Jilted in January
Author: Kate Pearce
Date: 2016-01-25 05:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Historical Romance; Historical; Novella; Romance; Regency; Regency Romance; Short Stories
Description: Rose Leyton is stuck at the Duke of Beckworth’s country estate waiting for the return of her betrothed. If it wasn’t for the handsome assistant land agent, Mr. Colin Ford, she might believe she had ceased to exist at all. But when her intended arrives things aren’t quite how she expected. As the youngest son of an impoverished peer, Colin is all too aware of how it feels to be ignored. His impulsive offer to save Miss Leyton from an unwanted marriage quickly becomes more serious than either of them anticipated. Can they both step out of the shadows and find a way to true independence and happi

Table of Contents

Title Page

A Year Without a Duke

Copyright Page

Author Links

Blurb

Letter to Mrs. Pemberley

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Forbidden in February

About the Author

Jilted in January

A Year Without a Duke, Book 1

Kate Pearce

A Year Without a Duke

The duke has died. Long live the duke! The only problem is no one knows who the new Duke of Beckworth is. All of England wonders, but no one more so than the people who depend upon Beckworth for their livelihood. In 1816, a year so cold that the word “summer” is a cruel joke, that livelihood is even more uncertain. However, they are all about to find out, with the duke away, there is nothing more warming than scandal and love…

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros

Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore

A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby

First Digital Edition, January 2016

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the author.

Digital books are not transferable. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright holder is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

To learn more about Kate Pearce and for more information about A Year Without a Duke, visit:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

To join Kate’s mailing list

Jilted in January

Kate Pearce

Rose Leyton is stuck at the Duke of Beckworth’s country estate waiting for the return of her betrothed. If it wasn’t for the handsome assistant land agent, Mr. Colin Ford, she might believe she had ceased to exist at all. But when her intended arrives things aren’t quite how she expected.

As the youngest son of an impoverished peer, Colin is all too aware of how it feels to be ignored. His impulsive offer to save Miss Leyton from an unwanted marriage quickly becomes more serious than either of them anticipated. Can they both step out of the shadows and find a way to true independence and happiness?

When matrimonial matters don’t go quite as planned, can one jilted bride and an unlikely hero save the day?

Letter to Mrs. Pemberley

Henrietta Pemberley,

Beckworth Park

My dear Mrs. Pemberley,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Mr. Reginald Tompkins of Richards, Thistlewaite, and Tompkins Solicitors based at Temple in London. We have handled the affairs of the Beckworth estate since 1740 and hope to continue in this role for the foreseeable future.

As you are the longest-serving and most senior member of the late Duke of Beckworth’s staff, I am writing to inform you of the search that is currently being pursued for the heir to the title. This has proven to be far more complicated than we envisioned. In the meantime, I wish to reassure you that all reasonable bills from the duke’s country estate will continue to be paid by this office, and that you should apply directly to me if you are in need.

The late duke spoke most highly of your skills, Mrs. Pemberley, and I am certain that we shall deal extremely well together until the unfortunate matter of the inheritance is sorted out and we can welcome a new duke to Beckworth.

Yours sincerely,

Reginald Tompkins, Esq.

Richards, Thistlewaite and Tompkins Solicitors
p.s. Please ask the land agent, or his new assistant, Mr. Colin Ford, to send me his quarterly report directly.

Chapter One

January 1816

The Duke of Beckworth’s Estate

Beckworth Park

“Devil take it, what on earth am I supposed to do now?”

Colin Ford stood with his back against the door and surveyed the inner sanctum of the land agent’s office. The desk was piled high with official-looking documents and discarded ledgers. Every drawer was open—the contents spilling out onto the floor—and the shelves bearing leather-bound estate books dating back for the last one hundred years had been ransacked.

With a groan, Colin picked his way through the debris and came around to the rear of the enormous desk. On top of a lopsided pile of books, there was a single sheet of paper anchored under an open silver inkstand. Reaching forward, Colin took the paper and read the scrawled words out loud.

“I resign. Yours, Archibald Morehouse.”

Colin took another deep, shuddering breath. Mr. Morehouse was supposed to have been teaching him how to manage a large estate. In the months he’d spent at Beckworth Park, all he’d learned was how to keep out of the drunken land agent’s way. His offers to help had been rebuffed, and now he could see why.

As soon as the London solicitors confirmed the tidings of the Duke of Beckworth’s death and wanted more information about the principal estate, Mr. Morehouse had bolted. It had taken Colin a month to find the spare key to the estate office and get inside. Now he wished he hadn’t bothered.

Crouching down, he spotted the strongbox that was supposed to hold monies needed for the everyday expenses of the estate. It was open, and a single farthing glinted in the black depths. With a curse, Colin sank to the floor and held his head in his hands. There was no money to pay the outdoor staff their quarterly wages. Archibald Morehouse had absconded with the lot.

As the assistant land agent, would he be held responsible for his predecessor’s crimes? He damn well hoped not. Perhaps it was time to write to his father and ask for help. Even the thought of putting pen to paper and exposing his deficiencies to his irascible sire made him feel nauseated.

After a while, a persistent tapping had him looking back at the closed door. He shot to his feet.

“Come in?”

He was relieved to see that it was only the housekeeper, Mrs. Pemberley, and not the butler, who could be rather intimidating. She was a kind woman who had made him welcome at the estate and continued to treat him like a favorite son.

“Good Lord!” Mrs. Pemberley covered her mouth with her hand. “What on earth did Mr. Morehouse do?”

Colin made a hopeless gesture. “Stole all the available coin, for one. I haven’t even attempted to investigate the rest of it yet.”

“Dear me. I never liked the man, but what possessed him to run away like a thief in the night?”

“I won’t know until I’ve straightened everything out.” Colin pushed his unruly hair out of his face. “Is it possible that one of the maids could be spared to help me set this place to rights?”

“I’ll see what I can do, Mr. Ford.” Mrs. Pemberley smoothed her apron down over her black dress. “We are rather shorthanded at the moment, as you know.”

He couldn’t decide whether the recently widowed duchess’s absence was a blessing or a curse. At least she wasn’t here to see the disastrous state of the books, and she’d taken some of the servants to London, meaning there were fewer to pay.

“There is one more thing.” He cleared his throat. “All the ready cash has been taken. I have no coin to pay the outdoor staff their wages this quarter or to settle with the local tradesmen.”

Mrs. Pemberley tutted and shook her head. “I have some coin set by for the servants’ wages. We can use that if necessary, although luckily the last quarter has only just passed. I will apply to the duke’s solicitors in London for more funds. They seem to be quite accommodating, and they are well aware that some difficulties will arise due to the absence of the duke’s heir.”

“I suppose I should write to those gentlemen myself.” Colin brushed at some accumulated dust on the pile of ledgers. “They will need to know about Mr. Morehouse’s desertion.”

“Indeed. I believe they are expecting to hear from you.”

“Perhaps I should wait until I can give a full accounting of myself before I bother them with this matter,” Colin said quickly.

“You must do as you think best, Mr. Ford. From what I have observed of your character so far, you are a gentleman and will thus behave appropriately.”

Colin picked up a handful of scattered papers and studied them. “Mr. Morehouse was supposed to be a gentleman.”

“But you are the son of an earl.”

“The fifth son.” Colin’s shoulders slumped. “Trust me, it means nothing but that I am obliged to make my own way in the world with no money and no prospects.”

“Be that as it may, I am sure you will come about. There is no need to bother Her Grace about this matter. She has enough to deal with—being widowed at such a young age.” Mrs. Pemberley gave him an imperious nod worthy of the queen and sailed out, her black skirt billowing behind her.

Colin sank into the chair and surveyed the mess.

He was still staring at it when there was another tap on the door.

“Mr. Ford? Mrs. Pemberley said you would appreciate some help with the— Oh, my word, what happened?”

Colin shot to his feet. “Miss Leyton?”

He thought that was her name. She was one of the indistinguishable gaggle of female hangers-on that inevitably collected at a titled nobleman’s estate when they had nowhere else to go. Not that he didn’t pity anyone in such straits. He knew all about being a gentleman who had no inheritance and had to sing for his own supper.

She came farther into the room, her drab muslin dress stirring up the dust. She wore no jewelry, and her mouse-brown hair was braided tightly to her head. He thought her to be about his own age, but that was about all he knew of her. She’d always seemed pleasant enough when he’d encountered her at the dinner table. The duchess had always treated him as a valued member of the family rather than a servant.

“Good morning, Miss Leyton.” Colin bowed. “I believe Mr. Morehouse has left me in something of a pickle.”

“Indeed. I can’t say I ever liked him.”

“Neither did I,” Colin confessed.

She shot him a quick glance. “The maids told me about your efforts to be informed and his determination to keep all the secrets to himself. Perhaps you were lucky to be kept in ignorance after all.”

“I’m not sure about that. He has left a letter of resignation, which I assume means I am now in charge of this disaster.”

“Then where do you wish me to start?”

Colin frowned. “I do not expect you to do such menial work, Miss Leyton. Surely a maid can be spared?”

Her smile wavered. “I have nothing else to do but sew endless seams, run errands for my relatives, and read verses from the Bible to Great-Aunt Maude. I’m also quite tired of staring out of the window and worrying about my future. Doing something useful would be a pleasure.”

Colin studied her resolute expression. He knew exactly how it felt to need a purpose in life. His father had always considered him useless, as did most of society where the heir got everything and the other sons were seen as lazy drones doomed to be kicked out of the hive when they were no longer necessary. “Then be my guest. Perhaps you could start by putting the bookshelves to rights?”

She nodded and walked past him to the book-lined wall. “I wonder why Mr. Morehouse left the place in such a state? It’s almost as if he were searching for something.”

“Probably looking for money or items he could steal and pawn.” Colin bent to pick up a handful of scattered pages and placed them on the desk. “One has to suspect that his bookkeeping will be as irregular as his departure.”

“Agreed.” She stacked three books together, rearranged their order, and inserted them neatly onto the empty shelf. “I don’t envy you the task of sorting it all out.”

“I actually enjoy the intricacies of finance,” Colin confessed as he gathered up more loose pages. “There is a certain satisfaction in making the books balance at the end of a quarter.”

His father had scoffed at him for such a nonsensical notion, stating that tradesmen and menials existed to wait on their betters and should be grateful to have a peer’s patronage and be paid at all.

Miss Leyton continued putting the books away, bending and stretching in a graceful way that reminded Colin of the dancers he’d ogled on the London stage during his misspent youth. This revelation made him feel rather uncomfortable, seeing as Miss Leyton was undoubtedly a lady.

“Have you heard any more news about the duke?” Miss Leyton inquired. “We are all wondering who on earth he will be. Great-Aunt Maude is already combing the family tree to see if she can ascertain in which branch the heir resides.” She sighed. “It seems as if the Beckworth male line is remarkably thin.”

“Unlike my family where there are so many males that there is no room in the family Bible.”

“You come from a large family? How lovely.”

Colin grimaced at the warmth in her voice. “I’m the fifth son of an impoverished earl. I have seven siblings.”

“Good Lord.” Miss Leyton turned to him, her mouth open. “Then I assume you were expected to make your own way in the world.”

“It was that or starve.”

“And the army and the church did not appeal to you?”

“I have two brothers in the army and one in the church. My father had no funds left for a commission, or for me to go up to Cambridge.”

She neatly lined up another shelf of books. “Would you have liked to be in the military?”

“By Jove, yes.”

“Even during the current conflict?”

He scooped up several crumpled pieces of paper and attempted to straighten them out. “I would’ve been glad to serve our monarch against the French threat. I feel so… useless here.”

“At least you are safe.”

Despite the fact that she’d turned her back to him he looked up. “You have family in the military?”

“My brother and my betrothed, yes. They are best friends and are in the same regiment.”

“That must be hard for you.”

“Indeed, but I know they wouldn’t wish me to worry about them and that eventually they will come home.” Her tone was bracing as she continued to shelve the books. “They are currently in Portugal, so their letters tend to arrive together or not at all.”

