats easy for you to say' Boure not the one who had to marry her'? >I wouldnt have o!!osed marria"e with her) Nate) even if the only reason her father would have !ermitted the marria"e was because of my title' She was one of the few ladies who didnt see me with my cane and run away from me'? Startled at the soft tone in his friends voice) he lowered his "lass and studied him' >Im sorry they do that) Perry'? 5e shru""ed but smiled' >It couldve been worse' I couldve been born unable to wal('?

>True' I dont (now how you mana"e to always loo( at the bri"ht side) but I admire that about you'? >Its not hard' Bou ,ust need to thin( of what you have instead of what you dont' *i(e you' Bou have a wife and now can have the heir to secure your family line' I (now its hard to believe) but everythin" will be all ri"ht'? Nate si!!ed his whis(ey and drummed his fin"ers on the ed"e of his des(' >Is it "oin" to cause tension because I ended u! marryin" her when youd fancied her for yourselfD? >No' 2ur friendshi! is too im!ortant for that' Bou both have my blessin"'? >1esides her family) I believe youre the only !erson who is "lad for this marria"e'? >2nce you sto! bein" stubborn) youll be "lad) too) but I can see you wont listen to my words of wisdom anytime soon' Boull need to "ive the !oor thin" some "rief before you come to your senses and reali9e what an oaf youre bein"'? Thou"h Nate scowled) he couldnt be entirely an"ry at his friend who) once a"ain) had shown how "racious some !eo!le could be' >Well see'? >Bes) we will'? 5e too( another si! from his "lass and set it on the des(' >I wish I could stay lon"er) but I need to buy a weddin" "ift'? >I really wish you wouldnt'? >I have to' Boure li(e a brother to me) and considerin" all I have are sisters) that means somethin"'? huc(lin") Nate rose to his feet as his friend "rabbed his cane and eased out of his chair' >I ho!e youll still ma(e it to Whites tomorrow'? >Boure not "oin" to show your wife around *ondonD? >Id rather not s!end time with her'?

As they wal(ed to the door of the library) his friend as(ed) >Should I welcome *ady Roderic( now or wait until youre in a better moodD? >Shes hidin" in her bedchamber' I dont thin( shell come down unless someone carries her out of it' As soon as we came home) she ran u! the stairs and to the first bedchamber she found that suited her needs'? >Bou cant blame her for "ettin" away from you' Bou can be a brute when youre not ha!!y)? Perry teased' >If you continue to ta(e her side) I mi"ht refuse to !lay chess with you in the future'? 5e let out a "as!' >Bou wouldntA? Nate raised an eyebrow in silent confirmation' Sha(in" his head) he led the way out of the room and down the hall' >Send your wife my sym!athies'? They sto!!ed at the entrance) and the butler handed Perry his hat' >Than( you'? Perry !ut his hat on and shot his friend a !ointed loo(' >1e "ood'? 5e (e!t his face void of emotion sim!ly because he (new it would ma(e Perry wonder if hed heed his advice or not' Perry si"hed before "oin" out the door' Even thou"h the day hadnt been ideal) Nate reali9ed his friends visit had cheered him u!' Perha!s hed mana"e to "et throu"h the meal with his wife without scowlin" at her' That would be a vast im!rovement over the carria"e ride home from their weddin"' 1rea(in" free from his thou"hts) he faced the butler' >Is the ladys maid here yetD? >Bes' She came shortly after you and *ady Roderic( arrived'? 5e blin(ed in sur!rise' >She didD? >I told you' Bou were in the library'?

>2h'? 5e briefly recalled that the butler had mumbled somethin" about his wife) but hed dismissed it since he didnt see how the news should a!!ly to him' >Well then) everythin" is set until dinner'? Turnin" bac( to his library) he decided to read a boo(' EEE >Bou loo( beautiful) my lady)? 6arion said as she brushed laires hair' laire refused to loo( in the mirror' She didnt want to see everythin" 6arion was doin" to ma(e her !resentable to that bi" oaf she was now condemned to s!end the rest of her life with' 5er "a9e unwittin"ly went to the bed and she shuddered' She (new it was her duty to be with him toni"ht) but every time she thou"ht about it) she felt sic( to her stomach' There was no way shed be able to eat anythin" at dinner' As it was) she couldnt even brin" herself to drin( the water 6arion had brou"ht for her' 6arion finished brushin" her hair and reached for the !ins on the vanity table' >What would you li(e me to do with your hairD? >I dont care'? >Then Ill use one of my favorite styles'? laire "lanced at 6arions reflection in the mirror' At most times) she had a tendency to for"et 6arion was there) but today) she was "lad to have her there' 6arion was a familiar !resence in her new) and very scary) world' She turned her attention to her hands which were folded on her la! and wondered if she dared to tal( about anythin" !ersonal with her' 7! to now) she hadnt' 6ost of the to!ics theyd shared had to do with what she mi"ht wear or what she

mi"ht do for the day' 6arion had been married) until her husbands death) so she (new about intimate matters' 6arion sli!!ed some !ins into her hair' >Boull be ha!!y to (now oo( has !re!ared roast chic(en toni"ht' A!!arently) *ord Roderic( has "ood taste'? laire returned her "a9e to 6arions reflection and forced a smile' >I su!!ose so)? she forced out) thou"h she didnt (now how she was "oin" to eat anythin") even if it was one of her favorite meals' >*ady laire) in some ways you are li(e the dau"hter I never had) and I dont li(e seein" you this miserable' Is there anythin" I can do to ma(e thin"s better for youD? Touched by her concern) laire made eye contact with her' In all the years shed (nown her) 6arion hadnt been one to "ossi!' Perha!s she could trust her in !ersonal matters' learin" her throat) she mana"ed a wea() >5ow lon" does it lastD? When 6arions eyebrows furrowed) she !ointed to the bed) her chee(s flushed from bein" so bold' 7nderstandin" lit u! her eyes' >2hA 2f course' I should have (nown thats been troublin" you'? She offered a (ind smile and !atted her shoulder affectionately' >I cant say for sure' Some "entlemen last lon"er than others) but Id say no more than a cou!le minutes once hesFinvolvedFin the !rocess' Bou shouldnt worry so much about it' I (now you cant hel! but feel uncertain about the whole thin") but its a very natural !rocess and one that brin"s !leasure'? 6arion finished !innin" her hair bac( and motioned to the mirror' >What do you thin() my ladyD? I thin( Im "oin" to throw u!) she thou"ht as she "lanced one more time at the bed' Swallowin" the nervous lum! in her throat) she turned her attention to the mirror and studied her reflection' She loo(ed li(e a vir"in all dolled u! so she could be sacrificed on an altar'

>Bou dont seem !leased)? 6arion softly commented) a worried tone in her voice' She si"hed and turned away from the mirror' >Bou did a wonderful ,ob' I dont feel u! to seein" him) thats all'? >Its ,ust nerves) my lady' Truly) theres nothin" to it' All married ladies "o throu"h it'? laire (new 6arion meant well) but nothin" she could say would ease the sic(enin" (not that ti"htened in her "ut' This ,ust mi"ht be the worst ni"ht of her life' 6arion smiled and hel!ed her u! from the chair' As she ad,usted the s(irt of her "own) she said) >If you wish to s!eed thin"s u!) be undressed when he comes to you'? She stood u! and made eye contact with her' >Ill brin" u! some sherry to hel! ease your nerves'? >Will that wor(D? >1etter than youd thin(' I use it to calm my nerves once in a while'? She wal(ed to the door and o!ened it' laire "lanced at the cloc( on the wall and too( a dee! breath' This was it' Whether or not she wanted to be in this marria"e wasnt u! for debate' Now it was a matter of fulfillin" her duty and "ivin" her husband an heir' >6y ladyD? 1rin"in" her attention bac( to her maid) she "ave a sli"ht nod of resi"nation and headed out the door'

ha!ter 3ive Nate hardly tasted his meal' The tension in the dinin" room was so !rofound he could hardly stand it' 5e "lanced at laire who stared at her !late) the food "rowin" colder by the minute' She !o(ed it with her for( before settin" the utensil down and !lacin" her hands in her la!' She didnt loo( at anythin" but her food' All the fi"ht thatd been in her earlier had de!arted) and he honestly didnt (now if he !referred her when she was ar"uin" with him or com!letely docile' It was unnervin" that a lady could chan"e moods so Cuic(ly' 5e wondered if he should try to have a conversation with her' 5e studied her face) notin" the furrowed eyebrows and the way she (e!t bitin" her lower li!' Steelin" his resolve) he decided to (ee! i"norin" her and focused on the rest of his meal' She "ot herself into this !redicament when she tra!!ed him into this marria"e' Now she was "oin" to have to deal with the conseCuences of her actions' Perha!s if shed carefully thou"ht throu"h the ramifications of what she had !lanned) she would have sou"ht an earl throu"h honest means' 5e dared a loo( at the servants who waited for him to "ive the word when he wanted somethin"' >Are you doneD? he as(ed her' 5er head ,er(ed u!) her eyes as wide as a scared fo4s' 5e resisted the ur"e to roll his eyes' Shed been the one to tra! him into a hole that he couldnt "et out of) not the other way around' >1efore I tell the footman were done) do you wish to eat anythin" elseD? he clarified) !ointin" to her !late still full of food' She shoo( her head) and he too( that as an indication that she was done so he wi!ed his mouth with the cloth na!(in which had been in his la!' After he set it on the table) he nodded to the footman who stood behind his chair and eased to

his feet' 5e waited for his wife to "et u!) but she remained seated' 8rittin" his teeth) he silently counted to ten before as(in") >-o you wish to eat somethin" elseD? She refused to ma(e eye contact with him and rubbed her forehead' Not wishin" to involve the servants in their !roblems) he turned to them' >When@? he closed his eyes for a moment and forced out@>*ady Roderic(@? he rela4ed@>is done) see to the table'? Turnin" bac( to her) he mana"ed a sli"ht bow and left the room' 5e went to his library and !oured himself a drin( before he went to his chair and stared out the window' There was no way he could consummate the marria"e' Not toni"ht' Not when thin"s were this miserable' 5e thou"ht he could "o throu"h with it) thin(in" his sense of duty would stren"then him for the tas(' 1ut it was no use' 5e had no desire to force the situation' Perry told him to ma(e the best of it' 6aybe he was ri"ht' It wasnt li(e broodin" over the way hed been tra!!ed was "oin" to chan"e thin"s' laire was still his wife) and by law) shed remain as such until one of them died' 5e ,ust needed to s!end enou"h time with her to "et the heir) and 8od willin") shed have a boy ri"ht away so he wouldnt need to (ee! "oin" bac( to her' And maybe in a few days or wee(s) they would reach the !oint where "ettin" started on an heir would be less aw(ward' Perha!s this marria"e wouldnt be much different from what he envisioned his marria"e wouldve been li(e had he married the -u(e of Rumseys dau"hter' E4ce!t for the fact that he thou"ht *ady atherine would be an amiable wife) he didnt "et the sense that theyd do much more than show u! in !ublic to"ether whenever necessary and ensure he "ot an heir' The

only difference in marryin" laire was that they werent "oin" to be amiable' 5e shru""ed and dran( more !ort wine' Well) so be it' This was his lot in life' 5avin" a title meant he had res!onsibilities' 5e wasnt !romised ha!!iness when he was born' After an hour !assed) he decided he mi"ht as well "et the ordeal over with' 5e stood u! and headed u!stairs) feelin" more li(e a "entleman about to meet his ma(er than a "room a!!roachin" his bride on his weddin" ni"ht' The door to laires bedchamber was shut) which didnt sur!rise him' She was !robably ho!in" he wouldnt show u!) but he couldnt "rant her such a re!rieve' As he entered his bedchamber) his valet turned from the ni"htclothes he set out for him' >Is there anythin" else you reCuire) my lordD? >No' This will be it)? Nate re!lied' 5is valet ad,usted the candles on the dresser before he bowed and left the room) softly shuttin" the door behind him' Nate "lanced at the door that se!arated his bedchamber from laires and wondered if she had any idea that this !articular door e4isted' Even if she loc(ed the door leadin" to the hallway) he had a (ey that he could use in that door' There was no tellin" if she loc(ed him out) es!ecially after the way shed been actin" at dinner' It would be interestin" to find out if she had' Then hed "et an indication of how resistant she was to "ivin" him an heir' 5e chan"ed into his ni"htclothes and ti"htened the cord on his robe before he left his room) decidin" enterin" throu"h the door ad,oinin" their rooms mi"ht fri"hten her' After thin(in" over his rehearsed s!eech for the tenth time) he (noc(ed on the door' There was no answer from the other side) so he tested the door(nob and was relieved when he reali9ed it wasnt loc(ed'

8ood' Even if she didnt want him to be there) at least she wasnt "oin" to fi"ht the issue' 5e didnt relish the idea of forcin" his way into her room' The situation was aw(ward enou"h as it was' 5e o!ened the door' The curtains were drawn closed) but the candles were lit' laire was sittin" on her bed) "ul!in" down a "lass of sherry as if her life de!ended on it' 5is "a9e went to the almost-em!ty decanter on the small table ne4t to her' She finished her "lass and !ic(ed u! the decanter to !our the rest of it into the "lass) but she missed and some of it s!illed onto the ru"' 5ad he not been in shoc( at seein" her drin( with the abandon of a drun(en sailor) he would have acted sooner so he could sto! her from drin(in" directly from the decanter' When she finished) she "i""led and set the decanter down with a loud thud on the table' Somethin" in him sna!!ed and he moved forward to "rab the "lass from her hand before she dro!!ed it' 5oldin" the "lass to his chest) he Cuic(ly went to the door and shut it' 5e didnt thin( anyone would see them) but there was no sense in lettin" anyone hear his wife lau"hin" because she was drun(' 5e returned to her and set the "lass on the table' >What are you doin"D? he as(ed his wife as she ins!ected her "own' >-id I "et any sherry on itD? She hiccu!!ed and "i""led' >I love this "own' *illy hates the color blue' She li(es reds and !in(s' 1ut I love blue' 1lue is so soothin"'? 5e rolled his eyes' What did he care about dress colorsD >I thin( the "own is dry' I "ot some on the ru") thou"h'? It too( him a moment to reali9e she was tal(in" about the sherry' She stumbled toward the wash basin) but he sto!!ed her' >Sit down' Ill ta(e care of it'? She crossed her arms and tried to stand u! strai"ht but wobbled'

>5ere'? 5e led her to a chair and then lit a cou!le of candles on her dresser so he could see where the sherry was on the ru"' >-ont move'? 5e went to the wash basin and "rabbed the clean cloth and soa!ed it' This wasnt e4actly what he thou"ht hed be doin" on his weddin" ni"ht) but he couldnt have the house(ee!er clean the ru" and tell the others the lady of the house had to "et herself drun( in order to consummate their marria"e' 5e (nelt by the ru" and washed it clean' laire leaned forward in her chair' >Psst'? 5e sto!!ed scrubbin" the ru" and loo(ed at her' >WhatD? >I s!illed some sherry on the ru"'? She "i""led a"ain as if she thou"ht that was the funniest thin" in the world' With a sha(e of his head) he returned his attention to the ru" and finished cleanin" it' 5e stood u! and !laced the ra" into the basin' She hiccu!!ed' >Ive never had that much sherry before' All Ive ever had was a little "lass to drin() but this time 6arion brou"ht a whole decanter of it'? >So you dran( it allD? he as(ed) sur!rised she didnt choose to e4ercise more self-restraint' With a !layful shru") she said) >I was nervous'? >Theres nothin" to be nervous about' Were not "oin" to do anythin" in bed'? She strai"htened in the chair but swayed to the ri"ht before she steadied herself' >Were notD? onsiderin" she was drun() he had no idea how well she understood him' >I dont feel li(e forcin" the issue'? She stared at him in a way that made him assume she didnt (now what he meant) but then she let out a loud si"h of relief and rela4ed in the chair' >8ood' I was scared'? She "i""led and too( off her sli!!ers'

>ScaredD? What in the world was there to be scared ofD 1y the way shed mani!ulated thin"s and then confronted him as soon as they "ot home) he didnt thin( anythin" scared her' She "ave him a sur!risin"ly solemn nod' >Bes'? She stood u! and carried her sli!!ers to the bed' She stumbled and almost fell) so he cau"ht her' >5ere'? Still holdin" her) he too( the sli!!ers and !ut them at the foot of her bed' >Ive never been with a "entleman before)? she whis!ered and !ointed to the bed' >In one of those'? She "i""led and leaned a"ainst him' >I should ho!e not'? >I dont (now what to e4!ect'? >Well) no one can (now until theyve done it'? To his sur!rise) she wra!!ed her arms around his nec( and smiled' >5ave you done itD? >No'? >Are you scared) tooD? she whis!ered' >No'? 8ood "rief' Whatever she found so alarmin" about the whole thin") he couldnt even be"in to ima"ine' >Bou have nothin" to worry about' Im "oin" to ta(e you to bed and youre "oin" to slee!' Alone'? >Than( you'? 5is eyebrows furrowed' >3or whatD? >3or not ma(in" me do this toni"ht' 6arion said the sherry would rela4 me) but I dont (now how "ood it did' It feels li(e the world is s!innin" around me) but I dont thin( I sto!!ed bein" scared'? >I dont understand why youd be scared at all' Annoyed) resistant) be"rud"in"F? 2r !erha!s shed feel a mi4ture of all of those thin"s' >Boure scaredD? She snu""led closer to him and lowered her voice' >6y mother told me it was !ainful' She said she cried her first time'

6arion said otherwise) but I dont (now what itll be li(e for me'? 5e nodded' >I thin( I understand now'? 8lancin" at her bed) he said) >Bou need to "o to bed' Ill "ive you somethin" youll need for that headache youre "oin" to have when you wa(e u!'? She wove her fin"ers throu"h the hair at the base of his nec(' >That is so thou"htful of you' Than( you'? 5e cau"ht the twin(le in her eyes and the smile on her li!s' She was such a beautiful lady' Not only that) but she could be charmin" when she wanted to be' 5e cleared his throat' >Bes) well) dont than( me until your han"over !asses'? >*ord Roderic()? she whis!ered before he could !ull away from her' >WhatD? >Will you (iss meD? 5e blin(ed in sur!rise' >WhatD? >It is our weddin" ni"ht) and you didnt (iss me at the weddin"' Would you (iss me) ,ust once) so I (now what its li(eD? >I doubt youll remember it'? >PleaseD? 5e si"hed) thin(in" this was a bad idea) but he rather li(ed her this way' She was honest and sweet' Restin" his hands on her hi!s) he nodded' >All ri"ht'? She ste!!ed on her ti!toes) closed her eyes) and brou"ht her li!s to his' 5is first instinct was to chan"e his mind because it suddenly occurred to him how !ersonal a (iss was) but then he "rew aware of how warm and soft her li!s were' 5e closed his eyes and "ave into the !leasure of (issin" her' 1efore he could tal( himself out of it) he brou"ht his arms around her and dee!ened the (iss'

She seemed to melt into him) somethin" he !articularly en,oyed' 5is body res!onded to her) ur"in" him to continue' 5e !arted his mouth and traced her lower li! with his ton"ue' She hesitated for a moment but then !arted her li!s for him) so he brou"ht his ton"ue into her mouth' It was one of the best thin"s hed ever e4!erienced) but as much as he wanted to (ee! "oin" and find out the other !leasures they mi"ht share to"ether) he couldnt do it' What he now had with her was a "ood memory) and he didnt want anythin" to taint it' Reluctant) he !ulled away from her and turned bac( her bedcovers' >Bou need to "et your slee!'? Thou"h it was unnecessary) he fluffed her !illow) not sure why he was "oin" throu"h all the trouble e4ce!t) for the moment at least) he didnt want to dwell on the circumstances that led him into this marria"e' Itd been a lon" and e4haustin" day' The best thin" he could do was let it "o for toni"ht' Tomorrow) he had business to tend to) and hed be better off if he mana"ed a "ood ni"hts slee!' When he turned bac( to laire) he saw that shed ta(en her "own off' It was on the ti! of his ton"ue to su""est she wait until he left the room before disrobin") but she was sli!!in" out of her under"arments and all he could do was thin( of how much better she loo(ed without clothes on' 5e thou"ht to alert her to the fact that he was standin" in the room) no less than three feet from her' That mi"ht sto! her from slowly ta(in" her ,ewelry off and !lacin" them on the dresser' She was in no hurry to cover herself) and thou"h she couldnt have intended it) it struc( him as the most erotic thin" hed ever witnessed' She then !roceeded to remove the !ins from her hair) and he didnt (now whether to "roan in !leasure or frustration' 5e rubbed his eyes and si"hed' She was "oin" to (ill him' Slowly but surely) she was "oin" to (ill him' >Isnt it funnyD? she as(ed with a "i""le'

*owerin" his hand from his eyes) he mana"ed a wea() >Isnt what funnyD? >Im not nervous anymore'? She !ut the last !in down on the dresser and shoo( her head so that her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders' >6aybe the sherry is finally wor(in"'? >3inally wor(in"D? It seemed to him that itd been wor(in" all alon"' >I was still nervous when you came here) but Im not anymore'? She !ic(ed u! the brush and lau"hed' >5ave you ever noticed how !eculiar brushes areD They loo( li(e !orcu!ines'? 5ad she been sober and said that) he would have notified her that she made the stran"est observations' 1ut since she was drun( and her breasts ,i""led nicely when she lau"hed) he reali9ed he didnt thin( it was so stran"e after all' At this !oint) he wanted nothin" more than to ta(e her to bed and "et started on that heir' 1ut itd be wron"' 5e couldnt ta(e advanta"e of her when she was drun() and it would ruin the nice moment they had when he saw that honest and sweet side of her' That was the lady he wanted to ma(e love to) not the one who had to "et drun( to be with him' 5e went over to her) "ently too( the brush from her hand) and set it down' >Bou need to "o to bed' -o you have anythin" to wear for bedD? She snu""led a"ainst him and "i""led' >I dont wear anythin" at ni"ht'? Well) that was all he needed' Now every ni"ht hed (now she was in bed na(ed' With a resi"ned si"h) he sli!!ed his arm around her waist) tryin" not to ta(e note of how soft her s(in was or the way her curves !ressed nicely a"ainst him' They reached the bed and he hel!ed her in) !arts of her brushin" his hands in a way that further aroused him' So much for a "ood ni"hts slee!'

5e !ulled the covers u! to her chin' 5er eyebrows furrowed' >Arent you "oin" to come into bed with meD? >No'? >1ut I dran( the sherry'? >And youll be hurtin" tomorrow because of it'? 5e strai"htened u! and blew out the candles' >Slee! well'? 1efore she could res!ond) he "rabbed the basin) decanter and "lass and hurried out of the room so he wouldnt "ive into the tem!tation to ,oin her'

ha!ter Si4 laire stirred in bed' 5er first thou"ht was that itd all been a horrible dream and that she hadnt married Roderic( after all' She thou"ht shed wa(e u! in her !arents house and lau"h the whole thin" off) and *illy would a!!laud her for as!irin" to marry a "entleman with a title' And after they lau"hed it off) shed "et ready for a ball in ho!es of findin" a husband' She o!ened her eyes and winced at the bri"ht li"ht streamin" in throu"h the window' She closed her eyes and rubbed her tem!les' Then she remembered the !revious day' The weddin" with a very bitter Roderic() the fi"ht shed had with him when they arrived at his townhouse) the aw(ward dinner where neither of them s!o(e) and thenF And thenF 3orcin" her eyes o!en) she rolled onto her side where a warm cu! of tea was on the table by her bed' She saw 6arion come over to her side of the bed and !ic( u! all of her clothes from the floor' She never !ut her clothes on the floor li(e that' She made it a habit of !uttin" them in a chair' Rubbin" her head) she reali9ed her hair was un(em!t' That wasnt ri"ht either since she li(ed to brush her hair and weave it to"ether so it wasnt tan"led in the mornin"' Everythin" was off about this mornin") and that could only mean one thin"+ she had been with her husband last ni"ht' The !roblem was) she didnt feel any different' She didnt (now if she was su!!osed to) thou"h' She tried to remember what ha!!ened the !revious ni"ht to "et a better idea of what she should be e4!eriencin" ri"ht now' She recalled bein" unable to eat her dinner and leavin" for her room) dra""in" her feet alon" the way) dreadin" what was to come' 6arion had left the decanter of sherry as she !romised' 7nsure of how much to drin() she decided 6arion (new the ri"ht amount shed need and dran( everythin" in the

decanter' 3rom there) thin"s were blurred to"ether' She distinctly recalled Roderic( bein" in the room' Some of the ima"es comin" bac( to her didnt ma(e much sense) li(e why hed been wi!in" somethin" off the ru" or why she thou"ht she saw a !orcu!ine when one couldnt have been in the room' 1ut she did remember (issin" him and him leadin" her to the bed' >5ow do you feel) my ladyD? 6arion whis!ered' Turnin" her "a9e in the lady maids direction) she tried to s!ea( but reali9ed her throat was as dry as cotton' >5ere' *et me hel!'? 6arion hel!ed her sit u! in the bed and handed her the cu! of tea' >This will ease the !ain in your head' I made it myself with my herbs'? laire nodded her than(s and si!!ed it' After another few si!s) she reali9ed she could finally s!ea( and said) >I feel awful'? She let out a sym!athetic chuc(le' >When I came in) the decanter was "one and he left you somethin" for a headache) so I assume your husband too( the decanter when he left'? Probably' laire too( another drin() soothed by the warm liCuid' >I dont remember anythin"'? >5e must have been in here if the decanters "one'? >Bes) he was' I remember he was here) but I dont remember@? she shru""ed@>bein" in bed with him'? >Not every lady can say shes had a memorable weddin" ni"ht' At least its over and you dont have to worry about the discomfort of the first time anymore'? Bes) that was true' She could now rela4 and en,oy it as 6arion said' 6arion wal(ed over to the wardrobe and o!ened the door' >What would you li(e to wear todayD? Than(ful 6arion (e!t her voice low so she didnt a""ravate her headache) laire loo(ed at the clothes shed ta(en from home' 5er father had ta(en !ride in the fact that he could

afford the finer dresses) sure that they would suit his dau"hters when they married' While she had to admit they were lovely) she wondered if it was worth bein" married to a "entleman who thou"ht shed tric(ed him into marria"e' Their strained dinner didnt "ive her any ho!e to thin( shed ever be anythin" but someone to "ive him an heir' She should !robably ,ust be "rateful hed been "entle with her last ni"ht so she wasnt sore this mornin"' Reali9in" 6arion waited for her res!onse) laire cleared her throat and said) >Id li(e the !ur!le dress today'? 6arion retrieved it and dra!ed it on a chair by the screen' >Is there anythin" youd li(e to do today) my ladyD? laire si"hed and studied the tea in her cu!' >I dont su!!ose *ord Roderic( wants to see meD? Not that she had any idea what shed say to him if she saw him' It ,ust seemed after theyd been intimate) it was only fittin" that they do somethin" to"ether today' >I saw *ord Roderic( leave ri"ht before I came u! here'? >2h'? laire admonished herself for bein" disa!!ointed' Their weddin" had been a disaster) shed ar"ued with him when they "ot here) she hadnt said anythin" to him at dinner) and she had to "et drun( to consummate the marria"e' What else could she e4!ectD >Should I "et word to your sister that youd li(e to s!end the day with herD? laire loo(ed u! from her cu! and nodded' >Bes'? >Then Ill do that after you dress for your mornin" meal'? While 6arion finished "ettin" her thin"s ready for the day) laire dran( the rest of the tea) her head feelin" a bit better before she "ot out of bed' 6arion hel!ed her dress and decorated her hair with ribbons and !earls'

>I dont see what the fuss is all about)? laire said as she studied her reflection in the mirror' It wasnt li(e her husband would be there to see her' >Boure a countess now' Bou should loo( your best'? 6arion !atted her shoulder' >1esides) youre beautiful' Why hide itD? laire smiled at her' >Bouve always been "ood to me'? >I thin( of you as a dau"hter'? She !ic(ed u! her ,ewelry and sli!!ed them on her' >5ow do you feelD? she as(ed as she clas!ed the nec(lace on' It too( laire a moment to reali9e 6arion meant her head' >2h) I feel better' Theres a sli"ht ache) but its mana"eable'? >8ood' Im "lad the old remedy wor(ed' -o you feel li(e eatin" downstairs or should I brin" somethin" u! hereD? laire stood u!' >Ill "o downstairs'? 6arion nodded and turned to leave but then s!un on her heel and motioned to the table by her bed' >*ord Roderic( left you a note'? laire waited for 6arion to leave before she went to the note and read it' In it) he said he o!ened an account for her at a clothin" store' She "lanced at her wardrobe' She couldnt thin( of anythin" she needed) e4ce!t for maybe a nice bonnet' She !ut the note down and had brea(fast' Afterwards) she went to the drawin" room) ho!in" *illy could s!end the day with her' She didnt see any reason why her sister wouldnt' Since she had nothin" else to do) she decided to write about the !ast few days) !ourin" her worries and frustrations onto !a!er so she wouldnt have to (ee! them bottled u! inside' When she was done) she went u!stairs to chan"e into another dress while she waited for her sister to arrive' 2nce she heard her sister arrive) she hurried downstairs' When she reached the drawin" room) she called out to her sister who was starin" out the window'

*illy turned toward her and smiled in e4citement' >What a wonderful townhouseA I bet you cant wait to see *ord Roderic(s estate'? laire "lanced uneasily at the butler) ho!in" her husband wouldnt hear about this because if he did) hed surely be u!set' This would only confirm what he thou"ht about her' 5o!in" to chan"e the to!ic) she wal(ed over to her sister and as(ed) >Is there anythin" youd li(e to do todayD? >I wouldnt mind sho!!in"'? laire had been thin(in" of doin" somethin" scenic) but by the ho!eful e4!ression in her sisters eyes) she fi"ured they would do what she wanted' >All ri"ht'? *illy clas!ed her hands e4citedly' >2h "oodA I was ho!in" youd say yes'? laire shot the butler another loo(' The butler wouldnt feel it necessary to tal( to her husband about her sisters e4citement over sho!!in") would heD She tried to thin( of somethin" she mi"ht say so it didnt loo( li(e her sister came over to s!end his money' After a moment of watchin" *illy e4amine the fabric on the curtains) she ventured) >-id 3ather "ive you s!endin" moneyD? *illys eyebrows furrowed' >-id 3ather "ive me s!endin" moneyD? She lau"hed and shoo( her head' >Why would he do thatD? laire si"hed in disa!!ointment' No matter how thin"s !roceeded from here) it wouldnt loo( "ood' 5er husband already assumed the worst) and her sister su""estin" they sho! with her money only su!!orted what he thou"ht' 1efore *illy could say anythin" else to ma(e her loo( bad) she motioned to the door' >All ri"ht) but it must be somethin" small and ine4!ensive'? >2f courseA Bou dont need to tell me twice'?

7nable to ma(e eye contact with the butler) laire followed her sister out of the room' At the front door) she too( the hat the butler handed her) still avoidin" eye contact with him' She muttered a wea( than( you before sli!!in" out of the house with her sister' The footman o!ened the carria"e door and hel!ed them into it' She informed the footman where her husband had told her to sho!' With a nod) he shut the door' Than(ful to "et a re!rieve from *ord Roderic(s townhouse) even if it was for a cou!le of hours) she colla!sed in her seat' She hadnt reali9ed she felt as if she was on !ins and needles while in that house' *illy wi""led with e4citement and clas!ed her hands to"ether in her la!' >This is wonderful) laireA That townhouse you live in is "or"eous' There are servants everywhere' And you can buy whatever you wantA? >I cant buy my husbands affections) *illy'? She waved her hand) dismissin" the comment' >Affections wont !ut food on the table or a roof over your head' Bou have an ideal setu!' -ont worry about thin"s you cant see or touch' Emotions are fleetin"' 5ere one day) "one the ne4t' What you need to do is focus on whatll last' Bour husband will !ass on his title to your son) and if he dies) youll still be !rovided for' Even better) youll be !rovided for in style' I hear *ord Roderic( mana"es money very well'? >Id rather not tal( about his money'? >Boure ri"ht' Why tal( about it when you can use itD? laire watched as her sister twirled her blonde hair around her fin"ers' She didnt (now what to say to that e4ce!t) >I ho!e you dont thin( I can s!end a lot of his money' 5e o!ened an account for me) but he told me to be careful with how much I s!end'?

>Bou (now me better than that' Truly) I dont want much' /ust a new !air of "loves and a hat' I also wanted to s!end the day with you' Bou (now that) dont youD? She smiled' >Bes) I (now'? >Im ha!!y for you' Bouve done so well' I ho!e by now youre no lon"er worried about your new role as *ady Roderic('? >Well) noF? She didnt recall bein" worried about the actual role she needed to !lay) minus the !art that involved "ivin" her husband an heir but it seemed there was nothin" to it) at least if sherry was involved' >8ood' 6ana"in" a house isnt that difficult' Bou ,ust need to loo( "ood and smile'? laire thou"ht to remind her sister that there was more to bein" a wife than what she assumed but (new the words would fall on deaf ears' 5ow many times had she su""ested her sister "ive serious consideration to 6ister 6orrisD 2!tin" to (ee! her thou"hts to herself) she loo(ed out the window as they a!!roached the sho!s' *illy leaned close to laire and whis!ered) >So) what was the weddin" ni"ht li(eD? Startled by the chan"e in to!ic) laire wasnt sure how to res!ond' >I didnt dare as( in the house in case the servants tal(ed) but Ive been dyin" to (now what you thin(' Was it "oodD? She studied her sisters wide eyes' She couldnt blame *illy for bein" curious) but she had no idea what to tell her' >WellD? laire shru""ed' >I dont (now'? >Bou dont (nowD? >No) I dont' I dran( a lot of sherry last ni"ht) and all I remember is that he came to my bedchamber'? *illy nodded her encoura"ement for laire to continue'

>I cant tell you anythin" else' I was drun(' I va"uely remember (issin" him and him ta(in" me to bed' I dont remember anythin" else'? >2h'? She si"hed in disa!!ointment' >Thats not very informative'? >I cant tell you anythin" else' I would if I remembered'? >1ut you dont remember anythin" that ha!!ened once you were in bedD? >No'? >Are you sure you two consummated the marria"eD? laires chee(s warmed' >BesA? >Im sorry' I didnt mean to u!set you'? *owerin" her voice) she said) >3or"ive me) *illy' Its hard not to remember somethin" this im!ortant'? >Theres no need to a!olo"i9e to me' I shouldve understood this is a !ersonal matter between you and your husband' I had no ri"ht to intrude'? >Were sisters' 6ore than sisters' Were friends'? >-es!ite our many Cuarrels as we "rew u!D? huc(lin") laire reached out and held her hand' >The best friends are those you can ar"ue with but love anyway'? >Thats true' They see you at your worst and dont run away' If someone can handle you at your worst) theyll stic( around for your best'? The carria"e came to a sto! and *illy "lanced out the window' >I ho!e youll buy somethin" while were out' Sho!!in" is more fun when we do it to"ether'? >I was thin(in" of buyin" a bonnet' Its a small item'? *illy "i""led and win(ed' >/ewelry is small'? >No' Im ,ust "ettin" a bonnet'? With a sha(e of her head) she said) >Bou have to start thin(in" li(e a countess and en,oy yourself' Theres no sense in bein" fru"al'? >I dont need anythin" else'?

