To Seduce a Bride (Courtship Wars)

Yet he was looking forward to the most intriguing challenge he’d encountered in years.

He had every confidence that he could eventually change Lily’s mind about not wanting to marry him. His powers of persuasion were legendary, with charm and persistence being primary weapons in his arsenal.

In truth, winning had always come easily to him, Heath reflected-and he had every intention of claiming victory in their courtship.

But since Lily was so unconventional, he knew conventional methods would be ineffectual with her. If he hoped to keep her off balance, he needed to be creative and enterprising. Thus the superb Thoroughbred mare he’d bought for her late yesterday.

His instincts told him the way to Lily’s heart would not be through jewels and other feminine gewgaws. And from her pleased reaction to the mare, he knew he’d succeeded in winning their first skirmish.

However, the first words out of Lily’s mouth were not those of a young lady eager to win his own heart:

“I wish you would believe me, Lord Claybourne, when I say I will never marry.”

Heath cocked an eyebrow. “You mean to remain a spinster your entire life? I just cannot see it.”

“I can, quite easily. I imagine I will find spinsterhood delightful,” Lily contended. “Besides, two married women in one family is more than enough.”

He chuckled. “You haven’t yet forgiven your sisters for falling in love.”

“I have not.” Since Lily’s face was mostly veiled, he couldn’t see her eyes, but her luscious mouth was curved in a half smile. “I suppose they have a right to choose their own futures, however. And I am very glad they are happy. As for me, I was perfectly content before Marcus inherited the title from our late step-uncle and came into our lives.”

“Even living under the taint of scandal as you were?”

When her smile faded, Heath was sorry he’d brought up the subject. “It is highly regrettable that you and your sisters had to bear the brunt of your parents’ ignominy.”

Lily’s shrug was nonchalant. “You needn’t pity us, my lord. We quickly realized there was a silver lining to the disgrace. We were no longer expected to behave like perfect ladies.”

“Which you rarely did in any case.”

Her smile returned. “Indeed. But the scandals liberated us in a way.” She sighed. “You have no idea how frustrating it is to be shackled by the restrictions deemed proper for genteel young ladies. Frankly, I envy Fanny the freedom she enjoys.”

“But society permits more freedom for married ladies to behave as they please than single ones.”

She laughed. “Possibly, but that still won’t induce me to marry you.”

Heath very much liked the sound of her husky laughter. “What objections do you have to wedding me, other than your desire for independence?”

Lily waited until they had negotiated their mounts across a busy avenue before she answered. “Your reputation, for one thing. You are infamous for your amorous conquests, and I have no wish to become one more of their number.”

“As my wife, you would hardly be my conquest, sweeting. In fact, some would say you would be making the conquest.”

“Oh, yes, I know,” she said sardonically. “You are a great matrimonial prize. But you have plenty of admirers pursuing you. And since I don’t like to imitate sheep, I mean to resist you on general principle. I am stubborn-minded that way.”

“I can see that,” Heath remarked, amused. “But would you really allow stubbornness to dictate your entire future?”

She didn’t respond at once, and when she did, her tone was thoughtful. “Do you keep a mistress, Lord Claybourne?”

The question surprised him for its boldness, but he gave her an honest reply. “Not regularly, no.”

“But you have had countless lovers.”

His mouth curved. “You give me too much credit. The number is not countless. Even I haven’t that much fortitude.”

“Nevertheless, I expect you are a bit too much like my father for my tastes.”

Fixing his gaze on Lily, Heath regarded her intently. “I’ll have you know, I mean to remain faithful to our marriage vows after we are wed.”

Her pause spoke volumes. Because of the veil, he couldn’t see her arched eyebrows, but he heard the cynicism in her voice when she replied. “I find that very difficult to believe.”