“My brothers aren’t the kind of men who write letters.” Colin unfolded yet another piece of paper. “In fact Declan, who is a lieutenant in the Ninety-fifth, can barely form a sentence. For some reason he insists the letters get all muddled up in his head and writing becomes impossible.”

“My younger sister had the same problem. It didn’t matter how many times our governess corrected her work, she could not seem to learn.” Miss Leyton sighed. “Not that it stopped her making an extremely advantageous marriage. Beauty is its own passport to success in this world, isn’t it?”

Colin nodded as he set the strongbox on the table. “My brother looks so splendid decked out in his regimentals that the ladies seem to adore him as well.”

They shared a smile, and he realized she wasn’t quite as plain and mousey as he had first imagined. And as she was betrothed, he didn’t have to exert himself to win her favor or be anything other than his normal self with her. It was quite refreshing.

“How did you come to be living at Beckworth Park, Miss Leyton?”

“I resided with my brother and sister in our house in Hertfordshire, but when David went off to war and Violet married, I had to find alternative accommodation. The late duke’s great-aunt is a vague connection of my family, and she offered me a home.” She sighed as she contemplated the row of books. “To be perfectly frank, I didn’t expect to still be here at this point, but my brother has remained on the continent, and so has my betrothed.”

“I should imagine that with Napoleon now defeated and safely ensconced on Saint Helena the army will soon be coming home.”

“One would hope so.” She bit her lip. “I haven’t seen either of them for several years. I wonder how much the experience will have changed them?”

Colin decided not to answer that question. From everything he’d seen most men returning from the bloody conflict took refuge in drinking and fighting to dispel the nightmares and to prove how little they had changed. There was an unwritten law that a gentleman didn’t talk about his experiences at war, but the façade sometimes slipped.

The bookcase was now restored to its former pristine appearance, and Miss Leyton returned to his side. “What else can I do?”

Colin pointed at the piles of ledgers stacked on the floor and on the desk. “Can you sort these out? Check through the pages for any notes Mr. Morehouse might have left or any loose papers.”

She set to work, sitting on the floor and leafing through the first huge tome. “These records are from ten years ago and written in a different hand.”

“Probably by Morehouse’s predecessor.” Colin continued to sort through the loose papers but was glad to see order was slowly being restored. “If you can’t find anything that looks out of place, just stack the book against the side of the desk. I’d rather keep them all together so I can establish some kind of pattern or reason for his interest. Then I won’t have to search through everything again.”

Rose nodded as she lugged another large leather-bound volume off the carpet and onto her lap. She probably shouldn’t be sitting on the floor unchaperoned in a room with an unattached man, but she doubted anyone would care. She was betrothed, and Mr. Ford was far too handsome to be interested in the likes of her. Since the duke’s sudden death, the household had been in disarray—rather like a ship without a captain.

She stole a surreptitious glance at his profile and the black unruly curls that surrounded his face. He looked like one of the romantic poets with his high cheekbones, autocratic nose, and generous mouth. He might consider himself ineligible, but like her younger sister, he had something everyone coveted—true beauty.

Despite his good looks, he had always been polite and respectful to all the members of the duke’s household. She had become used to being ignored, overlooked, or treated like a poor relation, and his politeness had been an unexpected balm to her soul. She hoped he wouldn’t be held accountable for the sudden desertion of the duke’s former land agent.

Time passed, and soon the office looked respectable again apart from the growing mounds of paperwork accumulating on the desk. Rose stood and studied Mr. Ford’s bent head.

“Why are so many of the pieces of paper crumpled up?”

“Because Mr. Morehouse was attempting to cover his tracks. Unfortunately for him there was no coal or kindling in the fireplace, so everything he threw in that general direction survived.”

He looked up briefly, his blue gaze settling on her face. “The biggest pile so far is unpaid bills. I don’t think he’s paid a single tradesman since last summer.”

“That’s appalling.”

“I agree. I’ll have to tally up the amounts and let the solicitors in London know how bad things are.” He raked a hand through his curls. “He must have been stealing from the estate for years.”

She tentatively laid a hand on his shoulder, which was surprisingly solid. “All you can do is report the matter to the duke’s solicitors. I can hardly believe they will place any blame on you. In truth, they will probably be relieved that someone has made an attempt to sort out the mess for them.”

“I appreciate your concern, Miss Leyton. One can only hope that you are right.”

A clock whirred on the mantelpiece and struck six times. Mr. Ford looked up. “May I escort you to dinner? You have been remarkably helpful today.”

He rose from his seat. He wasn’t terribly tall, which was nice because she didn’t have to crane her neck to see his face.

“Miss Leyton?”

She curtsied and placed her hand on his sleeve, noticing the white cuff of his shirt was now stained with ink. “Thank you kindly, sir.”

As they walked out of the estate office and into the long corridor that connected the offices to the central wing on the house, she glanced up at him.

“If you permit, I will come and help you again tomorrow.”

“Only if you have the time, Miss Leyton. I would not wish to take you from your duties or your pleasures.”

She snorted. “I have few of either. I sew furiously, like Penelope awaiting the return of Odysseus, and walk my great-aunt’s obnoxious pugs. Neither of these activities consumes my hands or my intellect.”

“Then you are more than welcome to assist me.” He hesitated. “The fewer people who know about this muddle the better.”

“That is very wise, sir. We don’t wish anyone to think the estate is in trouble, or we’ll have all the local tradesmen at our door demanding to be paid when there are not the funds to do so.”

“You noticed that, did you?” Mr. Ford paused before the door into the dining room.

“That the strongbox was empty?” She smiled up at him. “It was quite hard to miss.”

“Mrs. Pemberley said she has enough money to cover the servants’ wages, but I will still need to talk to the London solicitors.” He heaved a sigh. “I am not looking forward to that at all.”

A yapping sound echoed around the drafty hallway, and Rose looked behind her. “Great-Aunt Maude approaches. We should go in before she demands to know what we are whispering about.”

He smiled, bowed, and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. She might not be a beauty, but she had wit and common sense, which were a lot more useful and less likely to fade with time. “Your wish is my command, Miss Leyton. Shall we proceed?”

Chapter Two

“Thank you, Mr. Denton, and have a good day.”

Colin ushered the old farmer out of the door and returned to his desk. After two weeks of hard and patient work, he had a much better understanding of the extent of the problems at Beckworth and how he might set about dealing with them. He’d received a very polite reply to his initial letter to the London solicitors and had been provided with a limited amount of funds to tide him over the current financial crisis.

In truth, everything was proceeding much more smoothly than he might have anticipated. He couldn’t deny that Miss Leyton had been of great help to him. She was highly intelligent and instinctively understood the issues without him having to explain them more than once. It was a pity she was not a man, because she would have made an excellent land agent and friend.

Colin dipped his pen in the inkwell and paused in thought. Not that he wished her to be a man. His pleasure in her company went far beyond that. They had developed a familiarity and friendship beyond anything he had experienced before with a female, and he valued her immensely. He wrote a quick note about his last meeting with Mr. Denton from Blackberry Farm in the ledger. Miss Leyton’s intended was a fool not to return and claim her before another man saw her worth and snatched her up.

Moving the ledger to one side, he frowned down at his plans for planting out the main fields. Mr. Denton had suggested his upper field was too dry to use for crops and recommended it be used it for grazing land instead. Colin would have to investigate the records and see what the field had been used for in the past…

The clock struck eleven, and he looked up with a frown. Where was Miss Leyton? He was supposed to be taking her out to view the farm cottages where she would help him talk to the occupants and make a list of the improvements that were needed. He rolled up the map. Had he suggested they meet in the stables?

Picking up his coat and hat, he decided to walk down to the stable yard and see if Miss Leyton awaited him there. After carefully locking his door because one never knew if the old land agent might decide to come back, he took a shortcut through the gardens behind the house. It was all very well, the old duke’s family insisting he treat the house as his own, but he still tried to avoid them en masse if he could manage it.

A stiff breeze and a hint of an icy drizzle in the leaden skies made him cram his hat down more firmly on his head. He left the path between the rose garden and a line of poplars and made his way past the high Tudor brick walls of the old kitchen garden, which had barely survived the remorseless remodeling of the previous duke.

A flash of a patterned muslin skirt disappearing into the copse of trees to the right of the stable yard had him pausing, his brow furrowed. He abruptly altered course and headed the same way.

“Miss Leyton?” he called out. “Are you all right?”

She didn’t answer, but he was now convinced it was indeed her and kept on.

“Miss Leyton?”

He paused on the edge of a small clearing where someone had placed a stone bench to find Miss Leyton sitting there, her head bowed and her shoulder turned away from him.

“Go away.”

He ignored her faint command and, having two sisters of his own and recognizing a damsel in distress, advanced farther into the circle until he could sit down beside her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked gently.

“Nothing.”

Again, having dealt with sisters, he ignored her flat statement and waited patiently beside her. There was a piece of paper clenched in her fist.

“Have you received bad news?”

She shuddered.

He tried again. “I do hope your brother is well?”

“My brother is perfectly fine, thank you.”

Ah, progress. “And your sister?”

“She too is in excellent health.”

He waited another few moments, but she offered no more information. “Then what has upset you?”

She finally looked at him. “My betrothal has been broken off.”

“Good Lord! How?”

“By wont of my betrothed marrying another woman.”

Her brown eyes were bright with tears, and her chin was at a defiant angle, daring him to feel sorry for her.

He struggled to control his unexpected leap of happiness at her news and tried to sound dispassionate. “That was remarkably thoughtless of him. And how did you find out this news?”

“From my faithless brother, who attended the wedding.” She thrust the scrap of paper at him. “He told me that it was for the best—that Henry had changed and was no longer the man I had known and loved.” Her mouth twisted. “He advised me to find ‘another’—as if I am able to do that being buried in the countryside with a group of old biddies and no money for a Season.”

“With all due respect, Miss Leyton, your brother sounds like a fool.”

Her arrested gaze met his. “Yes, he is. How kind of you to notice that.”

“Then perhaps you are better off without both of them?”

She twisted her hands together in her lap. “I suspect you may be right, but it is extremely mortifying to be jilted. I was starting to assume Henry would be returning soon and had shared my plans with him for our wedding. Mayhap that’s what scared him into marrying someone else.”

“If it did, then he is also a fool.” Colin cleared his throat. “Has Henry written to you himself?”

“Not yet. My brother says he intends to do so, but he’s probably too busy enjoying the pleasures of married life to be bothered communicating with an aging spinster.”

He tried not to wince at the bitterness of her tone. “You are hardly that, Miss Leyton.”

She glared at him. “I’m twenty-five.”

“And I’m thirty, but I refuse to believe either of us are in our dotage.”

“You’re a man. You can marry whenever you please.”

“Not if I have neither fortune nor property to offer a woman. Who would choose to marry a nonentity like me? I work for my living.”

“At least you can do that. All I can do is become a governess or a paid companion, and apparently, according to my brother and sister, that is not an acceptable choice for a Leyton and would bring shame upon them.”

Colin hid a smile. “In truth, Miss Leyton, I can see no reason why you won’t be happily engaged to be married again soon. You are intelligent, resourceful and…”

“Not beautiful enough to be married without a fortune. I am blessed with a mere competence.”

He studied her clear profile. “I think you underestimate yourself. Many men value more than just a pretty face. Myself included.”

She heaved a sigh. “It doesn’t matter, does it? I’m stuck here until the new duke is found. I promised Great-Aunt Maude that I would stay and support her.”

Colin rose and offered her his hand. “And then after that, perhaps you could go and stay with your sister in London? I am sure she would be more than willing to chaperone you through a Season.”

She rolled her eyes. “You obviously don’t know my sister, Violet. Nothing is allowed to disturb the order of her world or put her to too much effort. She lives to be cossetted and admired, not to aid her older and plainer sister. She’s never forgiven me for getting engaged before she did.”

“You don’t know that for certain,” Colin pointed out as they walked back together in the direction of the stables. “Marriage might have changed her.”