>8ood heavens) laire' In your situation) you dont sho! because you need somethin"' Bou sho! on a whim' If you see somethin" that you fancy) credit it to your husbands account' -ont limit yourself'? >2nly if I want it)? she said so her sister would ease u! on insistin" she buy somethin" she didnt need' Not that she was actually "oin" to buy more than a bonnet' There was no way shed ta(e her sisters advice' All she needed was to "et into an ar"ument with Roderic( because she wasted his money' She followed her sister out of the carria"e) !rayin" that the footman and butler didnt ma(e her sho!!in" e4cursion sound more than it really was' EEE Two hours later) laire watched as her sister handed the footman another ba" of items shed bou"ht at the store' 5er husband was "oin" to (ill her' There was no way the footman would be Cuiet about the amount of clothes and accessories her sister >needed?' laire clutched her stomach) "rateful she hadnt eaten much that mornin" because if she had) shed be vomitin" ri"ht about now' While the footman !ut the ba" ne4t to the others in the carria"e) laire "rabbed her sisters hand and led her away from the store entrance so no one min"lin" about would hear them' >*illy) you need to return most of those items'? >1ut I need all of these thin"s'? *illy !atted her chee( and "rinned' >These thin"s will ma(e me so desirable the titled "entlemen wont be able to resist me' Im famished' *ets ta(e my thin"s to the townhouse and have a bite to eat before you return homeD? laire "lanced at the stac( of bo4es and ba"s in the carria"e' 5er stomach ti"htened' There was no way she could eat

anythin"' Not while (nowin" her husband would most surely confront her about this' 5er sister mi"ht be en,oyin" this s!endin" s!ree) but it was "oin" to "ive her a heart attac(Fif Roderic( didnt stran"le her first' *illy wra!!ed her hand around laires arm and !ulled her toward the carria"e' >6other and 3ather would li(e to see you'? laire considered her sisters words and decided if she was "oin" to see their !arents) she mi"ht as well do it today' >All ri"ht'? She "ot into the carria"e) "lad they wouldnt be s!endin" any more money' *illy sCuee9ed in ne4t to her and waited for the footman to close the door before she cluc(ed her ton"ue' >2ne would swear you married a commoner by the way youre actin"' Bou cant tell me your husband doesnt have the money' Word around the Ton is that hes "ot more than enou"h' All the "ifts youve so (indly bestowed u!on me ma(e him loo( "ood' A cou!le of notable ladies saw what he "ot me today'? laire "roaned' With a si"h) she said) >Bour husband has more than enou"h' 5es better off than some titled "entleman are' I mean) who would you have married instead of him if "iven the chanceD? >I thou"ht *ord lement was nice'? 5er sister stared at her for a moment and then lau"hed' >The one with the lim!D 8ranted) he has a lot of money) but hes hardly suitable for marria"e'? >Thats a terrible thin" to say'? >Im only voicin" what other ladies are sayin"'? *illy leaned forward and ins!ected one of her an(le boots' >-o you thin( we have time to see if a cobbler can fi4 my soleD? >I cant believe you) *illy'? >WhatD Its startin" to come off' Bou (now how dreadful findin" a comfortable boot can be) and these are my best !air'?

>No) its not that' Its about *ord lement' 5e was very nice) and I believe hed ma(e a "ood husband'? >1ut youre married to *ord Roderic('? E4as!erated) she rolled her eyes' >1ecause I fell and he was hel!in" me u!' Bou and 3ather came out and told everyone the worst was ha!!enin"' I had no intention of marryin" him'? /ust how many times did she have to (ee! sayin" thatD >Re"ardless of the circumstances) you are married to him and marria"e is !ermanent' 2hA 7nless you !lan to be discreet in your affair with *ord lement once you "ive *ord Roderic( an heirD Bou can trust me' I wont tell anyone if thats your !lan) and its not a bad one either' onsiderin" *ord lements handica! is hereditary) youre smart to avoid !assin" it on to a child' I ,ust ho!e you remember to cover hisFwhatever you call itFwith a sheath when you en,oy intimacies'? laire "roaned' >No) Im not "oin" to ta(e any lovers' I dont want that (ind of life'? Shootin" her sister a critical "lance) she as(ed) >And what is a sheathD? >Its somethin" a "entleman uses to catch his seed so it doesnt "o into a ladys body' That way she doesnt have a child'? laire "as!ed) and chec(ed out the window to ma(e sure the carria"e was still movin"' Turnin" bac( to *illy) she hissed) >5ow do you (now all of thisD? *illy "i""led' >The house(ee!er and coo( were tal(in"' They didnt (now I was listenin") but oh my "oodnessA The thin"s I learnedA? >Boure horribleA? 5er eyes "rew wide' >6eD 5orribleD I wasnt the one tal(in"' I was only listenin"'? She "ave a sli"ht shru"' >I was curious' 6other ma(es it sound li(e its nothin" more than a wifely duty) so when I heard them tal(in" about how much they en,oyed it immensely) I saw no reason to deny the o!!ortunity

to learn why they didnt a"ree with 6other' 1esides) Id li(e to (now what to e4!ect when my time comes' And now that I (now) I wont be so nervous'? >So you already (now everythin"D? >Well) I cant say they went into a lot of detail) but I !ut the !ieces to"ether'? >Then why did you even as( me about itD? >To see if your e4!erience was li(e 6others or theirs) to find out if its somethin" you want to do because its your duty or because you really en,oyed it' Boure my sister) and I fi"ure however it was for you will be similar for me' Its a shame you dont remember it' /ud"in" by the house(ee!er and coo() it sounds li(e its somethin" a lady would want to remember'? >-oes itD? laire as(ed) not entirely sure that was true but ho!in" so' >Bes' They loo( forward to doin" it any chance they "ot'? >They didnt come out and say that'? >They did'? The carria"e came to a sto! and laire sat u! strai"ht) ad,usted her "loves and too( a dee! breath' She didnt thin( the footman would be able to tell that she and her sister were havin" an ina!!ro!riate conversation' At least) she ho!ed he wouldnt' As lon" as she "ave a !olite smile) he would assume theyd been en"a"in" in borin" ladies tal(' 2h) how she ho!ed that would be his assum!tionA 5e o!ened the carria"e door and laire hesitated but followed her sister out of the carria"e' She !assed him and swore she saw him snic(er at her' 1ut when she studied his e4!ression) his face remained im!assive so maybe she ima"ined it' She cleared her throat and told him) >After this) Ill be returnin" home'? >As you wish) my lady)? he re!lied'

It seemed to her that the corner of his mouth curled u! into a smile' 5er heart sto!!ed' 5e (new' 5e ,ust had to (nowA The shame' 5ed tell her husband) and her husband would lose even more res!ect for her) if such a thin" was !ossible' > ome on)? *illy said' >Ill faint if I dont eat'? Reluctant) laire turned from the footman and went over to her sister' With a final "lance bac( at him as he "athered *illys !ac(a"es to brin" into the townhouse) she let out a lon" si"h and headed for the ste!s' She could only !ray that this day wouldnt "et worse' 1ut it !robably would once her husband found out how much she s!ent today' areless s!endin"Fthe unladyli(e tal(F Too bad she couldnt crawl into a hole and hide there until the ne4t century' > laire)? her sister whis!ered' Turnin" her attention bac( to her sister) she ,oined her and went into the house'

ha!ter Seven > hec(mate)? Perry said with a sha(e of his head as he secured Nates (in"' >Its no fun winnin" when the o!!onent ma(es it too easy'? Nate "lanced away from the table where *ord Edon was !layin" cards with some "entlemen' If he didnt (now better) hed swear *ord Edon was tryin" to lose everythin" but his shirt' The "entleman had a habit of ma(in" outra"eous bets' >Nate'? Nate turned bac( to Perry and strai"htened in his chair' >WhatD? Perry sat bac( in his chair and si"hed' >Never mind'? Nate motioned to *ord Edon' >-oes he ma(e any sense to youD? >Since when have you tried to fi"ure out *ord EdonD? Perry as(ed as he set the !ieces on the chess board in their !ro!er location' With a shru") he watched as *ord Edon made a crude ,o(e that had the "entlemen at his table howlin" with lau"hter' 5e shoo( his head' 5ow could *ord Edon not care that he could lose so much moneyD >Bou dont usually ta(e an interest in *ord Edon)? Perry observed' *eanin" forward so he could lower his voice) he said) >No) I dont) but Ive never watched him "amble almost everythin" away either'? >5e li(es to live dan"erously'? > arelessly) you mean'? >Its his choice on what he wants to do with his money' 1esides) wouldnt you rather tal( about Na!oleons move into 8ermany with a bunch of incom!etent recruitsD?

Nate shru""ed' Tal( of the wars didnt interest him at the moment' Today he had other thin"s in mind) more notably the one involvin" his wife and her comment about bein" scared to consummate their marria"e' E4actly what could !ossibly scare a lady about somethin" !eo!le had been doin" since the be"innin" of timeD There was only one !erson he could thin( of whod volunteer the information) and that !erson was *ord Edon who was) at the moment) referrin" to the Prince Re"ent as his hero' Nate resisted the ur"e to roll his eyes' As if *ord Edons moral de!ravity wasnt bad enou"h' Perry si"hed and "rabbed his cane' >I (now when Im not wanted'? Turnin" bac( to his friend) he said) >3or"ive me) Perry' Its been a lon" wee('? As Perry stood) he "ave him a !ointed loo(' >I ho!e youve been "ood to your wife'? >Bou have no need to worry' I wasnt harsh with her'? >8ood' I su!!ose ne4t time I see you) itll be at Weston'? >2r 1lac(burn' I dont mind ta(in" the tri! to visit you'? >No) Nate' Bou need to s!end time with your wife' 6a(e her ha!!y' Show her that underneath that hard e4terior is the "entleman I (now who has a heart'? Nate rolled his eyes) !ur!osely facin" his friend so hed see his thou"hts on the matter' >I really should send *ady Roderic( a "ift to e4!ress my condolences'? 3rom *ord Edons table) the "rou! roared into lau"hter) and *ord Edon "ave a bow as he collected his winnin"s' >5es either very luc(y or very unluc(y)? Perry commented' >If youre ri"ht and hes tryin" to lose) hes doin" a lousy ,ob of it' 5owever) if hes tryin" to acCuire more) his ability to do so from a "amblin" table is admirable'?

As *ord Edon "ot u! from the table) Nate rose to his feet and !ushed his chair in' >6aybe Ill as( him why hes so e4trava"ant with his bets'? >All ri"ht'? It occurred to him by the tone in Perrys voice that he didnt believe him) but there was no way hed even tell Perry that he worried about laires fear of the bedroom' Sure) they were friends since childhood) but some thin"s were too !ersonal' After Perry left the room) Nate made his way over to *ord Edon who dran( a shot of whis(ey before he turned to leave' >*ord Edon)? he called out' *ord Edon sto!!ed and turned in his direction' >*ord Roderic(D To what do I owe this !leasureD? 8lancin" around for a !rivate s!ot) he motioned to a cou!le of em!ty chairs by the window' >-o you mindD? >2f course not'? 5e followed *ord Edon to the chairs and sat ne4t to him' *ord Edon !ic(ed u! the !a!er sittin" on the table between them' >Should I be s(immin" throu"h the news to have this discussionD? >No' Why would you thin( thatD? >1ecause the wars are all you tal( about'? >Thats not true'? >It is whenever I hear you s!ea('? With a "limmer in his eye) he chuc(led and threw the !a!er bac( on the table' >Im teasin" you) *ord Roderic(' We both (now I dont care about the wars) and youd have better sense than to as( me about them' So) what des!erate thin" has brou"ht you to the !oint where you need to see( me outD? >Im not des!erate'? 5is eyebrow rose) and with a disbelievin" loo() he as(ed) >NoD?

>Boure a "entleman of your word when it comes to confidentiality' At least thats what the rumor is'? >Its my only redeemin" Cuality' Ive heard enou"h stories that would ma(e the hairs on the bac( of your nec( stand on end'? >No doubt'? Hnowin" *ord Edon) that had to be true' 6a(in" sure no one overheard them) he continued) >What I wish to discuss with you is somethin" you have !lenty of e4!erience with'? *ord Edon lau"hed' >Two com!liments in one day' I fear the !raise will ma(e me thin( more of myself than I ou"ht'? >Not !raise' /ust an observation'? >Now Im intri"ued'? *ord Edon leaned forward and loo(ed Nate in the eyes' >Bou have my word' Ill ta(e what we discuss to my "rave' What is itD? >Well) IF? -es!ite the heat risin" u! in Nates chee(s) he forced out in a whis!er) >Is it common for the fairer se4 to be fri"htened their first timeFyou (nowD? Amused) he "rinned' >*ord Roderic() you were cau"ht out in the o!en rollin" around on the "rass with your wife' Surely) she wasnt afraid of "oin" further'? >I wasnt rollin" around on the "rass with her' It was a misunderstandin"' -o you honestly believe Id have her ri"ht there when I could have ta(en her to the "ardensD? 5e shru""ed' >I assumed you li(ed the !ossibility of bein" cau"ht'? >Well) I dont' I dont li(e any (ind of scandal'? >Thats a shame' I was be"innin" to res!ect you' Too bad youre as dull as your re!utation indicates'? Nate "roaned' >Im sorry' Were here to discuss your wifes fear of the bedchamber) correctD? 5e nodded'

>-idnt you marry her yesterdayD? >Bes'? >Then that fear should be history' That is) of course) unless you were awful in bed' Is she afraid shell never clima4D? >NoA? A cou!le of "entlemen loo(ed their way) so Nate lowered his voice and added) >Its nothin" li(e that' I didnt consummate my marria"e last ni"ht because my wife is afraid to "o throu"h with it'? >ReallyD? >5avent you ever had a timid vir"in beforeD? *ord Edon hesitated for a moment and chuc(led' >Sure' Ive had all (inds of ladies) whether they were !ro!er or otherwise' Its what I do best) besides "amblin" and drin(in"'? >So what do you do to ease a vir"in into thin"sD? >Every ladys different' The best thin" you can do is as( her what you can do to ma(e her comfortable'? >5er answer was to "et drun('? 5is eyes "rew wide and he threw his head bac( and lau"hed) brin"in" more unwanted attention their way' Nate hushed him) and when he finally calmed down) the "entlemen sto!!ed watchin" them' >I dont want her to be that nervous about it' Theres nothin" about it that hurts them) is thereD? >Im ama9ed' Boure an earl) and you have no idea about ladiesFat allD? >Ive s!ent a cou!le years in !olitical affairs' Id still be doin" that if it werent for my brother dyin" without an heir and leavin" me with the tas('? >Tradin" borin" discussions about laws and wars for a ladys bedD I can see how distressin" that is'? 5e si"hed at the sarcasm in *ord Edons voice' omin" to this ra(e ,ust mi"ht have been a bi" waste of his time' >Im not as(in" for your o!inion about my !ursuits' Im as(in" for your

advice on how to ma(e a lady more comfortable in bed' Surely) you (now all about that'? >Bes) of course I do' 5owever) you mi"ht be better off readin" a boo( on the matter'? >There are boo(s on this sub,ectD? With an incredulous e4!ression) *ord Edon shoo( his head' >Bou !oor) !oor man' 5ow little you (now of the world' There are boo(s on almost every sub,ect ima"inable' I have a few such boo(s and more that would ma(e the Archbisho! blush' Ill send you one that a mistress wrote' She stated s!ecifically what made her lovers "ood or bad' Bou cant "et advice better than what youll "et from her) es!ecially with her brutal honesty' Ill send you the boo( in a !ac(a"e so no one (nows what a ra(e youre becomin" in your old a"e'? 5e hid his e4as!eration' *eave it to *ord Edon to en,oy teasin" him on such a !ersonal and sensitive matter' As *ord Edon stood) he added) >Ill be sure to address it from here so no one (nows its from me'? Sur!rised he chose to be discreet for once) Nate "lanced at him as he rose to his feet' >Than( you) *ord Edon'? >I can be a "entleman when the situation calls for it) but lets (ee! that our little secret' No sense in raisin" anyones o!inion of me'? Nate wondered what he meant by that but decided it wasnt his business' After than(in" him a"ain) he left Whites to "o to an a!!ointment' EEE When laire arrived home) she "ave a tentative !ee( out the window as the carria"e came to a sto!' She couldnt say the day had been a horrible one' She did) after all) "et to see her sister and s!ent as much time as she dared at her !arents

townhouse before she felt shed made the !oor footman wait for her too lon"' Not that he com!lained' 5e was very (ind durin" the day) but she still worried he "rew weary of her' And now as he o!ened the carria"e door) the loomin" sense of dread intensified' >Are you ready) my ladyD? the footman as(ed' No) she wasnt) but whether she li(ed it or not) she was home and had to face whatever conseCuences the day brou"ht with it' When she invited her sister over) she envisioned ta(in" a wal( in 5yde Par( or seein" a museum' It was su!!osed to be a rela4in" day) one to en,oy before she was whis(ed out of *ondon and away from her family' >6y ladyD? the footman as(ed' She bro(e out of her thou"hts and offered an a!olo"etic smile' >Im sorry'? She collected her new bonnet and ste!!ed out of the carria"e) "lad for his assistance' >Is there anythin" else I can do for youD? >No' Im fine'? 5e nodded and closed the door' She too( a dee! breath and faced the front door of the townhouse' She could do this' If her husband raised a fuss) shed tell him her sister was dyin" and she couldnt deny *illy her last wish) could sheD She "rimaced' No' 5ed see ri"ht throu"h that one' 5er sister) after all) was very healthy) and hed seen her yesterday at the weddin"' No' Shed ,ust have to "o in there and confront him head on' SCuarin" her shoulders bac() she raised her chin and !roceeded u! the stairs' The footman o!ened the door) and the butler came to welcome her home' As she ste!!ed over the threshold) she as(ed the butler) >Is *ord Roderic( homeD? >No) my lady'? She didnt (now whether she was relieved or not' 2n the one hand) this afforded her a much needed re!rieve from the

hectic day' A day with her sister) while fun) could also be e4haustin") "iven her sisters fast !ace' 1ut on the other hand) this meant it would ta(e that much lon"er until she and Roderic( could have the ar"ument so itd be done and over with' onsiderin" her o!tions at this !oint) she decided to retire to her bedchamber and wait for dinner' She s!ent an hour at her writin" des() ta(in" comfort in ,ournalin" her thou"hts' At one !oint) she "lanced around the lar"e room before loo(in" out the window by her des(' Bes) she had everythin" a lady could want in terms of material !ossessions' The townhouse was one of the better ones shed seen) and she had no doubt Roderic(s estate would be even more im!ressive' The servants were attentive and (ind' 6arion was a !illar of stren"th' She could "o out and s!end the day doin" whatever she wanted' 3or once) she didnt have to discuss her !lans with her father and mother' 1ein" married afforded her a new sense of inde!endence she hadnt (nown before' Shed achieved the as!irations that the other youn" ladies had ho!ed for as they entered the Season and married well' So why wasnt she ha!!yD She stared at the city) notin" the hustle and bustle of it all as !eo!le went about their business' Not too lon" a"o) she and her sister had been amon" them' She wondered if anyone else out there was !retendin" to be ha!!y when they werent' Shed been !retendin"' Shed !ut on a smile and acted as if everythin" was wonderful) as if bein" married was the best thin" that ever ha!!ened to her' 1ut it was e4!ected' Who wanted to !ass someone on the street and "reet them only to be rewarded with a miserable si"hD With a shru") she closed her ,ournal and laid down on her daybed' She !ulled the li"ht blan(et over her and closed her

eyes' The ne4t thin" she (new) someone was standin" over her) "ently callin" her name' She o!ened her eyes and lifted her head' >6arionD? 6arion smiled' >If you slee! too lon") you wont be tired toni"ht'? >What time is itD? >Almost four'? She sat u! in the daybed and yawned' >Is *ord Roderic( homeD? >Not yet'? >Not yetD? 5ed been "one when she wo(e u! and was still not homeD Was this how their marria"e was "oin" to beD 5ed s!end all day out) doin" who (new what) and then come home for dinnerD Then whatD 5ed stay lon" enou"h to !erform his duty in "ettin" an heir and then head off a"ainD She frowned' Would he "o out a"ainD So the only time shed see him was at dinnertime and in bedD She ,ust mi"ht be sic(' -id he dread her that muchD And all because he assumed shed tric(ed him into marria"eD >*ady Roderic(D? 1rea(in" out of her thou"hts) she returned her attention to 6arion' >BesD? >There are many boo(s in his library) if youre inclined to read'? She nodded and stood' 3or some reason) this day seemed unusually lon"' It wasnt even four) and it felt as if shed been married to Roderic( for ten years' 8od hel! her mana"e throu"h a wee( of thisA 2nce she reached the library) she scanned the shelves' 5er "a9e immediately went to the history boo(s' She rolled her eyes' If she wanted to fall aslee! a"ain) they would be !erfect' She scanned over the other volumes and noticed some were in

other lan"ua"es' Well) there was no way shed read those' 2ther boo(s covered to!ics on wars) !olitics) the royal line) laws) and other mind-numbin" to!ics' That was it' Tomorrow) her mission would be to find decent boo(s to read' She could see herself dyin" from many thin"s) but boredom wouldnt be one of themA The butler came into the room with an ob,ect wra!!ed in brown !a!er' She wal(ed over to him as he set it on the des(' 5e ,er(ed when he saw her' >Im sorry) my lady' I didnt (now you were in here'? >What is itD? she as(ed) motionin" to the !ac(a"e' >A boo( for *ord Roderic('? >2hD? She "lanced at the many boo(s linin" the shelves' What would Roderic( need with more boo(sD If it was somethin" interestin") she could see the !oint) but as it was) one more borin" boo( wasnt "oin" to ma(e a difference in this !lace' > an I "et you anythin"D? the butler as(ed her' She shru""ed' >-o you have an interestin" boo( I could readD? With a sli"ht "rin) he said) >I have a few mysteries on hand if that would be to my ladys li(in"D? Relieved) she nodded' > ould I read oneD? >Ill retrieve the best one I have'? After he bowed and left the room) she a!!roached the des( and studied the !ac(a"e' She touched it) and sure enou"h) it was another boo() and it came from Whites' >A boo( arrived for you) my lord)? she heard the butler tell Roderic( as he entered the library' She barely had time to turn from the !ac(a"e before Roderic( hurried over to !ic( it u!' She wasnt sure) but she thou"ht he loo(ed embarrassed about it'

>I found it)? he called out and then darted behind his des(' 5e sli!!ed it into the to! drawer of his des( and loo(ed at her' >Is there a reason youre in hereD? If he hadnt a!!eared so flustered) she mi"ht have been annoyed he decided to hide a boo( from her) but she found the whole thin" amusin"' >Actually) I came to find a boo( to read'? 5e strai"htened u! and motioned to the boo(s around them' >In that case) have your !ic('? >None of them interest me'? >Well) you could buy some' Ill set u! an account for you at the boo(store'? She debated whether or not to as( him about the boo( he ,ust hid but wondered if she (new him well enou"h to tease him about it' It couldnt be a borin" boo(' Si"hin") she decided it mi"ht be best to avoid any (ind of humor with him' 5e didnt stri(e her as someone who (new what a ,o(e was' learin" her throat) she said) >The butler is lendin" me one of his mysteries'? 5e "ave a sli"ht "rimace before he sat down and "athered some !a!ers to !ut in front of him' >I su!!ose they will do for a distraction'? 5er eyebrows rose' >Whats wron" with a mysteryD? >Nothin"' Boure free to waste your time as you see fit'? >Waste my timeD? 5e waved his hand as if to dismiss the irritated tone in her voice' >Boure a lady' I wouldnt e4!ect my boo(s to a!!eal to you'? >1y that) you mean that borin" boo(s dont a!!eal to ladies'? 5e chuc(led' >No'? >Then do you mind sayin" e4actly what you mean by itD? The butler came into the room and handed her his boo(' >I trust youll en,oy this) my lady'?

She smiled her than(s and waited for him to leave before she turned bac( to her husband' >5e doesnt read borin" boo(s li(e yours)? she told Roderic(' >Its not my business what he reads or doesnt read'? Roderic( scanned a few !a!ers on his des( and set them aside' >I have some thin"s to tend to before dinner' Ill see you then'? She narrowed her eyes at him' >-id you ,ust dismiss me as if I were a servantD? >No' I@? 5e loo(ed u! at her and si"hed' >Well) there is a matter I must discuss with you) and I su!!ose the sooner I do) the better'? >2hD? 1racin" herself) she "ot ready for the confrontation shed been dreadin" all day' >Bes'? 5e ta!!ed his fin"ers on the des() stood u! and went to shut the door' She too( a dee! breath' It was so bad he wouldnt let the servants overhearD Well) no !roblem' She could handle whatever he had to say' In fact) she decided she mi"ht as well beat him to it' >Perha!s if you werent inclined to run off and leave me here all by myself) I wouldnt resort to careless s!endin"'? 5e !aused on his way bac( to the des( and turned to face her' >WhatD? >I will not be "uilty of s!endin" money when you are free to run doin" who-(nows-what all day' -es!ite your estimation of me) I can understand those boo(s on your shelves) but I have better thin"s to do with my time than to s!end it in utter boredom' I choose not to read them) you understand'? >What does this have to do with s!endin" moneyD? >A lot) actually' If youd have thou"ht to ta(e me to the museum or !ar( or some other s!ot in *ondon) I would have been !erfectly ha!!y not to "o sho!!in"' Not that I e4!ect you to believe me' Bou have it set in your head that I only care

about money and thin"s it can buy) even when I tell you otherwise'? >Sho!!in"D? Why should she be sur!rised that he hadnt heard anythin" else she ,ust saidD 8roanin") she said) >Bes' 6y sister and I went sho!!in"' Bou cant blame me for it' I didnt want to s!end all day here by myself'? >5ow much did you s!endD? I"norin" the narrowin" of his eyes) she told him' 5is ,aw dro!!ed' >8ood heavensA Bou could have at least been married to me for a month before you s!ent that (ind of money'? >If you had ta(en the time to be with me or ta(e me somewhere) I wouldnt have "one sho!!in"'? >So Im to blame for your rec(less s!endin"D? >Well) not e4actly' I ,ust cant say no to my sister) and since shes the only one in *ondon besides my !arents that Im comfortable with) I s!ent the day with her'? >Boure not comfortable with me'? >No) Im not'? It was true so why deny itD And why did he act sur!risedD 5e must have (nownA >So what "ood would it have done if I had s!ent the day with youD? 5e shoo( his head and turned bac( to his !a!ers' >3or"et it' I have !ressin" matters to tend to' Bou s!ent an outra"eous sum of money today' Bou cant (ee! runnin" throu"h town as if Im a !rince'? She had a mind to ta(e those blasted !a!ers from him and insist he listen to her@really listen to what she was sayin"@but what "ood would it have doneD All they would do was "o in circles' As lon" as he believed the worst) all hed hear were words that confirmed his sus!icions' Not (nowin" what else to do) she stormed out the room'

That ni"ht she refused to "o to dinner) and she made it a !oint to loc( all the doors to her bedchamber' 1ut he didnt ma(e an attem!t to enter her room) and she wasnt sure if she was relieved or u!set' After two hours of bein" in bed) she lit a few candles and started readin" the mystery' 2f course) she was relieved he didnt come to her room' It was ridiculous shed thin( that ,ust because he came to her room) hed want to tal( to her' The only thin" she was "ood for was "ettin" him an heir) and since he tried for one the ni"ht before) there was no !oint in bein" around her toni"ht' She sna!!ed the boo( o!en and "as!ed' A careful study of the bindin" assured her shed done no dama"e to the boo(' 8ood' Not that she couldnt "o out and buy another co!y for the butler) but the last thin" she wanted to do was s!end more of Roderic(s !recious money' She "ritted her teeth' She was "oin" to !ut that thic(headed husband of hers far from her mind and en,oy the murder mystery in her handsFeven if it (illed her'

ha!ter Ei"ht >Were whatD? laire as(ed the ne4t mornin" as Roderic( sat across from her at the table' 5e "rabbed his for( and held it above the ba(ed e""s on his !late' >Were leavin" for Weston today'? Stunned) she watched as he started eatin" his meal' She "lanced at her !late full of fruit and e""s and tried to "ather u! the a!!etite needed to eat' Sure) she e4!ected to leave *ondon and "o to his estate at some !oint) but she never e4!ected to "o so soon after they "ot married' She thou"ht they mi"ht lin"er on in *ondon until the Season was over' Turnin" her "a9e bac( to him) she as(ed) >Why are we leavin" todayD? >1ecause you and your sister dont (now the meanin" of restraint when it comes to s!endin" money' At least at Weston) my money will be safe'? 5er chee(s warmed from a mi4ture of embarrassment and an"er' She stru""led with (nowin" how to res!ond to him) but so far tal(in" to him had been li(e tal(in" to a bric( wall' The man refused to listen to her so why botherD She !laced her hands in her la! and watched him as he continued to eat' She willed him to loo( u! and notice her) but his focus stayed on his !late' 3inally) when she couldnt ta(e it anymore) she too( a dee! breath) steeled her resolve) and said) >No'? The word) thou"h short and to the !oint) seemed to echo throu"h the room) and she sensed the servants sur!rise' 5e was) after all) the master of the house and used to bein" obeyed' 1ut at the moment) she didnt care' 5is eyes wide in disbelief) he sto!!ed eatin" and loo(ed at her' >NoD? >No) I will not "o to Weston'? >Bou cant say no'?

>I ,ust did'? >1ut youre my wife' Bou have to do what I say'? She shru""ed) fei"nin" a bravado she didnt feel' It wasnt li(e her to raise a fuss' All her life) shed followed her !arents instruction without a sin"le ar"ument' 1ut somethin" about her husband seemed to brin" out the worst in her) and if someone hadnt (nown her before her marria"e to him) they would swear she was one of the most contentious ladies alive' 8runtin") he set down his for( and wi!ed his mouth with the na!(in thatd been in his la!' >Its a !ity your father didnt ta(e the time to inform you what your role was to be as my wife before you two cons!ired to tra! me into this farce of a marria"e'? She o!ened her mouth to !rotest that she had nothin" to do with it) but he continued) >Bou are a countess) and I demand you act li(e it'? 5er mouth formed a thin line and she crossed her arms' >Bou) my lord) are no "entleman) for if you were) you would not tal( to me as if I were a wayward child'? >When you sto! actin" li(e one) Ill sto! treatin" you li(e one'? 5e set one hand on the table and stared at her) darin" her to res!ond' She ran throu"h a list of !ossible thin"s she mi"ht say to !ut him in his !lace) but her mind drew a blan(' 3inally) out of nothin" but !ure frustration) she sna!!ed) >Bou have food stuc( between your teeth'? Then she threw her na!(in on the table and hurried out of the room before he could have the last word' It was horribly childish' She (new this) and yet) she ran u! the stairs) nearly tri!!in" on her s(irt as she went' When she reached her bedchamber) she colla!sed on her daybed in relief' At least for the moment) she was free of the bi" oaf and his condescendin" way of loo(in" at her'

Bes) she wished she had been firm and told her sister no yesterday) but she couldnt ta(e it all bac( and do it differently' What was done was done' And Cuite fran(ly) she was in such a sour mood that shed encoura"e her sisters e4trava"ant s!endin" today if they went out ri"ht now' She closed her eyes and too( a dee! breath to calm the ra"e simmerin" ,ust beneath her surface' It was true' She was a married lady) and it didnt do well to run off li(e a scared little rabbit in her own home' It !robably wasnt a "ood idea to ar"ue with her husband in front of the servants either' She "roaned and rubbed her tem!les' If only her father hadnt seen it fit to cry scandal at the ball' She mi"ht be "oin" to 5yde Par( today with *ord lement' She was sure he would be amiable toward her) unli(e Roderic( who des!ised her' At some !oint) her an"er and lac( of slee! from the ni"ht before led to e4haustion and she fell aslee!' In her dream) she relived that awful ni"ht where her fate was sealed with Roderic() and when she stood by him in the small church to re!eat her vows) the church melted away and she found herself inside a !rison with chains dan"lin" from the stone walls' With a wic(ed "rin) Roderic( lurched toward her' She tried to run) but she couldnt move) and before she (new it) he !ic(ed her u! and chained her to the wall' She wo(e with a "as! and ,er(ed u!' She rubbed her wrists which felt cold) as if she had truly been in chains' 5ow realistic that dream wasA 6arion entered the room with a concerned e4!ression on her face' >Are you all ri"ht) my ladyD? Swallowin" the lum! in her throat) she nodded' >Bes) 6arion' I had a ni"htmare) thats all'? She offered her an understandin" smile' >Its ,itter) Im afraid' 2nce you settle into the marria"e) youll feel better'?

laire doubted it but nodded to a!!ease 6arion' 6arion went over to the trun( in the corner of the room and o!ened it' >What are you doin"D? laire as(ed) narrowin" her eyes as her maid went over to the armoire and o!ened it' >I need to !ac( your thin"s for Weston) my lady)? 6arion re!lied' laire "ritted her teeth' -es!ite her !rotests) Roderic( was really "oin" to "o throu"h with this and haul her off to Weston where shed be away from her family' She couldnt believe it' Sure) he told her he was "oin" to do it) but a !art of her thou"ht he mi"ht be bluffin"' Well) now she learned he didnt bluff) and even if he intended to "o to Weston) that didnt mean she had to' She stood u! and debated what she was "oin" to tell that bi" oaf when she saw him' >Boull need a suitable dress for travel' Which coach dress would you !refer to wearD? 6arion as(ed) motionin" to the blue) maroon) and tan dresses' With a "roan) she !ic(ed the blue one' While 6arion hel!ed her into it) her mind scramblin" for a way she mi"ht "et out of leavin" for Weston' In all seriousness) she couldnt fi"ure out why she needed to "o there' It wasnt her who s!ent the money' 1ut she had a terrible time sayin" no to her sister) and that was !rovin" to be a disastrous wea(ness on her !art' >Is there somethin" you reCuire) my ladyD? 6arion as(ed) loo(in" e4!ectantly at her' >Bes' I reCuire a word with my husband' Is he hidin" in the libraryD? >No' 5e ,ust left'? 5er eyebrows furrowed' >Where did he "oD? She shru""ed' >Its not my !lace to (now) my lady) and he didnt say'? She si"hed' 6aybe it was ,ust as well' It would "ive her time to fi"ure out what she would tell him when she saw him'

>All ri"ht' Ill "o to the drawin" room and send a letter to my family'? They mi"ht as well (now her new husband was whis(in" her off to his country estate) ma(in" it more difficult to see them' 2n her way out of the room) she cau"ht si"ht of the boo( the butler lent her and retrieved it so she could "ive it to him' 5ed been (ind to her in lettin" her borrow it) and she saw no reason to delay in returnin" it' She left the room and wal(ed down the stairs' When she reached the bottom) she saw the butler carryin" in a new decanter of wine into the library' urious) she followed him) wonderin" if her husband was in the townhouse after all' To her sur!rise) the only !erson in the library was *ord lement' The butler !laced the new decanter on the table and loo(ed in her direction' >6ay I hel! you) *ady Roderic(D? *ord lement rose to his feet as she entered the room' Turnin" her attention to the butler) she held the boo( out to him' >I wanted to return your boo('? 5e too( it' >I ho!e you en,oyed it'? >I did) than( you' Where is *ord Roderic(D? >*ord Roderic( isnt here' 5es e4!ected to come bac( soon'? She nodded) loo(ed at *ord lement) and decided even if her husband wasnt there) there was no reason why she couldnt ma(e *ord lement feel welcome' >Are you comfortable waitin" in this roomD The drawin" room seems li(e a better room to be in until *ord Roderic( returns'? >Ill be ha!!y to wait in there)? *ord lement said' >Would you li(e tea) my ladyD? the butler as(ed' >Bes'? She motioned for the door' >Ill (ee! you com!any) *ord lement) until my husband returns'? 5e nodded his consent) so she led the way out of the room and went into the drawin" room' She settled onto a settee and

waited for *ord lement to sit in a chair' The butler left so she turned to him and smiled' >I trust youre doin" wellD? she as(ed' >I mana"e)? he re!lied) settin" his cane by the chair' >I ho!e my friend isnt bein" difficult'? 5er chee(s warmed' 5ow much did *ord lement (nowD -id Roderic( tell him she du!ed him into the marria"eD She si"hed' 6ost li(ely) he had' 5e and *ord lement were friends) after all' Around her husband) it was easy to be an"ry) but under the sym!athetic "a9e of his friend) she found her wall crumblin"' >It didnt ha!!en the way he thin(s)? she whis!ered' >It was an accident' I lost my balance and fell) and he went to hel! me u!'? She swallowed the lum! in her throat and continued) >5e hates me'? As soon as she said the last !art) she wished she could ta(e it bac(' Really) she didnt (now him well enou"h to be so intimate in sharin" her fears' The butler came in with the tea and set it on the table' She waited for him to leave before sayin") >3or"ive me) my lord' I have no ri"ht to say such thin"s to you'? She leaned forward and !oured the tea into their cu!s' >Theres nothin" to for"ive' *ord Roderic( and I have been friends since we were children' 5es not a hard man to "et alon" with once you "et to (now him'? >I sus!ect a friend of his mi"ht say that)? she mused) than(ful hed been "racious in his re!ly to her' >Its true'? 5e acce!ted the cu! she handed to him' >I wont lie) my lady' I would have en,oyed the o!!ortunity to court you) but I believe everythin" ha!!ens for a reason' *ord Roderic( is a "ood man' Stubborn and obno4ious at times) but when it comes down to it) you can trust him to do the ri"ht thin"' 5e mi"ht not be a"reeable now) but hell come around' 8ive him time'?

