“Sorry, old chap, for doubting you. It is just that I have been at my wits’ end ever since learning of that viper’s demands. And you were off in Brighton, wooing genteel young ladies at your grandmother’s behest. And then, when at last I manage to get word to you and you agree to meet me, I find you playing Sir Galahad.”

Freddie shuddered again. Rising to replenish his glass, he gave Rayne a penetrating glance. “I can scarcely credit that you saddled yourself with a spinster. I should think it the last thing you would want, given that you will soon be leg-shackled to a wife.”

“On the contrary, I am looking forward to the diversion,” Rayne said in all sincerity.

He was glad to finally have some excitement in his life. He’d been restless and on edge of late, but in the course of an evening, he had acquired two unexpected challenges to deal with.

A spark of anticipation surged through h

im. He thrived on action, and solving Freddie’s dilemma and seeing to Miss Madeline Ellis’s welfare was precisely what he needed to harness his restless energy and fill the emptiness in his life.

Furthermore, it would allow him to postpone his search for a bride for a time, and to forget that he had sworn to surrender his much-cherished freedom in order to settle down in matrimony and sire an heir.

Chapter Three

You know I have rarely fretted over my circumstances, Maman, but learning of Lord Haviland’s search for a bride makes me wish I had more to offer him.

Madeline woke reluctantly the next morning, enveloped in the remnants of a delicious dream. For much of the night she’d been held spellbound by Rayne Haviland’s kisses. Loath to leave the delightful fantasy behind, she raised her fingers to her lips, recalling the stunning sensuality, the simmering heat, the ardent tenderness in his touch….

The lovely sensations suddenly burst as Madeline opened her eyes to the cold light of day.

It took a moment, however, for her to recognize her surroundings: a luxurious guest bedchamber at Danvers Hall. Lord Haviland had abandoned her there unceremoniously last night, to her chagrin. But apparently her subconscious had forgiven him in favor of reveling in his sinful kisses.

Vexed at herself for indulging in fruitless dreams, Madeline sighed and shook off the tantalizing memories, then rose to wash and dress. She was foolish to fantasize about Haviland kissing her. Last evening he had simply mistaken her for a lightskirt and had acted with sheer male lust, taking bold advantage of her presumed availability.

And you responded with unabashed ardor, passionately returning his embrace like any wanton.

Madeline blushed in acknowledgment of her wicked behavior, and yet she couldn’t help feeling wistful, knowing she would never again experience anything so enthralling. Haviland had promised it would never happen again, and he was a man of his word … to her immense regret.

Muttering a rebuke beneath her breath, she donned her undergarments and then reached for her gown. She wished she had something to wear other than ugly black bombazine—

Immediately Madeline quelled the thought as a pang of conscience struck her.

“I know, Maman. I should not be lamenting my lack of pretty clothes when some poor souls have only rags to wear.”

She should not be thinking ill of Lord Haviland either, even if his domineering, take-charge manner was more than a little aggravating. And indeed, she was grateful for his generosity in rescuing her. She had needed his help last evening. And because of him, her prospects were looking up.

The possibility of changing her occupation from companion to teacher at a young ladies’ academy held serious appeal. It would be pleasant to no longer be at the beck and call of a cantankerous elderly mistress, Madeline conceded.

Still, it surprised her that Haviland had put off his own pressing affairs in order to escort her here. Based on her admittedly limited experience with noblemen, she had a rather low opinion of the breed. Quite often, members of the British aristocracy were indolent care-for-nothings.

“But I confess I was impressed with Haviland, Maman. Compared to Lord Ackerby, he could not be more different.”

Not only was Haviland more honorable, he had worked his entire life—at a dangerous occupation, no less—even though he certainly had not needed to, given his noble bloodlines and family’s wealth. And he hadn’t seemed to look down his nose at her for working, either. And while she didn’t want to feel obliged to him, it was imperative that she find employment soon so she needn’t rely on her brother to support her. Gerard should begin his married life unburdened by a spinster sister.

Madeline felt a surge of affection at the thought of her younger brother. Marrying his sweetheart was Gerard’s best opportunity for happiness, and she wouldn’t deprive him of this chance. Her great hopes for him stemmed in part because she felt responsible for him. Growing up motherless—and for much of each year, fatherless—she and Gerard had only had each other.

It was Madeline’s most profound regret that their mother had died so young. But their sadness had only been compounded because afterward, Papa had wrapped himself in his work out of grief.

Their parents had been so deeply in love, and now Gerard was over the moon as well. Madeline couldn’t help but envy her brother a little. She had always wanted someone to love, a husband to cherish and grow old with, a tender lover who would give her the children she longed for.

In her wildest dreams she’d envisioned being swept up into passion and romance. Yet she had never even had a beau. The trouble was, with her rather plain appearance and lack of dowry combined with the demands of her reclusive employer, she had failed to attract any eligible suitors—although infuriatingly enough, she had managed to rouse the unwanted attentions of her lecherous neighbor, Baron Ackerby.

Even so, she yearned for love. Sometimes the feeling was so strong it was a physical ache.

But there was no use dwelling on what she was missing in her life, Madeline sternly reminded herself as she pinned up her brown hair into a simple knot. Moreover, she had more important worries at the moment. The Danvers Hall butler and his housekeeper wife, Mrs. Simpkin, had been unfailingly kind, but Madeline felt exceedingly uncomfortable staying at a noble estate without the owners present.

She intended to call upon Lord Haviland as soon as she finished dressing. Perhaps her trunk had arrived by now, and she needed a change of clothing more suitable to a teacher if she was to have an interview with Lady Danvers later today.

Tags: Nicole Jordan Courtship Wars Historical
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