His answer was an inelegant snort, which made him want to smile again. At least Miss Leyton hadn’t cried all over him. He appreciated that immensely.

“Do you intend to write to your brother?”

“No. Nothing I have to say is fit to put in a letter. I will look forward to seeing him face-to-face on his return. He says he will be home before the end of the month.”

“Where exactly is he going to reside?”

She paused to look up at him a crease between her brows. “That’s a good question. I suppose he might come here. Our home in Great Dunmow is let to a retired military couple until the end of this current year. And Great-Aunt Maude thinks the world of him.”

“She would.” Colin tucked her gloved hand back into the crook of his elbow and continued along the path. “She is somewhat susceptible to a charming young man.”

“Well, you should know.”

“I am hardly young, charming, or a member of your family.”

“My great-aunt hopes the new duke will agree to sponsor me into society. She says that if he already has a family, they will all have to be presented at court anyway, so he might be inclined to include one more impoverished family member, such as myself, amongst the crowd.”

“And what if he isn’t married?”

“Then I assume that now that I am a spinster, she will expect him to offer me a larger dowry to get rid of me or marry me himself.”

Colin glanced down at her resolute face. “Would you do that? Marry a man you’ve never met before?”

“And become a duchess?” She stopped walking and bit down on her lip. “I’m not sure. I always assumed I’d marry for love, and look where that has gotten me. Mayhap it is time for me to be more like my sister and marry for position and wealth.”

Colin stared at her as an unexpected sense of disappointment settled in his stomach.

She raised her chin again. “You think I am being mercenary, don’t you?”

“I think you are upset because of your broken betrothal,” he said carefully. “I cannot believe you would marry a man you could never love.”

“I suspect you are right. Shall we go and visit the cottages and forget we had this horrible conversation? I would much rather concentrate on doing something positive than dwell on my sorrows.”

He bowed and brought her gloved hand to his lips. “That’s the spirit, Miss Leyton.”

“Thank you for being so kind to me.” Rose stared straight ahead at the stables, willing herself not to cry or further embarrass her companion.

He raised his eyebrows. “I did no more than any friend would do for another.”

“I’ll wager you even had your handkerchief ready in case I threw myself on your chest and cried my eyes out.”

“I have to admit it wouldn’t be the first time that has happened to me.” He showed her his folded handkerchief. “I have two sisters and was often their only confidant.”

“Your sisters were very lucky to have such a considerate brother.”

He shrugged. “I hardly had a choice in the matter. As the youngest son, I was at home with them for the longest time and went from being something of their pet to their champion.”

“They were most fortunate. My brother always viewed me as an irritant. I am beginning to suspect he’s the one who bullied his friend into offering for me in the first place so I would no longer be on his hands.”

“That seems rather… unlikely.”

“You don’t know my brother. He is remarkably managing.”

He inclined his head and offered her his arm. “Shall we proceed to the stables now?”

She took the hint and walked alongside him.

“I have embarrassed you.”

“Not at all, Miss Leyton.”

“I should not have confided in you so readily. I do apologize.”

“We are friends, are we not?”

“Unconventional ones.”

“Which is the value of not having a duke and his duchess living on the estate, making us all behave. I doubt the duchess would’ve let you come and help me with the estate.”

“That is true. The dowager duchess and Great-Aunt Maude are far too busy scoring points off each other to care about me.” Rose said. “And I have enjoyed working alongside you very much. You have given me a purpose in life, which most unmarried ladies of my acquaintance struggle to find.”

“You are perhaps exceptional.”

He steered her around a fallen log and opened the gate that led into the stable yard.

“No, I don’t think I am. But young ladies are not allowed to use their intelligence except to catch a husband. I’m not sure if I can be bothered to turn myself into a breathless debutante again.”

“Once you are over your… disappointment, I’m certain you will feel differently.”

“I’m not sure about that.” Good Lord, she sounded so uncertain. It was most unlike her, but her whole world had changed, and she had no idea what to do about it.

Mr. Ford attracted the attention of Mr. Coyne, the Irishman who ran the stable yard and tended to the deceased duke’s race horses.

“Good morning, Mr. Coyne.”

“Good morning, Mr. Ford, Miss Leyton. The gig’s ready for you. I’ll get young Joey to bring it round.”

“Thank you.”

Rose waited quietly beside her companion until the gig arrived. The shock of her brother’s unexpected letter settled inside her like an unwelcome wave of freezing water. She’d been engaged to be married since she was seventeen, and now she was no longer young or about to become Henry’s wife. It was quite peculiar. She was free of ties but also more dependent on the dukedom than she had been before. She had become just another poor relation scrabbling to gain the duke’s favor…

“Miss Leyton?”

Mr. Ford was waiting patiently to help her step up into the gig. Gathering her skirts, she took his hand and moved forward. He had been most kind to her, but would he now prefer her not to bother him? She would miss his company most grievously. He was funny, charming, and more than willing to consider her opinion, a phenomenon unknown among the other gentleman of her acquaintance. As an unattached female, her freedom to help him had now been lost unless she provided herself with a chaperone.

Resolving not to think about that or any of her other problems, Rose looked straight ahead. If this was to be her last outing with Mr. Ford, she was determined to enjoy every minute of it.

Chapter Three

“And they all lived happily ever after… amen,” Rose murmured most irreverently, her words drowned out by the loud snores coming from Great-Aunt Maude. With a relieved sigh, she placed the Bible back on the stand beside her chair and peered closely at her oblivious relative. After months of reading to her aunt, she was an expert in gauging exactly when the old lady had fallen into a deep, untroubled sleep, which meant she could escape the confines of the darkened drawing room.

She wanted to go down to the land agent’s office and see if Mr. Ford needed any help, but after her emotional outburst two days before, she was still rather embarrassed. She wasn’t quite sure why, because he had been perfectly lovely to her. She took a turn around the room and glanced out of the window, which overlooked the drive up to the house. She wanted to rest her cheek against his coat and let him hold her and pet her and…

That was why she was reluctant to disturb him. His kind behavior had stirred her long-submerged romantic senses, and that was not what he had intended. He was just acting in a brotherly way, having no feelings for her at all—which was just as it should be.

The crunch of horses’ hooves coming up the gravel drive drew her back to the window where two men dressed in military uniform were approaching the house. Rose slowly raised her hand to cover her mouth.

It couldn’t be—could it?

Picking up her skirts, her blood pounding in her ears, she ran out onto the landing that looked down over the black-and-white-tiled entrance hall. The butler was walking slowly toward the front door, his expression forbidding. Within moments, he was hidden from Rose’s view as he opened the door and said something she couldn’t hear to the unexpected guests.

Boot heels and spurs clinked against the marble tile as the two officers came farther into the hall. Taking a deep breath, Rose turned on her heel and ran the other way as if she’d encountered the devil himself.

“Ah, there you are, Mr. Ford!”

The loud command halted Colin as he went to pass the doorway of the drawing room.

He peered inside. “Lady Maude?”

She beckoned imperiously at him. “Come here and greet our guests. I don’t suppose you have seen my great-niece anywhere, have you?”

Colin reluctantly came into the room. “Are you referring to Miss Leyton, my lady? I have not had the pleasure of her company this morning. Do you wish me to find her for you?”

“There is no need. I’ve sent one of the footmen.” Lady Maude gestured at the two men in uniform who had sprung to their feet when Colin entered the room. “May I introduce you to my great-nephew, Lieutenant David Leyton, and his traveling companion, Lieutenant Henry Woodford? They are most anxious to see dear Rose.”

“I’m sure they are.” Colin bowed. “Welcome back to England, gentlemen. I pray that your journey was uneventful?”

“It was pretty torrid. The horses don’t like the ships.” The darker haired of the two men answered him.

Colin nodded at the man he assumed was Miss Leyton’s brother. “I had never thought of that. Did they survive the journey?”

“Better than we did.” Lieutenant Leyton’s smile was rueful. “Henry and I spent all night tending to their needs and forgot to get a wink of sleep between us!”

A footman entered the room with a tray of tea. Just behind him, Colin caught a glimpse of Miss Leyton hovering uncertainly in the doorway. Murmuring a polite excuse, he went toward her and caught her elbow before she had time to escape.

He drew her farther along the corridor and out of earshot of the door.

“Your brother’s here. Don’t you wish to see him?”

“I wish to see him—it’s his companion I’m trying to avoid.”

Colin frowned. “Is that your betrothed?”

“My ex-betrothed.” She sighed. “I don’t want to face him. He’s going to attempt to explain his decision or apologize, and I don’t want to hear anything he has to say.”

“You deserve an apology, Miss Leyton. What he has done to you is inexcusable.”

She searched his face. “You sound quite annoyed, Mr. Ford.”

“That’s because I am.”

“Then perhaps with your support, I might brush through this.”

He offered her his arm. “I will stand your friend, I promise you.”

Raising her chin, she marched beside him along the corridor and into the drawing room. Colin couldn’t deny her bravery or fault her composure at all. He felt inordinately proud of her.

“Rose, my darling girl!”

Colin stood back as Rose’s brother took her hands and drew her into an embrace.

“How lovely to see you, David.” She smiled up at him before turning to his silent companion and curtsying. “Good morning, Henry.”

Colin tensed as the cad stepped forward. “Rose, I mean, Miss Leyton, I am sure that you are surprised to see me here, but—”

She cut him off, earning Colin’s complete approval. “As my brother’s friend, I am sure that you are more than welcome here, Lieutenant. Would you like some tea?”

Lieutenant Woodford took another hasty step toward Miss Leyton. “I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to you urgently in private, Rose.” He bowed to Lady Maude. “If you would allow that, my lady?”

Colin frowned at the older woman, but she wasn’t attending to him in the slightest, her gaze fixed on poor Miss Leyton.

“You may speak to her, Lieutenant, but please leave the door open, and be quick about it.”

Miss Leyton cast him a despairing look as she was escorted out of the drawing room and into the salon next door. Colin eased closer to the door, hoping he would be able to hear what was being said and maybe intervene if necessary. He’d never thought of himself as the kind of man who would leap to a lady’s defense, but there was something about Miss Leyton that made him feel very protective of her.

Unfortunately, Miss Leyton’s brother decided it was his duty to be sociable and spent several minutes quizzing Colin on his antecedents, resulting in the happy understanding that he had been on the same cricket team as one of Colin’s older brother’s at Eton. Not that Colin cared about that, but it seemed to make Lieutenant Leyton regard him as more of an equal than an employee, which had to be to his advantage.

Within a few moments, Miss Leyton and her erstwhile suitor returned and sat down. While Lieutenant Woodford turned to his fellow officer, Colin changed his seat so that he was beside Miss Leyton.

“How did it go?”

She pressed her lips together, her brown eyes stormy.

“Not well, I assume?” He patted his pocket. “You aren’t going to cry, are you?”

She suddenly stood up, and he followed her.

“Mr. Ford? Would you mind accompanying me for a turn around the garden? I feel rather overcome with the heat.”

Colin didn’t mention that it was actually raining, which was why he’d been taking a shortcut through the house and was caught by Lady Maude.

“Certainly, Miss Leyton.”

She curtsied to the room in general. “I’m sure Great-Aunt Maude will take good care of you, gentlemen. Perhaps I will see you at dinner?”

Colin escorted her from the room and then almost had to run to keep up with her as she ascended the back staircase, which was dark and spiraled round until he was dizzy.

“Miss Leyton?”

It wasn’t until she flung open a small door that he realized she’d led him straight into her bedchamber. He took a wary step backward and collided with the door.

“I should not be in here.”

She glanced over her shoulder, crossed the room to her dressing table, and started opening the drawers.

“I won’t tell anyone. I just need a witness.”

“To what?” He advanced a cautious step. “Don’t tell me you are going to challenge Lieutenant Woodford to a duel and are searching for your pistol?”

“I wish I could.” She continued to hunt through the drawers, dainty stockings, garters, and ribbons flying through the air, leaving Colin with nowhere safe to look. “Ah, here it is.”