>5e thin(s I tra!!ed him into marria"e'? 5e chuc(led' >I heard him e4!lain it' Somehow you mana"ed to force him onto the veranda without a word or a loo( in his direction'? 5er li!s curled u! into a smile' >It does sound silly when you !ut it that way'? 5e too( a si! of his tea and added) >An e4a""eration on his !art' 5e meant well) of course) when he went to su""est you "o bac( inside'? She couldnt ar"ue that !oint' >Bes) I su!!ose he did'? >I (now you meant well) too' Sometimes thin"s ha!!en) and youre thrown into a situation you didnt !lan on' Itll do him "ood to have you in his life' 5e ta(es thin"s far too seriously' I (ee! tellin" him he needs to lau"h more'? 3rom what shed seen of her husband) he didnt smile at all' Even her first im!ression of him had told her he was unusually serious' 1ut she didnt (now what she could !ossibly do to ma(e him lau"h' She dran( some of her tea and tried to thin( of somethin" to say' After a lon" minute !assed) she finally said) >5es decided were "oin" to Weston today'? >1ein" away from *ondon will be "ood for both of you)? he re!lied' >*ondon !rovides too many distractions' There are too many !laces to (ee! you entertained'? >And thats a bad thin"D? >2nly if you need to "et acCuainted with your husband and he needs to "et acCuainted with you'? >Boure ri"ht) but I wish I could ta(e my family with me'? 5e offered her a sym!athetic smile' >No one can fault you for that'? 3ootste!s crossin" the hard floors alerted her that her husband had come home' She wasnt sure why she (new it was his footste!s) e4ce!t there seemed to be a certain hurried !ace shed come to associate with him' 5e didnt ta(e his time

strollin" li(e other !eo!le did' Notin" the sli"ht tremblin" of her hands) she Cuic(ly set her cu! on the tray' The last thin" she needed was to s!ill anythin" around him because he made it a habit of ma(in" her nervous when she wasnt mad at him' *ord lement turned his attention to the doorway and called out) >There you are)? when her husband entered the room' Roderic( stilled for a moment) "lancin" from her to *ord lement' >I was be"innin" to thin( youd never show u!)? *ord lement teased' She marveled that *ord lement could be so at ease in Roderic(s !resence' 5er stomach was a bundle of nerves' >Bes) well) I had to "et ready to leave for Weston'? 5e "lanced at her a"ain but as(ed *ord lement) >5ow lon" have you been hereD? >Not lon"'? *ord lement motioned to the s!ot ne4t to laire on the settee' >Why dont you ,oin usD Were en,oyin" some tea'? >I have somethin" I need to tend to in the library)? Roderic( said) turnin" his attention bac( to his friend' >Bou can s!are five minutes to drin( some tea'? Roderic( loo(ed as if he was "oin" to !rotest but then shru""ed and !lo!!ed down ne4t to laire' >Try not to seem too ea"er)? *ord lement commented) a twin(le in his eye' 5e si"hed' >I dont often waste my time sittin" in a drawin" room when theres wor( to be done'? *ord lements eyebrows rose and he shot her a (nowin" loo(' -es!ite the aw(ward situation of bein" so close to her husband) she chuc(led' As the butler brou"ht in an e4tra cu!) Roderic( loo(ed at her' >-o I amuse youD?

>Bes) but for all the wron" reasons)? *ord lement ,o(ed' >Bou thin( youre funny'? Roderic( rolled his eyes as she !oured his tea' >It is unfortunate you were born too late to be a court ,ester'? laire tried not to lau"h a"ain) but she couldnt resist' Roderic(s li!s turned u! at the corners) somethin" that sur!rised her' She didnt thin( he ever smiled) even if he could only mana"e a small one' A!!arently) *ord lement could reach him on a level she couldnt' Roderic( too( his cu! from the butler) and after the butler left) he said) >Im sorry I wasnt here when you told me to e4!ect you'? 5e shru""ed' >I didnt mind' It "ave me a chance to tal( to your wife'? 5er husband shifted ne4t to her and "lanced at her from the corner of his eye' >Bou ma(e a "ood cou!le)? *ord lement continued' >I ho!e you remember that when youre at Weston'? Turnin" his attention to her while Roderic( "ul!ed his tea down) he as(ed) >5as he told you about WestonD? She shoo( her head' >No'? >Its beautiful)? *ord lement said' >The land is mostly flat ma(in" it ideal for horse ridin" or ta(in" a wal('? >The manor has vines "oin" u! the side of one wall)? Roderic( added with a "rimace' >The vines "ive it character' It enhances the manor'? 5e set his em!ty cu! on the tray' >Enhances how un(em!t it is'? laire noted that her cu! was almost full and that *ord lement was still si!!in" from his' She couldnt believe Roderic( rushed throu"h drin(in" his tea as fast as he did' When *ord lement said her husbands mind was on business) he wasnt (iddin"A

*ord lement also noticed how Cuic(ly Roderic( dran( his tea) for he as(ed) >Is this your way of "ettin" me to leaveD? >*eaveD Bou came to me to discuss a matter with your ward' I thou"ht wed do that in the library'? 5e loo(ed in her direction' >The situation isnt suitable to discuss in a ladys !resence'? >No) Im afraid its not'? *ord lement finished his tea and set the cu! on the tray' >I can ta(e a hint'? 5e rose to his feet and retrieved his cane' >Than( you for a !leasant conversation) my lady'? 5e turned to her and bowed' She ,oined Roderic( in standin" and curtsied' >It was nice seein" you a"ain'? Roderic( cleared his throat and told her) >Were leavin" in two hours'? She rolled her eyes as the "entlemen left the room) notin" that *ord lement told him he needed to rela4 more' It really was a shame *ord lement hadnt been out there on the veranda instead of Roderic(' With a resi"ned si"h) she went to the des( and too( out a !iece of !a!er so she could write her family a letter'

ha!ter Nine Nate closed the door of the library and faced his friend who settled into the chair across from his des(' >I notice you and my wife are on amiable terms'? Perry snic(ered as he set his cane a"ainst the des(' >And I didnt thin( you cared about her'? >I was ma(in" an observation' It has nothin" to do with what I thin( about her'? 5e crossed the room and !oured them some whis(ey from the decanter' >I ho!e youll have a "racious dis!osition when youre at Weston'? As he handed his friend his "lass) he shoo( his head' >Im ta(in" her there to sto! her and her sister from s!endin" all of my money' The two dont (now the meanin" of restraint' 1ut then) I su!!ose thats why she married me'? >2h) Nate' When will you sto! fi"htin" her and "et to (now herD Shes actually a sweet lady'? 5e "ritted his teeth and sat across from Perry' 5e didnt care what his friend thou"ht about laire' 5e really didnt' 3orcin" aside his irritation) he said) >Perha!s if you saw the bill I !aid today) youd be more sym!athetic'? >Perha!s you should have set a limit on how much she could s!end while she was out sho!!in"D? 8roanin" because his friend made a "ood !oint) he set his "lass on the des( and leaned bac( in the chair' >I thou"ht you wanted to tal( about your ward'? Perry shoo( his head' >I ho!e youre bein" nice to her'? >I dont believe that statement has anythin" to do with your ward'? >I feel sorry for her' Bou arent ma(in" this easy for her'? 1efore Nate could order him to "et to the !oint for comin" over) he continued) >As for hristo!her) I need your advice'?

>I thou"ht he was at 5arrow'? >5e was until he "ot in trouble' They e4!elled him'? >5is behavior is that badD? >Im afraid so)? Perry re!lied' >5is father never showed any restraints) and hes actin" ,ust li(e him'? >Bes) but his father died when he fell off a !rostitutes balcony after drin(in" too much whis(ey'? >-o you thin( lo"ic wor(s on himD The boy is seventeen and rec(less' I had to sto! him from "oin" out and threatenin" someone to a duel because hristo!her claimed he was cheatin" at a "ame they were !layin"' Than( "oodness it sto!!ed with a few !unches and bro(en furniture'? Perry ran his hand throu"h his hair' >I dont (now what to do' I thou"ht you mi"ht have an idea'? Nate leaned bac( in his chair and considered what he mi"ht do with a ward if the youn" man refused to behave res!onsibly' After a cou!le minutes) he said) >6a(e him a servant' *et him wor( at the lowest !osition and !ay him) or not) accordin" on the wor( he does' That should teach him res!onsibility'? >I have a hard time doin" that with my cousin'? >-o you want him to start ta(in" thin"s seriously or notD? >Boure ri"ht' All ri"ht' I su!!ose I could ma(e him a stableboy'? >Thats !erfect)? Nate a"reed with a smile' >6a(e sure he "ets to clean out all of the horses stalls'? -es!ite the "rin on his face) Perry admonished) >Theres no need to ta(e such deli"ht in forcin" him to shovel animal e4crement'? >Itll do him "ood to "et an as!ect of what hes doin" with his life' Even *ord Edon behaves better than him) and *ord Edon leaves a lot to be desired'? >*ord Edon has more sense than to insult a viscount until hes almost starin" at the end of a !istol'? Perry set his "lass on

the tray and "rabbed his cane' >I ho!e this wor(s' This time Ill "o bac( to 1lac(burn with him' So much for findin" a bride this Season'? >Ill tell you what' Ill ta(e your ward off your hands and ma(e him a stableboy at Weston' Then you can continue searchin" for a wife'? Nate stood with his friend and !laced his "lass on the des(' >What a sorry sort we are' Bou want to find a wife and cant while I dont want one but had one thrust u!on me'? > ome now) Nate' Bou needed a wife'? >Need and want are two different thin"s'? >If it werent for my lim!) Im sure I could have found one by now'? As they wal(ed toward the door) Nate shoo( his head' >Bou could com!ensate for that by !uttin" somethin" in your shoe'? >Bes but then how would I (now she could acce!t my im!erfectionsD? With a lau"h) he said) >Im!erfections or not) you could have a wife' *adies will overloo( a lim! if a man comes with a title or money) and you have both' I dont (now why you fool yourself into believin" you cant "et a wife' Ill tell you why you cant find one'? >I was afraid you mi"ht'? 5idin" his amusement at the sarcastic tone in his friends voice) he continued) >Its because you s!end far too much time chasin" your ward'? >Boure ri"ht' A"ain' 1ut Ill tell you what Im ri"ht about'? Nate sto!!ed at the door and waited for his friend to s!ea(' >Boure afraid theres more to *ady Roderic( than s!endin" money'? >I dont (now how you deduct that'?

>Its easier to (ee! someone at bay when you thin( the worst of them) even if the evidence only lies with her !arents and sister'? >1ut if shes !art of their family) then dont you a"ree shed share their as!irationsD? >Not necessarily' Shes nothin" li(e her sister or 5ester'? Nate o!ened the door' >-ont rush on out of here'? Perry ,abbed him in the arm' >I loo( forward to the day where you say I was ri"ht'? >Boull be loo(in" forward to it for a very lon" time because it wont ha!!en'? >This from the same "entleman who was sure his brother would live forever'? >5e would have if he hadnt been careless on a horse'? >8ive *ady Roderic( my condolences'? >*i(e I said) its too bad you werent a court ,ester'? As Perry left the library) he "lanced over his shoulder and added) >Remember to smile'? 8rumblin") Nate made sure the butler saw his friend out before he returned to his library' EEE Two hours later while !acin" in her bedchamber) laire made u! her mind' /ust because she was his wife) it didnt mean she had to "o with him' 5usbands and wives lived in se!arate residences all the time' 3or all she (new) she was carryin" his child and her !art of the bar"ain mi"ht very well be done' That bein" the case) she saw no reason to confine herself to his country estate where shed be without the love and su!!ort of her family' 8od (new her husband wasnt "oin" to "ive her those thin"s'

-etermined) she !ic(ed u! her valise and o!ened her door) chec(in" the hallway to ma(e sure no one could see her before she left the room' She debated whether to ta(e the bold a!!roach and wal( ri"ht out the front door or to snea( off by travelin" the servants stairs' Strai"htenin" her bac( and liftin" her chin in the air) she o!ted for the front door' She was the countess) and that bein" the case) she had every ri"ht to leave in front of everyone' She strode down the hall and toward the staircase' 5er heart raced in antici!ation' It wasnt li(e her to be defiant) but she fi"ured the sooner she stood u! for herself and did what she wanted) the better off shed be in the lon" run' After all) did she want the bi" oaf to dictate the rest of her life for herD Today it would be Weston' Tomorrow) itd be what she could wear and eat' Really) the mani!ulation had to end somewhereA A door o!ened behind her' >Where do you thin( youre "oin"D? The all-too-familiar stern voice of her husband sto!!ed her in her ste!s' With what she ho!ed was a casual "lance over her shoulder so she could ,ud"e the distance between them) she said) >I will "o where I !lease'? Then) without waitin" for him to head over to her) she ran down the stairs) liftin" her s(irt and !etticoats so she wouldnt tri! and fall to her death' 7nfortunately) he was too fast for her and bloc(ed her before she reached the final ste!' She dod"ed to the side) but) once a"ain) he was too Cuic( for her so she was unable to "et around him' She "runted and sto!!ed tryin" to by!ass him' *oo(in" him sCuare in the eye) she as(ed) >What do you ho!e to accom!lish by ma(in" me miserableD? >6a(in" you miserableD What about what youve done to meD I was ready to marry the -u(e of Rumseys dau"hter when you and your mani!ulative family tra!!ed me into

marria"e' If anyones sufferin") its me' And since I have to suffer) you do) too'? She ti"htened her hold on the valise) wonderin" why he had to be the one on the veranda that ni"ht' Why couldnt it have been someone more reasonableD Probably because someone more reasonable would have left her alone instead of botherin" her' >I shouldnt be sur!rised youd be this way' Bou wouldnt leave me alone at the ball) and you wont leave me alone now' If anythin") youre the one who tra!!ed us both into this horror of a marria"e because you wouldnt leave me alone' So if anyones to blame for this) its you'? Satisfied) she "ave him a firm nod and waited for him to refute that one' To her disa!!ointment) he was Cuic( to res!ond' >Ah) but you and your father were waitin" for me to "o out to the veranda' It was only because I wished to !rotect your innocence that I followed you' And a lot of "ood bein" a "entleman did me'? The footman o!ened the front door and !aused when he saw them' They turned their attention to him) for"ettin" their ar"ument for a moment' 5e cleared his throat' >The carria"e is ready) my lord and lady'? With a wide smile that im!lied he en,oyed cornerin" her) Roderic( returned his attention to her and offered her his arm' > ome alon"' Bour carria"e awaits'? She frowned at him) not wantin" to ta(e his arm but (nowin" she had no other choice' 5ed !robably !ic( her u! and haul her to the carria"e li(e he did on their weddin" day) and she didnt want to re!eat that incident' >0ery well) but I wont be stayin" there'? 5e lau"hed in a way that indicated he wasnt the least bit disturbed by her warnin"' 8rittin" her teeth) she marched with him to the carria"e' urse him and his stubbornnessA If he would ta(e the time to

listen to her@really listen to her) then she mi"ht be able to "et throu"h that thic( s(ull of his' 1ut no' 5e made assum!tions about her and what was worse) he had a sur!risin" vindictive strea( in him' Whatever made her father thin( Roderic( would ma(e a "ood husbandD She shoo( her head and "lanced at Roderic( who watched her with an amused smile on his face' She scowled at him) but this only seemed to deli"ht him more so she Cuic(ly turned her attention away from him and let the footman ta(e her valise' With a heavy si"h) she allowed the footman to hel! her into the carria"e and crossed her arms) refusin" to loo( at Roderic( as he settled ne4t to her' >I wouldnt be too de!ressed) my dear)? Roderic( said in an annoyin"ly ha!!y tone' >Soon enou"h) well be at Weston) and you can do whatever you want to' 6aybe youll even discover that you can en,oy yourself without money'? She stared out the window and i"nored him' 5e didnt say anythin" else' 5e sim!ly o!ened one of his ridiculously borin" boo(s and started to read it' To her sur!rise) the butler !eered into the carria"e and held out two boo(s to her' >I thou"ht since you en,oyed the boo( I lent you) you mi"ht find these en,oyable as well'? Touched that he thou"ht to hel! ease the boredom that was sure to !revail durin" the lon" tri!) she than(ed him and acce!ted two more mysteries' Thou"h Roderic(s eyebrow rose) he didnt comment' 8ood' She didnt care to e4!lain anythin" to him anyway' The footman closed the carria"e door) and she o!ened the first boo( so she could start readin") content to for"et all about her bi" oaf of a husband and sli! away into another world'

ha!ter Ten When the carria"e !ulled to a sto!) laire wo(e from her slumber' 2!enin" her eyes) she !eered out the small window) wonderin" where they were' 5er eyebrows furrowed' >What are we doin" at an innD? Roderic( loo(ed u! from the boo( hed been readin"' >I thou"ht you mi"ht li(e to slee! in a bed toni"ht' Was I wron"D? Rollin" her eyes) she strai"htened in the seat) wor(in" out the (in(s in her bac( and nec( the best she could' Even after all the brea(s theyd ta(en durin" the very lon" ,ourney durin" the day) her body was stiff' >I ,ust didnt reali9e Weston was so far from *ondon'? >Well be there tomorrow' In the meantime) well ma(e ourselves comfortable here'? She turned her attention bac( to the window and studied the inn' It loo(ed "ood enou"h) but she was sur!rised an earl would stay at a !lace that her family could afford' 3or some reason) she assumed hed stay somewhere more e4!ensive' urious) she "lanced at him' >Are we sufferin" financial hardshi!sD? >That would horrify you) wouldnt itD? >3or"et I as(ed)? she sna!!ed' 5e o!ened his mouth to s!ea() but the coachman o!ened the door at that moment' Relieved) she hurried out of the carria"e) !retendin" she didnt notice when she accidentally (ic(ed his foot on her way out' -es!ite her na!s durin" the tri!) she was e4hausted' It was only her "rowlin" stomach that com!elled her to stay awa(e' There would be time to slee! after dinner' Roderic( "ot out of the carria"e and stood beside her' >2h "ood' The roof hasnt caved in yet'? She shot him a !ointed loo( and shoo( her head' >The inn is in fine condition' Im not so daft that I cant see that'?

I"norin" his nonchalant shru" that almost dared her to doubt her own words) she followed the coachman who !ic(ed u! her valise and went to the entrance of the inn' If she was smart) shed i"nore Roderic( for the rest of their tri!' After they went into the inn) she followed the "entlemen u! to a room and !atiently waited for someone to indicate that shed be slee!in" in a se!arate room from Roderic(s but no one "ave her that assurance' She stru""led not to show her a!!rehension while the coachman brou"ht in the rest of her and Roderic(s thin"s' Roderic( left the room to tal( to the inn(ee!er) ho!efully to "et his own room so hed ta(e his thin"s out of her room as soon as !ossible' She !aced the room) her "a9e unwittin"ly "oin" to the sin"le bed' She tried to focus on other as!ects of the room li(e the beautiful armoire) the lar"e window with sim!le but !retty curtains) and the oval mirror han"in" over a narrow table where a basin and !itcher full of fresh water waited for her to wash u!' It wasnt a fancy room by any means) but it was clean and well(e!t' The door to the room o!ened) so she turned toward it and saw Roderic(' She waited for him to shut the door before she s!o(e' >When will you leave this roomD? >Tomorrow mornin" when we head out for Weston'? She frowned as he !laced his boo( on a small table by the bed' >Tomorrow mornin"D? >Is your hearin" all ri"htD? 5er chee(s warmed' >6y hearin" is ,ust fine' I cant believe you dont have enou"h money to stay in another room'? >I didnt say I dont have the money'? Ta(in" a dee! breath to (ee! herself from screamin") she !ressed as calmly as !ossible) >Then why are you in my roomD? 5e sat on the bed and lau"hed' >Bour roomD I dont recall anyone sayin" this is your room'?

She crossed her arms' >So do I have a room youll (indly show me toD? >8oodness no' This is a !o!ular inn' All the other rooms are full'? >They cant beA? >Im afraid they are' Were stuc( to"ether in this mediocre room for the ni"ht' I ho!e you can mana"e it' Its not Cuite what you believed your life would be li(e married to a titled "entleman) but its the reality of it'? She "runted and headed for the door' >Im "oin" to demand my own roomA? >It wont do you any "ood'? She !aused at the door) her hand on the door(nob' >1ut youre lyin"' There are other rooms) and there are !robably better rooms'? >Were "oin" to be here toni"ht whether you li(e it or not' Even if there are rooms) you dont have the money necessary to !ay for it' All the funds are under my control) and that includes your dowry'? 8rittin" her teeth) she turned to face him' >Boure en,oyin" this) arent youD? 5e shru""ed' She hesitated a lon" moment) fin"ernails ta!!in" the door(nob as she tried to fi"ure out the best res!onse she could come u! with) but nothin"@absolutely nothin"@came to mind' She couldnt very well head out of this inn and "o bac( to *ondon ri"ht now' 3or one) he was ri"ht here to sto! her) and second) she had no way of "ettin" a carria"e ride bac( to *ondon' *ettin" "o of the door(nob) she made a resi"ned si"h and went over to the o!en window' >Since Im tra!!ed) I su!!ose I should ma(e the best of it'? She "lanced at him from the corner of her eye' 5e settled on the bed and !ut his hands behind his

head) closin" his eyes' Irritated) she stuc( her head out the window and !eered down at the !eo!le who were enterin" the inn' Thou"h she (new it was com!letely unbecomin" of a lady) she let out a shrill lau"h' >2h *ord Roderic() you really shouldnt be doin" that) you nau"hty "entleman you'? To her satisfaction) he bolted u!) stormed over to her) and slammed the window shut' >/ust what do you thin( youre doin"D? >8ettin" my own room) my lord'? >It wont wor(' Now sit in the chair or on the bed and behave' -inner will be brou"ht u! shortly'? >I want my own room' I (now very well you can afford it'? >Boure not "ettin" it)? he re!lied) his voice low but shar!' She "lared at him for a lon" moment) her "a9e unwaverin" from his' She (new full well he was darin" her to show a si"n of wea(ness) and she refused to "ive in' If he wanted to !lay this "ame) then she could as well' After a full two minutes !assed between them) she strai"htened her bac( and lifted her chin in the air' >0ery well)? she relented' >Well share this room toni"ht'? 8ivin" a show of shru""in" as if nothin" bothered her) she wal(ed by him) intentionally brushin" a"ainst him so hed have to ste! bac(' >The last time with you wasnt memorable' I see no reason to thin( toni"ht will be either'? Even as she said it) she (new she was as(in" for trouble) but somethin" in her had sna!!ed) and she was too u!set to care about !ro!riety' Actin" li(e a lady be damnedA The bi" oaf had it comin"A >Perha!s if you hadnt been as drun( as a lady of ill re!ute) you wouldve remembered what ha!!ened that ni"ht)? he shot bac(' She clenched her teeth' 1last itA It was ,ust her luc( he was Cuic( with a comebac(' Tiltin" her head in his direction) she

arched an eyebrow' >And you have e4!erience with such ladies that you would (nowD? >I dont believe my affairs are any of your business'? >Neither are mine' Bours'? She sto!!ed herself and tried to thin( of the !ro!er way to word her res!onse' >That is to say that my affairs are not your business either'? 5e snorted and rolled his eyes' >Not very clever'? She "ot ready to s!ea( when someone (noc(ed on the door' losin" her mouth) she watched as he crossed the room and o!ened it' A "entleman brou"ht in a table and a chair' After he set the table down) the other "entleman set a !late full of food down' The first "entleman set the chair in front of the !late' The two "entlemen nodded to Roderic( and left' She furrowed her eyebrows' >So you !lan to let me "o hun"ryD? >I dont (now what you ta(e me for)? he be"an) >but I wont let you starve' Boull eat here toni"ht) and Ill eat downstairs' I wont trouble your !retty little head with the details) but there are ways a "entleman can rela4 from a lon" day that dont involve the nuisance of a lady'? >The nuisance of a ladyD? She !laced her hands on her hi!s' 5e had a lot of nerveA >1ein" around you is as !leasant as havin" a nail in the foot'? I"norin" what she considered to be a clever retort) he went to the door' >-ont wait u! for me' Ill return late'? She "ritted her teeth as he shut the door behind him) leavin" her alone' She went bac( to the window and o!ened it' A Cuic( scan of the area showed her how fruitless itd be to try to run off) and he (new very well she had no way of "ettin" bac( to *ondon' At least not yet' Shed have to wait until they were at Weston' 2ne way or another) she was "oin" to "et bac( to *ondon' Resi"ned to s!endin" the ni"ht in the inn) she turned to the meal on the table and sat down to eat'

EEE Nate rolled away from laire as much as he could in the abnormally small bed' 3unny how the bed hadnt seemed so small earlier that day when they arrived at the inn) but in the ni"ht when everythin" was dar() it was definitely small' Perha!s it shrun(' 5e "ritted his teeth and crossed his arms) willin" *ord Edons boo( and the memory of laire as she stood na(ed in her bedchamber on their weddin" ni"ht from his mind' urse them bothA 5e never should have read that very descri!tive boo( on everythin" a lady en,oyed in bed' It actually included illustrations' And now that he was in e4tremely close !ro4imity to a lady who felt terribly deli"htful with curves in so many ri"ht !laces it nearly drove him insane) he didnt (now what he was su!!osed to do' 5e debated leavin" the bed and slee!in" on the floor) but then shed (now she won' And there was no way he was lettin" her (now he was wea(A 5e could insist she act on her wifely duty) but considerin" the fact that she didnt li(e him any more than he li(ed her) lovema(in" wouldnt be the !leasant e4!erience he wanted it to be' 8ranted) he wasnt e4!ectin" love and !assion) but he had wanted it to be somethin" amiable) somethin" they could both en,oy' 5e let out a weary si"h and chec(ed the !osition of the moon' /ust his luc(' -awn was a lon" ways off' This was) undoubtedly) "oin" to be the lon"est ni"ht of his life' And to thin( he had ordered the inn(ee!er to "ive him one room because he wanted to !unish herA 5e "lanced at her) notin" her closed eyes and steady) dee! breathin"' She was fully clothed@in her mornin" dress of all thin"sA@toni"ht) somethin" he su!!osed he should be "rateful

for' If he was havin" trouble slee!in" ne4t to her while she wore her clothes) he could only ima"ine how it would be if she wore ni"htclothes or nothin"' 5e shoo( his head in a""ravation' 2f course) she sle!t !eacefully' She (new it would drive him to distraction to !retend that bein" so close to him in an intimate !lace didnt affect her' She was !retendin") wasnt sheD She couldnt really be aslee!' Bes) she was !retendin"' 5e was sure of it) and because she was !retendin") he couldnt afford to leave the bed' -etermined to see this ni"ht throu"h to the bitter end) he rolled over and@not reali9in" he was already as far at the ed"e of the bed as he could "et@fell to the floor with a loud thud' 5e bolted u!) sure that laire would o!en her eyes and !rove she hadnt actually been slee!in" after all' 1ut to his dismay) she let out a soft si"h and rolled onto her side so that her bac( was to him' 5e rolled his eyes and settled bac( onto the bed) fully e4!ectin" her to "ive herself away by "i""lin") but no such evidence of her witnessin" his embarrassin" fall came' Instead) it was the steady breathin" she em!loyed so well' She was either truly aslee! or very "ood at !retendin"' Not that it mattered' 5ed be better off tryin" to "et whatever slee! he could instead of worryin" about what laire was thin(in"' Perha!s if he sto!!ed thin(in" about her and focused on somethin" else) he mi"ht drift off to slee!' Willin" to "ive it a try) he too( a dee! breath) slowly e4haled) and closed his eyes' Na!oleon' 5ed thin( about Na!oleon and the battles "oin" on' 1ut that didnt wor( because when he thou"ht of strate"ic maneuvers em!loyed in wars) his mind unwittin"ly went to the strate"ies outlined in *ord Edons boo(@strate"ies that would ease laires discomfort so she mi"ht find the consummation of their marria"e !leasurable when they finally did it' 5e "ritted

his teeth' 3ine' So strate"ies werent "ood' Then !erha!s he mi"ht consider the differin" view!oints from the Whi"s and Tories' It seemed to him that his marria"e was similar' 5e and laire had differin" ideas on what a marria"e should be li(e' 8ranted) there was a factor of convenience inherent for both of them' 5e needed an heir' She needed security' 2f course) she found security in the form of frivolous s!endin") but could he be sur!risedD Wasnt that why she went outside at the ballD So she could snare some !oor unsus!ectin" bachelor into a tra!D 5e o!ened his eyes and stared at the ceilin"' This was ridiculous' 5e was a "rown man' What was he doin" by obsessin" about somethin" as basic as se4D It was merely a means to "et an heir' That was it' 8runtin") he sat u!) fluffed his !illow and threw it bac( on the bed before he settled bac( down' rossin" his arms) he "ave u! on slee! and stared at the ceilin"' There was no doubt about it' While his wife was "oin" to slee! throu"h the entire ni"ht) he wasnt' So be it' There was !lenty of time to slee! in the carria"e) and when they arrived at Weston) the very first thin" hed do was ma(e sure her bedchamber was ready for her so he wouldnt have to share a bed with her for a very lon" time'

ha!ter Eleven As soon as the carria"e !ulled u! to Weston the ne4t day) laire breathed a si"h of relief' Now she could finally "o bac( to *ondonA Across from her) Roderic( was slum!ed in his seat) his arms crossed) and his eyes closed' She assumed he was aslee! but couldnt be sure' The carria"e came to a sto!) and he bolted u! in his seat' She ,er(ed in sur!rise since she hadnt e4!ected his sudden movement' 3or a moment) they stared at each other) but then the footman o!ened the door' Neither one of them moved' She furrowed her eyebrows' Why didnt he leaveD 5e hadnt always waited for her to "o first' >*ady Roderic(D? the footman as(ed' She blin(ed and turned her attention to him' learin" her throat) she said) >I am returnin" to *ondon'? >2h no) youre not)? Roderic( ar"ued) his tone leavin" no room for ar"ument' She narrowed her eyes at him' >Theres no reason for me to be here'? >There most certainly is' Bou need to "ive me an heir'? Shoc(ed that he would dare say that in front of the footman) her chee(s "rew warm' >Since you insist on brin"in" this u! ri"ht now) Ill inform you that I already did my !art' Now its a matter of waitin") unless you believe yourself inadeCuate to !erform the tas( the first time'? 5e "as!ed' >6i"ht I remind you that such tal( is ina!!ro!riate in front of othersD? >Boure the one who brou"ht it u!' 6i"ht I remind you that if you dont want others to overhear what were sayin") you need to (ee! your mouth shut until were aloneD? Turnin" her attention bac( to the footman) she said) >I demand to "o bac( to *ondon at once'?

