My Fair Lover (Legendary Lovers 5)

“American women are freer to disregard the rules. In fact, America is a more equal society in general, without such vast differences between classes.”

She glanced over at Deverill, wondering at his sudden philosophical mood. “True. To our discredit, we English overly esteem rank and status. But you can use our class prejudices to your advantage in your search for a bride. Your title is a prime matrimonial inducement. It is only natural that women will pursue you for the chance to join the nobility.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“Of course, there is your wealth.”

“And my dashing appearance also,” he prodded good-humoredly.

“Well, you are a handsome, virile man.”

“You find me virile?”

Disregarding his laughing eyes that made a jest of humility, Kate gave him a brief perusal. Deverill possessed an air of breathtaking virility that commanded attention, while his melting masculine charm was potent enough to capture the iciest of female hearts. “I am only pointing out your attributes as others see them.”

“What other attributes do you see?”

She gave a snort of exasperation. “You well know your attractions, Lord Valmere. You don’t need me to puff up your vanity. You would do better to worry about concealing your many flaws.”

A chuckle shook his chest. “Pray, don’t spare my feelings.”

“What feelings are those? Yours seem impermeable.” Kate met his warm eyes and laughed in return. “You can be supremely aggravating, you know.”

“As can you. You are still set on turning me into a milquetoast.”

“Only for your own benefit.”

Deverill made a tsking sound. “Your brother warned me that when it comes to matchmaking, you are the embodiment of a meddlesome female.”

“I merely want to make a valuable difference in people’s lives.”

“And you never do anything by half measures.”

“What is the saying? If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well….Which reminds me of an issue we need to discuss. I wish you would find someone to marry you for yourself rather than for your fortune or title. No doubt countless ladies will fall all over you, but for superficial reasons.”

His look turned considering. “You aren’t fixed on wedding a nobleman yourself, are you?”

“No, but I put less store in lineage than most of my acquaintances. We Wildes can trace our bloodlines back to the Normans, but while roots and blood kinship are important, ties of friendship and love are much more vital to me.”

Deverill shook his head. “I told you, love isn’t a requisite for my marriage.”

“I remember. But you should want love. If you put your mind to it, you could even have the special kind of love that most of my family have found.”

A muscle flexed in his jaw. “My parents had a strict marriage of convenience. Love played no part in their arrangement.”

She frowned. “My experience was vastly different from yours, thank heaven. My parents were madly in love.”

At the memory, Kate felt the old ache again. She knew what it was like to lose loved ones, to feel alone, to yearn for love to fill the hole in your heart. “Loss can change

your perspective. So can growing up without a mother.”

His gaze grew thoughtful. “That I cannot relate to. But my own mother was rather cold and indifferent.” Kate frowned at his revelation, even before Deverill added, “My father was just as cold in his own way, strict and autocratic. I confess I always envied your family’s closeness.”

His tone was surprisingly sober, which roused a powerful surge of sympathy in Kate. “I am sorry your family was not so warm and loving as mine.”

When Deverill caught her watching him, his somberness abruptly disappeared. “I know—you are a hopeless romantic.”

She flashed a smile. “I willingly admit it. It offends my sensibilities for you to marry for mere convenience. I have seen it over and over again. Love makes an enormous difference to the chance for a happy marriage.”