She turned back to him, holding a small leather box. “Do you know what he was most concerned about?” She opened the box and showed him the small sparkling ring that nestled inside the satin. “Not that he had embarrassed me or let me down or could be sued for breach of promise, but that he wanted the ring he gave me back because it was a family piece and of great sentimental value to his mother.”

Colin shook his head and tutted. “I told you he was a cad.”

“And now you have seen the ring and can confirm—as it passes out of my keeping—that it is in excellent condition.”

He strolled over and took the box from her to examine the contents.

“It looks perfectly fine to me.”

“Good. Will you write that down? His mother never liked me and would be more than happy to attempt to shift the blame for her son’s desertion squarely onto my shoulders.”

“Of course I will.” Colin walked through the tangle of silk stockings and garter bows and sat at the desk under the window. He was surrounded by the scent of lavender and line-dried linen, which already reminded him of his companion. He recut the nib of her pen, stirred the ink, and wrote out his appraisal of the ring. He signed and dated it and then looked around for a candle to light.

“Do you have your seal?” she asked, making him jump because he hadn’t expected her to be right at his shoulder, ready to hand him a candle. “The Beckworth one?”

“I do, and my family seal.” He melted some wax and applied both seals to the letter. “There. That makes it doubly official.”

“Thank you.” She briefly patted his shoulder and then turned away from him.

“Did Lieutenant Woodford explain how he came to make such a hurried and ungentlemanly decision?”

She sat on the side of her bed and regarded her slippered feet. “He was wounded and brought to a private house in Brussels to recuperate, where he was nursed by ‘an angel’ whose very presence made him yearn to survive.”

“So he decided to marry her?”

“Apparently she was not only English but the daughter of an earl with a large dowry. How could he resist?”

“Because he was betrothed to another?”

“I would not have wished him to come home and marry me and then yearn for someone else.”

He had the most unexpected urge to walk over, pick her up, set her on his lap, and hold her close to his heart. “I agree, but he should at least have broken off the engagement before he went ahead and got married.”

“He was in love and desperate to secure her affections before he lost the chance and she went home without him.”

He raised an eyebrow. “With all due respect, he sounds like the kind of man who reads too many gothic novels and has something of a romantical streak, which one would not expect in a soldier.”

She smiled for the first time. “You are remarkably pragmatic, Mr. Ford.”

“I’ve had to be.” He studied her carefully. “And you, if I might be so bold as to mention it, are not acting as if you have lost the love of your life.”

She sat up straight. “What on earth do you mean?”

“You are more angry and embarrassed than stricken with grief.”

The color rose on her cheeks. “That is none of your business.”

He blinked at her suddenly arctic tone. He’d quite forgotten she wasn’t the one fondly imagining holding her in his arms. “You are quite right. I do apologize. Now, do you require anything else of me, or am I free to leave?” Inclining his head, he turned sharply on his heel and headed back toward the servants stairs.

“Mr. Ford…”

She came after him, and he paused on the narrow landing.

“What, Miss Leyton?” She looked up into his eyes, and he went still. “Good Lord, don’t cry.”

“I… Thank you,” she whispered. “Yet again you have proved my true friend.” She rested her hand on his shoulder, went on tiptoe, and kissed him on the cheek. Her lavender scent surrounded him, making it difficult to breathe let alone think.

For a moment, he just stood there like a pillar of stone, and then his arm closed around her waist, holding her still as he kissed her on the forehead. In the shadowy darkness, he could hear her shallow breathing and the irregular bump of his own heart.

“You are most welcome, Miss Leyton.” He wondered what on earth had got into him, as he didn’t want to release her. He slowly let her go and took an unsteady step backward, almost falling down the stairs.

“Wait!” She darted forward again, and his heart gave a treacherous leap of joy. “You have one of my stockings stuck to your boot.”

He managed to laugh as he awkwardly attempted to remove the infuriatingly silky, clingy thing. “Thank goodness you spotted it. I would’ve had a hard time explaining that to Mrs. Pemberley if she’d encountered me in the hallways.” He went down a few stairs and looked back up at her silhouetted in the faint light coming through from her bedchamber.

“I’ll see you at dinner, Miss Leyton.”

Then he galloped down the rest of the stairs as if the hounds of hell were after him.

Rose put on the best gown she possessed for dinner. It had originally belonged to the duchess who, having been obliged to go into deep mourning, had offered the dress to Rose. It was a pale yellow silk with a cream net underdress and a single row of flounces. Great-Aunt Maude had insisted that Rose alter the neckline into something less revealing and more suitable for an unmarried woman. It was still a beautiful dress and only a season or two out of date. She wore the pearls her mother had left her and that her sister had willingly left behind, decreeing them “too small and insignificant to be worn in good society.”

They gave Rose confidence, and she needed every scrap of it if she was to get through the meal with her dignity intact while facing the curiosity of her fellow Beckworth residents and the scrutiny of her aunt. She had no doubt that word of her broken engagement would have already circulated throughout the house. Would the staff treat her differently now? Would she be seen as yet another body dependent on the new duke’s wages?

Shaking off her depressing thoughts, she placed a paisley shawl around her shoulders, picked up her reticule, and went down the stairs. Loud male voices drifted upward from the drawing room. The reflected glow of the fire and candlelight spilled out of the open door onto the marble tile floor.

When she went through the door, everyone turned to stare. Even the three elderly Beckworth invalids who rarely left their rooms had gathered to observe her tonight, plus the local vicar and a couple of village worthies who amused her aunt. The governess, Miss Vere, and her charge, the duke’s ward, were not present. A shape detached itself from the gathering of gentlemen around the fire.

“Good evening, Miss Leyton.”

“Mr. Ford.”

She curtsied, keeping her eyes cast demurely down. He’d kissed her on the forehead earlier, and for one breathless moment she’d thought he was going to kiss her again before he’d recollected himself and stepped back. She was to blame for his presumption. She’d taken him upstairs to her bedchamber! She’d been in such a rage after dealing with Henry that she hadn’t thought through the implications of ordering the poor land agent to accompany her.

And now he probably thought her not only forward but fit for Bedlam.

The butler appeared by the door and cleared his throat. “Dinner is served, my lady.”

Great-Aunt Maude took Henry’s arm and led the way into the small dining room next door, which seated a dozen around the table. Rose set herself to endure the next hour while attempting both to be civil to her neighbors and avoid speaking to her ex-betrothed at all. Mr. Ford took the seat on her right, which immediately made her feel better. There was something about his calm demeanor and genuine concern for her that strengthened her resolve.

At the end of the meal, Great-Aunt Maude somehow contrived to send the majority of the guests onward to the drawing room for tea, which was quite a feat, considering she didn’t accompany them. The servants set out the port and brandy, and all left the room, which was also unusual. Rose began to suspect something was up as her brother smiled at her through the candlelight.

“We thought that considering your recent disappointment, you might prefer to speak to us privately this evening, Rose. “

She met his smile with one of her own. “Seeing as I have done nothing to be ashamed of, I wonder why you would think that? Any embarrassment surely lies with you for not protecting my honor and your friend for ignoring our betrothal.”

David tugged at his collar. “For goodness sake, Rose. Can’t you be a little more charitable?”

“Why should I?” She glanced over at Henry, who was frowning. “I have waited for your return for seven years.”

“Miss Leyton does have a point.”

Mr. Ford’s quiet voice made her look around. She’d almost forgotten he was there, as apparently had the rest of her family.

“Miss Leyton is the injured party.”

David ignored Mr. Ford and shared a quick glance with Henry. “As to that—we have a solution. After speaking to Aunt Maude, we found a perfect candidate for you to consider as a marriage prospect.”

Rose put down her fork. “I beg your pardon?”

“Great-Aunt Maude says you already have another suitor right here in the village.” David sat back as if the matter was all but settled.

“Are you talking about Mr. Potter?”

“I believe that’s his name, yes.”

“He is fifty years of age, twice widowed, and has nine children!”

“And owns the second largest property in the vicinity. Aunt Maude says he is very keen to make you his wife.” David nodded. “I intend to speak with him tomorrow, so don’t worry your little head, sis. I’ll have you comfortably settled in no time.”

Rose took a deep breath. “I am not marrying Mr. Potter.”

“Now, come on, Rose. You have to see things from my point of view.”

“Oh, I do, David. You want to sweep this embarrassing matter under the rug and go happily back to London with your best friend.”

“I’m just trying to make things right.”

“Then let’s wait until the new duke is found and ask for his opinion on this matter, shall we?” She glared at her brother. “He might have something to say about the situation I find myself in.”

Her brother’s amiable expression disappeared. “I have no intention of hanging around here, waiting for the appearance of the new duke!”

“And you do not need to.” She smiled. “I appreciate your concern, David, but I’m quite capable of finding a new candidate for my hand by myself.”

“That wouldn’t be seemly,” David objected. “You must consult with Great-Aunt Maude and your menfolk before making such an important decision.”

Rose got up, her hands fisted at her sides. “I trusted you once before, brother, and you chose to side with the man who broke his promise to me. Why should I listen to you now?”

She bobbed a curtsy in the direction of her aunt. “Pray excuse me, my lady. I am not feeling at all the thing and shall retire to my bed.”

By the time she reached the safety of her bedroom she was already in tears. She locked the door, flung herself onto her bed, and indulged herself in a good cry.

“Well, I say.” Lieutenant Leyton scowled at the door his sister had just slammed shut behind her. “I wonder what’s wrong with her? All I was trying to do was help.”

Colin pressed his lips tightly together as the urge to leap across the table and strangle Miss Leyton’s mutton-headed brother consumed him.

“She has a right to be upset, David,” Lieutenant Woodford said hesitantly. “No woman likes to be replaced by another—especially by an angel like my wife.”

Colin considered whether he had the ability to take on two seasoned soldiers in one attempt and sadly doubted it.

Lady Maude shook her head. “She is normally such a sensible girl. I have no idea what has gotten into her.”

“Do you think I should still see Mr. Potter tomorrow?” Lieutenant Leyton asked. “I could just drop him a hint that Rose’s circumstances have changed and leave things to fate.”

“I don’t see why not, my dear. She does deserve a husband after waiting so patiently for all these years.”

Colin carefully set down his wine glass. “She deserves far more than that.”

Lieutenant Leyton turned toward him. “I beg your pardon?”

“Miss Leyton has been sorely wronged. The best person to help her out of her dilemma is the incoming duke. Surely you must agree with that?”

“Whether I agree or not is immaterial,” the lieutenant snapped. “By what right do you insinuate yourself into a matter that concerns my family?”

Colin shrugged. “As a concerned observer and acquaintance of Miss Leyton, who appears to need a champion.”

“You consider my sister your friend?” Lieutenant Leyton scowled. “You are employed by the duke. When have you crossed her path?”

The condescension and suspicion in the lieutenant’s tone stung, but Colin persevered. “Miss Leyton has been gracious enough to help familiarize me with some matters concerning the estate. I have nothing but the utmost respect for her.”

“That is true, my dear David.” Aunt Maude spoke up for the first time. “Mr. Ford’s behavior has been above reproach.”

“But he still has no right to interfere in family matters,” Lieutenant Leyton grumbled.

“He is merely eating his dinner, David. I doubt he expected to become embroiled in a situation such as this,”

Colin recognized his cue to withdraw. “I do beg your pardon. I will leave you in peace to converse with Lady Maude. Good night, everyone.”

He stomped back toward the estate office. Miss Leyton’s brother and ex-betrothed were a pair of asses. How dare they treat Miss Leyton as if she were incapable of making a decision of her own! She was an intelligent, likeable woman who deserved the best.

But why were they so keen to get her married off? His steps slowed. He had to suspect they didn’t want the new duke hearing about what had happened to a member of his family or taking a legal position on the matter. A betrothal was a contract just like any other, and Henry Woodford had broken it.

Chapter Four

Rose walked confidently into the land agent’s office without knocking and waited until Mr. Ford looked up.