>She stays here)? Roderic( ordered' The footman "lanced from one to the other and si"hed' >Ill hel! the coachman with the lu""a"e'? Shootin" her a satisfied "rin) Roderic( left the carria"e' She was determined to stay ri"ht there in the carria"e@forever if she had to@but he "rabbed her hand and !ulled her into his arms' She wi""led a"ainst him in an effort to "et away) but he was too stron" for her' >Will you behave or do I have to carry you inside li(e a wayward wardD? he sna!!ed' She "runted and !ushed a"ainst him' >*et me "oA? 5is hold ti"htened around her) and he carried her into the house) i"norin" the servants who had lined u! in front of the manor' 5ad she not been so u!set with him for forcin" her to stay here a"ainst her will) she would have been horrified that the servants saw everythin") but at the moment) she was too an"ry to thin( of what they mi"ht be "ossi!in" about that ni"ht' 5e too( her to the drawin" room and dum!ed her on the settee' She immediately rose to her feet) but he !laced his hands on her shoulders and sat her bac( down' 1efore she could ma(e another attem!t to bolt for the door) he strode over to the door and slammed it' Not to be deterred by his an"er) she crossed her arms and "lared at him' >I will not stay here'? 5e strode over to her' >We did not consummate the marria"e'? She blin(ed' >2f course) we did' Bou came to my bedchamber'? >To tell you I couldnt "o throu"h with it' Im a civili9ed man' I would never force myself on a lady) even if she is connivin"'? 5er nails du" the sleeves coverin" her arms' >Ive had enou"h with bein" insulted' Bou) my lord) are either deaf or

dumb) for nothin" I say seems to ma(e little difference' Bou want to believe I mani!ulated you into marryin" you) then believe it' If you want to believe I wish to run all over *ondon s!endin" your money with rec(less abandon) then believe that) too' 1ut dont insult my intelli"ence by tellin" me we didnt consummate the marria"e'? 5e o!ened his mouth to s!ea() but she held her hand u! to sto! him' She rose to her feet so she could loo( him strai"ht in the eye' >I could be e4!ectin" a child ri"ht now) and I can be ,ust as !re"nant in *ondon as I can be here'? >I !romise you that you arent with child' Sorry) laire) but until you "ive me an heir) youre stuc( with me'? >Bou) my lord) are no "entleman'? >And you) my countess) are no lady'? 5e lifted his chin in the air and loo(ed down at her' >If you refuse to ta(e my word for what did not ha!!en on our weddin" ni"ht) thats your !roblem' 1ut I assure you I did not "o to bed with you' When your monthly flow comes) youll discover you are not with child) and at that !oint) Ill acce!t your a!olo"y'? >*ac( of a child wont !rove anythin"' It too( my mother a year to conceive my sister'? >At this rate) itll ta(e us over a year to even consummate the marria"e' Bou arent leavin" Weston until I (now youre carryin" a child) so if you want to "o to *ondon so badly) I su""est you be nice enou"h to me so we can "et the matter over with'? >1e nice to youD? she as(ed) a!!alled by his audacity' >When youve done nothin" but accuse me of wron"doin" from the moment we were en"a"edD I su""est you start bein" nice to me'? >I have been nice to you' In "ood faith) I let you sho! usin" my credit) and you thou"ht so little of my "esture that you ran

amo( throu"h the store as if you and that sister of yours had absolutely no clothes'? >I only bou"ht a bonnet'? >Bou brou"ht her with you'? Roderic( let out a frustrated si"h and shoo( his head' >Im tired of havin" this ar"ument with you' The fact remains that I am the lord of this estate) and what I say "oes' Bou are stayin" here until you are with child'? She "ritted her teeth as he headed for the door' She closed her eyes and stru""led to control the ur"e to throw somethin" at his head' The bi" oaf was "oin" to do everythin" in his !ower to ma(e her miserable' And all for whatD To "et even with her for >tra!!in"? him into marria"eD This time when he closed the door behind him) he didnt slam it' Even so) the sound echoed ominously throu"hout the room' Well) if it was a war he wanted) it was a war he was "oin" to "etA She wouldnt be confined to this horrible !lace ,ust because he wanted it' Shed show him he couldnt control her' Somehow) someway) she would "et bac( to *ondon) and she was "oin" to do it if it was the last thin" she did' EEE Two wee(s !assed) and laire had no more success in convincin" the servants to let her sli! out to *ondon than she had the first day she came here' Whatever else could be said for her obno4ious husband) he was a man who commanded unwaverin" loyalty from his staff' At times) it seemed as if they must thin( him a "od by the way they hastened to do whatever he wanted' And since he wanted her here) they vowed to (ee! her here as well' Roderic( had ta(en it u!on himself to daily retreat to his library or ta(e a ride on his horse' She didnt miss him' Indeed) she was deli"hted he left her alone) es!ecially at ni"ht' 1ut she

was all-too-aware of the absence of a friend) namely her sister' She wrote letter u!on letter to *illy) and 6arion arran"ed for them to be sent out on her behalf' 1ut it did little to ease the achin" loneliness that had become her com!anion' She did everythin" she could to fill her days' When she wasnt !leadin" with one of the servants to ta(e her bac( to *ondon) she was often in the drawin" room usin" her s(etch!ad to draw flowers that loo(ed more li(e war!ed circles and lo!sided ovals than actual flowers' She loved flowers) es!ecially this time of year when they "raced the landsca!e in abundance' She often too( her s(etch!ad with her on her wal(s alon" the !ro!erty) es!ecially to the "a9ebo) and would sit for an hour tryin" to im!rove her s(etches of them' 7nfortunately) nothin" she did wor(ed' Another wee( !assed) and much to her disa!!ointment) her monthly flow came' She s!ent a day in her bedchamber) than(ful for the tea 6arion made to soothe her cram!s but also mournin" the fact that she wouldnt "et Roderic(s a!!roval to return to *ondon' Shed have to !robably drin( more sherry to wor( u! the nerve to have Roderic( bac( in her room' 5e was still leavin" her alone) somethin" she was than(ful for) but she (new the re!rieve wouldnt last forever' As soon as he found out there was no heir on the way) hed insist they try a"ain' She could only ho!e the times when she needed to do her duty were no more than once a month' Three days after her flow started) she "athered her coura"e to tell Roderic( the bad news' It was before brea(fast) before he would run off to ride his horse or read another one of his dull boo(s' She waited for him at the bottom of the stairs) fin"erin" the ed"e of her yellow dress) her stomach twistin" u! into (nots' The sound of her husband tal(in" to his valet directed her attention to the to! of the stairs' She watched as he instructed the valet on which clothes hed need after his brea(fast' She

rolled her eyes' She should have (nown that on a sunny day such as this hed be ta(in" a ride on his horse' Sometimes it was irritatin" to see how much he loved the horse but didnt "ive her so much as a sin"le thou"ht' She immediately critici9ed herself for thin(in" such a thin"' What did she care what Roderic( thou"ht of herD /ust because he was her husband) it didnt mean he was worth her time' The valet nodded and went to do Roderic(s biddin"' She si"hed and waited for Roderic( to sto! ins!ectin" himself in the hallway mirror' 3inally) he headed down the ste!s in her direction' Ta(in" a dee! breath) she stood directly in front of him) !atiently waitin" as he descended each ste!' It was now or never' She clas!ed her hands in front of her and watched him' After he went down three ste!s) it occurred to her that he was "oin" slower and slower with each ste!' She furrowed her eyebrows' >*ord Roderic() are you in !ainD? 5e halted his ste!s) his "a9e meetin" hers' >No' Why would you thin( thatD? >Bou arent able to (ee! u! a healthy !ace' I sim!ly worried for your health' I could run to *ondon and retrieve a doctor for you) if you so desire'? With a smir() he twirled around and bounded down the rest of the ste!s' >Theres no need to trouble yourself on my behalf' Ive never been better'? >2h'? >Bou sound disa!!ointed'? >No) my lord' I assure you Im Cuite relieved'? 5e shoo( his head but smiled' >Bou flatter me by your concern' Are you merely inCuirin" about my health this mornin" or is there some other) more sinister) deed at wor(D?

>Somethin" more sinister Im afraid'? She motioned to the drawin" room' >Its somethin" better said in !rivate'? 5is "a9e went from her to the drawin" room' With a nod) he headed for the drawin" room) not botherin" to loo( behind to see if she followed' Not sur!rised) she went after him and shut the door to the room so they could have some !rivacy' She sat on the settee) and she wasnt sur!rised when he chose to sit in the chair instead of sittin" ne4t to her' >What did you want to discussD? Roderic( as(ed her as he leaned bac( in his chair and crossed his le"s' 1racin" herself) she said) >I re"ret to inform you that I am not with child'? 5e stared at her) not blin(in"' >AndD? >AndD? >I already told you that you wouldnt be because we didnt consummate the marria"e' So what else is thereD? >Nothin"' There is nothin" else'? She studied his im!assive face' 5e didnt show the sli"htest bit of sur!rise over this news' ould it be true that hed been tellin" her the truth) that they hadnt shared her bed on their weddin" ni"htD She stru""led to recall that ni"ht) and the only thin" that came to her was that hed been in her room) theyd (issed) and then he was ta(in" her to bed' 1ut had he actually been in the bed with herD She couldnt remember anythin" else) and for the first time) she considered the reason why she couldnt remember more was because more didnt ha!!en' A commotion on the other side of the drawin" room door interru!ted her thou"hts' She and Roderic( stood) and she hurried after him as he o!ened the door' In the entryway) the butler stood) listenin" to an irritated youn" man who couldnt have been older than seventeen' >6y bein" here is a mista(e)? the youn" man said'

Roderic( strode forward and interce!ted them' >Theres no mista(e about it' Bou are to be our new stableboy) 6ister Robinson'? 6ister Robinson blanched' >A stableboyD 6y "uardian) who also ha!!ens to be my cousin) is an earl'? >3ortunately) I wont let a little thin" li(e you bein" *ord lements ward "et in the way of !uttin" you to wor('? 5e "lanced at the butler' >Hindly escort 6ister Robinson to his room'? 5e then turned his "a9e to *ord lements ward' >Boull find your clothes in there'? >1ut I brou"ht my own clothes)? 6ister Robinson ar"ued' >Theres no need' I have everythin" you need ri"ht here)? Roderic( re!lied in the controllin" manner laire (new so well' >This isnt a vacation' The sooner you learn res!onsibility) the better'? 5e "estured to the butler to show 6ister Robinson to his room' The butler hastened to obey) and thou"h 6ister Robinson loo(ed li(e he wanted to !rotest) in the end) he followed the butler down the hall) his shoulders slum!ed in defeat' laire couldnt hel! but feel sorry for him' In a way) she understood what he had to be thin(in"' Tra!!ed here) in this house) with someone li(e Roderic( to remind him of everythin" hed ever done wron"F She si"hed' Roderic( turned to her' >WhatD? >Nothin")? she Cuic(ly re!lied' >Bou thin( I was harsh on him ,ust nowD? he !ressed' Thou"h she didnt wish to "et into another ar"ument with him) she fi"ured she mi"ht as well answer his Cuestion since he as(ed it' >0ery well' Bes' I thin( you were too harsh' 5e is an earls cousin' It seems ina!!ro!riate to "ive him a stableboys ,ob'?

5e hesitated for a moment before sayin") >If you understood the situation) you wouldnt be in such a hurry to condemn me'? >Then !erha!s youd li(e to enli"hten meD? >This is a matter between me and *ord lement) and its somethin" he wishes to (ee! confidential'? She considered his words and decided he was ri"ht' If *illy had told her somethin" in confidence) then shed rather die than tell anyone her sisters secret' She couldnt fault him for doin" the same' She indicated her acce!tance with a nod and decided shed eat brea(fast while he "ot thin"s settled with *ord lements ward'

ha!ter Twelve After brea(fast) Nate wrote Perry a Cuic( letter to let him (now his ward arrived at Weston and had the letter sent to him' 5e went to his bedchamber where his valet hel!ed him into his ridin" outfit' The entire time he was "ettin" ready to "o to the stable) he wondered if 6ister Robinson was "ivin" the stable master any "rief' 5e fully e4!ected him to after all the years Perry had been soft on him' 5e couldnt blame Perry' Perry had a "ood heart) but what 6ister Robinson needed was the firm hand of disci!line' As he headed out of the house) he cau"ht si"ht of laire writin" at her des( in the drawin" room' 5e !aused for a moment) a sli"ht twin"e of "uilt na""in" him' The wee(s at Weston had been lon" and tense' 5e didnt deli"ht in (ee!in" her here) des!ite what she must thin(' 1ut how was he "oin" to "et an heir unless they were under the same roofD If there was another way to do the ,ob) hed do it' 1ut there was only one way she was "oin" to conceive the heir) and he needed to fi"ure out how in the world he was "oin" to ma(e it ha!!en because as thin"s stood ri"ht now) he was "oin" to have to !ass on his title to his cousin' >Are you ready to "o ridin") my lordD? the butler as(ed him' Turnin" to him) he nodded' >Bes) Im ready'? With another "lance at his wife) he saw that she had loo(ed in his direction' Startled) he Cuic(ly averted his "a9e and strode out the door) not sure why his heartbeat !ic(ed u!' learin" his throat) he than(ed his footman) who o!ened the front door for him) and strode out of the house' 5e headed for the stable) tryin" to assure himself he wasnt heartless' Bes) he (new he had avoided laire as much as he could) but that didnt mean he was insensitive toward her needs' 5e had) after all) told her the truth+ that they hadnt

consummated their marria"e' Was it his fault if she refused to believe himD 5e si"hed' If she hadnt "one sho!!in" with her sister) hed feel safe enou"h (ee!in" her in *ondon' Why couldnt she e4ercise more restraintD If she honestly believed shed consummated the marria"e with him) did she assume that !otentially "ivin" him an heir meant she could be rec(less with his moneyD Perha!s if he limited how much she s!ent at the sho!s) then they mi"ht return to *ondon and she could be ha!!y a"ainD Not that she was ha!!y with him anyway' To her credit) she wasnt !uttin" on a !retense with him' She was lettin" him (now e4actly what she did and didnt li(e' If nothin" else) he certainly a!!reciated that about her' The familiar "uilty sensation returned' ould it be !ossible she had been tellin" him the truth@that she had nothin" to do with the scandal that led to their marria"eD If she had been a !art of it) surely) shed be tryin" to soften him u! in order to "et him to allow her "reater freedom with his money' A horse nei"hed) brin"in" his attention to the stable' 5e blin(ed) sur!rised hed already crossed the distance across the lawn' Ama9in" how a little thin" li(e bein" !reoccu!ied with "uilt should ma(e him for"et his surroundin"s' Ta(in" a dee! breath of the warm air cooled occasionally by the bree9e) he !ut laire far from his mind and focused on why he came out here today' As he sus!ected) 6ister Robinson was ar"uin" with the stable master' Since the youths bac( was turned to him) Nate cre!t forward) careful that his ste!s were Cuiet lest he "ive himself away' The stable master "lanced in his direction once but didnt alert 6ister Robinson that he was there' >I will not de"rade myself by cleanin" thisFthisF? 6ister Robinson motioned to a stalls floor' After a moment of silence

where he waved his hand and shoo( his head) he finally "runted' >Bou (now the word Im thin(in" of here'? The stable masters eyebrows rose' >6anureD? >Bes' Thats it' I will not clean u! that filth'? >Bou are'? >I am notA? 5e strai"htened his bac( and lifted his chin' >I am the cousin of an earl' I have noble blood in my veins' I have !eo!le waitin" on me' Someday) I will marry a lady of hi"h status) hi"her than mine) if I dare say so myself) and "iven where I come from and where Im headed) I will not touch a shovel that touches thatFfilth'? Roderic( sto!!ed ri"ht behind 6ister Robinson and clas!ed his hands behind his bac(' >Bou thin( youre too "ood to do what *ord Roderic( tells you) dont youD? >Bou bet I do)? 6ister Robinson vehemently a"reed as he s!un around) only to "row !ale as soon as he reali9ed who he s!o(e to' >Bou are testin" my !atience) 6ister Robinson)? Roderic( said) not in the least bit disturbed by the youths insolence' >I mi"ht be a friend of your cousins) but I will not let that dissuade me from doin" whats best for you'? >1est for meD? >Bes) best for you' Bou will be an adult soon) and that means you will have res!onsibilities' I am "oin" to teach you how to be res!onsible'? >And youre "oin" to start by havin" me shovel out horse dro!!in"sD? >Bes) and if you can handle the small tas(s I "ive you) you can move on to the bi""er ones'? 6ister Robinson "rimaced' >If you dont do the wor( youre assi"ned in this stable) I will "ive you a ,ob less favorable'?

>I cant ima"ine anythin" worse than clearin" animal waste'? Nates li!s curled u! into a smile' >I can'? 1efore the insolent boy could say anythin" else) Nate "estured to the stall' >Now "o in there and clean it u!'? Thou"h 6ister Robinson "rumbled) he retrieved the shovel from the stable master and went to the stall) ti!toein" his way throu"h !ieces of horse manure' Satisfied) Nate turned to the stable master and waited as he "ot his horse ready' 5e watched 6ister Robinson who was "in"erly di""in" the shovel under the manure to !ic( it u!' With a "rimace on his face) he lifted the shovel and tossed the manure to the aisle of the stable' 5e shuddered and then turned bac( to the ne4t !iece of manure' With a chuc(le) Nate acce!ted the reins to his horse when the stable master brou"ht the stallion to him' After he "ot into the saddle) he left the stable and ur"ed the horse toward the !ath that would ta(e him !ast the !ond' A ride was ,ust the thin" he needed to refresh his mind' ontent) he turned his attention to the land around him and en,oyed the mornin"' When he returned to the manor) he washed u! and chan"ed into new clothes) wonderin" if he should read a boo( or attem!t to have a conversation with his wife' It was a Cuestion he often wondered) and as before) he o!ted to read a boo(' 5e had no idea what he could say to her that shed find of interest e4ce!t if he told her she could "o to *ondon' Since he had no intention of doin" that) he decided it was best to say nothin"' 5e entered his library and sat at his des(' losin" his eyes) he leaned bac( in the chair and let his mind wander' The truth was) laire wasnt the only one who missed *ondon' Parliament was in session) and he loved "oin" to Whites to discuss what was ha!!enin" there) es!ecially with Perry'

The door o!ened' 5e si"hed and turned his head in the butlers direction) afraid to as( if laire had) once a"ain) tried to tal( him into snea(in" her out of the house so she could "o to *ondon' Thou"h his servants consistently refused to ta(e her to *ondon) it didnt seem to sto! her from as(in"' The butler came into the room and handed him a letter' >This came for you) my lord'? Eyebrows furrowed) Nate too( it and strai"htened in his seat' 5e read it) at first sur!rised and then worried' 8lancin" u! at the butler who waited for his instructions) he said) >Tell the steward I want to see the led"er'? >Bes) my lord'? 5e bowed and left the library' Nate read throu"h the missive a"ain' 5e hadnt had any dealin"s with *ord 5edwrett' If *ord 5edwretts letter was to be believed his steward had borrowed money and was tryin" to !ay him bac( in installments) but *ord 5edwrett wanted all of it bac( immediately' 5e "lanced at his boo(s and shoo( his head' So much for readin"' 5ed be s!endin" his day wor(in" throu"h the bud"et to find out if his steward was bein" honest in his boo((ee!in"' 5e "rimaced' /ust what he wanted to do' The steward entered the room with the led"er' 1racin" himself for what was most li(ely to be an un!leasant discussion) Nate motioned for him to sit and "ot ready to tal( to him' EEE That evenin" before dinner) laire studied 6arions reflection in the mirror as she was buttonin" the bac( of her "own' >Are you sure theres nothin" I can say or do to convince you to ta(e me to *ondonD? 6arion offered her a !atient smile' >6y lady) you (now the answer to that'?

>-o you a!!rove of *ord Roderic( so much that youll let me wilt away hereD? >Bou neednt e4a""erate' Ive heard stories of "entlemen who are far worse than your husband' 1elieve me) my lady) hes a "ood one'? laire rolled her eyes' This was the same re!ly she "ot from all the servants' 1ut still) 6arion had been with her for years' 6arion ou"ht to understand why she wanted to return to *ondon and see her family' -isa!!ointed) laire didnt say anythin" else' She really should sto! !leadin" with the servants to hel! her "et to *ondon' It wasnt doin" any "ood' 6arion finished dressin" laire and !atted her shoulder' >8ive it time) my lady' Bouve only been married a short time' 8iven the circumstances around your marria"e) you cant e4!ect thin"s to resolve themselves ri"ht away'? 8rittin" her teeth) laire forced a smile and left the room' When she reached the bottom of the ste!s) she was sur!rised to see that Roderic( was "ettin" ready to head out' >Where are you "oin"D? she as(ed) stridin" over to him' As he !ut on his hat) he turned to her' >I need to verify some financial dealin"s'? >Are you "oin" to *ondonD? >No' The business I need to do will be at other "entlemens estates'? >1ut cant I "o with youD? Thou"h she sus!ected a twin"e of remorse in his voice) he said) >The business I am tendin" to isnt suitable for a lady'? She frowned' What) e4actly) did he mean by thatD >I wont be "one for lon"' A wee(' Two at the most'? >And youre "oin" somewhere that I cant be atD? she as(ed) her s!ine stiffenin"' >*adies dont !arta(e of the business I need to tend to)? he re!lied' >Ill return as soon as I can'?

She watched as he left) her hands clenchin" and unclenchin"' She (new it was her !lace not to inCuire further' What a husband did when away from home was not to be the wifes concern) but even so) she couldnt deny that stin" of betrayal she felt in (nowin" he was most li(ely runnin" off to a mistress or some unsavory !lace where !rostitutes wor(ed' >Are you ready to eat) my ladyD? the butler as(ed as he a!!roached her' -es!ite her an"er) she strai"htened her bac( and nodded' If Roderic( thou"ht shed loo( the other way li(e other wives did) he had another thin" comin"' She mi"ht not have "otten the marria"e she ho!ed for@one filled with love) but she could find a way to "et to *ondon' It was ,ust a matter of loo(in" at her situation from a different !oint of view' The servants wouldnt obli"e her) but that didnt mean all was lost' She could still return to *ondon' And she would' It was ,ust a matter of findin" out how she could "et around the servants' Satisfied) at least for the moment) she went to dinner'

ha!ter Thirteen laire let out a weary si"h as she stared out the window of the drawin" room' It was cloudy) but at least it wasnt rainin"' It seemed to her that ,ust about every day since Roderic( left) Weston saw rain) as if the whole !lace mourned his absence' It only added to the "loomy atmos!here around her' At the thou"ht) she rolled her eyes' 5ed only been "one for two and a half wee(s) but it felt more li(e months' Perha!s time with his mistress or out "allivantin" around with an unsavory crowd amused him enou"h to for"et her alto"ether' She stru""led not to let his outri"ht re,ection affect her) but as the days wore on) she felt herself sli!!in" into a state of limbo@not feelin" as if she were truly here and yet (nowin" she was' The days were be"innin" to blur into one another) and that mornin" she had to as( 6arion what day it was' 3riday' It was 3riday' She closed her eyes and re!eated it to herself' >6y ladyD? She o!ened her eyes and turned her attention to the butler who held a missive in his hand' >This came for you)? he said) holdin" it to her' 5er heart lea!t in antici!ation as she too( it' As she ho!ed) it was from her sisterA >Than( you'? >Would you li(e me to brin" you some teaD? She nodded and sat on the settee by the window while he left the room' It seemed li(e years since shed last seen her sister) and yet) she (new itd only been a short time' She o!ened it) ea"er to find out if her family would ma(e a visit' As she read throu"h the letter) her eyes "rew wide' 5er sister was entertainin" the affections of *ord 5edwrett) and from the way it sounded) her sister was willin" to marry him if he !ro!osed' >Poor 6ister 6orris)? laire whis!ered) thin(in" of the man whod done everythin" he could thin( of to win her sister over'

laire shouldnt be sur!rised' *illy was determined to marry a man with a title) and *ord 5edwrett) a viscount) would do it' With a si"h) she continued readin" the letter and noted that her !arents would be deli"hted to come for a visit but wanted to ma(e sure Roderic( e4tended the invitation' laire !laced the letter in her la! and debated when his invite would be !ossible' >NoA I wont do it anymore' 6y cousins an earl' I deserve to be treated better than thisA? someone shouted from the hallway' Sur!rised) she hurried to the door in time to see an irate youn" man that she reco"ni9ed as *ord lements ward) shove the butler away from him' >I have my orders) 6ister Robinson)? the butler calmly said' 6ister Robinson "runted' >I dont care what *ord Roderic( told you to do' Im not a stableboy' I demand to "o home' This !lace is nothin" more than a !rison'? She couldnt hel! but sym!athi9e with him' In many ways) Weston seemed li(e a !rison to her) too' All she did was eat and slee!' -rawin" and ,ournalin" her thou"hts did little to ease the boredom of her life' She closed her eyes and wished she could see her family a"ain' If she could) shed feel connected with the world a"ain' The butler "lanced her way and bowed' >6y lady' 6ay I "et somethin" for youD? learin" her throat) she shoo( her head' >No'? Ashamed that they cau"ht her eavesdro!!in") she added) >I thin( Ill "o for a wal('? >Then I need to "et you a !arasol in case it rains'? 5er face "rew warm' So she needed somethin" after all' 5e was ri"ht' If she "ot cau"ht in the rain) shed need it' As he went to retrieve it) she offered 6ister Robinson a tentative smile'

The youth let out a lon" si"h' >5ow do you mana"e it hereD? >I (ee! busy)? she told him) unwillin" to tell him the truth' 5e ste!!ed toward her and lowered his voice' >I dont (now how' Id die of boredom if it werent for !layin" stableboy'? 5e rolled his eyes' >I cant wait until Im twentyone' Im tired of bein" told what I can or cant do' 6y "uardian is unreasonable'? She didnt (now why he was wor(in" at the stables) and since it was none of her business) she didnt dare as( him' >So you had the misfortune of marryin" my "uardians friend)? he said' >6isfortuneD? She thou"ht that was an odd choice of words' /ust what did !eo!le say when they tal(ed about her marria"e to Roderic(D >I dont (now who I feel sorrier for' I mean) Im forced to clean out stalls all day) and youre stuc( inside the house) "oin" about your day doin" all the thin"s ladies do'? 5e !aused' >What do you do all day in this !rison anywayD? >I write and draw'? >And that fulfills youD? She shru""ed' What was she su!!osed to say to thatD 5er !ur!ose wasnt to be fulfilled' It was to "ive her husband an heir' 2utside of that) she didnt (now what her !ur!ose was' 6ister Robinsons eyebrows furrowed' >-ont you have any interests besides writin" and drawin"D? >I loo( forward to seein" my family'? 5e lau"hed' >Thats not the case with me' When I see my "uardian comin") I run away from him'? >*ord lement is a "ood man'? >Peo!le say that) but I have yet to see it) thou"h I will say he (nows how to smile) even if it is with fiendish deli"ht'?

-es!ite herself) she chuc(led' It wasnt a!!ro!riate for her to do so) considerin" he was moc(in" *ord lement' 3orcin" aside her lau"hter) she said) >Thats not fair) 6ister Robinson' Bou must be res!ectful of your "uardian'? >I (now youre ri"ht) but Im rather !er!le4ed my "uardian sees it fit to !ut me under the care of *ord Roderic(' And you (now what your husband has me doin"D? >Bes) I (now'? The butler returned with her !arasol) so she than(ed him and too( it' Since they were watchin" her) she nodded in their direction and headed for the front door' The butler hurried to o!en the door for her' 2nce she was outside) the door closed behind her and 6ister Robinson had resumed his litany of com!laints' Thou"h it wasnt rainin") she o!ened her !arasol and too( a wal( alon" the "rounds' She wished she hadnt found 6ister Robinsons !rotests so interestin") but considerin" how little else there was to do) he had !rovided the "reatest amount of entertainment shed en,oyed since shed left *ondon' She brushed a tear from her eye' 5ow she wished shed "otten her mother or father to ,oin her on the veranda that ni"ht when her fate had been sealed' And now shed s!end the rest of her life in Cuiet misery) her only re!rieve bein" the times when she could see her family since she had yet to fi"ure out a way to esca!e' She !assed the flowers that bloomed alon" the !ro!erty) but this time) she hardly saw them' She "lanced at the front door of the manor and saw 6ister Robinson leave for the stables' She sto!!ed wal(in" and watched 6ister Robinson as he !lo!!ed on his hat and stom!ed toward the stables' 3rom a distance) it was hard to tell if he was a youn" "entleman or a youn" lady' 5e was wearin" mens clothes) of course) but it occurred to her that if she wore similar clothin") she mi"ht !ass for a stableboy'

As soon as the thou"ht came to her) she re,ected it' No' She couldnt do somethin" that outra"eous' It was ridiculous shed even entertain such an idea' She (new the way to *ondon) but she couldnt e4actly carry her clothes with her' And she sure couldnt continue on in *ondon dressed in stableboys clothes' With a si"h) she turned bac( to the !ath and tried to focus on the flowers' They were so !retty' Even with the overcast s(y) their colors were vibrant' She su!!osed she could "et her drawin" !ad and do her best to draw them) even if her talent for it was far from ideal' She went over to the flowers and traced one of the !ur!le !etals with her fin"er' If she could draw it in such a way that it resembled a flower) she mi"ht be ins!ired to !aint it and han" it u!' 6ost of the walls in the manor had nothin" of interest han"in" on them' Portraits of those who lived there before was about all shed seen' If shed (nown the !eo!le) she was sure shed be interested in them) but in some ways) wal(in" down the hallways and !assin" those !ortraits were a bit s!oo(y) es!ecially at ni"ht when she ima"ined those eyes followin" her' Silly) childish ima"inin"s' She was married now and the lady of a manor' She really should be mature enou"h to assume her res!onsibilities) and one of those res!onsibilities was to sto! ima"inin" thin"s that werent there' Strai"htenin" u!) she continued her wal() decidin" she wasnt in the mood to draw today' She didnt feel li(e !layin" on the !iano either) and the servants would have than(ed her for that if theyd ever heard her !lay it' Sadly) she had more talent drawin" flowers than she did !layin" the !iano' 5er ste!s slowed as she a!!roached the "a9ebo' The sound of a horse nei"hin" cau"ht her attention) so she turned and saw that 6ister Robinson was headin" her way on a horse' Sur!rised) she waited for him'

5e !ulled the reins on the horse when he came within tal(in" distance of her' >Bou wal( almost every day) even when it rainsD? She shru""ed' >I li(e to wal('? >Theres no denyin" that) but I cant hel! but notice you arent smilin"'? She didnt (now what to say to that so she (e!t silent' She "lanced at the "a9ebo where she usually sat for a while durin" the day and let her mind wander' With him starin" at her) she thou"ht itd be rude to do so now) but at the same time) she had no idea what to say to him' >*ady Roderic() isnt there somethin" you want to doD Somethin" that will brin" a smile to your faceD? She turned her attention bac( to him) wonderin" if she should be readin" more into his su""estive smile than she initially had' >Where are you "oin" with thisD? >I thou"ht !erha!s you mi"ht li(e to try somethin" new'? She narrowed her eyes at him' >New in what wayD? 5e lau"hed and shoo( his head' >Pardon me) my lady' I meant nothin" ina!!ro!riate) I assure you' I only meant to as( if theres anythin" I can do to hel! ease the burden of livin" in this dreadful !laceD I was wonderin" if I can do somethin" to brin" some li"ht to your dar( world'? >The only thin" that would bri"hten my day is if I saw my family) es!ecially my sister'? >Bour sisterD? >Bes) she and I are close' That is) we were close' 1ut then I married) andF? 7nable to find the words to continue) she shru""ed' >I understand'? 5e sat bac( in the saddle and sla!!ed his hand on his le"' >Bou need to visit your family' Thats easy enou"h' Tell the footman and coach driver to ta(e you to her residence'?

>I cant)? she slowly re!lied' >-o you need an invitationD? >No' They wont ta(e me there without *ord Roderic(s a!!roval'? 6ister Robinson "runted and rolled his eyes' >Not without *ord Roderic(s a!!rovalD Boure his wife) not his ward'? >1ut he is my husband) and they listen to him before they listen to me'? >Well) hes not here now' And when he was here) he (e!t to himself to the !oint where I be"an to wonder if I ima"ined him'? >No) you didnt ima"ine him' 5es very real'? Thou"h she (new it was wron") she Cuic(ly added) >Ive seen him scowl with "rave disa!!roval many times) so I (now this for a fact'? 5is eyes lit u! and he chuc(led' >Bou have a marvelous sense of humor) my lady' 2ne wouldnt thin( it u!on first meetin" you' I sus!ect the almi"hty *ord Roderic(s scowls have had an un!leasant effect on you'? >There are certain thin"s about our marria"e that@? She sto!!ed herself in time before she embarrassed herself' 6ister Robinson was cunnin" in e4tractin" information from her) but shed told him more than enou"h already and was determined that she wouldnt say any more' 5e shru""ed' >Some "entlemen are unlovable' It cant be hel!ed'? 5e studied the s(y for a moment and then "rinned' >Bou should see your family' 5ow far are they from hereD? >Im afraid itd ta(e two days to "et there' I cant leave in the mornin" and come bac( in the evenin"'? >SoD Bou dont need anyones !ermission to "o' Stay there for a few days' Even better than that) stay there forever' Then you can "et out of this !rison' I (now Id never come bac( if it was me'?

She shoo( her head' >I cant run out of here with the carria"e' Its so bi" everyone will notice me' And I cant travel alone on horsebac( because Im not a "entleman'? 5is li!s curled u! into a wide smile' >*ady Roderic() you have a terrific ideaA? >No' I cant do it'? >2f course you can'? She shoo( her head' No) she couldnt' There was no way she could' >Bou dont have to be a "entleman to loo( li(e one' I could lend you my stableboys clothes'? >1ut I couldnt (ee! stableboy clothes while in *ondon'? >Im sure your family can !rovide ladies clothes u!on your arrival' If you want to "et out of here) then do it'? She was ready to ar"ue) but the more she considered his words) the more she reali9ed he was ri"ht' She could do it' She could "et out of this !lace' This was the brea( she neededA No one else was willin" to hel! her) but 6ister Robinson was' With a firm nod) she said) >All ri"ht' Ill do it'? 6ister Robinson lau"hed' >6arvelous) *ady Roderic(' Itll be our secret' I wont tell a soul' Ill set out a !air of clothes for you on the small shelf behind the servants stairs' -o you (now where that isD? >Bes'? >8ood' 8et them late toni"ht when everyones aslee!' Then after brea(fast) come to the stable dressed u! as a stableboy' Ill hel! "ather enou"h food and water for your tri! and find you a suitable horse so you can be on your way'? She nodded her a"reement and watched as he rode bac( to the stable' It was a "amble' This could bac(fire on her) but she was des!erate to try anythin" at this !oint' And thou"h 6ister Robinson was (nown for "ettin" in trouble) she sensed that dee! down) he was someone she could trust'

Ta(in" a dee! breath to calm her racin" heart) she turned toward the "a9ebo but reali9ed she didnt want to sit there today' No' Today she wanted to thin( u!on this new !lan to "et away from Weston) and if Roderic( came after her) shed deal with the conseCuences then' EEE That ni"ht while in the carria"e on his way bac( to Weston) Nate couldnt seem to !ush aside the na""in" feelin" that hed somehow !ushed laire too far' 5ed seen the s!ar( of defiance in her eyes when he told her the business he needed to tend to wasnt suitable for a lady' She most li(ely sus!ected he was off en,oyin" himself with a mistress' 1ut what else could he doD Tell her the steward had been dishonest in how he handled the fundsD Tell her the steward had made some "amblin" bets with *ord 5edwrett and couldnt !ay everythin" bac( at once without arousin" Nates sus!icionsD Tell her that *ord 5edwrett refused to be !aid bac( in installmentsD 5e si"hed' 5e should have ta(en the time to chec( the led"er after his brother died' 1ut how could he have (nown the steward embe99led the fundsD The steward had been a trusted servant' 5ed handled the finances while both his father and brother lived' No one sus!ected any foul !lay' 5ad *ord 5edwrett not contacted him directly) he wouldnt have been the wiser' Well) he was wiser now) and now that hed settled the debts the steward had made) he could wi!e the slate clean and start over' 5e "lanced out his carria"e window' It wasnt even dawn yet' The ni"ht was ta(in" too lon" to !ass' 5e shifted in the carria"e seat' 6aybe he should have stayed at another inn) but he was tired of travelin"' -ay after day) he ran from one !lace

to another' All he wanted to do was "o home to his comfortable bed and slee! for a year' 5e "roaned and !eered u! at the s(y) tryin" to determine how early it was' Not even a hint of li"ht was in the s(y) which meant he had little else to do but thin(' Thou"h he was e4hausted) he couldnt slee!' 5e had drifted off to slee! as soon as he "ot in the carria"e) but he had a dream that he and laire had a son) and the son was as(in" her who he was and she told him he was his father' Then his son as(ed what a father was' At that !oint) Nate wo(e u! and hadnt been able to "et bac( to slee! since' laire wasnt with child) so there was no son to as( who he was' 5e fully intended to be in his childrens lives' 3or sure) he had to teach his sons how to handle the affairs of the estate in case their stewards were dishonest with the finances' 5e drummed his fin"ers on the seat and "lanced out the window a"ain' Still no li"ht si"nalin" that dawn would soon be comin"' 5e shoo( his head and "ritted his teeth' laire was mad at him' 5e (new it' She hadnt ar"ued with him) but there was no denyin" that the last time he saw her) her furrowed eyebrows) thin li!s) and !iercin" "a9e were the mar( of a lady who detested him' Even on their weddin" day when she ar"ued with him as soon as they reached the townhouse) she hadnt loo(ed at him that way' It wouldnt hurt to "o home and tal( to laire) to ma(e an effort to wor( out a com!romise where they could both be ha!!y) or at least content' 5e wasnt an unreasonable !erson) and she !robably wasnt either) "iven the chance' 5e si"hed and "ot as comfortable as he could in the seat' 1y the end of that hour) he was finally able to do9e bac( off to slee!'

ha!ter 3ourteen After brea(fast the ne4t mornin") laire scanned the hallway outside her bedchamber' 8ood' No one was in si"ht' She ste!!ed out of the room and hurried to the corridor that would ta(e her to the servants staircase' 5er heart was !oundin" so fast in her chest she thou"ht it mi"ht burst' Than(fully) 6ister Robinson had followed throu"h on his word and left the clothes behind the stairs' It too( her lon"er to dress in stableboy clothes than she thou"ht it would' The bindin" around her chest had to be secure) and without 6arions hel!) it !roved to be a difficult tas(' 1ut she mana"ed throu"h it) and one would be hard !ressed to (now she had breasts' Thou"h 6ister Robinson su""ested she cut her hair) she couldnt bear the thou"ht of doin" so and settled for !innin" it u! and !uttin" one of his hats over it' It wasnt !erfect' She (new she loo(ed li(e a youth instead of a "entleman due to her sli"ht build and no facial hair) but it would be "ood enou"h' As lon" as she didnt let anyone see her u! close) it could wor(' She sli!!ed out the bac( door and hurried to the stable) "ivin" a Cuic( scan of the area' Assured no one saw her) she !ressed forward' 1y the time she made it to the stable) 6ister Robinson waved for her to wait by the side of the buildin"' She obeyed' As she waited) she cau"ht si"ht of a carria"e drivin" toward the house' She narrowed her eyes and tried to determine whose carria"e it was' 3rom a distance it was hard to tell' She wasnt told to e4!ect anyone for a visit' The carria"e rounded a bend) "ivin" her a clear view of it as it !assed a row of trees' She "as!ed' It couldnt beA 1ut it was' It was Roderic(s carria"eA Shed reco"ni9e the self-im!ortant IR on the crest on the carria"e door anywhere' The carria"e was still a ways off) but she didnt want him to see her) even if

she was sure she !assed off as a re"ular stableboy from this distance' She faced away from the carria"e and cre!t around the stable) tryin" to loo( as natural as !ossible so as not to arouse sus!icion' 5er heartbeat had "one from a trot to a hearty "allo!' There was no way she could leave with *ord Roderic( around' 6aybe he for"ot somethin" and would be "one soon' She lowered the hat over her eyes and by!assed another stableboy) "runtin" a "reetin" in the same manner he did' When she reached the stable door) she !eered into it and saw 6ister Robinson headin" in her direction' Since the stable masters bac( was turned to her) she hurried into the stable and bolted for one of the em!ty stalls' 6y "oodness but her heart was still beatin" furiously' This whole thin" ,ust mi"ht (ill her unless she could "et a "ri! on her nervesA 6ister Robinson hurried over to her' >Whats wron"D? 6a(in" sure the stable master wasnt loo(in" in their direction) she whis!ered) >*ord Roderic(s hereA? >ReallyD? 5e "ot ready to run to the door of the stable) but she "rabbed his shirt and sto!!ed him' >What is itD? >I have to "et bac( into the house without anyone seein" me'? >WhyD -o you thin( hes "oin" to loo( for youD? >Bes' No' I dont (now' 6aybe'? Who (new what her husband wanted to doD >I should find out whats "oin" on' At least well (now what to do if I investi"ate'? -es!ite her a!!rehension) she nodded' It was !robably her safest bet' As 6ister Robinson left the stable) she "lanced at the stable master who was tal(in" to another stableboy' Neither one of them noticed her' She chec(ed for another !lace she mi"ht hide) but she didnt see a suitable location' When one of them "lanced her way) she duc(ed and !rayed he hadnt seen

her' Since no one called out to her) she fi"ured she was safe in the em!ty stall) at least for the moment' EEE >*ord Roderic(A? Nate turned to his flustered butler who hurried out of the house' urious) Nate turned from the carria"e and strai"htened the collar of his tailcoat' >Is somethin" wron"D? >If I mi"ht have a word with you in !rivate) my lordD? Sensin" the ur"ency in his butlers voice) Nate nodded and dismissed the coachman who ho!!ed bac( on the carria"e and drove it to a stable' >What is itD? >I dont (now how to tell you this) but it a!!ears *ady Roderic( has ta(en it u!on herself to dress as a stableboy and "o to the)? he shru""ed) >stable'? >Why would she do somethin" so absurdD? >I dont (now' I saw her leavin" the house from the servant Cuarters'? 8oodness' -id bein" out here by herself without com!anionshi! ma(e his wife "o insaneD Perha!s shed done it out of des!eration) maybe to see her familyD If so) she was unbelievably naGve if she thou"ht travelin" alone as a stableboy would !rotect her from dan"er' 5e shoo( his head' 5is wife had a lot to learn about the more un!leasant as!ects of the world) and Cuite fran(ly) he !referred it if she didnt have to learn them at all' 5e followed the butlers "a9e to the stable' With a lon" si"h) he debated the best course of action before he s!o(e' >In li"ht of *ady Roderic(s "ood name) I thin( its best if no one discusses whats ha!!ened'? >2f course) my lord'?

>Than( you' Ill ma(e sure you and the others are com!ensated for your (indness when it comes time to !ay your salary'? >Than( you) my lord'? The matter settled) Nate headed strai"ht for the stable) his "a9e "oin" to 6ister Robinson as he ,o""ed his way' 5e frowned' What could 6ister Robinson be u! toD 1y the smir( on the youths arro"ant face) Nate surmised that whatever mischief the ward was u! to) it couldnt be to his advanta"e' Pressin" forward) he didnt bother to slow down when 6ister Robinson interce!ted him' >*ord Roderic()? the youth be"an) soundin" far more ,ovial than he had a ri"ht to be' >I dont have time for idle chatter) 6ister Robinson' I have an im!ortant matter to tend to' If youre bored) I su""est you muc( out a stall'? Thou"h 6ister Robinson "ave a sli"ht "rimace) his tone remained cheerful' >2h) Ill clean the stalls' Ive been doin" it ever since I "ot here'? >All ri"ht'? >I wanted your o!inion) my lord'? >2n whatD? Nate tried to hide the irritation in his voice' >2nFonF? 5e "lanced around the area and !ointed to a "rou! of shrubs' >Those) my lord' Since Ive been dili"ently shovelin" horse manure) can I trim thoseD? -ili"ently shovelin" horse manureD To hear the stable master s!ea() 6ister Robinson had to be constantly reminded to tend to his tas( since hed often been cau"ht starin" off into s!ace) daydreamin" about his illicit activities no doubt' With a sha(e of his head) Nate "ave a firm) >No'? 6ister Robinson "runted and then ste!!ed in front of him'

Startled) Nate sto!!ed in his trac(s and stared at the insolent youth' >6ister Robinson) I su""est you "et out of my way' I am headin" to the stable'? >Bes) I (now) but I thin( I can do a better ,ob of trimmin" those shrubs than the "ardener'? >Boure here to tend to the stable) not the shrubs'? Nate too( a ste! to the side) and 6ister Robinson followed suit' Irritated) he said) >I demand you sto! this nonsense at once'? >1ut whyD Bou havent "iven me a "ood reason' I insist you tell me why I cant trim the shrubs'? >1ecause Im the owner of this estate' Bou dont need a better reason than that'? 6ister Robinson o!ened his mouth and then shut it' 8ood' That shut him u!' 8larin" at him) he ste!!ed around him and strode toward the stables' >2hA? 6ister Robinson e4claimed' >I thin( somethin" im!ortant came for you today' Earlier today' 1efore you arrived'? Sur!rised at what he (new to be an outri"ht lie@and a bad one at that) Nate !aused and faced him' >Somethin" im!ortantD? >Bes) my lord' It was a lar"e trun('? >Thats odd' Why didnt my butler inform me of this when I was tal(in" to himD? >Im sure he meant to) but he most have for"otten about it'? >Then it cant be that im!ortant) can itD? 6ister Robinson "lanced at the stable and let out a nervous lau"h' >2f course) it can be im!ortant' Bou should see whats in it'? >I dont have time for this'? >1ut its im!ortantA? Nate narrowed his eyes at him' /ust what was the youth u! toD 5e seemed sur!risin"ly adamant that Nate not "o to the

stable' Nate "lanced at the stable his wife was in@dressed u! as a stableboy@and then bac( at Perrys mischievous ward' >Ill see it in due time'? 5e resumed his wal( to the stable) this time at a hurried !ace' As he sus!ected) the youth be"an to stammer somethin" about for"ettin" to blow out the candles in his room) and if Nate was ri"ht) 6ister Robinson claimed to have lit a hundred of them' 1ut he hardly heard the other items the youth was ramblin" on about' Anythin" Perrys ward was sayin" was nonsense' And !erha!s that nonsense was su!!osed to be a distraction' A distraction from whatD 5e couldnt have had a hand in laire dressin" u! in boys clothes so she could run off to *ondon) could heD The closer to the stable Nate "ot) the an"rier he became' /ust what business did 6ister Robinson have in tal(in" laire into this schemeD -idnt he reali9e the !otential dan"er he was !uttin" her intoD 2r was he bein" as careless as he had the ni"ht he almost challen"ed the -u(e of Wat(ins to a duel and almost lost his headD The youth had no sense of res!onsibility' 1y the time they reached the stable) 6ister Robinson loo(ed li(e he was ready to !anic) and that only served to increase Nates sus!icions' I"norin" the youth who made an attem!t to bloc( his entrance) he entered the stable and scanned the area for a very feminine loo(in" stableboy' 1ut the only !eo!le he saw were his coachman and the stable master' They turned to him) and the stable master a!!roached him' >6y lord) may I hel! youD? 5e scanned the len"th of the stable) not botherin" to !ay an an4ious 6ister Robinson any mind' 5is wife had to be in here somewhereFunless she mana"ed to sli! out of the stable while he was wal(in" here' 1ut there was nowhere she could hide on her way bac( to the house' All that s!anned between here and

the house was "rass' She had to be in here' 5e !eered around 6ister Robinson who made it a !oint to shuffle bac( and forth' That was itA Nate had all he could ta(e of Perrys ward' There was no doubt about it' The youth had a !art in his wife dressin" u! as a stableboy' 5e turned to the coachman' >Please escort 6ister Robinson bac( into the house and acCuaint him with his new duty of cleanin" the chamber !ots'? 6ister Robinsons ,aw dro!!ed' > leanin" chamber !otsD Bou cant mean to "ive me that ,obA? Pullin" himself to his full hei"ht) he lowered his "a9e to a scared ward' >The chambermaid is relieved of her duties until you can fi"ure out what res!onsibility means'? 1efore the youth could !rotest) the coachman hurried to lead him out of the stable' 8lad to be done with that nuisance) he turned in the stable masters direction when he cau"ht si"ht of a horse that snorted and moved away from the stall ne4t to it' 5is eyes narrowed as he tried to "et a "ood view of the em!ty stall ne4t to the horse' Thou"h he couldnt be sure) he sus!ected laire was hidin" there' Turnin" to the stable master) he whis!ered) >Play alon"'? Thou"h the stable master loo(ed confused) he nodded' Nate headed for the em!ty stall' When he reached it) he o!ened the door and saw a !erson hunched in the corner' >Pardon meD? The !erson stiffened but didnt loo( u!' >6y name is *ord Roderic() and I ha!!en to own this stable' Who are youD? When the !erson loo(ed u! at him) he didnt (now whether to lau"h or roll his eyes in e4as!eration that laire actually believed she !assed for a stableboy' Anyone could tell she was a ladyA 5e waited for her to s!ea() but she seemed unable to' In fact) it seemed all she could do was loo( at him with wide eyes) (nowin" full well shed been cau"ht but not bein" able to

do anythin" about it' 5e cleared his throat and motioned for her to leave the stall' She hesitated) her "a9e "oin" from him to the s!ot ne4t to him and bac( to him' >I see no reason for you to hide in a stall on your first day of em!loyment)? he finally said) "ivin" the stable master an e4!ectant "lance' Juic( to obli"e) the stable master ste!!ed forward and nodded' >The new stableboy arrived today) my lord' I believe his name isF6ister 5enry'? >Is that your name) ladD? Nate as(ed) notin" laires wide eyes' >7hF? laire "lanced from one to the other' >Im afraid hes a bit on the shy side)? the stable master re!lied' >A!!arently'? Nate cla!!ed his hands to"ether) intentionally startlin" her) and motioned to one of the horses' >Bour first tas( is to "et my horse ready' Ill return to the house and chan"e into !ro!er attire' When I "et bac() I e4!ect my horse to be ready to "o for a ride'? 5e made a turn) as if to leave) but sna!!ed his fin"ers and turned bac( to her) ste!!in" close enou"h so she had to bac( u!' She bac(ed u! into the stall and nearly tri!!ed' 5e cau"ht her by the arm before she fell and chuc(led' >6y "oodness) lad) but you s!oo( easily'? 5e let "o of her arm when she was steady on her feet' >I only meant to tell you to "et another horse ready'? >A-an-another horseD? she sCuea(ed' >Bes' I intend to show you around' 1ein" new here) you need to "et acCuainted with the !lace'? 1efore she could res!ond) he hurried out of the stable) careful not to brea( out into a full lau"h until he was out of her hearin" distance'

ha!ter 3ifteen laire fumbled throu"h the !rocess of "ettin" the horses ready' 3ortunately) the stable master hel!ed her' >I wish I would have (nown you were due to arrive today)? he said as he showed her how to stra! the saddle in !lace' >I (new we were due for a new stableboy but e4!ected him ne4t wee('? >IFI thou"ht it was today)? she mumbled) loo(in" away from him in case he fi"ured out she wasnt this new stableboy who was due to wor( here' She didnt even (now one was e4!ected here) but it wasnt li(e she (e!t trac( of such thin"s so who was she to Cuestion itD >Bou have nothin" to worry about' *ord Roderic( is as "ood as they come' This is a "ood !lace to wor('? >Bes) I heard)? she muttered' Who hadnt sun" her husbands !raises as if he were some (ind of saintD Truly) her husband couldnt be more annoyin"' 5e was !leasant to everyone but her@and 6ister Robinson' >All ri"ht then'? 5e finished the tas( and !atted the horses nec(' >5es a beauty) isnt heD? She shru""ed' A horse was a horse' There seemed to be little difference between one or the other) e4ce!t maybe for their color' >This one over here will be yours for today)? he called out as he headed for a stall to her ri"ht' urious to see which horse shed be ridin") she followed him and saw the li"ht brown mare' 5e led the mare out of the stall and "estured to the other saddle' >8o ahead and !ut it on) ,ust li(e I showed you over there'? She "lanced at Roderic(s horse and then bac( at her own' -es!ite her a!!rehension) she went over to the saddle which

had been !laced on the bench' She !ic(ed it u! and nearly fell bac(' 8ood "racious) this thin" was heavier than it loo(edA >1uc( u! there) lad' Bou can do it)? he encoura"ed' >Itll do you some "ood to !ut some muscle on those bones'? She winced as she steadied herself' Puttin" some muscles on her bones wasnt somethin" she !articularly wanted to do' 1ut she was tra!!ed and had to follow throu"h with this stu!id idea' Who was to (now such a clever !lan could bac(fire on her li(e thisD She actually succeeded in !assin" off as a stableboy) but she was no closer to "ettin" to *ondon than she had been the day she "ot here' urse her husband for his uncanny timin"' 2nly he would show u! as she was about to finally ma(e her esca!e' She reached her horse and mana"ed to throw the saddle over it' 7nfortunately) it sli!!ed ri"ht off the mares bac( and onto the "round' The stable master chuc(led' >Bes) you definitely need to build some stren"th in those arms'? 5e !ic(ed the saddle u! and) without any effort she could see) "ot the saddle in !lace on the animal' >8o on and secure it'? She too( a dee! breath and did the best she could) ho!in" she recalled his instructions ri"ht so she wouldnt further embarrass herself' She mana"ed throu"h the !rocess with less finesse than she cared to admit) and he had to hel! a cou!le of times before everythin" was done' After that) he showed her how to !ut the bridles on the horses' /ust as they were fittin" the reins) Roderic( entered the stable' 5er stomach twisted u! into (nots' It was bad enou"h bein" around him when she was dressed u! as herself) but as a stableboy) it somehow seemed worse' >Are we readyD? Roderic( as(ed) sto!!in" ri"ht in front of her with what seemed to be an amused "rin on his face'

7nsure of what to ma(e by his e4!ression) she shru""ed and mumbled) >Bes) *ord Roderic('? She nearly "a""ed on sayin" his name that way) but it was how a stableboy would refer to him) so what choice did she haveD She reached the side of her horse and !ut her foot in the stirru!' 5e stood by his horse and cleared his throat' With a start) she turned her head in his direction' >I reCuire your assistance) 6ister 5enry)? Roderic( said' She scanned him u! and down' >With whatD? The stable master "rinned) but Roderic( s!o(e u!) !ullin" her attention bac( to him' >I need hel! "ettin" on the horse'? She frowned' >5avent you ridden a horse beforeD? >2f course) I have) but nonetheless) I need your hel!)? he insisted) motionin" to the stirru!' Resistin" the ur"e to si"h) she went over to him and ins!ected the stirru!' What could !ossibly be wron" with itD >It loo(s fine) my lord) unless you mean for me to wi!e it clean for youD? Perha!s he needed everythin" to be !erfectly clean before he went ridin"' >Not that' I need you to hel! me u!'? >WhatD? The stable master cleared his throat and headed off to who(new-where' Was he lau"hin" because she was ine!t at this ,obD >WellD? She turned her attention bac( to Roderic(' >Boure an adult' ant you "et yourself on the horseD? >Are you or are you not acCuainted with your dutiesD? Roderic( as(ed' It was on the ti! of her ton"ue to ar"ue that it was ridiculous someone of her smaller stature should hel! him onto a horse) but she was !layin" a !art' >0ery well' What do you want me to doD?

>Put my foot in the stirru!'? She sto!!ed herself from rollin" her eyes and leaned forward so she could "rab his foot' After she sli!!ed it into the stirru!) she started wal(in" to her horse when he cleared his throat a"ain' S!innin" around) she as(ed) >What nowD? >I reCuire further assistance'? 5er ,aw dro!!ed' 5e couldnt be seriousA What would he want ne4tD 3or her to carry him into the houseD >6ister 5enry) Id li(e to show you the !ro!erty before dinner'? 8rumblin" under her breath) she went bac( to him' >8ood' 8ive me the reins'? She did as instructed and waited to see what else he mi"ht demand' >Place my hands on the saddle)? he said' >Bou cant !ut your hands u! there yourselfD? she as(ed in disbelief' >Sure) I can) but Im an earl so I have no need to do this myself'? She stared at him for a lon" moment) wonderin" if he was teasin" or bein" serious' She thou"ht she saw his li!s curl u! for a moment on his otherwise stoic face) but she couldnt be sure' >6ister 5enryD? he !ressed' >All ri"ht) all ri"ht'? She too( his hands and !lo!!ed them on the saddle' >There' Are we done yetD? >No' Now you need to boost me'? >1oost youD? >Bes' Push me u! by my rear end'? >Bour whatD? 5e turned away from her and ,utted his rear end out' >Place your hands on my behind and !ush me u!'?

She stood still) not able to move' She couldnt ima"ine touchin" him@or anyone@in such a !rivate area' Was this really somethin" stableboys did for their em!loyersD >This !osition is rather aw(ward)? Roderic( said' >Please hurry u!'? 3ace flushed) she ste!!ed away from him and shoo( her head' >I cannot'? >Why notD It is your ,ob'? >1utFbutF? She shoo( her head and hurried bac( to her horse' >Im sorry) my lord) but I cant do anythin" that ma(es me uncomfortable'? 5e let out a disa!!ointed si"h' >Ill let this instance !ass) but I su""est you "et used to doin" your ,ob) re"ardless of the details involved in it'? She watched as he "ot into the saddle with sur!risin" ease' Why would he want hel! into the saddle when it was obvious he could do it himselfD Were earls really that la9yD > an you "et on the horseD? Roderic( called out' >Sure) I can' Im a stableboy)? she re!lied) ho!in" she sounded a!!ro!riately offended that hed even have to as(' >2r so you would ma(e it seem'? She eyed him sus!iciously' -id he sus!ect the truthD > ome on) lad' 8et on your horse'? In the !ast) shed always had hel! on a horse) and shed always had a sidesaddle' She didnt thin( it !ossible) but this was "oin" to be far more aw(ward than almost havin" to touch Roderic(s read end' She "rabbed the saddle) !ut a foot in the stirru!) and made an attem!t to "et in the saddle' 7nfortunately) she failed and stumbled to find the "round with her free foot' I"norin" Roderic( as he lau"hed) she tried a"ain' This time she made it on the saddle) thou"h she had to wi""le her way into a "ood !osition' The horse snorted) as if moc(in" her

efforts' She si"hed' 8ranted) she loo(ed ridiculous' She sure felt ridiculousA 1ut she didnt e4actly a!!reciate the reminder' >8ood)? Roderic( said) loo(in" !leased' >Now we can be on our way'? 5e nud"ed the horse in the sides with his feet and the animal headed out of the stable' She imitated his actions and was rewarded as her mare lurched after Roderic(' She "ri!!ed the reins in her hands' 8oodness but ridin" a horse with her le"s indecently s!read a!art was !rovin" to be a challen"eA She ad,usted her hi!s to balance her swayin" body the best she could' 7! ahead) Roderic( sto!!ed and waited for her' It too( her lon"er to catch u! to him than she !referred) but she didnt dare "o faster in case she sli!!ed off the saddle' >8ood heavens) lad)? Roderic( called out' >Boure in no hurry to do anythin") are youD? >Im "oin" as fast as I can)? she re!lied throu"h "ritted teeth' >6ind your dis!osition'? >Im tryin" to (ee! my balance on this thin"' Im not sna!!in" at you'? >Boure tryin" to (ee! your balanceD Arent you !roficient on a horseD? >I havent ridden one in a while'? And that wasnt too far from the truth' She hadnt ridden one in a year) and even then shed been sittin" side saddle and "oin" at a leisurely !ace' Roderic() it seemed) wanted to "o into a full trot' When she cau"ht u! to him) she fully e4!ected him to s!eed u!) but to her sur!rise) he slowed his !ace so he could stay beside her' They rode for a "ood ten minutes u! a sli"ht incline before he s!o(e to her' >So)? Roderic( be"an with a "lance in her direction) >what brin"s you to WestonD? >Em!loyment'? Why else would a stableboy be in a stableD

>1ut why WestonD Why not amden or 0alentineD? She shru""ed' >I dont (now' It ,ust seemed li(e the ri"ht !lace to be'? >So you !ic(ed this !lace at randomD 2n a whimD? >Bes' It seemed li(e a "ood idea)? she ventured) ho!in" hed let the matter dro!' 5e !ulled the reins on the horse to a sto!) and she followed suit' >This is the best view of Weston youll find from anywhere on this !ro!erty'? 7! to now) she hadnt been !ayin" attention to her surroundin"s' Shed been focused on (ee!in" her balance on the horse' Now) however) she too( the time to loo( around her and noted the lush "reen landsca!e dotted with trees' A !ond was to her ri"ht and the manor was to her left) and there were flowers s!read throu"hout the area' 5er eyes went to the "a9ebo and !ath she wal(ed almost every day' It was the one !lace where she felt at !eace' 3rom a distance) it was a lovely view' >What do you thin(D? he as(ed' >Its beautiful)? she admitted' >7nfortunately) my wife doesnt li(e it'? 5er eyes wide) she loo(ed at him) wonderin" why hed be tellin" a stableboy somethin" so !ersonal' >6y lord) I dont thin( its my !lace to (now what *ady Roderic( thin(s'? 5e shru""ed' >If I cant tell you) then who can I tellD? >-o you ma(e it a !oint to tell all of the servants about your wifeD? >No' /ust you'? >WhyD? >Why notD? She inwardly "roaned' It was irritatin" that he answered her Cuestion with another Cuestion'

>6y wife wishes to return to *ondon)? Roderic( continued' >7! to this !oint) Ive been tellin" her no) but Im wonderin" if I should a"ree' Im startin" to thin( Ive been too Cuic( to ,ud"e her' Ive i"nored her ever since we "ot married' Well) there were a cou!le of times when we tal(ed) but we s!ent that time ar"uin"' Its not the best way to start a marria"e'? 5er chee(s "rew warm' Why was he tellin" a stableboy all of thisD >6y lord) I must insist that you refrain from tellin" me anythin" else' What ha!!ens between you and your wife is none of my concern'? >I thin( it concerns you very much'? >No) it doesnt' Im ,ust a stableboy'? 5e shot her a !ointed loo(' >Bou detest me so much that youll dis"uise yourself as a stableboy and ris( endan"erin" your life to travel to *ondon aloneD? 5er shoulders dro!!ed' 5e (new' >I didnt see any other way to "o to *ondon' Im tired of bein" here all by myself without anyone to (ee! me com!any) and before you say it) thou"h I love 6arion dearly) its not the same thin" as havin" my family around' -es!ite what you thin() Im not a coldhearted lady whose sole !leasure in life is money' I want com!anionshi!' om!anionshi! from someone who is my eCual'? 5is e4!ression softenin") he said) >Im sorry) laire' I shouldve been more attentive to you' I should have brou"ht you out here sooner and showed you the estate and hel!ed you ad,ust to bein" its mistress' I was ,ustF? She studied his e4!ression and (new he was stru""lin" to find the ri"ht words' -ecidin" to say it for him) she s!o(e u! in a soft voice) >Bou assumed somethin" about me that wasnt true'? 5e si"hed) seemin" to want to believe her but afraid to' >3or the !ast cou!le of wee(s) my attention was reCuired

elsewhere' Bou inCuired about the ur"ent business I needed to tend to) but I wouldnt disclose it' Well) Ill do so now' It turns out the steward was embe99lin" funds' 5e didnt do it while my father lived but for reasons he wont disclose) he decided to start three years a"o when my brother became the earl' I didnt find out until I received a letter from *ord 5edwrett demandin" the money owed him' I did some investi"atin" and reali9ed what was "oin" on' It turned out the steward du" a substantial hole for me' Ive been runnin" all over the !lace to ma(e sure !eo!le are ha!!y and the finances are balanced'? >Im sorry)? she whis!ered' >Its not what you thou"ht youd "et yourself into when you married me' The !roblem is that even thou"h a "entleman mi"ht have a title) it doesnt mean he can s!end money all the time' Thats certainly true for me now'? 5e si"hed and rubbed his eyes) and for the first time since they married) her heart went out to him' 5e hadnt sle!t well) that much was evident by the ba"s under his eyes and his droo!in" shoulders' It must have been humblin" to have to admit he didnt have the funds shed assumed he did' >I have everythin" I need)? she softly told him' >Bou dont have to worry Ill s!end anythin"'? >I didnt reali9e at the time we married what was "oin" on) but if I had and told you) would you have married meD? >I didnt want to marry you re"ardless) so no) I wouldnt have chosen to marry you' Even if your steward hadnt left you with debts) I wouldnt have chosen you' 6y father saw fit to ma(e sure I had to marry you) so here we are'? She shru""ed' >5owever) you dont need to worry' Now that I (now the situation) Ill act accordin"ly'? >Than( you'? 7nsure of what else to say) she nodded'

>I havent had a thin" to eat since yesterday evenin")? he finally said after a lon" silence !assed between them' >6ind if we continue this discussion in the houseD? >No) I dont mind'? They headed bac( for the stable) and this time the silence that descended between them didnt seem so aw(ward'

ha!ter Si4teen laire brushed her hair after she !ut on a !ur!le dress) her an4ious stro(es revealin" her a!!rehension' It wasnt that Roderic( had been mean to her ,ust now) but since she hadnt tal(ed to him@really tal(ed to him) she couldnt fi"ht bac( the butterflies flutterin" wildly in her stomach' 6arion hurried into the room' >6y lady) let me do that'? She didnt reali9e her hands were tremblin" until she handed 6arion the brush' She sat in front of the mirror and tried to rela4) but her nervousness !revented her from doin" so' She had a "ood chance to finally "et throu"h to Roderic() and as lon" as she was careful) she wouldnt ruin it' 8lancin" at her reflection in the mirror) she watched as 6arions s(illed fin"ers !inned her hair u! in an attractive style' If she wasnt so nervous) shed en"a"e in a conversation with the older lady' 1ut she couldnt focus on anythin" e4ce!t what she was "oin" to tell Roderic(' >All done)? 6arion said as she too( out laires favorite nec(lace' >Would you li(e to wear this todayD? laire fi"ured she mi"ht as well so she nodded and waited for her to clas! the sa!!hire nec(lace around her nec(' >Everythin" will be fine) my lady)? 6arion whis!ered and !atted her shoulder in a reassurin" manner' >Sometimes a (ind word can wor( wonders'? laire watched as she left the room' She wondered how much 6arion (new about what was "oin" on' It wasnt 6arions way to !ry) but she did observe thin"s from a distance' No doubt she had to sus!ect laire did somethin" to mess u! her hair after shed !inned it u! that mornin" before brea(fast' 1ut to her credit) she (e!t Cuiet and wasnt the ty!e to "ossi!) somethin" laire was "rateful for) es!ecially today'

Now) however) it wasnt time to thin( of what 6arion mi"ht or mi"ht not (now about her dressin" u! as a stableboy' She needed to tal( to Roderic(' Ta(in" a dee! breath) she stood u! and lumbered out of the room and down the ste!s' She wasnt sure what to e4!ect from tal(in" to him) but as lon" as she could see her family) then thats what mattered' When she reached the drawin" room) she saw that he was at her des() studyin" the !a!ers shed been drawin" on' She rushed over to sto! him) but he was too Cuic( for her' >What are theseD? he as(ed with an amused smile' She couldnt tell if he was amused that she was tryin" to "et the !a!ers bac( or if he was amused at her drawin"s' Since she couldnt reach hi"h enou"h to "et the !a!ers from him) she forced her hands at her sides and "roaned' >Theyre to !ass the time'? >TimeD? 5e sorted throu"h the !a!ers' >These dont loo( li(e cloc(s to me'? >I said theyre to I!ass the time) not !ictures of Itime' They arent cloc(s' Theyre flowers'? 5is eyebrows furrowed and he studied them' >3lowersD? >Bes' These are the !etals) these are the stems) and these are the leaves'? She !ointed to the items as she listed them off and noticed the way he sCuinted) as if he was havin" trouble !ic(in" them out' With a si"h) she added) >I didnt say they were well-drawn flowers' Theyre ,ust the flowers I saw while wal(in" to the "a9ebo'? >Is that why you s!ent so much time studyin" themD? >Bouve seen me on my wal(sD? she as(ed) sur!rised' 5e shru""ed' >I ha!!ened to notice you while ridin" my horse'? 7ne4!ectedly !leased he had) indeed) noticed her) she cleared her throat' >I ha!!en to en,oy drawin") even if Im no "ood at it'?

5e handed the !a!ers bac( to her' >Im sure you can draw other thin"s well'? >No) I cant' 6y best wor( involves flowers'? She noted the sli"ht curl at the corner of his li!s and (new he was stru""lin" to hold in his lau"hter for her sa(e' >I (now Im not "ood at drawin"'? >I didnt say you werent "ood at it'? >Theres no need to lie to me' I can handle the truth'? The butler came in and set the tray on the table by the settee and chairs' 8lad for the re!rieve from discussin" her artistic ability) or rather a lac( thereof) she motioned to the settee' After he left her des() she !ut the !a!ers in the drawer) retrieved her sisters letter) and followed him) not sur!rised he chose to stand by the chair instead of standin" ne4t to the settee' >Bou wish to discuss that letterD? Roderic( as(ed her' 3orcin" her mind bac( to him) she handed the letter to him and sat down' 5e eased into the chair and o!ened it' >Bes' Its from my sister)? she be"an as she !oured tea into their cu!s' >Weve been invited to *ondon'? 5e read throu"h the letter and "rimaced' >Tell me she doesnt really want to marry *ord 5edwrett'? >WhyD What else is there to (now besides the fact that your steward owes him moneyD? 5e si"hed and handed it bac( to her' >Bou dont want to (now' Such thin"s arent suitable for a ladys ears'? She "lanced at the !a!er in her hands and wondered what *ord 5edwrett could !ossibly be li(e' 3rom the "rim tone in Roderic(s voice) she wondered how worried she should be about her sister' Roderic( !ic(ed u! his cu! and si!!ed it' >I dont feel comfortable discussin" certain thin"s about 5edwrett) but suffice it to say your sister shouldnt marry him' Try to tal( her

out of it if you can) but if she does marry him) I cant let you visit her without me' Theres no tellin" what hed do'? She swallowed the sweet tea and nodded' >Bouve told me enou"h to (now hes not the best "entleman for her' 6ister 6orris as(ed her to marry him) but)? she shru""ed) >to be honest) she didnt want him because he didnt have a title or enou"h money' So yes) she values such thin"s more than I do) but that doesnt mean I dont love her' Id li(e to see her a"ain'? 5e finished drin(in" his tea and held onto the cu! while studyin" her' >Bou will' I !romise'? She too( another si! of her tea' As lon" as he was willin" to wor( with her) she fi"ured she mi"ht as well as( other thin"s that were troublin" her' >When will I "et to see you for more than minutes at a timeD? >Im sur!rised you want to see me at all'? >Even if our marria"e isnt ideal) itd be nice if I (new my own husband'? >Im sorry Ive been ne"lectin" you' Well set out for *ondon tomorrow so you can see your family' While were there) we can also s!end some time to"ether' In fact) we should start s!endin" time to"ether today' Then we can "et to (now each other' What do you thin(D? >Id li(e that)? she admitted' >And I wont "o sho!!in" with my sister'? 5e "ave a nod to indicate he understood before he dran( more of his tea' A lon" moment !assed as she debated to as( the thin" that was na""in" at her the most) but she had to (now' Even if it was somethin" she didnt want to hear) she needed to (now' >Are you seein" a mistressD? >Pardon meD?

>I (now its common for "entlemen in your !osition to do such thin"s) and I wanted to (now if you do as well'? Not that she wanted him to) but what could she do to sto! himD She fi"ured she was better off (nowin" if he did' That way she could (ee! enou"h distance from him so he didnt end u! hurtin" her' >No) I dont have a mistress' I never have and I never will'? She breathed a si"h of relief' >I assure you my time away from home was s!ent on ma(in" sure my stewards debtors were adeCuately !aid' I cant say I en,oyed meetin" them) but it was a necessary evil'? She nodded and dran( the tea) en,oyin" its warmth' >While were in *ondon) we can "o to 5yde Par( for a horse ride or a wal(' 2r if youd !refer) we can visit a museum) see a balloon launch) or "o to the theatre'? >Boull do these thin"s with meD? she as(ed' >2f course'? 5e si"hed and touched her (nee) sur!risin" her' >I havent been fair to you' I need to ta(e time to (now you'? She smiled' >Id li(e that'? 5e chec(ed his !oc(et watch and stood u!) holdin" his hand out to her' >Im afraid I havent eaten yet' Would you (ee! me com!any while I do so) *ady Roderic(D? Shoc(ed that he referred to her as Lady Roderick) she stared at him) unable to determine what to say' >Is that a noD? 3orcin" aside her sur!rise) she !ut her cu! on the tray and stood u!' >No' Bes' I mean) yes' Ill be ha!!y to (ee! you com!any durin" the meal'? 5e smiled and e4tended his arm to her' Still sur!rised) but !leased) by his chan"e of heart) she acce!ted his arm and went to the dinin" room with him'

EEE Nate "lanced u! from his ba(ed e""s' Across from him) laire ate some fruit' 1oth of them had chan"ed after comin" into the house) and he was relieved to see her wearin" a dress a"ain' Thou"h he was tired from his lac( of slee! the ni"ht before) he was also ha!!y' Today seemed to be the turnin" !oint for him and his wife' 5e felt much better now that hed ta(en the time to tal( to her' Really tal( to her' And thou"h hed never admit it) he should have ta(en Perrys advice sooner' learin" his throat) he said) >Would you li(e to ta(e a wal( after we eatD? >Bes' Itll be nice to have some com!any for a chan"e'? >If you want to ta(e some !a!er alon") you can draw the thin"s you see durin" the wal('? She too( a si! of her tea and offered a sli"ht smile' >I could do that) but then you couldnt "uess what the drawin"s are su!!osed to be'? Sur!rised she had a sense of humor) he "rinned' >I bet I could' Theres a "a9ebo where we can sit' *ets "o there) and when you draw somethin") Ill "uess what it is'? >That doesnt sound very interestin"'? >Then how would you ma(e it interestin"D? She shru""ed' >I dont (now'? 5e ate his last !ortion of e""s and swallowed the rest of his tea before he wi!ed his mouth with a cloth na!(in and strai"htened his bac(' >I have an idea' If Im correct about what you draw) you have to do whatever I want) and if Im wron") I have to do anythin" you want'? >I could lie' I could say I didnt draw whatever you "uess'? >When I made the su""estion) I assumed youd act honorably) but if you !refer mischief) then I su""est you write

down what you draw before I "uess' That way I can be sure you arent tryin" to "et me to do your biddin"'? She bit her lower li!' >What (ind of thin"s would we have to do for each otherD? Amused at her worried tone) he said) >Nothin" embarrassin"' Perha!s you could have me draw somethin"' Then you can see how badly I can draw'? >Bou tried your hand at artD? >Not necessarily art) but Ive scribbled on occasion when I was bored'? >ScribbledD? 5e shru""ed' >I didnt try to draw anythin" in !articular'? >2h'? 5e studied her as she finished the strawberries on the !late' >Boure disa!!ointedD? She wi!ed her mouth with the na!(in and set it on the table' >No' All ri"ht) a little' I thou"ht *ord lement was e4a""eratin" when he said you were serious all the time'? >5e told you Im seriousD? >All the time)? she em!hasi9ed' Thou"h her tone was "rim) he detected a twin(le in her eye' Intri"ued) he motioned to the footman that they were done with brea(fast' >I su!!ose well see how accurate he is when we ta(e that wal(' 1rin" your drawin" !ad'? 2nce she collected her drawin" !ad and "ra!hite !encil) they went outside' As they started down the !ath that would ta(e them to the south side of the manor) he breathed in the fresh air) notin" it was an ideal day for a wal(' The sun was out) the clouds white and fluffy) and the air cool enou"h to en,oy the day' 5e cau"ht si"ht of a rabbit ho!!in" alon" the "rounds and turned to his wife' >What about himD? She sto!!ed wal(in"' >WhoD?