“Good afternoon.”

He blinked at her. “Are you certain you should be here?”

Her smile faltered. “You are sending me away?”

He put his pen down. “Your brother made it very clear that he resented my involvement in your affairs.”

She took a seat in front of his desk and folded her hands in her lap. “He said something similar to me at breakfast.” She looked up to meet his concerned gaze. “Thank you for standing up for me.”

He shoved his curls away from his forehead. “Someone had to.”

His kindness made her heart ache. “That is so sweet of you.”

His mouth kicked up at one corner. “I wasn’t feeling particularly sweet, Miss Leyton. Your brother and his companion are…” He blew out a breath. “None of my concern. I do apologize.”

She regarded him steadily for a long moment, but he said no more. She suspected that if she didn’t start a new topic of conversation he’d be expecting her to leave. Luckily, she had come prepared.

“I had a letter this morning from an old maidservant of mine who married and moved to Southampton.”

“Indeed?”

“She mentioned that she saw Mr. Morehouse hanging around the docks, looking to book passage on a ship.”

“Our Mr. Morehouse?”

“Yes. She remembered him from when she worked here.”

“Did she speak to him?”

“She tried, but he bolted when he saw her coming.”

“Typical,” Mr. Ford muttered. “Did he manage to sail away?”

“She wasn’t sure. Shall I write and ask her to find out?”

“I suppose that might be useful information for the solicitors.” He groaned. “Not that he’s been accused of any crime yet. Everything seems to be in limbo while we wait for the new duke.”

She offered him the letter to read, but he declined, so she folded it back up and slipped it into her pocket. Silence fell between them—which was disconcerting because they had always chattered away like magpies.

“Is your brother planning a long visit, Miss Leyton?”

“I’m not sure. Why do you ask?”

“Because if he is, I might take the opportunity to post up to London to see the Beckworth solicitors and present my respects to the duchess.”

She pressed a hand to her cheek. “You would leave me alone with them?”

He frowned. “Surely Lieutenant Woodford will have the decency to take himself off as soon as possible?”

“Not that I have heard.” Rose forced a smile. She’d almost betrayed her dismay at losing his steadfast companionship. “But you are right. Perhaps you should go. I expect it will put your mind at ease to settle things with the Beckworth trustees.”

“Miss Leyton…” Mr. Ford shot to his feet. “Please do not misunderstand me. I have no desire to leave you to face your brother’s demands that you marry immediately, but I fear that my presence here—my inability to control my anger and disgust at his treatment of you—might cause more harm than good. I—”

He paused as the sound of booted feet came closer down the hallway and the door was flung open.

David strode into the room, gave Mr. Ford a perfunctory nod, and came straight over to Rose.

“Good, you’re here, Rose. I have news. Mr. Potter is willing to obtain a special license and marry you immediately.”

She stood up. “I will not marry him.”

David’s face darkened. “You will obey me in this, or—”

“Or what? You’ll lock me up in a tower? Be reasonable, David. I am under the protection of the Duke of Beckworth! You can’t do this!”

He grabbed her by the elbow. “You forget yourself. I am your nearest male relative, and I have the governance of you.”

“David, you’re hurting me. Let go—”

She gasped as her brother was yanked backward and sent sprawling to the floor by a swift right hook from Mr. Ford.

Mr. Ford rubbed his knuckles and stepped over her brother’s prostrate form.

“Are you all right, Miss Leyton?”

She nodded dumbly as David began to groan and stir.

Mr. Ford squeezed her hand and whispered, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll make this right.”

He stooped and offered David a hand. “I do apologize, Lieutenant, but I could not allow you to distress and alarm Miss Leyton in that manner.”

David sat up and touched his jaw, glaring ferociously up at her rescuer. “How dare you interfere, sir? You will be speaking to my seconds!”

Rose stifled a moan behind her hand.

“I’m sure you don’t wish me to respond to that remark, Lieutenant Leyton. No brother wishes to drag his sister’s name into a public and illegal duel.” David opened his mouth to interrupt, but Mr. Ford kept speaking. “Especially if he has misunderstood the circumstances.”

“And what circumstances might they be?” David demanded.

Mr. Ford glanced over at Rose. “That Miss Leyton had already agreed to be my wife, and thus I was simply protecting my bride-to-be’s honor.”

Silence fell, and Rose struggled not to gawp at the two men.

David turned to her. “Is Mr. Ford speaking the truth?”

She found herself nodding.

David hauled himself to his feet, his gaze still suspicious. “And when did this happy event occur?”

Mr. Ford inserted himself between Rose and her brother and took her shaking hand. “Not more than five minutes before you entered the room, sir. In truth, if you had been a few seconds earlier you would’ve discovered me on bended knee.”

He brought Rose’s limp fingers to his lips and kissed her bare knuckles and then turned her hand over to kiss her palm, his mouth warm on her flesh.

“I am more than happy to go over my financial details with you—or the duke, when he is found. I am a man of good family.”

“We can discuss all that later,” David said, his gaze also on Rose. “Are you sure you want to marry this man rather than the second richest man in the village?”

“Absolutely sure.” She managed a rather wobbly smile.

“That’s excellent news. I must go and tell Henry at once.” He nodded at them both and left the room, whistling happily down the corridor.

As soon as the outside door banged behind her brother, Rose snatched her hand away.

“Whatever were you thinking?”

Mr. Ford raised an eyebrow. “You wished to marry Mr. Potter?”

“Of course I didn’t.”

“Then what is your concern?”

“You don’t want—you can’t want to marry me.”

“That is rather beside the point.” He retook her hand and smoothed his thumb over hers. “If you are officially engaged to me, your brother can’t order you to marry elsewhere.”

“Because he’ll be expecting me to marry you!”

“Expecting… yes, but think about it, Miss Leyton. We continue our engagement until the new duke is found, and then you lay the whole matter before him. He can decide whether he wishes to prosecute your ex-betrothed for breach of promise, offer you a new and larger dowry, or marry you himself.”

Rose blinked hard at him. “And what about you?”

He shrugged. “I’ll abide by whatever makes you happy.”

“But why?”

He held her gaze. “Because you are my friend.”

She fought back tears. “That is too much to ask of any man.”

“I don’t think so. In truth, I’m happy to be of service.” He hesitated. “Can you bear the deception? We will have to pretend that we like each other.”

“I do like you.”

His smile was slow and so endearing that she caught her breath. For a terrible second she wished with all her heart that his affection for her was as deep as it could possibly be.

“Then there is nothing else to worry us, is there?”

He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips. She closed her eyes as his mouth met hers and simply savored the essence of him—his breath feathering her lips, his warm hand curving around the back of her neck, holding her still for his kiss as though she was a fragile and precious thing.

With a soft sound she kissed him back.

“I think we will be quite convincing, don’t you?”

She nodded as he stepped back.

“Perhaps you should go and break the news to your great-aunt.”

“I’m fairly certain David will have done that already.” She paused. “Do you intend to write to your family, or will it be possible to keep the matter between ourselves?”

“As the Beckworth family are in mourning, I hope we can only inform those who are directly involved with this matter.” He smiled at her. “Neither of us are society high flyers, so I doubt anyone will notice what we choose to do. I will see you at dinner—if that is acceptable?”

He walked over to the door and held it open for her. With the sense that she was still abed and dreaming, Rose went past him, heading for her great-aunt’s bedchamber. She was now affianced to Mr. Ford—who seemed to think they were capable of deceiving her brother, her great-aunt, and possibly the new Duke of Beckworth, whoever he might be.

A smile quivered on her lips as she recalled the sight of her brother stretched out on the carpet and Mr. Ford standing over him in a particularly masterful pose. She’d never imagined her life would turn into a romantic novel with men fighting over her… In truth she was living in a novel, because none of it was real. The moment the duke returned, she would have to deal with the consequences of her choices—which wasn’t appealing at all.

But Mr. Ford had been magnificent. She would never forget that.

At dinner, Great-Aunt Maude offered her approval of the match, and afterward Colin was allowed to take Miss Leyton for a short stroll on the terrace that ran along the back of the palatial mansion. The covered portico protected them from the hint of rain and was illuminated by several lanterns and the glow of candlelight from within the house. Colin looked down at Miss Leyton’s bowed head and found himself smiling like an idiot.

Her shawl slipped from her shoulder, and he reached for it, catching the silky strands as his hand brushed the curve of her shoulder. He slowly inhaled the scent of her skin and realized she was looking up at him, her brown eyes wide.

Colin cleared his throat. “I should imagine Lady Maude thinks I will steal a kiss from you while we are out here alone.”

Miss Leyton worried her lower lip. “You don’t have to do anything you—”

He cut off the rest of her sentence by the simple expedient of placing his mouth over hers. She gave a tiny squeak of surprise and then kissed him back as he guided her toward a bench at the end of the balcony. She sank down onto the seat in a rustle of petticoats and satin, and he joined her, one hand clasping her neck, the other settling lower around her waist.

He murmured his approval and delicately probed the seam of her lips, begging for entrance, which she gave him, allowing him to introduce her to a whole new kind of kiss that sent waves of heat rushing through his body, settling in his now attentive cock. She moaned into his mouth and moved closer into his embrace, her arms now around him, her fingers threaded through his curls.

Colin forgot where he was and what he had been attempting to achieve in the sheer delight of the kiss. His hand slid lower, tracing the curve of her hip and coming to rest on the pleasing mound of her buttock. He shifted position until she was practically in his lap—too intent on the overwhelming sensation of touching her to think coherently. Not that she seemed to be doing much better. Her hands were roving, too, pushing inside his coat as she stroked his chest.

“Too many clothes,” he muttered.

“I beg your pardon?”

He opened his eyes and blinked at her. “I…” Damnation, what on earth could he say? “I… apologize. I quite forgot myself.”

She pressed her fingers to her lips, which were now reddened from his kisses, and his cock kicked up against his breeches.

“That wasn’t quite what I was expecting.” She sounded even more breathless than he did.

“I can only apologize again. I didn’t intend to become so… involved.”

She moved slightly away, her color high. “It’s quite all right. I didn’t expect that either.” As she spoke, her gaze lingered on his mouth, which didn’t help matters at all. “I don’t remember Henry kissing me like that.”

Inwardly Colin cringed. “He probably treated you with more respect.”

“But I liked what happened between us.” She finally met his gaze. “Is that wrong?”

Only if she didn’t want to be ravished—because the way Colin was currently feeling made that option highly likely.

He cleared his throat. “If we continue to kiss like that, our thoughts might turn to more carnal matters.”

“Such as?”

“Taking you to my bed, stripping you naked, and having my way with you.”

“Oh.” She eyed him carefully. “But why?”

“What do you mean?”

She smoothed a hand over her bosom and downward. “I am hardly the kind of woman who excites men to consider acts of lust.”

“Whoever told you that?” She went to answer him, and he held up his hand. “I’ll wager it was your beautiful sister, am I right?”

She nodded, her gaze holding his, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

“Your sister is wrong, you know. You have beautiful skin, whisky-warm eyes, and a mouth meant to be kissed.” He let his gaze travel over her. “You are well formed, with sufficient décolletage to make me dream about uncovering more of it, and you are rounded in all the right places.” He cocked an eyebrow. “What is there for a man not to like?”

He reached for her hand and held it tight. “But I should not be discussing such matters with you in a public place.”

“I don’t mind.”

“You will if Lady Maude comes looking for you and finds us sitting so closely together. We’ll be marching up that aisle in a heartbeat.” He tucked a strand of her disheveled hair behind her ear. “And with you looking suitably overcome.”

He eased away from her only because the urge to gather her in his arms, sit her on his lap, and kiss the blazes out of her was consuming him. She might not understand the implications of what he desired, but he certainly did, and for once he was going to have to be sensible for both of them.

Her smile faded as he rose and offered her his hand.

“Have I offended you, Mr. Ford?”

“Not at all. On the contrary—your charms threaten to overwhelm my good sense, and I can’t allow that to happen.”

“Because we aren’t really engaged.”

His sense of well-being dissipated. “Ah, yes. There is that.”

Rose allowed him to start walking back along the terrace before allowing the full extent of his reply to settle over her. Men had needs. Her brother had pointed that out to her on more than one occasion when she’d questioned his expenditure or habits concerning the opposite sex. Mr. Ford might desire her—which was rather thrilling in its own way—but that didn’t necessarily mean he wanted to marry her.

She pondered that thought as they walked back toward the drawing room.

“Henry said I was too impulsive and rather unladylike in my enthusiasm for being kissed.”

Mr. Ford snorted. “I think you know my opinion of Lieutenant Woodford, and that piece of outright nonsense does nothing to change it.”

“You don’t think me unladylike in my response to you?”

He patted her hand, which lay on his coat sleeve. “Not at all.”

Rose continued walking. “You are a very nice man, Mr. Ford.”

“Nice isn’t the word I’d use to describe myself at the moment.” He glanced down at her. “If I had my way, I’d scoop you up in my arms and take you to bed.”

“You would?” Rose found herself smiling. “I can’t say that I would object. I’ve always wondered what goes on between the sheets.”

Mr. Ford made a stifled sound, which she suspected was a curse.

“What’s wrong?” she asked innocently. Who would’ve believed she would be capable of flirting with a man in such a dangerously satisfying way?

He paused just outside the entrance to the French doors. “I am trying to behave like a gentleman, Miss Leyton, and you are undermining my resolution.”

“Then it’s my turn to apologize to you.” She curtsied and managed to wink at him. “This is so much more fun than I anticipated, Mr. Ford!”

“What is?”

“Being engaged to you.”

He bowed. “I believe you are laughing at me now, Miss Leyton.”

She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “I might be.”

“Then be careful I don’t take my revenge.” His gaze ran over her in a way that made her shiver, not unpleasantly. “I have a strong desire to put you over my knee.”

She stuck her tongue out at him and whisked herself away and into the drawing room. Great-Aunt Maude was dozing while her brother and Henry played out a hand of cards with two of the Beckworth invalids.

“Ah! There you are my dear!” Great-Aunt Maude started awake. “I believe I shall retire to bed. Come along.”

Across the room, David cleared his throat. “I’ll be going to Town tomorrow, Rose. I’ll return in the evening. Henry is coming with me.”

Rose curtsied. “I do hope you both have a safe journey. Good night.” She didn’t even turn her head. “And good night my dear Mr. Ford.”

Taking her aunt’s arm, she left the salon—ignoring the dogs that ran haphazardly around them—and mounted the stairs. Rose was fairly certain that Mr. Ford didn’t take his eyes off her until she disappeared from sight. If this was what a false engagement felt like, she could only wonder how it would feel to be Mr. Ford’s real intended. Would he have overcome his scruples and whisked her off to his bed? Somehow she doubted it.

She’d often wondered what went on in the marriage bed, and no one had seen fit to enlighten her. But the thought of Mr. Ford undressed and smiling a welcome made her heart race and her body yearn for something she couldn’t quite express. She wanted to bury her face in the crook of his shoulder and just breathe him in…

“Daydreaming, my dearest girl?”

Rose jumped as Great-Aunt Maude prodded her in the ribs with one bony finger.

“No shame in that. Mr. Ford comes from a fine family and will make you an excellent husband.”

Rose smiled. “I do believe he will.”

Chapter Five

Great-Aunt Maude frowned at Rose over her coffee cup. “I thought your brother was supposed to return last night.”

“There are a thousand things that might have detained him in London, ma’am.” Rose placidly ate her breakfast. “I wouldn’t worry about him for a day or so.” In truth, she wasn’t missing him at all.

“Hmmph! I suppose he is old enough to take care of himself.”

“And a dashing soldier to boot,” Rose added. “He hasn’t been on these shores for quite a while, so he must have many calls to make.”

“Indeed.” Great-Aunt Maude finished her coffee. “I wonder if he’ll bring Lieutenant Woodford back with him?”

“I do hope not. I’ve seen quite enough of him to last me a lifetime.”

Her aunt cackled with laughter. “At least he came to apologize, my dear.”

“He came to reclaim his betrothal ring. That is all.”

Rose pushed back her chair. She was no longer surprised that the thought of Henry’s betrayal meant little to her. Her sister had always said she lacked sensibility. Over the years Henry’s image had faded and the tone of his infrequent letters to her had smacked of duty rather than of affection. Somehow the man of her imagination had turned out to have feet of clay. She was guiltily relieved that she hadn’t married him at seventeen and found that out with no ability to escape him. Or would she even have noticed if he had strayed? Unless she’d chosen to follow the drum, she might have ended up at Beckworth anyway but with a husband who was in love with another woman. Thanks to Mr. Ford’s quick thinking, her present circumstances were remarkably better than that.

“Do you wish to sit in the back parlor, ma’am? The light would be perfect if you intend to continue your embroidering.” She paused at the sound of approaching voices. “I believe my errant brother has returned.”

Before her aunt could frame a reply, David appeared in the doorway, his cloak splattered with mud and his cheeks reddened from the cold.

“Ah, Rose! I have someone I wish you to meet.” He stepped back to allow an older man to progress into the breakfast room. Something about the almost familiar cast of the man’s face made Rose’s stomach flip over.

“Great-Aunt Maude, may I present the Earl of Schull? He is Mr. Ford’s father and was more than willing to accompany me to Beckworth to see his son being wed.”

“My lady.” The earl bowed. He had a faint Irish accent. “It is a pleasure.”

Great-Aunt Maude beamed at him. “A pleasure indeed, my lord. Welcome to Beckworth. How fortunate that you were in Town at this joyous moment.”

“Thank you for the welcome, my lady.” The earl smiled and turned to Rose. “And this, I assume, is Miss Leyton? My son’s intended?”

Rose could only nod and curtsey as he took her hand and brought it gallantly to his lips. “My son is a very lucky man.”

She licked her dry lips and glanced over at David. “I… was not aware that the marriage was imminent. Surely we need to have the banns read, and—”

“Not if you have obtained a special license.” David patted his pocket. “Which I did on your behalf, my dear sister.”

“Is that quite legal?” Rose croaked.

“It will suffice.” David rubbed his hands together. “Now. I’ve sent for Mr. Beebumbler at the vicarage, and if he is agreeable I’m sure we can get this matter settled before dinner!” He smiled at them all. “Isn’t this wonderful?”

Rose sat down abruptly in the nearest chair as David took the earl to meet the butler who would show him to a guest room for the night. She’d been outmaneuvered by a master. Her only chance was to warn Mr. Ford so that he could run away. How many women were jilted twice in one month?

“Are you all right, Rose, my dear?”

Great-Aunt Maude’s voice seemed to come from a long way off.

“Don’t you want to change your dress? I suspect the vicar will be here soon. I’m sure you have something far finer than that muslin to wear, and if not, we’ll raid the duchess’s wardrobe and find you something pretty. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind at all. Rose?”

She finally managed to stand up, one hand gripped on the back of the chair for support. “I… need to speak to Mr. Ford.”

“It’s unlucky for a bridegroom to see his bride before the wedding. I’m sure David will be speaking to him very shortly.”

“But—” Rose gulped.

Great-Aunt Maude grasped her elbow rather firmly. “Come along, my dear. Let’s go upstairs and make sure you look your best.”

Colin handed the reins of his horse to the waiting groom and headed out of the stables, whistling as he walked. It was a cold but clear January day, typical for this time of year when little was growing in the fallow fields and all the animals were kept inside for the winter. It was almost impossible to believe that spring would eventually arrive and change everything for the better.

He desperately hoped that the estate would have a good year under his care. He wanted the new duke to confirm his appointment as land agent, and bringing in a good harvest and healthy profits from the local markets would surely improve his chances of success. The song died on his lips as Lieutenant Leyton beckoned to him from the kitchen door of the main house. He reluctantly turned his footsteps in the other man’s direction.

“Good morning, Lieutenant.”

“Mr. Ford. May I speak with you?”

“Of course. Does this have something to do with marriage settlements or the like? I confess I will have to consult my father’s solicitors as to the exact nature of my portion and other pecuniary matters. It may take some time.”

The lieutenant’s smile was far too smug for Colin’s liking.

“I believe we can settle those matters later. What I need you to do now is prepare yourself for the wedding.”

Colin stiffened. “I beg your pardon?”

“I took the liberty of procuring a special marriage license for you when I was in London. Mr. Beebumbler is awaiting you in the chapel.”

“Hold on a moment—what on earth gave you the right to do this?”

Lieutenant Leyton shrugged. “I don’t wish my sister to be stuck in another long engagement. From what I understand, there are no immediate reasons why you should not get married today.” He paused, the hint of a threat hanging in the air. “Are there?”

Colin stood his ground. “Why are you so determined to push this matter through —a matter of great importance to both your sister and myself?”

The lieutenant raised an eyebrow. “Do you not wish to be employed here?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“If you refuse to marry my sister today, I will make damn sure that Great-Aunt Maude has you dismissed with no reference or good character.”

“You can’t do that. I am employed by—”

“You are employed by my family. I will take my case to the duchess herself in London to ensure you never work at this estate again.”

“Why are you so desperate to see your sister married off? Is it because you fear the duke will sue your friend for breach of promise?”

“That is none of your concern.”

“It will be if I marry your sister.” Colin advanced a step closer, his hands fisted at his side. “Do you fear the financial consequences of such an action for your friend or for yourself?”

Lieutenant Leyton smiled. “My, you are a sharp one, aren’t you? I suppose there is no harm in you knowing the truth—seeing as we are going to be related. I owe Henry money. He has agreed to forgive my debts if I can extricate him from this unfortunate betrothal.”

“So you will sacrifice your sister for your own selfish gain?”

“If I must.”

Colin stared hard at the other man as the coldest of rages shook through him. For the first time in his life he wanted to hurt someone very badly

Instead he put all the contempt he felt into his words. “You don’t deserve a sister such as Miss Leyton.”

Lieutenant Leyton shrugged. “If you don’t choose to marry her, I’ll still terminate your employment, and I’ll force her to marry Mr. Potter.”

“She will never voluntarily marry that man.”

“She will—eventually.” Lieutenant Leyton took out his pocket watch and studied it. “So, what’s it to be, Ford? Marry my sister or lose it all?”

For a few seconds all Colin could do was breathe and exist. His shoulders slumped.

“But I haven’t even informed my family.”

“Then I’m sure you will be delighted to hear that when I called upon your father he gave his blessing to the marriage and insisted on accompanying me back to Beckworth to support you.”

“He did?” Colin just about prevented his jaw from dropping. “My father is here?”

“Yes, so get a move on, old chap, and get your best rig on.” Lieutenant Leyton slapped him on the back. “I’ll meet you in the chapel in a quarter of an hour.”

“And Miss Leyton?”

“She will be there, don’t fret.”

Colin was left standing on the doorstep, his thoughts in chaos as his whole ordered world collapsed around him. He could run… turn back to the stables and be away before anyone realized. But could he do that to Miss Leyton? A woman who had already been discarded through no fault of her own? She deserved so much better. But the thought of her being forced to marry Mr. Potter wasn’t an image he wished to dwell on either.

He wished that he could just talk to her…

He doubted anyone would allow that to happen, including his father, who had obviously decided that an alliance with the Duke of Beckworth’s family—however tenuous—was well worth the sacrifice of his fifth and unwanted son.

Everyone and everything was conspiring against them. If they wished to break free, he would lose his job and reputation, and Miss Leyton would be confirmed to a life of spinsterhood—or worse.

He took several deep slow breaths, squared his shoulders, and went slowly up the stairs to his bedchamber.

“You look beautiful, my dear.”

Rose managed to smile at Mrs. Pemberley, who was helping arrange her skirts as they waited at the rear of the family chapel. The duchess’s closet had provided an ice blue satin dress with a double flounce of Brussels lace at the hem and a low-cut bodice, which Great-Aunt Maude had deemed respectable enough for a woman about to be married.