>That rabbit' 5ave you ever tried to draw animalsD? A sli"ht "rimace crossed her face' >Bes' Not successfully' I told you flowers are my best wor('? >I remember you sayin" that) but truly) how bad can you beD? onsiderin" how bad she was at drawin" flowers) he didnt thin( she could do much worse' >Bou dont want to (now)? she mumbled and continued her wal(' 3ollowin" her until he cau"ht u! to her) he said) >Bou cant (now what I want or dont want to (now' 6aybe I really want to see you draw a rabbit'? >Boull lau"h at it'? 5e chuc(led' >Why dont you draw one when we "et to the "a9ebo) and Ill see if I can "uess thats what it isD? >1ut you already (now what it is because youre as(in" me to draw it'? >I didnt say to ma(e it your first drawin"' /ust draw it at some !oint' If you are as bad as you say) then I wont be able to !ic( out which one it is'? She seemed to be considerin" it) so he added) >Ill try to draw one) too'? 5er eyebrows rose' >Bou willD? >Bes) and I !romise to do my best' I wont be scribblin"'? >All ri"ht'? They reached the flowers) and when she came to a sto!) she bent to study them' Perha!s he should have su""ested that she (neel instead since she was showin" him) and anyone else who ha!!ened to be in the area) a nice view of her bac(side' 5e Cuic(ly loo(ed around to ma(e sure no one was in si"ht) and since no one was) he decided to (ee! Cuiet' She was his wife) after all) and there was no harm in him en,oyin" this view of her' It wasnt li(e he hadnt already seen her na(ed' 5is mind unwittin"ly went to their weddin" ni"ht when shed ta(en off her clothes in front of him' With all the runnin"

around hed done to "et the estate bac( in "ood standin") he hadnt thou"ht much of that ni"ht) but now that he was s!endin" time with her) he could thin( about it' And really) it wasnt as if thin(in" about it was !ainful' No) in fact it was very !leasant' 5is li!s curled u! into a smile' 5e mi"ht do well to thin( of it often' >Whats your favorite colorD? It too( him a moment to reali9e she was as(in" him a Cuestion' 3orcin" his eyes off of her bottom) he made eye contact with her' >PardonD? >Whats your favorite colorD? >2h) lets see'? At the moment) it was !ur!le because that was the color of her dress) and the dress brou"ht out her curves in a way that deli"hted him' 1ut he couldnt tell her that' learin" his throat) he said) >1lac('? She strai"htened u!) a !rocess that disa!!ointed him since it meant he no lon"er had a "ood view of her bac(side' >1lac(D? >Sure' Its a color'? >1ut none of these flowers are blac('? >-id you mean what my favorite color for a flower isD? She nodded' And that ri"ht there showed ,ust how little he was !ayin" attention to what shed been sayin"' Thou"h embarrassed to be cau"ht not listenin" to her) he shru""ed' >I su!!ose red is doable for a flower) but to be honest) thin(in" of flowers isnt somethin" "entlemen do'? >I su!!ose not' 3lowers are somethin" ladies en,oy'? >Ri"ht'? 5owever) since she was interested in them) he should !robably ta(e some interest in them as well' >Which color do you li(e bestD? >I cant decide between !ur!le or yellow'? >Pur!le'? >Pur!leD?

8lancin" at her dress) he nodded' >Pur!le'? She smiled and shru""ed' >All ri"ht' Pur!le it is'? She !ic(ed a !ur!le wildflower' >Are you "oin" to draw thatD? >No' Bou are when you cant "uess what I draw'? >So sure of yourself) are youD? he as(ed) findin" the challen"e more deli"htful than he su!!osed it should be' This challen"e) after all) had nothin" to do with !olitics or the war) and it didnt have a chessboard involved' 1ut he cau"ht a !layfully com!etitive ed"e to her dis!osition and found it !leased him) so he was more than ha!!y to "o alon" with whatever she had !lanned' She shru""ed in a coy way that e4cited him and said) >Bou couldnt tell I had drawn flowers) so yes) I am sure of myself'? 3urther intri"ued) he countered) >Perha!s I really (new youd drawn flowers but wanted to amuse you'? >No) that wasnt the case'? >1ut how can you be sureD? >1ecause I saw the loo( on your face when you saw those !ictures' Id never seen a "entleman who stru""led more to control the ur"e to lau"h' It was actually (ind of you to re"ard my feelin"s the way you did'? It was funny she should term it that way' 5e hadnt thou"ht of it as bein" anythin" chivalrous) but he rather fancied the way she termed it' In a way) it made him feel li(e a hero' >Are you ready to "o to the "a9eboD? she as(ed' Sensin" she loo(ed forward to his ability to "uess what she drew) he nodded) and they strolled to the white structure surrounded by bushes and trees' 5e couldnt recall a time hed ever been here) and it im!ressed him it was well maintained' >This is a beautiful !lace)? she commented and stood still for a moment'

5e sto!!ed beside her so she could study it' She seemed to study almost everythin" she came across that she admired) but he su!!osed that was somethin" ladies did' S!endin" time loo(in" at flowers and "a9ebos wasnt really that much of a waste) es!ecially when he was seein" a side of his wife he en,oyed' It reminded him of that brief moment on their weddin" ni"ht when shed confided her fears to him' It was nice to (now she could be that way when she wasnt drun(' 2nce she headed toward the "a9ebo) he ,oined her' 5e went u! the ste!s behind her and sat ne4t to her) somethin" that seemed to startle her since she "ave a sli"ht ,er(' huc(lin") he teased) >Bou have no need to worry' I wont watch as you draw' Ill !lay this "ame honorably'? >No) its not that' ItsF? >Its whatD? She hesitated) a worried frown on her li!s' 3inally) she shoo( her head' >Nothin"' Shall we "et startedD? 5e thou"ht to !ress her) to find out what had disturbed her) but he fi"ured she was entitled to (ee! her thou"hts to herself and settled for noddin" his a"reement' She turned her attention to the drawin" !ad) the !ur!le wildflower still in her hand' 5e wondered why she held onto it li(e she did' She couldnt mean to draw it' That would be too obvious' With a shru") he decided it was one of the Cuir(y thin"s ladies did and scanned their surroundin"s' 5e didnt note anythin" of !articular interest' A few birds) the bree9e waftin" throu"h the tree branches) and the way the cloud caused a shadow to fall across a section of the lawn' Nothin" e4citin") but he noted how !eaceful everythin" was' With the activity in *ondon) it was easy to for"et life could slow down' And even more sur!risin" was the fact that he didnt mind it' 1eside him) laire finished her drawin" and held it u! to him' >What do you thin( this isD?

5e bit his ton"ue so he wouldnt say the first thin" that came to mind because it couldnt be ri"ht and he (new her delicate sensibilities would not !ermit her to draw such a thin"' 5e blin(ed several times) willin" the ima"e of an erection between a !air of breasts from his mind' It wasnt that' There was no way it was that' And this only !roved that acce!tin" a boo( from *ord Edon "ave a "entleman mental ima"es that would alarm a vir"inal wife' 5e scanned the "rounds a"ain) tryin" to find somethin"@ anythin"@that mi"ht resemble what hed seen' All he needed was to find two round ob,ects and a !ole' Surely) that couldnt be too hard' And yet) as he frantically tried to find anythin" similar to it) his luc( failed him' Resi"ned) he lied and said) >It loo(s li(e two balls and a stic('? At that) he inwardly crin"ed' *i(enin" a "entlemans erection to a stic() indeed' learin" his throat) he added) >I mean a branch' 2ne thats thic( and lon"' 6aybe even a tree' Bes) a bi" tree that dwarfs the bushes surroundin" it'? Bes) that sounded much better' To his sur!rise) she let out a disa!!ointed si"h' >5ow did you (nowD? >Im ri"htD? >Bes' I was drawin" that tree over there) e4ce!t I wouldnt say the tree dwarfs the bushes' The bushes are a "ood hei"ht'? >Im sure they seem that way from your vanta"e !oint) but that tree is very bi"'? >There are other trees on the !ro!erty that are bi""er'? 5e "as!ed' >I should thin( notA? >All ri"ht' Ill let you believe what you will'? 5e was ready to ar"ue with her but reminded himself that she had no idea what hed really seen in her drawin"' >What do you want me to doD? she as(ed' >-oD?

>Bou "uessed ri"ht about what I was drawin") so I have to do somethin" you want'? 2h ri"ht' The interestin" !art of this mornin"s venture) thou"h he had to admit ta(in" time to en,oy the "rounds and tal(in" to her were turnin" out to be far more entertainin" than he ima"ined theyd be' 5e thou"ht for a moment on what hed li(e her to do and then recalled how lovely shed loo(ed without her hair !inned u!' >Id li(e you to ta(e those !ins out of your hair'? She furrowed her eyebrows' >Thats an odd reCuest'? >Is itD? >I dont see why youd want such a thin"'? >And what would you rather have me as( you to doD? After a lon" moment) she shru""ed and !laced the !ad on the bench' >Bou win'? *au"hin" as she started !ullin" the !ins out) he as(ed) >I winD? >Bes' I dont (now what else you could have me do'? She was wron" about that' 5e could as( her to do !lenty) but since they were in a !ublic area where anyone could see them) he didnt dare' She too( out a few !ins and held them to him' >Will you hold them for meD I dont want any to fall to the "round' They were a "ift from my sister) and Id hate to lose them'? >Bes'? As she !ut them in his hand and !ic(ed out more from her hair) he studied the beaded !ins which twin(led in the sunli"ht' >Bou miss your sister) dont youD? >Terribly'? >-o you find any ,oy in bein" hereD? he whis!ered) afraid of her answer but needin" to (now' >I en,oy bein" here with you today)? she softly admitted and then handed him the rest of the !ins' >It was hard to be alone' I

dont li(e bein" around a lot of !eo!le) but I li(e s!endin" the day with someone whose com!any I en,oy'? >Isnt that true for everyoneD? >No) not my sister' She loves bein" surrounded by !eo!le'? >1ut she also li(es bein" around you) Im sure'? >She does) but when she is with me) she wants to "o wheres theres a lot of activity' She has a hard time sittin" still unless shes watchin" a !lay' Somethin" li(e what were doin" today would bore her' Shed say theres nothin" to see out here'? 7! until today) he would have a"reed with her sister' >Another reason why I dont li(e crowded areas is that I have a tendency to "et faint' The ball was very uncomfortable for me' Thats why I went out on the veranda' I was li"htheaded and felt as if the walls were closin" in on me'? >ReallyD? She nodded' >I would have "otten my mother) but she was clear across the room) and I (new Id faint if I didnt "et outside soon'? >2h'? So thats why shed been holdin" the column' She was su!!ortin" herself) and that meant she hadnt been out there in ho!es of "ettin" a titled "entleman to notice her' >Im sorry I assumed the worst that ni"ht'? She smiled at him then) and for the life of him) he couldnt remember where they were' The rest of the world faded away) and all he could thin( of was how beautiful she loo(ed' 5e reached out and touched her hair) notin" its sil(y te4ture' Thou"h her chee(s "rew !in() she didnt loo( away from him as he ran his fin"ers throu"h her hair in an attem!t to comb it out so her waves framed her face' >Boure beautiful)? he murmured) "rateful it hadnt wor(ed out with the -u(e of Rumseys dau"hter after all' *ady atherine mi"ht have been !leasant enou"h) but he doubted he

would have en,oyed bein" with her the same way he was en,oyin" his time with his wife' >I was wron" about you)? he added) finally ma(in" eye contact with her' >Bou arent the !erson I thou"ht you were' Im sorry I "ave you so much "rief when we first married'? 5er smile widened) and in that instant) he (new everythin" was "oin" to be "ood for them' She wouldnt hold a "rud"e' She was offerin" a chance to start over) and he a!!reciated that' 5e cu!!ed the side of her face in his hand and leaned forward so he could (iss her' 5er li!s were as soft and warm as he remembered) but this (iss was much better than the one theyd shared on their weddin" ni"ht' This time she wasnt drun(' She (new what she was doin") and she was choosin" to do it with him' In fact) she settled a"ainst him) her body !ressin" nicely a"ainst his' Still clas!in" the !ins in his hand) he brou"ht his arms around her and dee!ened the (iss' She wra!!ed her arms around his nec() seemin" to melt in his embrace) somethin" he rather li(ed' She was "ivin" herself willin"ly to him) and he a!!reciated it' 5e traced her lower li! with his ton"ue) and she !arted her li!s for him' Acce!tin" her silent invitation) he interlaced his ton"ue with hers) savorin" the taste of her' The (iss e4cited him to the !oint where he thou"ht his heart mi"ht burst' 5e couldnt recall a time when he felt as if he was losin" control of everythin" but (nowin" he was safe at the same time' When their (iss ended) he continued to hold her' 5er head settled on his shoulder and he (issed the to! of her head) notin" the sweet fra"rance of her soa!' >6ay I call you laireD? >Bou have been all alon")? she murmured' >Bes) but I want to call you by your hristian name as a term of endearment from now on'?

She nodded' >Id li(e that' an I call you by your hristian nameD? >Bes' Its Nathaniel) but I li(e to be called Nate'? >I li(e the name Nate' It suits you'? Smilin") he (issed the to! of her head a"ain' After a few moments !assed) he reluctantly !ulled away from her' >Are you ready to draw another !ictureD? She nodded and retrieved her drawin" !ad and the flower' This time he watched her as she drew) and as much as he couldnt fi"ure out what ima"e she had in mind) he noted her intense focus as she wor(ed' She mi"ht not have a talent for art) but he admired her dedication to doin" her best' When she was done) she !ositioned the !ad so he "ot a "ood loo( at it' >What do you thin( it isD? 5e honestly had no idea' It loo(ed li(e a mi4 between a do") a bunch of circles) and a !ortion of a house' 5e too( a dee! breath) and ho!in" not to u!set her) ventured) >Is it a do"D? She "lanced down at her drawin"' >A do"D 5ow can you see a do" in this !ictureD? So it wasnt a do"' 5e couldnt be sur!rised' The lon" nose mi"ht have belon"ed to a horse' It would also e4!lain the !artial house and circles' 1efore he could "uess it was a horse) she si"hed and said) >Its you'? >6eD? >I thou"ht itd be fun to try drawin" you' Ive never drawn a !erson before'? 5er disa!!ointment "ave way to a "rin' >I told you Im not "ood at drawin"' I want to (now how well you can draw) and for my !art of tellin" you what to do) I want you to draw this'? She handed him the !ad and the wildflower' >Wouldnt you rather have me (iss youD?

5er face "rew !in(' >6aybe ne4t time) but Im interested in what you can do'? Amused) he brou"ht his attention bac( to the !ad and loo(ed at what was su!!osed to be his face' 5e rubbed his nose' It wasnt that bi") was itD She closed the s!ace between them and all thou"hts about how bi" she thou"ht his nose was flew from his mind' Instead) he became aware of how nice she felt a"ainst him' Bes) sittin" close li(e this was much better than sittin" a!art' Smilin") he went to a clean !iece of !a!er and did his best to draw the flower' To his sur!rise) it didnt loo( too bad' >Bou draw better than I do)? she noted) a sli"ht disa!!ointment in her voice' >If I cant be as !retty as you) I mi"ht as well draw better)? he teased' 5er "a9e met his and she lau"hed' Ta(in" that as his cue) he wra!!ed her in his arms and (issed her once more) and as he e4!ected) the rest of the world faded into the bac("round once a"ain'

ha!ter Seventeen The day had been such a !leasant one) and laire hated to return to the house' 2utside) while ta(in" a !leasant stroll) notin" the flowers) and drawin" with her husband) it was easy to for"et how tense thin"s had been since she married him' This was a new side of him) one she ho!ed to see more often' It wasnt that hed been cruel to her before) but he hadnt ta(en the time to "et to (now her) to reali9e she wasnt the !erson he assumed her to be' And now he was ta(in" that time) somethin" that thrilled her to no end' If only the day would last forever' After they ate dinner) they rela4ed on the settee in the drawin" room) en,oyin" a hot cu! of tea' 5e sat close to her) somethin" that made her heart flutter with nervous e4citement' Thou"h she si!!ed her drin() she hardly tasted the liCuid' 2nce he finished his tea) he leaned bac( and rubbed her bac(' >Tell me about yourself) laire' What do you li(eD What do you not li(eD I already (now you li(e to draw'? >Bes) youve seen me do my best) thou"h no one would (now it to loo( at it)? she mused and si!!ed more of her tea' 5e chuc(led' >Bou draw fine'? >Boure only sayin" that to be nice'? >I believe that) as your husband) I have a ri"ht to be nice when I loo( at your drawin"s'? >As lon" as you dont show them to anyone'? >If I told you I (new someone who could !ut one in a museum) would you be alarmedD? She "ave him a shar! loo() (nowin" full well hed have to be daft to consider such a thin") but then she cau"ht the s!ar(le in his eye and reali9ed he was teasin"' 3orcin" bac( a "rin) she admonished) >And to thin( *ord lement accused you of not (nowin" how to tell a ,o(e'?

>Bou cant believe what he says' The !oor man has this ridiculous notion that ladies run away from him whenever hes around' 5e seems to thin( he s!routed a second head instead of havin" a sim!le lim!'? She "i""led and !ut her cu! on the tray' >Thats not nice) *ord Roderic(' 5e holds you in hi"h esteem'? Sli!!in" his arm around her waist) he drew her close to him and (issed her chee(' >Bou cant fault him for havin" "ood taste' 5e mi"ht not have told you this) but he wishes he was me'? Playfully swattin" his arm) she lau"hed' >I didnt mean to im!ly he wants to be li(e you'? >5e does' Even if he doesnt say it) he does' Its been li(e that ever since we were children' 5e s!ent his whole life livin" in my shadow) tryin" to be li(e me'? 5e shru""ed' >What am I su!!osed to doD Tell him the truthD That hes doomed to be second bestD? >Boure a horrible friend)? she teased' 5e shot her a wic(ed "rin' >No' I ,ust want to be sure you dont thin( you married the wron" "entleman'? After he (issed her) he added) >What I have to say is for your ears only' -ont "o s!readin" it around'? Intri"ued) she nodded' >The truth is) I admire him' -es!ite what he thin(s) he attracts !eo!le) even ladies) because of his natural enthusiasm for life' 5es the (ind of !erson !eo!le want to be friends with) and he always finds a !ositive way to loo( at thin"s' And better yet) no matter what ha!!ens) hes there to lend a hel!in" hand' 3ew "entlemen are better than him'? Touched) she smiled and snu""led a"ainst him' >Thats a beautiful sentiment'? >Which is why youll understand no one must ever (now I said it'?

>Im sure he (nows'? >6aybe'? >5ow did you two meetD? >In school) I was Cuiet' I s!ent most of my time readin") and some of the children were "ivin" me a hard time' Perry stood u! for me'? 8ivin" her a win() he added) >And hes been clin"in" to me ever since'? 5e "ave her a li"ht sCuee9e' >What about youD What was it li(e for you while you were "rowin" u!D? >8ood' Even thou"h I wasnt "ood at it) my favorite lessons were !aintin" and drawin"' *illy !referred to !lay the !iano) which she was "ood at' She still li(es to !lay it from time to time) mostly when !eo!le come by to visit' I "ot alon" with others) but *illy was my dearest friend'? 5e rubbed her bac( and smiled' >And your !arents are stayin" in *ondon until she finds a husbandD? >Bes' Theyre ho!in" they wont have to "ive her a third Season'? 5e finished drin(in" his tea and held onto the cu! while studyin" her' >While were in *ondon) well have your family to our home for dinner' I should "et to (now them better) and itd be "ood for you to see them before we return to Weston' Well visit them after we return here) of course) but it wont be more than a cou!le times a year' 1ut with any luc() youll be !reoccu!ied with a child soon enou"h) and you wont be bored anymore'? >Im not bored now that youre here) but itll be nice to have a child'? >Id li(e to have a child) too'? 5e brushed her chee( with his fin"ers) his touch ma(in" her s(in tin"le in deli"ht' >Would it be forward of me to as( if I can come to your bedchamber toni"htD?

-es!ite her a!!rehension about bein" in bed with him) she shyly said) >Bou can come to my room'? 5e lowered his head and (issed her) his li!s soft and warm on hers' When he ended the (iss) he smiled at her' >Would you li(e to ta(e another wal(D We could watch the sunset'? >Thatd be lovely'? 5e hel!ed her stand u!) and to"ether) they left the drawin" room to en,oy more time outside before it "ot dar(' EEE It occurred to Nate that "oin" to his wifes bedchamber that ni"ht mi"ht be rushin" the newfound intimacy theyd found) but when he as(ed her if he could) she welcomed him' And after havin" read *ord Edons boo( and s!endin" the day (issin" her) he didnt have the (ind of restraint reCuired to wait for another day before he as(ed to be with her in bed' 1efore he went to her bedchamber) he too( the time to sli! into his ni"htclothes and) thou"h hed rather die than admit it) too( out *ord Edons boo( from his cabinet to review the section that e4!lained) in sur!risin" detail) how he could ease laire into the consummation of their marria"e' When he was confident he could remember what to do and in what order he needed to do it) he closed the boo( and !laced it bac( in the safe' Strai"htenin" u!) he ad,usted his robe and left his room' 5e could have used the door ad,oinin" their rooms) but she wasnt e4!ectin" him from there and he didnt want to alarm her' So he went down the hallway and (noc(ed on her door' 5e e4!ected her to call him in) but she o!ened the door) and this time there was no decanter full of sherry to "et drun( from' She wore a lon" robe that covered her from her nec( to her an(les) but even so) the candleli"ht revealed more details in her

fi"ure than her day clothes did' 5e too( in the round curve of her breasts and nice sha!e of her hi!s' The fact that he was about to see her without her robe e4cited him to no end) but he refused to rush it' The boo( insisted he ta(e thin"s slowly' As she closed the door) he cleared his throat' >Are you nervousD? She offered a shy smile and nodded' >I (now' Its silly' 1ut bein" this is our first time) I dont (now what to e4!ect'? >Bou finally believe me when I said nothin" ha!!ened on our weddin" ni"htD? >If we had) you would have told me today while you were tellin" me everythin" else' Im sorry I didnt believe you'? 5e reached for her hand and drew her close to him' >Bou have nothin" to worry about' I wont do anythin" to hurt you'? She cleared her throat' >Should we "o over to the bed or do we need to do somethin" else firstD? 5e "ave her a (iss' >-id you need to do anythin"D *i(e brushin" your hair or some other thin" ladies do before they "o to slee!D? 5er eyebrows rose in amusement' >Bou came in here so we could "o to slee!D? -eli"hted she was Cuic( on her feet with a clever res!onse) he wra!!ed his arm around her shoulders and too( her to the bed where the covers were !ulled bac(' Thou"h he sensed a sli"ht unease in her movements) she sli!!ed off her robe) and he was sur!rised she didnt wear anythin" underneath' Sure) when she was drun() he understood why she removed everythin" in front of him' Peo!le did thin"s they wouldnt normally do while drun() but she did it while she wasnt drun( and that told him she trusted him) somethin" he didnt ta(e for "ranted' Not (nowin" what else to do) he followed her lead and removed his robe and ni"htclothes' 5e sli!!ed under the covers with her and drew her into his arms' 5er flesh was soft and

warm) her arms welcomin" him as she embraced him' It seemed natural to start with a (iss) so lowered his head and brou"ht his li!s to hers' -es!ite her hesitation) she res!onded to him' In short time) he noticed her rela4' 5er muscles werent as tense as before) and she was "rowin" more res!onsive to his (iss' 5e !arted his li!s) and this time) she followed suit) invitin" him into her mouth' 5is ton"ue brushed her li!s before he interlaced his ton"ue with hers' Hissin" her was Cuic(ly becomin" his favorite activity' 5ed (issed her throu"hout the day) mindful to wait until they were alone before doin" more' Theyd s!ent the ma,ority of the day either outside or in the drawin" room which seemed to be her favorite !laces' And now as he was (issin" her) the !atience in their (isses from earlier was Cuic(ly "ivin" way to the more insistent !assions that had been lur(in" beneath the surface' 5e became aware of her breasts which felt heavenly a"ainst his chest) the curve of her waist and hi! as he ran his hand down her body) and the way her flesh cushioned his arousal' Recallin" *ord Edons boo() he restrained his ur"e to rush thin"s and slowed his e4!loration of her body' 5e brou"ht his hand u! her bac( and caressed her nec( and shoulders to further rela4 her' It wor(ed' She melted a"ainst him' 5e ended the (iss and lowered his head so he could (iss her nec( and ear' She let out a contented si"h and wi""led a"ainst him) si"nalin" that she was en,oyin" what he was doin"' Encoura"ed) he continued (issin" her nec( as his hand went from her shoulder to her breast' E4citement sur"ed throu"h him as he cu!!ed her breast in his hand and brushed her ni!!le' She shivered so he did it a"ain and was rewarded with a low moan' Recallin" the boo( hed read) he s!ent considerable time touchin" and (issin" her' 5e e4!lored her entire body) runnin" his hands alon" her arms) her breasts) her abdomen) her le"s)

and her feet' The boo( recommended avoidin" the area between her le"s until hed massa"ed the other areas of her body) and he was determined to focus on doin" everythin" the boo( said) even if a !art of him was "ettin" im!atient' 3rom time to time as he ran his hands alon" her body) hed "lance at her face to ,ud"e how much !leasure she was derivin" from what he was doin"' While he didnt com!letely understand why her e4!ression seemed to fluctuate from !leasure to !ain) he was reassured that she was en,oyin" what he was doin" by the way she "ri!!ed the bed sheets' 5e turned his attention bac( to her le"s) massa"in" her calves and then he rubbed her feet) tryin" to remember the areas that were best to focus on' When he (nelt between her le"s) he (issed the bac( of her (nees and the inside of her thi"hs) all too aware of the womans flesh that bec(oned to him' At such close !ro4imity) he couldnt resist the chance to study it) and he shifted so that he "ot a "ood view of her in the candleli"ht' 5e unwittin"ly thou"ht of the beauty she found in flowers) but he much !referred her body to them' 5er scent and the way she loo(ed and felt were much better' 5e thou"ht to tell her this but decided hed better not in case he distracted her' As it was) she was cau"ht u! in the moment) which was e4actly where he wanted her' 5e "ot u! on his hands and (nees and shifted so that he was ne4t to her' 5e brou"ht his li!s to hers as his hand settled between her le"s' She !arted her le"s for him) allowin" him the chance to finally e4!lore her as hed been ea"er to do since hed seen her na(ed on their weddin" ni"ht' 5e brushed her entrance) ta(in" note of her swollen flesh before he entered her) usin" one fin"er to detect how wet she was' To his satisfaction) she easily received him) her body !ullin" him in dee!er' 5e slid in another fin"er and she moved her hi!s and "roaned'

Endin" their (iss) he (issed her nec( and then traveled lower until his mouth was on the breast closest to him' 5e centered on her ni!!le and traced it with his ton"ue' She "as!ed and clutched his shoulders' Sur!rised that his ton"ue should elicit such a stron" reaction) he traced her ni!!le a"ain and was rewarded with an im!atient "roan' 5is fin"ers continued to stro(e her) and he sli!!ed another fin"er in) this time notin" the vir"inal !art of her' 5e "ently wor(ed on stretchin" her out while he continued to tease her ni!!le' 3rom her reaction) he thou"ht teasin" her ni!!le was a "ood way to distract her from his efforts on "ettin" her ready for him' When he reali9ed she was as ready for him as she was "oin" to "et) he moved his thumb over her sensitive nub' The boo( said shed be most li(ely to clima4 if he could stro(e it lon" enou"h) and if she could clima4) then shed be further rela4ed' 5e finally found it after what was be"innin" to seem li(e a futile search) not that she seemed to mind since she "rew more vocal in e4!ressin" her !leasure' 1ut it would have been embarrassin" if he hadnt found it) so he was relieved when he did' Itd be best if she assumed he (new e4actly what he was doin") after all' 5e !roceeded to rub her sensitive nub in circular motions) mindful to start slow and increase the !ressure and s!eed' 5er moans "rew louder) and she murmured for him to (ee! "oin" as her hi!s roc(ed in rhythm with his caress' 5e continued stro(in" her until she let out a shar! cry and stilled' 5er hands ti"htened on his shoulders) and her flesh clas!ed around his fin"ers' Thou"h hed read about the female or"asm) he was still sur!rised by how satisfyin" it was to (now hed brou"ht her to com!letion' When she rela4ed) he removed his fin"ers from her and shifted so that he was) once a"ain) settled between her le"s' 5e

entered her and stilled) sur!rised she remained ti"ht des!ite his efforts to avoid this' 5e studied her face and noticed her sli"ht "rimace' After a cou!le seconds) she moved her hi!s) "ivin" him the silent assurance he needed in order to continue' The e4!erience was more heavenly than he ima"ined' 5e moved inside her) aware of the way she clenched around him' She wra!!ed her le"s around him) an action which served to !ull him dee!er into her' They wor(ed to"ether) and his thrustin" increased until he couldnt hold bac( from the inevitable anymore and he released his seed' The moment seemed to be sus!ended in time as he savored the !leasure of findin" fulfillment inside her' 5e colla!sed in her arms) out of breath and li"htheaded' After a minute !assed) he lifted his head and (issed her' >5ow do you feelD? he whis!ered) brushin" bac( a strand of her hair from her chee(' She smiled' >Wonderful'? Relieved) he returned her smile' >8ood'? 5e (issed her a"ain) this time lettin" his li!s lin"er on hers' Afterwards) he settled ne4t to her and "athered her into his arms' She let out a si"h of contentment' Pleased) he (issed the to! of her head and fell aslee!'

ha!ter Ei"hteen Three days later) laire !ulled aside the curtain in the drawin" room' *ondon loo(ed much better when she wasnt miserable' Itd been a full day since she and Nate arrived in town) and the first thin" she did was send a missive to her family' Now as she scanned the busy streets) she wondered how lon" itd ta(e to "et their res!onse' Not seein" anyone wal( u! the front ste!s to deliver a letter) she let the curtain fall bac( into !lace and returned to the writin" des(' She wasnt in the mood to draw or write) but she wasnt sure what else she could do' Nate went to Whites to see if Perry was there so he could tell him about his ward' She "lanced at the blan( !a!er in front of her' 6aybe she could draw Weston' Even if it turned out to loo( li(e a lo!sided rectan"le with more lo!sided sha!es around it) at least shed be drawin" somethin" she was interested in) even if no one else (new what it was' /ust as she !ic(ed u! her "ra!hite !encil) the door o!ened and the butler "ave a bow' Than(ful for the re!rieve) she stood u! and wal(ed over to him' >*ady Roderic() a 6ister 6orris has as(ed to s!ea( with you'? >6ister 6orrisD? She hadnt seen him since the ni"ht of the ball' urious as to why hed come to see her) she nodded' >1rin" him in'? The butler hastened to obey) and when he returned) a nervous 6ister 6orris entered the drawin" room with him' 6ister 6orris bowed) and she curtsied' >3or"ive me) *ady Roderic()? he be"an' >I saw your husband in town today and thou"ht you mi"ht be here' I should have reCuested an invitation to meet with you) butF?

It dawned on her why he was ur"ent to tal( to her' >Theres no need to a!olo"i9e) 6ister 6orris'? Turnin" to the butler) she as(ed) >Will you brin" us some teaD? As the butler left the room) she motioned to the chair' >Will you !lease sitD? >Than( you) *ady Roderic()? he re!lied' She sat on the settee and waited for him to sit before she said) >I ta(e it you heard about my sister and *ord 5edwrett'? >Bes' In fact) I wanted to see( your hel!' She didnt acce!t my !ro!osal last year' Im not foolish enou"h to believe shell ever marry me' I have money but no title'? The butler entered the room and set the tray set on the table between them' After he left) she !oured the tea in the cu!s and handed one to 6ister 6orris' >What would you li(e me to doD? she as(ed as she !ic(ed u! her cu!' >I thou"ht you mi"ht tal( to her' If she wont marry me) then so be it) but I want to see her married to a "entleman wholl be "ood to her'? >E4actly what do you want me to sayD? >Im not sure' If I tell her *ord 5edwretts been (nown for en"a"in" in undesired behaviors) I thin( shell assume Im lyin" because I dont want to see her with another "entleman'? >6ister 6orris) if I (new what those undesired behaviors were) Id be in a better !osition to tell her to avoid him'? Nate hadnt been forthcomin" with the information) and while she a!!reciated the fact that he and 6ister 6orris wished to !rotect her from the more un"entlemanly actions of men) she didnt (now how she could "et her sister to ta(e her seriously' When she saw the hesitation in his face) she added) >-o you want her to end u! with *ord 5edwrett because I couldnt adeCuately e4!lain how horrible he is for herD? >Boure ri"ht' As much as I hate to do it) itd be worse to see her married to him'? 5e too( a dee! breath' >*ord

5edwretts !assion is money' 2ne of the most efficient ways he acCuires it is to "ive out loans) and hes been (nown to char"e u! to thirty !ercent in interest' This often !uts the !erson who too( the loan at a disadvanta"e' If he cant !ay the money) *ord 5edwretts been (nown to ta(e !ossession of valuable ob,ects or reCuire !ersonal favors'? >Why would anyone as( him for a loan if he demands so much in interestD? she as(ed) baffled that anyone would a"ree to an outra"eous interest rate of thirty !ercent' >-es!erate "entlemen do des!erate thin"s) and most dont read the contract before they si"n it' *ord 5edwrett has been (nown to lie) and unless a "entleman is careful) he can "et tra!!ed'? Rememberin" the cu! in her la!) she lifted it and dran( some of the tea' She wasnt sure if she wanted to (now more but ventured) >Is there anythin" else I should tell my sister about himD? >5e see(s alliances with those in influential !ositions and has been (nown to use !eo!le to accom!lish those "oals' And to !ut it delicately) theres nothin" he wont do' 5e)? he shifted uncomfortably in his chair and cleared his throat) >let a du(e be with his sister in a com!romisin" situation' Im sorry) my lady) but I dare not say more than that' I wouldnt !ut it !ast him to use your sister in a similar fashion'? The color drained from her face' >I dont understand' Shouldnt "entlemen refuse to do business with him for hisF actionsD? >5e has money) influence) and hes discrete' Some of us are aware of what he does) but since hes careful to not do this in !ublic) the ton can loo( the other way'? >I understand'? She !laced the cu! on the tray) unable to finish any more tea' >Ill tell my sister ne4t time I see her'?