Mrs. Pemberley had come to help Rose and had dressed her hair in a series of curls that were most unlike her usual smooth braids. She felt quite odd, which was perfectly fine, seeing as she appeared to be living in some kind of fairy tale anyway.

Would Mr. Ford be waiting for her at the front of the church? Part of her hoped he’d escaped. The rest of her breathlessly wished he’d decided to stay, which was terribly selfish of her.

“Good Lord, Rose, you look very nice! Never thought you had it in you!”

She turned to find David in his full regimental uniform staring at her in some surprise.

“Thank you.” She curtsied, suddenly aware of how tight her stays were and how shallow her breathing.

He offered his arm to her. “Ready?”

“If you are sure this is necessary.”

He raised his eyebrows and patted her gloved hand. “Don’t worry, sis. I made sure this one couldn’t get away. If he isn’t waiting at the altar, I’ll chase him down and shoot him.”

“Wonderful,” Rose said faintly as Mrs. Pemberley opened the door into the chapel and slipped inside. Within moments, she and David were heading down the aisle toward the three men who awaited her. A hysterical desire to laugh blossomed in her bosom as she saw that Henry had been pressed into service as Mr. Ford’s best man.

The only other people present were Great-Aunt Maude, the Earl of Schull, and various members of the Beckworth household, including the upper servants.

The local vicar, Mr. Beebumbler, smiled as she approached, but she only had eyes for Mr. Ford. He looked rather pale, but his blue gaze met hers with a steady determination that gave her some much-needed courage.

Ignoring both the vicar and her brother, Mr. Ford leaned toward her and whispered. “Are you all right?”

“If you are.”

He smiled into her eyes. “Unless you want to take my hand and run away together into a life of ruin and disgrace?”

She shook her head. He didn’t deserve that.

“Then mayhap we’d better proceed.”

David loudly cleared his throat and eased Rose away from Mr. Ford. “Shall we get on with it then, Vicar?”

Three hours later, Colin’s face hurt from smiling, and he was coldly sober—unlike his bride’s brother, her ex-betrothed, and his father. Even Lady Maude was giggling like a young girl as they shared a remarkably elaborate wedding feast, considering the lack of notice. Under the cover of the table, he held Miss Leyton’s hand very tightly in his, a solid reminder that she too was enmeshed in this insanity and that he was now responsible for her.

Not Miss Leyton anymore either, but “the honorable” Mrs. Colin Ford. His wife.

His father caught his gaze. “Might I have a word with you before I return to Town, Colin?”

“Of course, Father.” Colin reluctantly released his wife’s hand and stood. “We can talk in the library if you wish.”

He led the way into the imposing Beckworth library and closed the door behind his father.

“You’ve done well, lad.” The earl walked forward and let his gaze drift over the ducal treasures displayed on the shelves. “I would never have expected it of you.”

“I live to please you, sir.”

His father arched a brow. “I understand she has some money and might have more if the new duke takes a fancy to her.”

Colin leaned back against the door and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Having spoken to her brother, you probably know more about that than I do. I’m fairly confident you would not have agreed to the connection unless there was some financial worth in it for the family.”

“You know me well.” The earl’s smile was edged with bitterness. “It is hard to make ends meet these days.”

“Then I am glad I will not be adding to your burdens. I have always tried to make my own way. You made that very clear to me when I finished school.”

“And off you went and found employment like a damned cit—which has turned out very nicely for you, hasn’t it? You caught the old duke’s second cousin twice removed and gained the patronage and power of an ancient family. The only thing I don’t understand is why the Leytons were so keen to get rid of her. Is there some scandal I should know about?”

Colin’s recently discovered temper flickered to life. “No.”

“Have you got her with child? If so, I must congratulate you.”

“There is no hint of scandal attached to her name, and there never will be,” Colin snapped.

The earl held his gaze for a long moment and then nodded. “I will instruct my solicitor to speak to Beckworth’s man. I believe you are owed some portion of your mother’s estate on the occasion of your marriage. I will do my best to see if I can release it to you, but don’t get your hopes up.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He doubted his father appreciated the hint of sarcasm in his reply, but he no longer cared. If the man sold a couple of his prized hunters he would have enough to pay Colin’s measly portion. There was a lot more he wished to say, but it was neither the time nor the place for recriminations and questions. If his money didn’t materialize, he would set the Beckworth solicitors on his father. Then the spendthrift earl would see what the power of having a ducal relative could achieve.

The earl sauntered back toward the door, and Colin moved to open it.

“I have to return to London today. I believe Lieutenant Leyton and his friend also intend to leave.”

“Then I will wish you a safe journey, sir.”

Colin was fairly sure his father was right. There was no need for Leyton to hang around now when everything had been settled to his satisfaction.

Now all Colin had to do was get on with married life…

Rose turned a slow circle as Mrs. Pemberley shut one of the drawers on the tallboy.

“Mr. Ford is moving in here?”

“Lady Maude doesn’t think the land agent’s set of rooms is of sufficient quality for you both.” Mrs. Pemberley opened a drawer and deftly relocated the contents into another. “When the new duke is found, she will consult with him about offering you more private accommodation. There is a very nice house on the estate that was occupied by Mr. Morehouse’s predecessor that would suit you very well.”

“I see.”

Mrs. Pemberley came toward Rose, her expression softening. “Let me help you out of that gown. You have had a rather exciting day and must be exhausted.”

It wasn’t until after Mrs. Pemberley undressed her and helped her into her nightgown and robe that Rose remembered Mr. Ford would soon be appearing. She glanced doubtfully down at her quilted robe. In truth, she was more covered up than she’d been at the wedding, and if she got into bed… he would see nothing if she pulled the covers up to her neck.

She was drawing back the quilt before she thought about that. If she were in bed, would he assume she was ready or even eager to consummate their marriage?

She leapt back from the bed as if she had been scalded. Great-Aunt Maude had told her to lie still and let Mr. Ford have his way. What she’d meant by that still remained a mystery. Did Mr. Ford even know his belongings had been relocated to her bedroom? Was he currently roaming the house wondering where on earth he was supposed to sleep?

The soft sound of someone clearing his throat made her jump and clutch at her throat.

“Miss Leyton?” He stood in the doorway, his expression concerned. “Did I scare you?”

“Not at all.” She beckoned him closer. “You are… most welcome.” Was that her squeaky little voice?

He contemplated her from a safe distance. “My father and your brother and his friend have left. I persuaded them all into the carriage, where I expect they’ll sleep for the entire journey back to London.”

“Both being drunk and relieved of their familial duty toward us,” Rose said.

“Exactly.” He shoved a hand through his dark curls. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of a single way to get us out of this impossible situation without ruining us both.”

“I am just sorry your kind gesture to ensure my future happiness ended with you being married.” She took a deep breath. “You could have run away.”

“And left you at the altar?” He smiled. “No, I could not have done that to you.”

“Then I should’ve run.”

His smile died, and his gaze shot to her face. “If you are… unwilling to continue this relationship, I quite understand.”

“What exactly are you suggesting?”

“If we do not… consummate the marriage, there is a small chance that the new duke might be able to—”

She held up her hand, interrupting him. “Knowing our luck, do you really think that would work?”

He winced. “Probably not.”

“Then perhaps we should make the best of it.” Rose nodded at the bed. “I’m rather cold, so I’ll get in.”

“I’ll bank up the fire.” He turned his back, giving her the opportunity to scramble into bed and scoot across to the right-hand side. Her heart was already thumping as if she’d run a race. Watching Mr. Ford attend to the fire and then blow out all the candles apart from the one beside the bed did nothing to alleviate her anticipation. In truth, watching him was strangely compelling, especially when he retreated to the furthest corner and started stripping off his clothes…

Eventually he paused, one hand on the buttons that held up his breeches, and looked her way.

“I don’t suppose you noticed where Mrs. Pemberley put my nightshirts?”

“No, I’m sorry. I didn’t.”

“Then would you prefer it if I came to bed like this?”

Rose studied him carefully. “Won’t you be rather uncomfortable? Why not just keep your shirt on if you are cold.”

“If you are sure.”

“I…” Her throat dried as he stripped off his cravat and his shirtfront fell open, offering her a glimpse of pale skin and dark hair. He stepped out of his breeches, folded them carefully in the manner of someone who took care of his possessions, and placed them on the back of the nearest chair. His shirt fell almost to his knees, but she could see his bare legs.

He advanced toward the bed, pausing only to blow out the last candle before climbing in beside her. Rose held her breath, aware of her bed suddenly shrinking as her new husband stretched out beside her. His shoulder bumped hers, and she jumped.

“May I hold you?” he asked softly.

She could only nod and allow him to slip his arm around her shoulders and gather her close. For some reason, the most perfect spot for her head to rest against was his chest. She took a deep breath and inhaled a hint of brandy, leather, and cheap lye soap.

He kissed the top of her head. “It’s been a bit of a day, hasn’t it? I can’t say I expected to be a respectable married man by the end of it.”

“It felt as if the whole day were a dream,” she admitted.

“You looked beautiful in that blue dress.”

“It used to belong to our absent duchess.”

He chuckled. “I’m fairly sure she wouldn’t begrudge it to you. She has always been very kind to me.”

His fingers drifted down her throat and along the curve of her collarbone.

“Aren’t you hot in that robe?”

In answer, she sat up and took it off, tossing it onto the floor. Her nightgown was made of linen and was without ornamentation, but Mr. Ford was still staring at her as if she’d disrobed completely. She shrank down into the covers, and his arm came back around her.

“Mr. Ford…”

He kissed her nose. “Do you think you might call me Colin? Only when we are alone, obviously.”

“I will do my best. You may call me Rose.”

“Thank you. It suits you very well.” His fingers traced a pattern on the back of her neck, which made her want to squirm in a rather pleasurable way. “Your mother obviously liked flower names.”

“For her daughters. I wish she’d called David Petunia or something like that. It might have made him less pompous.”

He shook with laughter, making her aware of his heat and strength beneath the fabric of his shirt. “Or Buttercup.”

“Or Lupin.” Unbelievably, Rose found herself smiling. “Although I suspect he would have suffered greatly at Eton if he’d been blessed with any of those names.”

“Which would’ve done him the world of good.”

A yawn shook through Rose, and she muffled it against his shoulder.

“We should go to sleep,” he murmured.

She opened her eyes. “But we haven’t—”

“We don’t have to do anything until you are ready.”

A familiar note of determination suffused his voice. He rolled onto his back, drawing her with him so that she was cuddled against his side. It was remarkably pleasant.

“Good night, Mrs. Ford.”

“Rose,” she muttered. “I’m not officially your wife until you bed me.”

“True, but I’m not the kind of man to impose myself on a tired and unwilling woman.”

“I’m not unwilling.”

“But you are tired.” He leaned in and kissed her mouth. “We have the whole of our lives to sort out the rest of it. Go to sleep.”

An hour later, Colin was wide awake and rather regretting his heroic behavior. Miss Leyton—Rose—was asleep, her body almost on top of his, her soft inner thigh nestled right against the insistent throb of his cock. He feathered a hand over her hip and buttock, molding her even closer to his hardened flesh, and wanted to groan.

Her fingers tightened in his hair. “You aren’t sleeping at all.”

“Ouch.”

“You’re still awake and being noble.”

Colin set his jaw. “Don’t worry about me. I’m—” He caught his breath. “God, don’t—”

She rocked against him, making his cock even harder. Before he could stop himself, he shifted her more completely over him.

“Mmm…” She now straddled him, and the parts that needed to be aligned were now in much closer proximity. “That’s rather nice.”

“Good.” He cupped her buttock and slid his fingers lower, seeking her core and the feminine secrets within. “How about this?”

She was already wet for him, which made him even more desperate.

In one swift motion, he rolled her onto her back and spread her thighs wide, kneeling in between them. Her nightgown was rucked up around her hips, and her skin was flushed. He didn’t think he’d seen anything so desirable before in his life. With a soft sound, he kissed her, waiting until she opened her mouth to him before cupping her mound and imitating the motion of his tongue with his finger.