>Than( you)? he re!lied) rela4in"' >If your sister desires a titled "entleman) there are a cou!le who are unmarried and will treat her well' *ord lement and *ord *ewis are admirable' Perha!s su""estin" them will lead her in the ri"ht direction'? She si"hed) wishin" once a"ain that her sister would ta(e the time to understand how much he loved her' >I have the hi"hest amount of res!ect for you) 6ister 6orris'? >Than( you'? 5e rose to his feet and bowed' >I ho!e shell listen to you'? She nodded) wonderin" if her sister would' If *illy hadnt been so enamored with a "entlemans title) she could be very ha!!y with 6ister 6orris' After he left the room) she s!ent a few minutes contem!latin" what shed say to her sister before she "ot ready to leave the house' She didnt (now if tal(in" to her sister would do any "ood' 5er sister hadnt made it a habit of listenin" to her before when it came to the affairs of the heart) but it was worth a chance' Hnowin" what she did about *ord 5edwrett) shed always re"ret it if she didnt tell her sister everythin" she (new' EEE Nate found his friend at Whites) readin" a boo(' Ste!!in" in front of him) Nate shoo( his head and cluc(ed his ton"ue' >I cant believe what Im seein"' I too( your ward off your hands so you could s!end time in *ondon see(in" a wife) and this is what I find you doin"D If you were "oin" to come to this establishment) the least you could do is tal( to fathers who are ea"er to see their dau"hters married off'? Perry loo(ed u! from his boo( and chuc(led' >Bou cant be u!set with me for wantin" to read a "ood boo('?

>I can when you have more im!ortant thin"s to do'? 5e sat ne4t to him and chec(ed the title of the boo(' >Boure not even readin" nonfiction'? >Not all readin" has to be s!ent learnin" somethin") Nate'? 5e closed the boo( and studied his friend' >Are you here to !ay the rest of your stewards lendersD? >I already !aid them) but I ,ust "ot a letter from *ord 5edwrett' 5es demandin" I see him a"ain' 5e seems to thin( he wasnt !ro!erly !aid'? >Thats not sur!risin"' 5es (nown for demandin" more from those who owe him money' Too bad your steward is in !rison or else he could handle the ridiculous ha""lin" !rocess youre about to endure'? >If he thin(s hes "ettin" more money from me) hes sorely mista(en' 5es fortunate I decided to ma(e "ood on the debts'? Perry "rinned' >Im sure youll !ut him in his !lace'? >I will' And after I do) Ill be free to s!end more time with my wife'? When Perry didnt res!ond) he turned his attention bac( to him and saw the bewildered e4!ression on his face' *au"hin") he added) >Bes) Ive discovered that *ady Roderic( isnt as bad as I feared'? >It too( you two months of bein" at Weston to fi"ure that outD? >To be fair) Ive had some accounts to settle' I wasnt there the entire time'? >I dont envy the wor( you had to "o throu"h' At least its almost over'? After a moment of silence) he drummed his fin"ers on the armrest and "ave a tentative loo( in Nates direction' >I almost hate to as() but is my ward a res!onsible youn" "entleman yetD? >Not yet) but I havent "iven u! ho!e'? >What did he doD?

>5e convinced my wife to dress u! as a stableboy so she could run off to *ondon to visit her family'? >5e didnt'? >5e did' 3ortunately) I cau"ht her before she headed off to *ondon by herself'? >-id anyone see herD? >/ust the butler and stable master) and I "ave them a little financial incentive to (ee! the matter Cuiet'? >Im sorry my ward is so difficult) Nate'? Nate "rinned' >-ont be' 5es cleanin" chamber !ots now'? 5is ,aw dro!!ed' >Bou didntA? >5ell continue doin" that until he either learns how to be res!onsible or he no lon"er needs a "uardian'? Perry winced but nodded' >I wouldnt have had the coura"e to do that to him) but I see the wisdom in your actions'? >Boure much too nice) Perry' Bour ward (new that and too( advanta"e of it'? >I wish I could disa"ree with you) but I cant'? Shiftin" in his chair) Nate as(ed) >-id you !ay any ladies a call while I was awayD? >A cou!le) but I dont thin( any were interested'? >Why notD? 5e motioned to his cane' Nate "roaned and rolled his eyes' >Bou cant still be usin" that as an e4cuse'? >To be fair) you cant be usin" my time s!ent disci!linin" my ward as an e4cuse why I cant find a wife either'? >Bour ward had a !art of it) and I reali9e some ladies dont li(e the idea of marryin" a "entleman with a cane' 5owever) youre usin" both of those reasons as e4cuses for the real reason'? >And what is the real reasonD?

>6aybe you worry she wont li(e you once she "ets to (now you' 6aybe you dont thin( you have anythin" interestin" to say'? Perry shru""ed' Recallin" Perrys words to him a month earlier) he Cui!!ed) >I thou"ht your advice was to !ic( a lady who was nice to loo( at instead of worryin" about "ettin" alon" with her'? Perry "rinned' >No' That was my advice to you since you were sure that youd never be ha!!y as a married "entleman' 3ortunately for you) marria"e has been "ood to you' I cant recall the last time you smiled without bein" threatened to do it'? 5e motioned to the chessboard not too far from them' >Why dont we !lay a "ameD? With a nod) Perry retrieved his cane and rose to his feet' >*osers before winners)? he teased) "esturin" for Nate to "o first' >-ont be so sure youll win) Perry' I have a feelin" your luc( has ta(en a turn for the worse'? >Well see about that'? Amused) Nate led the way to the chessboard' EEE 5er !arents butler o!ened the door and "reeted laire with a smile' >*ady Roderic() its a !leasure to see you doin" so well'? >Than( you)? she re!lied as she entered the townhouse' She followed him into the drawin" room) hardly believin" shed been stayin" in this townhouse ,ust over two months a"o' 1ac( then) shed felt a mi4ture of ho!e and a!!rehension at the tas( of findin" a husband' 3ortunately) thin"s had turned out better than shed ho!ed with Nate' With any luc() her sister

would have a "ood marria"e' She clenched her hands to"ether and wondered if her sister would even listen to her' She turned to face the door when she heard footste!s comin" down the hallway' A smile crossed her face when she saw her !arents' > laire) my dear)? her father softly s!o(e) a warm smile on his face' She hurried across the room so she could hu" him and then her mother' >I missed you'? >We missed you) too)? her mother whis!ered) holdin" her close' >1ut were "lad you married so well'? When she !ulled away from her mother) she si"hed' >6arria"e is more than about havin" a "entleman with title and money'? >Bou misunderstand your mother)? her father re!lied' >We can tell youre ha!!y with your husband'? 5er eyebrows furrowed' >Bou canD? > ertainly)? her mother said' >Its in your face' Boure "lowin"'? >I (new *ord Roderic( would be "ood to you)? her father added with a wide smile' >A "entlemans re!utation !recedes him'? The butler came into the room with their tea' >We should sit and tal()? her father said) directin" her to a chair' laire sat and waited for them to sit across from her' After she !ic(ed u! her cu! and dran( some tea) she loo(ed at the doorway' It wasnt unusual for her sister to ta(e her time comin" to the drawin" room) but she should have been here by now' >Wheres *illyD? 5er mother "lanced at her father' >Shes at the museum with *ord 5edwrett' Bour aunt a"reed to act as cha!erone'?

>Bou dont sound ha!!y about that)? laire noted) and thou"h she was disa!!ointed her sister wasnt there) she saw this as the !erfect o!!ortunity to learn what her !arents thou"ht about him' 5er father finished drin(in" his tea and set his cu! on the tray which rested on the table between them' >Were not ha!!y about it'? >Then why did you !ermit her to "o with him to the museumD? she as(ed' >Bou (now *illys always been a willful "irl' If I tell her she cant see him) shed find a way to be with him' 8od forbid she should run off to 8retna 8reen' Bou (now how stubborn she can be' She wants to do what shes been advised not to do' What your mother and I are ho!in" to do is hel! her find a more suitable match' Ive invited a viscount over tomorrow' Perha!s she mi"ht find him to her li(in"'? laire si!!ed her tea and studied her !arents e4!ressions' >What about 6ister 6orrisD? >6ister 6orris is a fine "entleman' 5ed treat her well)? her father said' >5e has no title)? her mother commented' >Bour father and I ho!ed you both would find husbands with a title'? >1ut is a title that im!ortantD? She too( another si! from her tea before settin" the cu! down' *eanin" forward) she continued) >To what e4tent does a title matter if shes with someone li(e *ord 5edwrettD? >I understand what youre sayin") laire)? her mother re!lied' >And I dont want her with *ord 5edwrett'? laire shot her a !ointed loo() and her father rested his hand on her mothers arm' > laire) titles are im!ortant' They are a le"acy' Bour firstborn son will one day be an earl' We wanted somethin" similar for your sister' 1ut)? he sCuee9ed her

mothers arm) >a "entleman with money and no title who treats *illy well is better than a titled "entleman who wont'? 5er mother nodded' >Bes) I (now) and youre ri"ht' 5owever) she also wants to be with a titled "entleman' Bou (now how she is) laire' She wants the finer thin"s in life and to be referred to as a lady' She refused 6ister 6orris suit by choice' Bour father and I mi"ht have ho!ed you two would marry titled "entlemen) but she ho!es for it) too'? >Bes) she does)? she ac(nowled"ed' And that was the tric(y !art' It was what !revented *illy from marryin" 6ister 6orris last year' Marriage isnt about love, *illy had told laire' Its about being practical and using wise judgment. E4ce!t her sister wasnt showin" wise ,ud"ment) and !erha!s that was why she needed to warn her sister about the ty!e of !erson *ord 5edwrett was' 6aybe she would listen) "iven the facts' She rose to her feet' >I must return home' 6y husband will be due bac( soon) but before I leave) I ho!e you and *illy will come to my home for dinner tomorrow'? They stood u!) and her father nodded' >Wed be deli"hted'? After e4chan"in" their "ood-byes) laire left the house' She "lanced bac( one time as she reached the carria"e' 5er !arents smiled and waved from the doorway) and she returned the "esture before "ettin" into her seat' As the coachman closed the carria"e door) she too( a "ood loo( at the townhouse they rented' It had to cost her father a !retty !enny to lin"er in *ondon in ho!es of findin" her sister well married' At least they all a"reed *ord 5edwrett wasnt the ri"ht choice' She too( comfort in (nowin" that they wouldnt a"ree to such a match) but she (new they were ri"ht' 5er sister could be im!ulsive and headstron" when she wanted somethin" badly enou"h' The !roblem was) how was she "oin" to convince *illy that she wanted 6ister 6orris more than a titled "entlemanD

ha!ter Nineteen When laire ste!!ed throu"h the entryway of her townhouse) she hardly had time to "reet the butler when her "a9e went to her husband who came out of the library and headed in her direction' >Im "lad youre home)? Nate said with an e4cited "rin on his face' urious) she studied his e4!ression' 6ost of the times shed been around him) hed been serious) almost to the !oint where she thou"ht hed suffer !ain if he smiled' 1ut ever since that day hed found her in the stable) hed done a com!lete turnaround' It was a very !leasant chan"e) but it still too( her by sur!rise' Perha!s in the months to come) hed smile all the time and she would for"et how serious he could be' She waited for the butler to leave before she as(ed) >Is there somethin" you want to tell meD? >Bes) there is' Boure beautiful'? Pleased) she blushed' >Than( you) my lord) but I thou"ht somethin" ha!!ened that !rom!ted you to run over to "reet me when I ste!!ed throu"h the door'? >2h yes' There is' This evenin") theyre launchin" a balloon'? >A balloonD? >Bes' I hear its one of the bi""er ones' It should be a si"ht to see' Will you "o with meD? >I didnt thin( you too( deli"ht in such leisurely !ursuits'? 5e shru""ed and "rinned' >6aybe its time I did'? >6aybe) and who (nows what other fun thin"s you mi"ht find to do now that you no lon"er have your nose stuc( in one of those borin" boo(s in your library)? she teased) unable to resist the ur"e to be !layful'

>I feel its fair to warn you that Ill never find those boo(s borin") but I am findin" you more interestin"'? >Ill acce!t that'? huc(lin") he "ave her a (iss' >-id you have a nice visit with your familyD? >Bes) but I ,ust saw my !arents' 6y sister was at the museum with *ord 5edwrett'? 5e "rimaced' If she wasnt aware of how horrible *ord 5edwrett was) shed lau"h because every time she said his name) Nate seemed to have an involuntary reaction to show his dis!leasure' >Im worried shell marry him)? she softly confessed) not wishin" for anyone to overhear her' >I want to tal( to her) but I wont see her until tomorrow when my family comes over here for dinner'? 5e si"hed and too( her by the elbow so he could lead her to the drawin" room' When he shut the door) he motioned for her to sit on the settee' After a moments hesitation) she obeyed) wonderin" if there was somethin" more dastardly shed learn about *ord 5edwrett than what 6ister 6orris had told her' 5er stomach ti"htened into a (not as he ,oined her' 5e too( her hands in his and "ave her a sym!athetic loo(' > laire) I (now how much you love your sister) but the !roblem is) you cant ma(e her act in a certain way' I want to ma(e sure if your sister marries him) you did everythin" you could to !revent it'? >I (now I cant control what she does'? >1ut do you understand you shouldnt feel "uilty about itD? 5e sCuee9ed her hands and (issed her' >1e there for her and tell her what you have to but understand she has to ma(e her own decisions) all ri"htD? She nodded'

A (noc(in" at the door made her ,um!) and he chuc(led' >Its all ri"ht' There are no "hosts in this house'? 5e stood u! and answered the door' She released her breath and rela4ed' 3rom the other side of the door) she saw the butler hand Nate a missive' She resisted the ur"e to "et u! and find out who it was from' It wasnt her business unless he wanted her to (now) and already) hed told her more than most husbands !robably told their wives' It meant he trusted her) and that made her want to love him all the more' Nate closed the door and returned to her' >*ord 5edwrett says hell meet with me ne4t wee( at five'? >I thou"ht you !aid him off'? >I did) but he disa"rees' -ont worry' The matter will be resolved soon enou"h' In the meantime) theres not much I can do but wait'? 5e "rinned' >I su!!ose thats not so bad' Ill be able to do your biddin"'? Notin" his !layful tone) she smiled) feelin" the heaviness of her sisters situation lift from her shoulders) even if it was for a while' >Then I insist on seein" that balloon launch you mentioned'? 5e "ave her a (iss' >As you wish) but first) I believe its time for dinner'? She "i""led as he (issed her nec(' >Bou dont seem to be interested in food'? >I will be)? he murmured) his li!s brushin" a"ainst her ear' *iftin" his head) he wra!!ed his arms around her' >In a moment'? 5is li!s descended on hers) and she for"ot all about eatin"' EEE

It wasnt until after dinner the ne4t day when laire "ot a chance to tal( to her sister' Since laire as(ed to tal( to *illy in the drawin" room) Nate too( her !arents to the library' >All ri"ht' Were alone' Whats so im!ortant that I cant !lay the !iano ri"ht nowD? *illy as(ed as she ran her hand over the !iano (eys' >Sit down)? laire su""ested) !attin" the s!ot ne4t to her on the settee' 5er eyebrows furrowed' >This must be serious'? >It is'? She hesitated for a minute but then ,oined laire at the settee' >Why do I have a feelin" Im not "oin" to li(e what you have to sayD? >Bou !robably wont) but I want you to (now that what Im about to tell you) I tell you because I love you' Boure more than my sister' Boure my friend'? With a hesitant smile) she reached out to sCuee9e her hand' >Bou (now I feel the same way about you' So what is this aboutD At dinner) your husband seemed friendly' Are you two still not "ettin" alon"D? >We are' 1etter than I ho!ed actually'? 5er smile widened' >Thats wonderfulA? >I want the same for you' *illy) !lease dont marry *ord 5edwrett'? >2h) thats what this is about' I su!!ose 6ister 6orris has come by to see you'? >And what if he didD 5e loves you'? >1ut he doesnt have a title' laire) loo( at everythin" you have' Bou are Lady Roderic(' Bour husband owns this townhouse'? She motioned to the room' >5e doesnt rent it' I hear Weston is "or"eous' Bou have more rooms than youll ever need' Bou have so many servants that you cant remember

their names' Bou can buy as many "owns as you want whenever you want'? >No) I cant'? >I dont understand'? >Bou must swear that what Im about to tell you) you wont tell anyone else'? *eanin" forward) *illys eyes met her sisters' >2f course' Bou (now I always (ee! your secrets'? laire nodded' It was true' *illy was "ood about that' After she too( a dee! breath) she lowered her voice' >6y husbands steward was heavily in debt) and he stole money from the estate to com!ensate for it' 1ecause of this) we have to be careful with what we buy until he can recover his financial standin"'? *illys ,aw dro!!ed' >I had no ideaF? >No one did' These titled "entlemen dont "o around advertisin" their lac( of funds' Theres no way to (now'? >Bou thin( *ord 5edwrett mi"ht be in a similar !redicamentD? >No' *illy) thats not what I meant' I mean that Im ha!!y with my husband' 5es a wonderful "entleman) and it doesnt matter to me that I cant buy new dresses for a while' Thats the (ind of marria"e I want for you'? >And you dont thin( *ord 5edwrett will "ive me thatD? >No) I dont'? She !aused as she stru""led to find a delicate way of tellin" her sister what 6ister 6orris told her' 3iddlin" with the s(irt of her dress) she blurted out) >I heard *ord 5edwrett char"es e4cessive interest on his loans and even allowed a "entleman of notable influence to ruin his sister'? She held her breath and waited for her sister to res!ond' *illy frowned' >-id 6ister 6orris tell you thisD? >Bes) but@? >5ow can you be sure 6ister 6orris isnt lyin"D?

>5es not the ty!e to lie)? laire re!lied) sur!rised her sister would even accuse him of such a thin"' >I dont (now' I thin( he mi"ht do anythin" to "et me to marry him'? >1ut he does it out of love'? When her sister si"hed) laire added) >And if it ma(es a difference) youll be ha!!y to (now he told me hell be ha!!y to see you with a titled "entleman as lon" as he treats you well'? >I (now his heart is in the ri"ht !lace'? >-ont you care about himD? >I do'? >Then why not marry himD? laire as(ed' >5e doesnt have a title) and a title is im!ortant'? laire reali9ed ar"uin" with her sister wasnt "oin" to do any "ood) but she had one o!tion that mi"ht wor( if she was careful' Ins!ired) she "lanced at the !a!er on her des(' >*illy) will you do somethin" for me) even if its somethin" foolishD? *illys eyebrows furrowed' >I have to hear what you have in mind before I a"ree to it'? >I cant "o into detail) but I want you to see what *ord 5edwrett is li(e when he doesnt (now youre around'? >And how do you su""est we do thatD? laires li!s curled u! into a smile' >Bou leave that to me'? >Bou arent thin(in" of doin" somethin" ina!!ro!riate) are youD? >No more ina!!ro!riate than what you and our father did that ni"ht you two tra!!ed me into marria"e with Nate'? >2h) you cant still be an"ry about that' *oo( at how well thin"s turned out'? >Which is why I need to arran"e for us to snea( into *ord 5edwretts home' Boull see what I mean when the time comes' In the meantime) I need to write a letter to someone'?

laire stood u! and hurried over to her des( before *illy could ar"ue her way out of it' *illy rose to her feet but remained at the settee' >Who are you writin" toD? >Someone whos !erfect for what I have in mind' -ont as( me anythin" else'? Thou"h she "ave her a cautious loo() she crossed her arms and remained Cuiet as laire finished writin" the letter to 6ister Robinson' If there was anyone who didnt care enou"h about !ro!riety to hel! her) it was him' There was no way her husband would allow it if he (new) which was why she decided no one) not even *illy) had to (now until the time came for her to act on her !lan' 2nce she sealed the letter) she "ave it to the butler with orders to send it to Weston' Afterwards) she and *illy headed for the library) and when she o!ened the door) she was both deli"hted and sur!rised to see that Nate and her father were lau"hin" at somethin" they were readin" in a boo(' 5er mother loo(ed over at her from where she stood with Nate and her father' With a relieved smile) she hurried over to them' >Im "lad youre here)? she told her dau"hters with a chuc(le' >Its nice to see *ord Roderic( and your father "ettin" alon" so well) but I couldnt care less about !olitical strate"ies'? >Are you sayin" my husband is borin"D? laire teased' >Im sayin" !olitical discussions are borin")? she clarified with a twin(le in her eye' >Then we need to tal( them into doin" somethin" interestin")? *illy said' >We could do charades'? >Bes) thats an e4cellent choice)? her mother said e4citedly' >Ill mention it to the "entlemen'? As her mother headed over to them) laire "ave *illy a (nowin" loo(' >I was wonderin" when youd su""est we !lay charades'?

>It ma(es her ha!!y' The least we can do is !lay the "ame)? *illy mused' 8rinnin") laire and *illy ,oined her mother'

ha!ter Twenty 2ne day before Nate was su!!osed to see *ord 5edwrett to settle the debt) laire was be"innin" to des!air that 6ister Robinson wasnt "oin" to send the clothes' 1ut around noon) the butler informed her that a "entleman insisted on "ivin" her a !ac(a"e in !erson' Relieved) she !ut aside her "ra!hite !encil and !a!er and rose from her des(' >*et him in)? she told the butler' As she wal(ed over to the settee) the butler brou"ht the youn" "entleman in) and she noticed the !ac(a"e he held under his arm' 8ood' 6ister Robinson came throu"h after allA She waited until the butler left before she turned her attention to the "entleman whod delivered the !ac(a"e' In a low voice) she said) >Ill !ay you for the delivery'? 1efore she could "o to her des() the "entleman removed his mustache) hat and wi"' >The clothes will only "et you so far'? 5er eyes "rew wide' >6ister RobinsonA? she hissed' >What are you doin" hereD? >Boull need to snea( into *ord 5edwretts house) and I dont thin( you and 6iss *owell are familiar with doin" that'? >8ranted) we arent) but couldnt you have written instructions instead of comin" in !ersonD? *oo(in" amused) he shoo( his head' >*ady Roderic() this is somethin" I cant e4!lain' I have to show you how to do it' Ive been thin(in" about where we went wron" when you dressed u! as a stableboy'? >I (now what went wron"' 6y husband showed u!'? >And he saw ri"ht away you were his wife' What you needed was a beard to hel! hide your face'? >Bou could have sent me a beard instead of deliverin" it in !erson'?

>Ah) but have you ever snuc( into a house as a chambermaidD? She blin(ed) wonderin" what he was "ettin" at' > hambermaidD I thou"ht we were tal(in" about dressin" u! as men'? >No' Thats too obvious' Bou and *illy need to be chambermaids' Ive been cleanin" out chamber !ots for a while now) and Ive learned a cou!le of thin"s' Not only is it the most dis"ustin" ,ob a !erson can have) but chambermaids are never seen or heard' Its the !erfect way to hide' No one !ays attention to them) but chambermaids !ic( u! on everythin" everyone else is doin"' Thats the beauty of you and your sister dressin" u! as chambermaids'? She wasnt sure about his !lan) but as she thou"ht about it) it had more a!!eal than dressin" u! as a stableboy a"ain' >So you brou"ht chambermaid clothesD? >And wi"s' This will wor('? >Boure not dressin" u! as a chambermaid) are youD? 5e "as!ed and then lau"hed' >No' I will be a stableboy'? >It seems that youve thou"ht of everythin"'? >I have'? >1ut what about my husbandD Boure su!!osed to be at Weston' 5e wont be ha!!y to learn youre in *ondon'? >I already too( care of that' I wrote to *ord lement and told him everythin"'? 5er ,aw dro!!ed' >Bou didntA? she hissed) "lancin" at the doorway to ma(e sure no one was !assin" by' It was only by luc( 6ister Robinson chose to come by when her husband was at Whites' If Nate had been there when 6ister Robinson showed u!F Shed rather not thin( of the im!lications of that one' >I had to "et his !ermission to leave Weston so *ord Roderic( would a"ree to it' It wor(ed' *ord lement told your

husband that hes not feelin" well and needs me to tend to him for a few days' Then Ill return bac( to !rison'? -es!ite her best intentions) she "i""led' >6ister Robinson) you wouldnt be confined to a !rison if you would behave li(e a "entleman' Its your own doin" youre stuc( cleanin" chamber !ots'? >Bes' I su!!ose youre ri"ht'? >I dont (now what you were doin" to "et in trouble) but *ord lement wouldnt have sent you to Weston to be under *ord Roderic(s su!ervision unless he cared enou"h about you to !revent you from becomin" as unsavory as *ord 5edwrett' Are you aware of his re!utationD? >Bes) but I dont do the thin"s *ord 5edwrett does'? >-id *ord 5edwrett start out doin" the thin"s he does nowD 3rom what I understand) it was a !ro"ression' 5e !ressed boundaries of acce!table behavior) and the more he "ot away with) the more boundaries he wanted to !ush' Thats the !roblem with doin" the wron" thin"s' Boure never satisfied' At some !oint) the misbehavior loses its thrill) and you need to see( out somethin" that !ushes more boundaries'? She heard footste!s a!!roachin") so she motioned for him to !ut his wi") hat) and beard bac( on' 5e did and set the !ac(a"e down on her des(' The butler carried the tea into the room and set the tray on the table' >Is there anythin" else you need) my ladyD? >No) than( you'? She waited until he left before motionin" for 6ister Robinson to sit down' >While youre here) tell me how we can snea( into *ord 5edwretts home tomorrow evenin"'? With a nod) he sat across from her in a chair and told her his !lan' EEE

> laire) this is the most ridiculous thin" youve ever done) and whats worse is that youre dra""in" me into it)? *illy said' laire ad,usted her blond wi" before !uttin" on her maid hat' >Im doin" this because I love you) and after toni"ht) youll be than(in" me'? >If you say so'? She ad,usted her heavy s(irt and si"hed' >I cant believe chambermaids wear these clothes all the time' 5ow do they mana"eD? >Theyre !robably used to it'? >Probably'? She tuc(ed some red strands of her wi" under her hat and "lanced at laire' >5ow do I loo(D? >Almost !erfect'? laire wal(ed over to her and added a fa(e beauty mar( to her chee(' >There' Now its !erfect'? Thou"h she si"hed) there was a hint of amusement on her li!s' >If I had (nown you had this snea(y side to you sooner) we could have done many fun thin"s to"ether'? >I thou"ht we had fun while we were "rowin" u!'? >We did) but I had no idea you could be mischievous'? laire decided she didnt want to (now the ty!e of mischievous activities her sister mi"ht do without her (nowled"e' What she was doin" toni"ht was for a "ood cause' She motioned for *illy to follow her to the door of her bedchamber' Than(fully) 6arion hadnt chec(ed on them' So far) they had "one undetected' All they needed to do was sli! out the bac( and meet 6ister Robinson down the street' laire too( a dee! breath to steady her nerves' This was her second time dressin" u! in a dis"uise) but this wasnt any easier than the first time' There was no doubt about it' *illy had her !e""ed as someone who didnt want to act ina!!ro!riately) and she was ri"ht' This was ma(in" laire brea( into a sweat' Ta(in" a dee! breath) she slowly o!ened the door and !eered into the hallway' It was em!ty' 8ood'

She motioned to *illy to follow her down the hall and noted that *illy stood on her ti!toes and hurried after her) !retendin" to be an4ious as she did so' laire resisted the ur"e to roll her eyes' *eave it to *illy to ma(e fun of her' 2nce they reached the servants staircase) they snuc( down the ste!s' laires heart !ounded furiously in her chest) and she sto!!ed at every sound' At what was her tenth time !ausin" to determine if someone was comin" u! the stairs) *illy let out a loud si"h and !ushed !ast her' >Well "row old and "rey by the time we reach the bottom of the stairs at the rate youre "oin")? *illy whis!ered' >Im sorry' Its ,ust that my husband would be u!set if he found out I dressed u! as a chambermaid and snuc( into *ord 5edwretts home'? She rolled her eyes' >This was your idea'? >I (now that'? And it would be worth it) even if Nate did find out' *illy lifted her s(irts and bounced down the ste!s) not seemin" to notice the noise she made' It was on the ti! of laires ton"ue to warn her to be Cuiet) but she reali9ed *illy was too far ahead of her so she ran after her' 2nce they reached the bottom of the ste!s) they "lanced at the (itchen where the (itchen maid was !uttin" dishes away on the shelves' Since she had her bac( turned to them) they hurried to the bac( door and sli!!ed outside' laire closed the door softly behind them and colla!sed a"ainst it' They made it out of the house' 6eetin" 6ister Robinson would be the easy !art' 3eelin" much better) laire ,oined *illy and headed down the street' >I dont (now how you can be so calm)? laire softly said) not wishin" for anyone to overhear' As far as she could tell) the few !eo!le they !assed didnt !ay them any mind' Even so) she lowered her head whenever

they wal(ed by someone) but *illy refused to bow her head' Was it !ossible *illy was darin" someone to discover who she wasD It wasnt li(e it was dar( out' The sun wouldnt set for another hour' >No one cares who we are because were su!!osed to be chambermaids)? *illy whis!ered' >Bou have nothin" to worry about' 6ister Robinson had a "ood idea'? 3eelin" better) laire lifted her head' >Boure ri"ht'? When they turned down the street where *ord 5edwrett lived) laire s!otted 6ister Robinson wearin" the same dis"uise hed had on the !revious day' Than(fully) hed thou"ht of how they would "et into *ord 5edwretts residence' When they reached the youth) laire as(ed) >Is my husband hereD? >5e ,ust "ot here' Well "o in throu"h the bac()? he re!lied and turned to lead them around to the bac( of the residence' >Arent you afraid someones "oin" to see usD? laire wondered) "lancin" behind them' So far) it loo(ed li(e they remained undetected' With any luc() it would stay that way' >I (now the brother of *ord 5edwretts butlers cousin' 5e assured me that the staff wouldnt notice me'? >What about usD? >2h) I "ave you wi"s and clothes so youd loo( ,ust li(e the chambermaids who wor( for *ord 5edwrett' Bou both dont loo( e4actly li(e them) but as lon" as you dont ma(e eye contact with anyone) theyll assume youre them'? >Bou thou"ht throu"h everythin") didnt youD? *illy commented) soundin" im!ressed' >Bou have to if youre "oin" to "et !ast *ord Roderic()? he muttered' They reached the bac( door) and he "lanced at laire' >Its a "ood thin" chambermaids arent seen or heard'? -ecidin" not to comment) laire waited for him to o!en the door and led *illy into the house before she followed behind

them' She shut the door behind her and hastened after them as they made their way to the servants stairs' She noticed the butler collect a decanter and a cou!le of "lasses to !ut on a tray' The butler loo(ed in their direction but turned his attention swiftly bac( to the tray as if he hadnt seen them' She shoo( her head' /ust how many connections did 6ister Robinson haveD There was no doubt about it' 5e had to be one of the most resourceful !eo!le shed ever met' They went u! the stairs and down a hall) bac( down another fli"ht of stairs and then bac( u!' 2n their way throu"h another hallway) she sto!!ed him' >Where are we "oin"D? she whis!ered) thou"h there was no one from the household in si"ht' >Were "oin" to the drawin" room)? he re!lied' >1ut isnt it close to the entrance of this houseD? >2f course'? She forced bac( her e4as!eration' >Then why are we "oin" u! and down stairs as if we were "oin" throu"h a ma9eD? >Theres no !oint in snea(in" into a house if you ta(e the direct route'? At that) *illy "i""led' laire "roaned' *eave it to her sister and 6ister Robinson to thin( the unnecessary ste!s was funny' >6ister Robinson) the future of my sisters ha!!iness is at sta(e'? 5e shoo( his head as if he couldnt believe what he was hearin"' >*ord 5edwretts brother told me he never starts with business' 5e li(es to !lay a cou!le of "ames first' Ri"ht now your husband is !robably tryin" to avoid !layin" for money' *ord 5edwrett has a tendency to cheat) too) so "entlemen have to be careful'? >I doubt *ord Roderic( will be ta(en in by *ord 5edwretts !loy'?

>I have no doubt youre ri"ht) but that wont sto! *ord 5edwrett from tryin"'? laire "lanced at *illy) wonderin" what she thou"ht of that) but *illy was !eerin" into one of the bedrooms' She went over to her and too( her by the arm' > ome on) *illy' We arent here to see the house'? >1ut its a beautiful oneA? *illy whis!ered' >The curtains are such a lovely shade of !ur!le'? >*ets "o)? she muttered) dra""in" *illy with her as 6ister Robinson turned down the hallway so they could "o down another fli"ht of ste!s' This time) he led them strai"ht to the drawin" room which was ne4t to the saloon' To her sur!rise) he moved aside a !ortrait from the wall and motioned to a !ee!hole in the wall' 5er ,aw dro!!ed' What was the !ee!hole doin" thereD -id *ord 5edwrett (now it e4istedD Were there similar holes in her townhouse or at WestonD Shed have to ins!ect the rooms of her homes at her earliest convenience' In the meantime) she had more im!ortant thin"s to thin( about' She !eered throu"h the hole and saw *ord 5edwrett and her husband !layin" cards at a small round table' She bac(ed away from the wall and "estured for her sister to loo( throu"h it' As much as she wanted to watch what ha!!ened) it was more im!ortant *illy "ot to see it instead' While *illy loo(ed throu"h the !ee!hole) laire brou"ht her ear to the wall' Thou"h the words were mostly muffled) she was able to ma(e out some of what they said' She furrowed her eyebrows and focused on what they were sayin"'

ha!ter Twenty-2ne >Are you sure you dont want to ma(e the "ame more interestin" by addin" some money to the tableD? 5edwrett as(ed) leanin" forward in his chair' >No)? Nate said) wishin" they could be done !layin" cards so they could "et down to business' 5ed heard 5edwrett li(ed to wi""le as much money from others as !ossible) so 5edwretts insistence that they !lay !iCuet hadnt come as a sur!rise) but he sure did wish he could tell 5edwrett what he could do with his "reedy claws' 1ut he couldnt' Instead) he had to ho!e that one of them would "et a hundred !oints and end the "ame' >Not much of a "amblin" "entleman) hmmD? 5edwrett shuffled the cards) and thou"h Nate couldnt be sure) he thou"ht he saw the "entleman sli! a card under his sleeve' >I cant resist a challen"e' 2f course) I hear *ord Edon can bluff his way throu"h any "ame'? >2hD? >Boure in Whites) arent youD? Nate nodded) not sure if he wanted to find out where this conversation was "oin"' >I havent been there' I !refer 1roo(ss'? >1oth are fine clubs)? he cautiously said as 5edwrett dealt the cards' >*ord Edon often !lays "ames at Whites) doesnt heD? >Bes'? 5e !ic(ed u! his cards and "lanced at them before he "lanced at 5edwrett) wonderin" when) or if) hed !ull out the card he had sli!!ed under his sleeve' >I cant stay here much lon"er' I have !ressin" matters to tend to at home'? Sure) the !ressin" matters he referred to had to do with s!endin" time with laire) but he fi"ured there was no need to e4!lain what he meant to 5edwrett'

>I heard youre a "entleman who wor(s hard) but its never a bad idea to allow for some !lay'? 5edwrett wi""led his fin"er and cluc(ed his ton"ue in a way that only served to annoy Nate further' 3or "oodness sa(eA -id 5edwrett thin( he was a childD The door o!ened) and Nate "lanced over to see the butler carryin" a tray with a decanter and "lasses on it' 5e shifted uncomfortably in the chair' 5e didnt mind drin(in" !ort wine) but he ho!ed 5edwrett wouldnt !ester him to drin( more than he usually did' As it was) the "entleman had mana"ed to "et him to !lay cards) and unli(e other "entlemen) he hated to !lay cards' Nate bit bac( the ur"e to si"h in case 5edwrett reali9ed how much he was botherin" him' >-o you collect wine) *ord Roderic(D? 5edwrett as(ed as the butler !oured some of it into their "lasses' >No) I dont) but my brother did'? >A shame' I ma(e it a habit of only "ettin" the best) and he was bra""in" he had some that dated bac( a century'? 5e e4chan"ed a card from the dec( stac(ed at the center of the table and studied it) tryin" to determine if he could use it to his advanta"e or if he should intentionally let the other "entleman win' >Not anymore' 6y brother "ot rid of them'? >I su!!ose he "ot tired of his collection'? Pic(in" u! his "lass) he dran( almost the entire "lass before settin" it on the table and "ave a satisfied smile' >No) this is not one of my vinta"e bottles) but Im ha!!y to say that it came from the -u(e of Wat(ins' 5e (nows a "entleman who can ma(e wine that tastes as if its been sittin" in a bottle for a hundred years' I dont (now what his secret is) but I wouldnt mind teachin" it to my staff' 8od (nows they could use somethin" more to occu!y their time' The other day) I cau"ht the valet in a rather embarrassin" situation with a chambermaid' 8ranted) these thin"s ha!!en) but if they insist on it) Id rather they do it when

there isnt wor( to be done'? 5edwrett !ic(ed u! a new card from the dec( and loo(ed at Nates "lass' >I ho!e youll taste it'? After he !ic(ed u! another card) Nate dutifully retrieved his "lass and si!!ed the wine in it' 5ow he wished he could leave already' The last thin" he wanted was to hear 5edwrett "ossi! about his household' >What do you thin(D? 5edwrett as(ed' >About whatD? >The wine) of course'? >2hA? Nate too( another si! and nodded' >Its "ood'? At least as "ood as any other wine hed had' 5e didnt (now what made it s!ecial) but he su!!osed taste was sub,ective' >Its "ood) he says'? With an e4a""erated eye roll) he chuc(led' >I hate to say this) *ord Roderic() but you dont (now "ood wine if all you can say is that this wine is "ood'? Nate shru""ed' >Im !reoccu!ied with the "ame' Shall we "et bac( to itD? 5e lifted his cards) !rayin" this would be the last round hed have to suffer throu"h' >Bes' Boure very focused'? >Its how I mana"ed to rectify the dama"e my steward did'? 5edwrett smir(ed' >I su!!ose it is' Too bad we cant combine your stewards amiability with your ability to !ro!erly settle financial matters'? 5e !ic(ed u! another card) and with a wide smile) added) >I believe I "ot a hundred !oints) *ord Roderic('? Relieved) he set his cards down' 8ood' The "ame was finally overA 6aybe now he could !ay 5edwrett and "o home' >Boure a terrible card !layer' No wonder you dont want to bet with money'? 5edwrett let out a hearty lau"h and motioned for the butler to !our him more wine' >-rin( u!) my lord' Its im!olite to not acce!t my "ift to you'?

Nate !ic(ed u! his full "lass and forced himself to drin( the wine' When he was done) 5edwrett motioned to the butler to !our more wine into Nates "lass) and as much as he wanted to !rotest) he didnt dare' 5edwrett sat bac( in his lar"e chair and si!!ed his wine' >Bou may leave)? he told his butler with a dismissive wave of his hand' >8ood hel! is so hard to find) dont you a"ree) *ord Roderic(D Even this butler cant seem to remember where the "ood wine is located in my cellar' If I didnt (now better) Id say he was smu""lin" the "ood bottles to his room'? 5e let out another boisterous lau"h' Nate "lanced at the butler who closed the door behind him on the way out' No wonder 5edwretts servants were (nown for either "ossi!in" about him or runnin" off as soon as they could' 5edwrett had no sense of di!lomacy' After 5edwrett dran( half the contents in his "lass) he let out a contented si"h' >Bes) that wine "ets better every time I taste it' 1ut never mind that' Bou have some money to "ive me' I wont ta(e u! any more of your time' I dont want to (ee! you away from those !ressin" matters at Weston'? Nate ,um!ed u! and followed 5edwrett to his des( where he !ulled out his led"er and ran his fin"ers down one of the columns' >Im afraid your led"er is incorrect' I dont owe you any more money'? >Why notD? >1ecause I !aid everythin" my steward owed you'? 5edwrett shru""ed' >1ut theres still the matter of interest for bein" late'? >I came here to tell you Im not !ayin" it'? 5edwrett frowned' >I see you a wee( before ma(in" "ood on the debt' As far as Im concerned) you owe me com!ensation for waitin"'?

Irritated) Nate !laced his hands on the table and made eye contact with him' >I dont owe you anythin"'? >Is it because you dont have any more moneyD -id your steward leave you destituteD? >6y financial affairs are not your concern'? >Since you owe me some money) they are my concern) but I thin( I mis,ud"ed how much your steward foolishly wasted' *ord Roderic() Im a reasonable "entleman' Im sure we can come to an a"reement' Perha!s if youd allow me some time alone with your wife) we could let the e4tra interest "o'? Nate didnt have time to thin(' 5e "rabbed 5edwrett by the cravat and !ulled him over the des( so their noses were barely touchin"' >If you ever ma(e a su""estion li(e that to me a"ain) Ill call you out to a duel) whether its le"al or not' That money I already "ave you settles the debt) but if you feel inclined to !ress me further) Ill be sure to a!!roach the "entleman you swindled the ne4t time Im at Whites club' -o you understandD? 5edwretts eyes "rew wide and he "ul!ed) his face !ale' >Si"nal that you understand'? 5e nodded' Nate released him' >Bou dis"ust me) *ord 5edwrett' If you come near me or my wife) I wont be res!onsible for what I do to you'? 5e strai"htened u! and e4haled to calm his nerves' >The account is settled' Bou wont be tellin" anyone otherwise'? 5edwrett reached for the bell at the corner of his des( and ran" it' The door to the room o!ened' >6a(e sure *ord Roderic( is escorted to his carria"e)? he told the butler) his voice a bit sha(y' Satisfied) Nate s!un on his heel and headed out of the room' EEE

>We have to "et out of here)? 6ister Robinson whis!ered' laire and *illy ste!!ed away from the wall while he !ut the !icture bac( in !lace' They hurried after him as he went to the door' 5e !ressed his fin"ers to his li!s and listened at the door as the butler led Nate out the front door' laire dared a "lance at her sister) wonderin" if she was as shoc(ed by what *ord 5edwrett had said as she was' *illys face was !ale) but she "ave no indication as to what she was thin(in"' It was ,ust as well' Shed have to tal( to her sister later' She turned her attention bac( to 6ister Robinson' 2nce everythin" was Cuiet) he o!ened the door a crac(' 5e nodded to them and led the way out the door and down a hallway until they reached the servants ste!s' 2nce they were outside) she released her breath and followed 6ister Robinson and her sister as they made their way around the side of the house' To her sur!rise) Nate was tal(in" to his footman' laire !aused for a moment) wonderin" why he wasnt already on his way to the house' Nate loo(ed in her direction) and when his "a9e met hers) his eyes "rew wide' 8as!in") she turned around and followed after 6ister Robinson and her sister who had sto!!ed a bloc( away to wait for her' As soon as she reached them) her sister as(ed) >Why did you sto!D? Hee!in" !ace with her com!anions) laire "roaned' >I didnt e4!ect my husband to still be in front of the house' It too( me by sur!rise'? She winced' >I thin( he (nows it was me'? >Bou cant (now that for sure)? 6ister Robinson said' >2h) but I can' 5e "ave me the same loo( he did that day when he cau"ht me dressed u! as a stableboy'?

*illy halted her ste!s) "rabbed laires arm) and turned her so they were facin" each other' >Bou dressed u! as a stableboyD? She "lanced behind her to ma(e sure Nates carria"e wasnt comin" down the street' >To see our !arents) but mostly to see you'? >To see meD? >1ecause you said *ord 5edwrett had ta(en an interest in you) and I wanted you to marry 6ister 6orris'? >*adies) can you discuss this laterD? 6ister Robinson interru!ted them' laire "lanced to where he was !ointin" and saw Nates carria"e headin" their way' Startled) she and the others hurried down the street' >Bou dont have to worry about me)? her sister told her' >I wont have anythin" else to do with *ord 5edwrett'? She breathed a si"h of relief' 2nce she reached her townhouse) 6ister Robinson darted down another street) and laire ur"ed her sister into the house where they snuc( u! the servants stairs and to her bedchamber' In all her life) laire had no idea she could chan"e clothes as fast as she did) and afterwards) she stuffed the chambermaids clothes and wi"s into a trun( and slammed the lid' 2ut of breath) she motioned for *illy to hurry to the drawin" room' 2nce downstairs) they !assed a sur!rised butler and made it to the room ,ust in time for the front door to o!en' 8as!in") laire sat down and stru""led to slow her breathin"' *illy sat beside her) also out of breath' Nate was tal(in" to the butler) and she decided that was her cue' She lau"hed) ma(in" sure it was loud enou"h for him to hear) and said) >2h *illyA Bou say the funniest thin"sA? To *illys credit) she ,oined her and lau"hed) too'

Nate entered the room) and she studied his face to ,ud"e whether or not he (new itd been her dressed as a chambermaid outside *ord 5edwretts house) but he "ave no indication if he (new' >6iss *owell) its a !leasure to see you a"ain)? he said with a bow' laire and *illy stood) and *illy curtsied' >Its a !leasure to see you as well) my lord'? She turned to laire and clas!ed her hands' >Than( you for everythin"' I must leave'? laire smiled' >Than( you for comin"'? >6y coachman will ta(e you home)? Nate said' Than(in" him) *illy left the room' After a few moments of aw(ward silence) he wal(ed over to laire and (issed her' >-id you have a "ood visit with your sisterD? 7nsure of how to best !roceed) she cleared her throat and nodded' >It was very enli"htenin"'? >Im sure it was'? She bit her lower li!) wonderin" if he was "oin" to mention *ord 5edwrett' >*ady Roderic() the stran"est thin" ha!!ened toni"ht)? he said' 5er eyebrows rose' >2hD? >Bes) there was this !erson who reminded me of you' I saw her ,ust as I was leavin" *ord 5edwretts residence'? 1last it allA 5e (newA /ust li(e last time) he was lettin" her (now it ri"ht away) too' She "ot ready to defend herself when it occurred to her that someone mi"ht be watchin" them' >Wait a moment' Ill e4!lain everythin" soon'? Without waitin" for him to as( what she was doin") she hurried out of the room and chec(ed to ma(e sure there werent any holes behind any of the !aintin"s ad,oinin" the drawin" room' When she was assured that no one could s!y on her and

her husband) she returned to the drawin" room' She shut the door and faced him' >I can e4!lain'? Thou"h he loo(ed curious about why she left the room) he focused on her' >All ri"ht' Im listenin"'? 8ood' It was a start' At least he wasnt ,ud"in" herFyet' She went over to the settee and !atted the s!ace ne4t to her' >Will you sit with meD? She e4!ected him to insist hed remain standin") but he com!lied and settled ne4t to her' 8ood' That was definitely a "ood si"n' >I wanted to show my sister that *ord 5edwrett wouldnt ma(e a suitable husband) so I thou"ht itd be to her benefit to see him as he really is' The only way I could do that was to convince 6ister Robinson to lend us some clothes@? >6ister RobinsonD? She stared at his incredulous e4!ression for a few seconds before she nodded' >Bes' *ord lements ward' So I wrote him a letter and as(ed@? >Bou contacted 6ister RobinsonD The one who is su!!osed to be at Weston em!tyin" chamber !ots so he could learn res!onsibilityD? >To be fair) he did this as a favor to me) and he notified *ord lement what he was doin" and why' I thin( that was res!onsible of him) dont youD? Thou"h he loo(ed uncertain) he said) >I su!!ose'? >So I as(ed him to brin" me and *illy a dis"uise' 6y !lan was to snea( into *ord 5edwretts townhouse so we could overhear you and him toni"ht' I thou"ht !erha!s hed let somethin" un!leasant sli! in his conversation with you since "entlemen are more a!t to be bold in their s!eech when ladies arent around'? >Bou snuc( into his houseD? >Bes'? >-id anyone see youD?

>5is butler'? When she saw his face fill with dread) she Cuic(ly added) >1ut his butler (nows someone who is a relative of someone who (nows 6ister RobinsonFor somethin" to that effect'? 5e blin(ed and shoo( his head' >WhatD? >Never mind' That !art doesnt matter' What matters is that the butler was more than willin" to turn the other way'? >The butler could tell *ord 5edwrett'? >5e wont'? >5ow can you be sureD? She shru""ed' >I believe 6ister Robinson when he said the butler could be trusted'? 5is eyes went heavenward and he let out a lon" si"h' >Re"ardless) the matter is done now) and the im!ortant thin" is my sister heard the conversation you and *ord 5edwrett shared'? 5is "a9e returned to her and he "rimaced' >Bes) I heard everythin") and Nate)? she added as she snu""led u! to him) >I thin( its wonderful you stood u! for me li(e that' Its nice to (now you care about me'? 5is face softened and he smiled' >2f course) I care about you' Boure more than my wife' Boure my friend) and I love you'? Thrilled) she smiled in return' >I love you) too'? >1ut I dont li(e the way youre dressin" u! in dis"uises and snea(in" off to !laces you shouldnt be' What if you "et hurtD What if *ord 5edwrett had cau"ht you and your sisterD Bou mi"ht not always be luc(y'? >I (now' I wont do it anymore' I wouldnt have done it this time if I wasnt worried about my sister'? >Bou can come to me instead of *ord lements ward'? 5er eyebrows rose in disbelief' > an ID?

5e started to answer her but hesitated' >I would have found a different way of handlin" thin"s with your sister) but yes) I would have hel!ed you'? Pleased) she (issed him' >In the future) Ill as( you to "et me a dis"uise'? Thou"h he si"hed) she noted the amusement in his tone' >I have a feelin" that bein" married to you will never be borin"'? >I should ho!e not'? 8rinnin") he !ulled her to him) but before he (issed her) she as(ed) >-o you really (now a "entleman at Whites *ord 5edwrett swindledD? >Ill tell you) but you must never tell anyone else) not even your sister'? She nodded her a"reement' >I was bluffin"' I dont have any idea who he cheated'? >I have a feelin" you do a better ,ob of deceivin" !eo!le than I do'? >I really ho!e you dont ma(e it a habit of !uttin" on dis"uises'? >I wont)? she !romised' Then with a wic(ed "rin) she added) >7nless you want me to'? 5e chuc(led and (issed her' She wra!!ed her arms around his nec( and "ave into the thrill of bein" with him' 5e dee!ened the (iss) and she !arted her li!s so his ton"ue could interlace with hers' At the moment) it was ,ust the two of them) and as they continued to (iss) she became aware of the ache formin" between her le"s' 6a(in" love to him was still new) but she was Cuic(ly learnin" what brou"ht her the "reatest amount of !leasure' What she wanted to do was learn how she could best !lease him' When their (iss ended) she !ulled far enou"h away from him so she could ma(e eye contact with him' >What can I do to !lease youD?

>Bou are !leasin" me'? 5e too( her hand in his and (issed her !alm) an action that caused deli"htful chills to run strai"ht to her toes' As he (issed her hand a"ain) her "a9e lowered to his !ants) notin" the outline of his erection' Shed seen him na(ed) but she hadnt "otten u! the nerve to e4!lore him' She wondered if she should now' 5e brou"ht his mouth bac( to hers) his li!s more demandin" than before) evidence of his buildin" !assion' >Nate)? she whis!ered' >5mmD? he as(ed as he (issed her ,awline and then her nec(' She si"hed and leaned into him' This was one of the thin"s that !leased her most' 5e brou"ht his hand to one of her breasts and cu!!ed it in his hand' 5is thumb brushed the area where her ni!!le was) and she involuntarily shuddered' She wanted to feel his bare hands on her flesh) but first) she wanted to e4!lore him) to fully learn his body' >Nate)? she ventured a"ain) her heart racin" at the thou"ht of even as(in" the Cuestion' >WhatD? 5is breath tic(led her ear so she "i""led' Than(fully) the sim!le action hel!ed to ease her a!!rehension' She cleared her throat' > an IFD That is) I havent touched you everywhere yet'? 5e sto!!ed (issin" her and loo(ed at her' >Bou want to (now me betterD? That wasnt e4actly the way she would have worded it) but the meanin" was the same so she nodded des!ite her warm chee(s' 5e released his hold on her and removed his clothes' 5er heart raced in antici!ation' She wondered if he was nervous) but if he was) he didnt show it' 5e offered a reassurin" smile and brou"ht her hands to his chest' >Bou can touch me anywhere you want'?

Then he closed his eyes) somethin" she a!!reciated since she felt aw(ward enou"h as it was without him watchin" her' -es!ite the warmth risin" to her chee(s) she e4!lored his chest) her fin"ers brushin" the fine hairs and teasin" his ni!!les which "rew hard in res!onse' 5e rela4ed into the settee and ran his hand alon" her arm) a silent encoura"ement for her to continue' 5er "a9e went to his arousal and then to his eyes to ma(e sure he hadnt o!ened them' 5e still had them closed' Relieved) she lowered her hands) intri"ued to find out what hed feel li(e in her hands' 5ed been inside her) somethin" that brou"ht her much !leasure' Now as she traced his erection) she tried to memori9e every !art of it' She li"htly touched the ti! and ran her fin"ers down his shaft' Tentatively) she wra!!ed her hand around him and li"htly sCuee9ed him' It struc( her a stran"e thin" that his s(in was sil(y while he was hard' 5is hand clas!ed around hers' Sur!rised) she loo(ed bac( at his face) but he still had his eyes closed' >Bou can use more !ressure)? he whis!ered and ti"htened his hand so she sCuee9ed him' >What else do you li(eD? she softly as(ed) almost hesitant since it was a bold move on her !art' 5e brou"ht her hand to the base of his shaft and then brou"ht it swiftly u! to his ti! and then brou"ht it bac( down a"ain' 5e re!eated the !rocess several times until she "ot the han" of it' When he released her hand) she continued the action' It seemed such a wic(ed thin" to do@touchin" a "entlemans na(ed body while she was fully dressed' 1ut he moaned his a!!reciation and wi""led beneath her in a way that emboldened her to (neel in front of him so she could ta(e him into her mouth' 5e "as!ed in !leasure as she traced his ti! with her ton"ue) tastin" the salty bead of moisture alon" his slit' She too( more

of him into her mouth and suc(ed li"htly while usin" her hand to sCuee9e the base of his shaft' 5e murmured his a!!reciation and cu!!ed her face in his hands so he could "uide her mouth u! and down his shaft' She followed his lead) aware of how this intimate contact was ma(in" her body ready for his entry' It also "ave her a feelin" of !ower to (now she could ma(e him moan and sCuirm in !leasure' She e4!erimented to find out if he !referred it when she was "oin" slow or fast) so she alternated between the two' When she was satisfied with her e4!loration) he ordered her to sit on the settee' 5i"hly aroused from bein" so intimate with him) she obeyed) ea"er to find out what he had in mind' 5e !roceeded to undress her) his hands Cuic( and sure as they removed each layer of clothin" until she was na(ed in front of him' Shootin" her a mischievous loo() he "ot on his (nees' 5e leaned forward and (issed her nec(' She closed her eyes and focused on his li!s and his hands as they caressed her body' 5er !ulse raced as his fin"ers brushed her breasts and then her ni!!les) !ur!osely teasin" her' 5is thumb brushed her ni!!les which "rew taut) and the ache between her le"s increased) demandin" that she find com!letion' She whis!ered for him to touch her down there) and he lowered one of his hands' She wi""led to "et closer to him as his fin"ers brushed her sensitive nub) but he didnt a!!ly more !ressure' She didnt (now if she had the !atience to wait' A !art of her wanted to draw this out) to en,oy every caress' 1ut another !art) a more ur"ent !art) insisted she clima4 now' She made another attem!t to wi""le closer to him but he sto!!ed her' She "roaned in frustration) ma(in" him chuc(le' >Its only fair I tease you li(e you teased me)? he murmured'

5e lowered his head) (issin" her as he went until his mouth reached her breasts' 5e (issed one and then the other while two of his fin"ers slid into her body' She arched her bac( and moaned' 5is ton"ue traced her ni!!le and he suc(led li"htly on it) an action that only served to ma(e her more ea"er for him as he sli!!ed a third fin"er into her' 5is thumb !ressed firmly on her nub and wor(ed in circular motions' She roc(ed her hi!s a"ainst him) des!erately see(in" out the clima4 that was within reach' 1ut he sto!!ed stro(in" her with his thumb and stilled his fin"ers' She !rotested) but he i"nored her and brou"ht his head between her le"s' 2!enin" her eyes) she watched as his ton"ue went to her sensitive nub' She shar!ly inhaled and closed her eyes a"ain' 5e resumed his stro(in") his fin"ers wor(in" e4!ertly inside her) rubbin" the sensitive re"ion dee! in her core while his ton"ue went in la9y circular motions on her sensitive nub' She s!read her le"s further and roc(ed her hi!s in rhythm with him' 5er body Cuic(ly built u! toward the clima4) and she "rabbed his shoulders and told him to (ee! "oin"' This time he didnt sto!' She cried out as her or"asm came u!on her) and she savored each wave of !leasure as it crashed into her' 3inally) when her body rela4ed) his fin"ers left her body and he sat ne4t to her' With a wic(ed smile) he !ulled her onto his la! and entered her' She moaned in !leasure) her core still sensitive from her or"asm) and roc(ed her hi!s in time with his thrustin"' There was no lon" build u! to another clima4 this time' 5is actions were determined and focused) his thrustin" ta(in" her immediately to another clima4) and as she cried out a"ain) he "rew taut and "roaned while he released his seed into her' Afterwards) she colla!sed in his arms) and he held her ti"htly to him' 5e !laced her hand on his chest where she could feel his heartbeat' She smiled and rested her head on his

shoulder) content to rest in his embrace as she recalled how he told her that he loved her'

ha!ter Twenty-Two 2ctober laires stomach rolled in !rotest at the thou"ht of eatin" brea(fast' She shivered and !ushed the !late away from her' She couldnt even mana"e to eat fruit today' 8lancin" around the dinin" room to ta(e her mind off the food) her "a9e went to the lar"e window and she smiled' Weston was a wonderful haven from the distractions of *ondon) es!ecially when she "ot to s!end her time with her husband' And on this !articular day) a nice ride on the estate mi"ht be a nice diversion' Shed wal( if she had the ener"y) but e4!ectin" a child !roved to be a tirin" e4!erience) and she s!ent more time reclinin" on her daybed instead of "oin" for wal(s as she often did' >Are you all ri"htD? Nate as(ed' >Im fine'? She turned her attention to him) notin" his smile' >Boure in a "ood mood'? 5is smile widened' >Why wouldnt I beD Its a "or"eous mornin") and I "et to s!end it with my wife'? 5er chee(s warmed at his words' >I have a sur!rise for you'? 5is eyebrows rose as he !o(ed his for( into the last of his e""' >2hD? >Bes) but I wont tell you until were at the !ond'? >The !ondD? >Bes' Its a lovely !lace for a stroll) dont you thin(D? 5e nodded and finished his food' >All ri"ht'? 5e "lanced at her !late' >Bou hardly ate anythin"'? >Theres a "ood reason for that) but I want to tell you when we "et to the !ond'? 5e !laced his na!(in on the table and rose to his feet' >Are you readyD?

>Bes) Im done)? she said and ,oined him as he left the dinin" room' >Are you "oin" to "ive me any hints re"ardin" your sur!riseD? >If I did that) it wouldnt be a sur!rise'? Thou"h he shoo( his head and let out an e4as!erated si"h) she noted his amusement' >And you say Im stubborn'? She decided to i"nore his comment and waited for the coachman to brin" the carria"e u! to the house' Turnin" to Nate) she "ave him a (iss on the chee(' >What I want to tell you is s!ecial) and I want the settin" to be !erfect' Bou wouldnt deny me that) would youD? >No) I wouldnt)? he admitted with a sly "rin' 5er eyebrows furrowed' -id he sus!ect the truthD It wouldnt be much of a sur!rise if he did' 1efore she could "ive it any more thou"ht) he led her out of the house and to the carria"e' 2n the way to the !ond) he sat ne4t to her and too( her hand' >Bou loo( e4cited'? >Thats because I am'? >What are you e4cited aboutD? She o!ened her mouth to tell him but sto!!ed when she reali9ed his !loy' >Boure not "ettin" me to say anythin" until we "et to the !ond'? 5e "rinned' >I had to try'? -urin" the ride to the !ond) he (issed her chee( and nec() ma(in" her "i""le' >Nate) youre tic(lin" me'? >-o you mindD? he whis!ered and nibbled her ear' Tin"les of deli"ht raced u! and down her s!ine' >No) but I didnt reali9e I was so tic(lish'? >Bou werent tic(lish last ni"ht'?

1lushin") she !layfully shoved him away and strai"htened u! as the carria"e came to a sto!' >Boure a wic(ed man) *ord Roderic('? >*ord Roderic(D /ust a minute a"o it was Nate'? She smiled at his teasin" tone but turned her attention to the coachman when he o!ened the carria"e door' After she "ot out) Nate told him theyd be bac( shortly and "uided her down the !ath that led to a !ond surrounded by a beautiful variety of trees with colorful leaves' She breathed in their sweet fra"rance) thin(in" that few thin"s were as !erfect as en,oyin" a stroll with her husband in autumn' >What a lovely si"ht)? she said as she sCuee9ed his arm in a!!reciation' 5e sto!!ed and faced her' >Were here) and Im im!atient' What do you have to tell meD? She !aused for a lon" moment and then bro(e into a "rin' >I su!!ose I made you wait lon" enou"h' Im e4!ectin" a childA? 5is eyes lit u!' >Bou areD? She nodded' >The baby will be here in 6ay'? 5e bro(e into a wide smile before he brou"ht her into his arms and (issed her' Wra!!in" her arms around his nec() she returned his (iss' Afterwards) she as(ed) >-id you (nowD? >Would you be u!set if I told you I sus!ected thats what you had to tell meD? >No) I su!!ose not' 1ut youre ha!!yD? >0ery'? >Thats all that matters'? ontent) she !ut her arm around his and continued wal(in" down the !ath with him' When she was done) they returned to the carria"e' As they rounded the bend that too( them to the front entrance of the manor) she was sur!rised to see Perrys carria"e'

>-id you (now your friend was comin" this mornin"D? she as(ed Nate' 5e sto!!ed (issin" her nec( and !eered out the window' >I (new he !lanned to sto! by today) but he never said when' Its a "ood time' I can tell him the "ood news'? As their carria"e !ulled u! behind Perrys) laire reali9ed Perry was standin" by the butler who was waitin" for them' >I dont thin( hes been waitin" that lon"'? >No) but I wonder why he didnt bother "oin" to the drawin" room'? >6aybe he saw us comin" and fi"ured hed wait outside' 1esides) its a sunny day' 6aybe he wanted to en,oy the nice weather'? 5e shru""ed' >Whatever the reason) its "ood to see him' 5e owes me a "ame of chess'? >Bou arent still u!set you lost the last "ame) are youD? >-ont be absurd' Im not u!set' I ,ust want to ma(e sure my strate"y wor(s) "iven the ri"ht circumstances'? >Whoever wins) Im sure youll have a "ood time'? The footman o!ened their door and Nate followed her out of the carria"e' Perry lim!ed over to them and "rinned' >Why Nate) I do believe you loo( ha!!y today'? >Thats because Im "oin" to win our ne4t chess "ame)? he re!lied' >Bou (now what I li(e most about youD? Perry be"an as he !ointed his cane at him' >Bou never "ive u! the ho!e that youll win a "ame'? Nate rolled his eyes) and Perry !atted him on the shoulder' Turnin" to laire) he said) >I was unnecessarily cruel' 5e does win a "ame every fifth time we !lay'? >Every fifth timeD? he huffed' >6aybe si4th'? Perry shru""ed' >I cant (ee! trac('?

laire "i""led' >-o you have anythin" interestin" to tell meD? Perry as(ed) loo(in" e4!ectantly between her and Nate' Nate nodded' >I do) but have you found a wife yetD? >Im sorry to say not yet) but maybe ne4t year durin" the Season) Ill find her' *et me venture a "uess on your news' laire is e4!ectin" a childD? laire si"hed' >Why do I "et the feelin" everyone already (nows about the babyD? >Boure an old married cou!le' What other news could you haveD? Perry teased' >Bou have to "et accustomed to Perry)? Nate told her' >5e thin(s hes funny' Sadly) no one else a"rees'? >I dont (now what you would do without each other)? she said' >*ets "o inside and have some tea' Id li(e to hear how your ward is doin" now that hes under your care a"ain'? As they turned to "o into the house) Perry said) >5es been much better' I dont (now what you said to him) laire) but hes not the same !erson I sent here' Bou must wor( miracles' 3irst) my friend and then my wardF Theyre all better off since you came into their lives'? >*i(e I said) youre not that funny)? Nate muttered) and des!ite his serious tone) laire saw the twin(le in his eye' *au"hin") the three entered the drawin" room' EEE /uly &<&K Weston laire ran to embrace her sister as *illy and her husband "ot out of their carria"e' >Im so "lad you came)? laire said as she

!ulled away from *illy and e4amined her !rotrudin" belly' >When will you "ive birthD? >In 2ctober'? >Im so e4cited for youA? >I am) too) and so is my husband? *illy turned to 6ister 6orris' >5ell be a wonderful father'? 6ister 6orris wore a "rin that went from ear to ear' >I hear you had a son)? he told laire' >Bes' We named him Perry after my husbands friend'? laire motioned for Nate to ,oin them' >-ont be shy) my lord'? Nate wal(ed over to them) bouncin" a ha!!y boy in his arms' >Im not shy' I ,ust didnt want to interfere with two sisters hu""in" and lau"hin"' Its "ood to see you) 6ister 6orris'? >Its an honor' This is a fine estate) *ord Roderic()? 6ister 6orris said as he bowed' Nate returned the "esture' >Than( you' -o you !lay chessD? >Every chance I "et'? >Then you wont mind !layin" a few "amesD? >Id be deli"hted'? laire acce!ted her son from Nate who instructed the butler to ta(e in their lu""a"e' >6y house(ee!er will show you to your rooms) and then Ill see how "ood you are at chess)? Nate told 6ister 6orris' 5e "lanced at laire and *illy' >Will you be comin" insideD? >Well ta(e a wal( first)? laire re!lied' >We havent seen each other for a while) and itll be nice to find out everythin" thats ha!!enin" in *ondon'? 5e nodded and motioned for 6ister 6orris to ,oin him and the butler' *illy acce!ted a reticule from the footman and rushed over to her' >I want to "ive you somethin" that I ho!e will remind

you of me' We havent been able to see each other as much as we used to) but that doesnt mean I dont thin( of you often'? Touched by her words) she smiled and hu""ed *illy a"ain) careful not to ma(e her son uncomfortable' >Ive missed you'? >Ive missed you) too) but we both married well) didnt weD 6other and 3ather are so !roud'? >Bes) I su!!ose they are) butF? >1ut whatD? >-id you marry 6ister 6orris because you wanted to or did you feel you had no other choiceD? *illy !ut her arm around laires and led her down the !ath that would ta(e them to the "a9ebo' 2nce they were out of earshot of anyone who mi"ht overhear them) she said) >I wanted to marry him' After that ni"ht we s!ied on *ord 5edwrett) I reali9ed how much *ord Roderic( loves you) and I decided I wanted the same (ind of marria"e you have' There was only one "entleman who loved me enou"h to stand u! for me the way *ord Roderic( stood u! for you'? She shru""ed and smiled' >So I convinced 6ister 6orris to marry me'? > onvinced himD? >Its a lon" story) but suffice it to say it too( him a while to believe Id be ha!!y with him even thou"h he didnt have a title'? She o!ened her reticule and too( out a cameo' >I had this en"raved with my name) and Im wearin" a matchin" one with your name on it'? They sto!!ed wal(in" and laire ins!ected the !retty !rofile of the youn" lady on the cameo' >Its lovely'? >This way) we can be with each other all the time'? >I li(e that'? Perry fussed in her arms so laire (issed his forehead' >I thin( hes "ettin" tired'? >2h) let me hold himA? *illy held her arms out so laire com!lied and handed him to her' She (issed his chee( and rubbed his bac(' >5e loo(s a lot his father'?

laire "i""led' >5es !robably "oin" to be a lot li(e his father) too' I cau"ht Nate readin" one of his borin" boo(s to him'? *illy crin"ed' >2ne of his !olitical boo(sD? >Bes'? >6y !oor ne!hew'? She roc(ed him in her arms and si"hed' >Than( "oodness you have me' Ill ma(e sure you "et boo(s that wont bore you'? *illy loo(ed u! from her ne!hew and added) >Were luc(y to have our husbands) dont you thin(D? >Bes) we are luc(y'? >And) of course) theyre luc(y to have us'? huc(lin") laire too( her sister by the arm and nodded' >Bes) thats true) too'? The two sisters continued their wal( to the "a9ebo) lau"hin" and tal(in" the whole way'

Available in the Re"ency ollectionF 5er ounterfeit 5usband The -uchess of Wat(ins husband ,ust died) and her unscru!ulous brother-in-law is ready to ste! in as the -u(e of Wat(ins' In des!eration) she enlists the hel! of the butler) and the two determine to Cuietly bury her husband and !retend hes still alive' It will be a secret they will (ee! to their "raves in order to !rotect the estate' After buryin" him in a forest in the middle of the ni"ht) they come across a man whos been beaten and left for dead' And this man ha!!ens to loo( ,ust li(e her husband' Seein" this as the answer to their !rayers) they ta(e the man home in ho!es hell a"ree to be the new -u(e of Wat(ins' Theres only one !roblem' When he wa(es u!) he doesnt remember who he is) and a search for anyone who mi"ht (now him leaves his true identity a mystery' Ta(in" their chances) the -uchess of Wat(ins and the butler convince him hes her husband' 7nli(e her first husband) this one is everythin" shes ever ho!ed for' 1ut when he learns the truth) can he for"ive her for her lie or will he "o bac( to the life he had beforeD EEE A 6ost 7nsuitable Earl Ethan Silverton) the *ord of Edon) is very content with his life' 5es carefully scul!ted it so that everyone thin(s hes a notorious ra(e' 3or years) hes wor(ed hard to build his re!utation to secure his !lace as the most undesirable bachelor

in *ondon' And its wor(ed' No decent lady will have him'

1ut one sim!le error in ,ud"ment has ,ust sealed his fate' 5is intention was to dissuade a horrid mother from matchin" him u! with her eCually horrid dau"hter' Seein" no one but *ady atherine without a dance !artner) he tells a lie' 5e a!!roaches *ady atherine as if they are betrothed) and the !loy wor(s' The horrid mother and her dau"hter abandon their !ursuit of him'

E4ce!t Ethans mother s!ies his !loy and is so relieved that shes found a way to marry him to a re!utable youn" lady that she tells everyone of their en"a"ement' To his horror) word s!reads and its his duty to see the lie throu"h' This is the worst thin" that can ha!!en) and no one but his mother is ha!!y about it' Not *ady atherine' Not her dotin" father' Not even Ethan' 1ut his mother is sure itll all wor( outFeventually' EEE omin" Summer $%&= 5is Reluctant *ady If theres one thin" 6ister hristo!her Robinson loves) its a "ood mystery) and if there was ever a deli"htful mystery) its

*ady Richfield' 3rom the moment he meets her at a ball) he is determined to find out her secret) no matter what it ta(es'

A"atha *yons) *ady of Richfield) is hidin" a secret' Its a secret so shoc(in" that) if discovered) it could ruin her re!utation'

When a little sli! e4!oses this secret) 6ister Robinson sees his chance and ma(es her a deal+ marry him or ris( scandal' Will she (ee! her inde!endence as a wealthy widow or will she succumb to a second husband who not only threatens to i"nite her dormant !assions but ma(es her want to "ive u! her heart as wellD