“Oh…” She murmured against his lips and then again. “Oh, Colin.” He probed deeper, using his tongue both to drive her wild and to instruct her as to the delights that lay before them.

Her hips rocked against his, seeking what his body yearned to give her. She was soon slick with need and welcoming each thrust of his fingers. He thumbed the hard bud that guarded the entrance to her body until she was writhing on the sheets and begging him for more.

He eased himself lower, one hand wrapped around the base of his shaft, and rubbed the crown against her needy flesh.

“Do you want me?”

She glanced down, and her eyes went wide. Her hand spread out over his chest, holding him back. “All of that?”

He smoothed her hair from her brow. “Trust me, we’ll fit.”

With a shuddering sigh, she grabbed hold of his shoulders. “I suppose this is what Great-Aunt Maude meant about lying still and letting you have your way.”

He kissed her very slowly. “I do want to have my way, but I don’t expect you to lie still. I want your arms and legs wrapped around me, your tongue in my mouth, and your fingernails digging into my skin while you scream your pleasure.”

Even as he spoke and her eyes went hazy with desire, he was easing the head of his cock inward, pressing and retreating, distracting her with kisses and bites as she became accustomed to his possession. He wanted to take everything like a marauding conqueror, but he knew better. Showing her slowly and carefully how they fit together was his paramount task.

Except her heel settled on his arse, driving him onward like a wayward horse, making it almost impossible to keep up the steady pace he demanded of himself.

“More.” She bit his ear.

“I thought you said I wouldn’t fit?”

Her answer was a growl as he rolled his hips and gained another inch. His cock was totally encased in her now and throbbing so hard it was a struggle to concentrate. He took two deep slow breaths and pressed home, holding himself steady over her.

She opened her eyes, revealing a mixture of hope and shy arousal that almost unmanned him

“Are we done?”

“Not quite.” He took her hand and placed it where they were joined, shivered as her fingers stroked the tight curve of his balls. He wanted to come very badly, but not yet.

Lacing her fingers through his, he started to thrust in and out, watching her face, seeing the pleasure take her for the first time, and felt like the most incredibly lucky man in the world. Her feet climbed his thighs, opening her even wider to the roll of his hips, sinking him deeper. He groaned with every advance, his whole being focused on her as she strained to find her release along with him.

He slid his thumb over her bud, and she bucked against him—almost as if it was too much—but he kept touching her, and suddenly she screamed his name, and then he knew no more than the blessed relief of achieving his climax deep within her tightening channel. It was as if he and Rose were part of the same person, united against the world, and that for him was the most wonderful sensation of all.

Chapter Six

Rose woke up to the thumping of Colin’s heart under her cheek. She’d somehow managed to sprawl all over him again. One of his hands rested on her bottom, the other was tangled in her hair. She resisted wiggling against him, having seen what that might awaken, and carefully eased away, immediately missing his warmth. Her robe lay on the floor. She put it on, noticing odd aches in her body she had never experienced before. She glanced back at the sight of her sleeping husband and smiled foolishly.

Mayhap they had married in haste, but she couldn’t say she regretted it.

“Good morning, Mrs. Ford.”

He’d turned onto his side and was now smiling back at her.

“Good morning, sir. Shall I ring for my maid?”

He shoved a hand through his disordered curls. “You have a maid?”

“Indeed. She might even bring us breakfast if I ask her nicely.”

He slowly sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed to the floor. “That would be rather nice.” His smile faded. “Are you all right?”

“I’m… very happy. Why?”

“Because we are now married in truth.”

Some of her contentment dissipated at his grave expression. “I thought we agreed there was nothing we could do to prevent the marriage and would make the best of it. Are you doubting the legitimacy of that decision already?”

He sighed. “I wonder whether we should have waited to speak to the new duke and explored the legal implications of the matter. That’s the whole reason your brother was pushing for the marriage to happen immediately in the first place.”

Rose pleated the sash of her robe between her fingers. “He told me that he wanted to make sure I wasn’t left at the altar again.”

He went still. “Of course, that was probably his primary reason, I just—”

“Did he tell you something different?”

“I received the impression he worried Lieutenant Woodford would become involved in legal proceedings and wished to protect him.”

From his suddenly wooden expression and carefully chosen words, Rose gained the sense that her brother had said something far worse. She turned her back and walked over to the window, staring unseeingly down at the fountain. “That sounds just like him.”

“I’m sorry.”

“That my brother is more concerned with his friend’s feelings than his sister’s? There is no need. I’m quite used to it.”

“Perhaps I shouldn’t have reminded your brother that the duke might be interested in the matter.”

“You did no more than I.” She spun around. “Although you’re correct that your price for interfering in the matter was probably far higher than you anticipated or deserved.”

“Rose, that’s not what I meant…”

She stalked off toward her dressing room. “When Annie arrives, tell her to come through.”

Shutting the door behind her, she held back her tears. David didn’t deserve them, and poor honorable Colin had been used as a pawn to win her brother the game simply because he was the only man who had ever stood up for her…

He must surely resent what had happened to him. A gentleman of his standing and family, penniless or not, could’ve married into the aristocracy with ease. But he was stuck with her because her brother had trapped him.

Rose turned around and marched back into the bedroom.

“We don’t have to tell anyone, you know.”

He was out of bed and already half-dressed, having obviously availed himself of the cold water in the jug.

“Tell anyone what?”

She gestured toward the bed. “That we did that.”

He put down the drying cloth. “Consummated our marriage?”

“Yes.”

“Why shouldn’t we?”

“Because then you could be free of me, and we could seek an annulment.”

He stared at her for a long moment. “Is that what you want?”

“It’s not about what I want, Colin. It’s about being fair to you. My brother forced—”

He cut across her. “I married you in good faith.”

“You were coerced!”

“Do you really value yourself so poorly?”

She gaped at him, her hand pressed to her breast. “That’s not fair.”

“Neither is your assumption that I need a get-out clause!” His blue eyes sparked fire. “Do you truly think I lack a spine?”

“Not at all. I—”

He picked up his coat and cravat. “My father has made it his life’s work to make me feel as unnecessary and useless as possible. I will not stand for it from my wife.” He bowed. “I will take my breakfast downstairs and return to my office. Good day, Mrs. Ford.”

Rose sank down on the side of the bed. Oh dear Lord. She’d just made things worse. But how to convince him that she’d only spoken out from a need to protect him and not because she thought he lacked worth? She hadn’t liked the Earl of Schull and his sneering attitude to the wedding party and his son. The earl obviously had a lot to answer for.

Rose groaned. She’d been married less than a day, and she was already in trouble. She had to remember that Colin was her friend and attempt to make matters right with him as soon as possible.

If only he would let her.

It was so late that Colin begged breakfast from the cook in the kitchen, endured the well-meaning jokes and jests about his wedding night, and took his food to his office. After he’d eaten, he opened his daily ledger and stared determinedly at his scribblings. The letters danced around. He attempted to concentrate again. All he could see was the hurt in Rose’s eyes.

“Damnation!” He smacked his palm on the open page.

Had he possibly overreacted to Rose’s attempts to extricate him from their marriage? He’d woken up in the best of moods, eager to start married life, and ended up storming out of their bedchamber like a character from a bad play. The thing with being married was that, unlike being an actor, at some point he would need to speak to her again without a script.

He cradled his head in his hands and groaned. A knock at the door had him looking up as Rose sailed into the room and took the seat in front of his desk. She’d dressed in one of her old brown dresses and braided her hair. For a moment, he wished he had the money to buy her silks and satins and jewelry and…

He cleared his throat. “I suppose I should add infantile to the list my father holds of my character flaws.”

“I have noticed that one’s parents and siblings do tend to bring out the worst in a person.” She studied her joined hands, avoiding his gaze.

“Indeed.” Colin took a deep breath and came around the desk. He went down on his knees in front of Rose’s chair. “Will you forgive me?”

“For storming out? Certainly. You did have some cause.”

“Not with you.” He searched her face, saw the worry and hurt etched there, and reached for her hand. “I let my own sense of inadequacy overwhelm me.”

“No, I believe that was me.” She managed a watery smile. “I was… upset about what David did, not about you, so I am equally guilty and should be apologizing to you.”

“Perhaps we should start again.” Colin paused and placed his hand on her knee. “I do not wish to get out of this marriage, do you?”

“No. But—”

He held up a finger. “No buts. If we wish to be married to each other, then nothing else matters, does it?”

“I suppose not.”

“Then shall we agree to go forward?”

“I would like that.”

He kissed her hand. “Then it is settled. Your brother and my father can go hang themselves.”

She cupped his cheek, her hand warm, and it felt like a benediction. “You are a very worthy man, Mr. Ford.”

Rising slowly, he drew her to her feet and kissed her trembling mouth. “I’m sorry, my darling girl. I never meant to start an argument with you on the first full day of our marriage.”

“Neither did I. I suspect this marriage business will take some getting used to, don’t you?”

“Then we’ll learn together. Perhaps being friends first will give us an advantage.”

He kissed her again, wrapping one arm around her hips to keep her close. With a soft sound, she reciprocated, her fingers on the back of his neck, stroking his skin, making him shiver. He was hard in an instant and attempted to draw back, but she kept following him, filling the space between them with her lush curves and…

“Rose?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you lock the door when you came in?”

“Why on earth would I do that?”

“Because if we keep this up, I’ll be inside you soon.”

“You will?” Her eyes widened, and he recognized the leap of excitement in their brown depths. “Here? In your office?”

He kissed her again. “I must confess that I have had more than a few idle thoughts about sitting you on the edge of that big desk, pulling up your skirts, and having my way with you.”

“Even before we were married?”

“Naturally.” He backed her toward the desk and set her on the edge. “It is very sturdy. You will be quite safe.”

“Colin…”

He hesitated. “Are you too sore? Did I—?”

“Hurry up.”

She grabbed two fistfuls of his hair and kissed him hard. With a happy sigh, he folded back her muslin skirts and petticoats, baring her stockings and garters. He paused to kiss the ribbons at her knees and then straightened, unbuttoning his straining breeches. He planted one hand on the edge of the desk and leaned in to kiss her, palming her between the legs as he did so.

She was delightfully wet for him as he eased one finger deep and a groan shuddered through him. She was still new at this; he should be careful and respectful and…

He yelped as Rose enclosed his cock with her fingers.

“Is this not permitted?” she asked. “I couldn’t resist the opportunity to touch you.”

“Everything is permitted,” he promised her, his voice hoarse. “Just relax your grip a little, or I will be coming before we are properly joined.”

“Coming?” She worked out how to slide her fingers up and down his hard column of flesh, and he was now bucking against her hand.

“Ejaculating, spilling my seed… God…”

He gently removed her hand and pressed his cock forward, easing his way inside her. “All right?”

“Mmm.” She sighed against his throat and locked her arms around his neck. “This is equally remarkable.”

“Good.”

He seemed done with talking as he advanced and retreated, keeping up a steady rhythm that had her clinging onto his neck and losing the ability to breathe other than gasping his name. His hand came under her bottom, lifting her into each thrust, mashing their flesh together in such a pleasing way that the tendril of excitement she’d first felt the previous night blossomed again.

Rose concentrated on it, opening herself wider, forgetting all decorum and just seeking the carnal satisfaction he offered her so willingly. With a soft curse, he drew her slippered feet up until they were planted on the edge of the desk.

“Oh yes,” she breathed as the tightening sensation increased, becoming everything in her vision. “Don’t stop, don’t…”

He groaned as he pounded into her, his fingers sliding between them to pluck at the core of her. It was almost too much as she finally broke over and around him. He roared his pleasure deep and hot within her.

It took a long while before she was willing to untangle herself and allow him to offer his handkerchief to stem the flow of his seed. Even that mundane task didn’t embarrass her, none of it did. She had no idea what the time was or if anyone had interrupted them at any point. She didn’t care.

“I think a newly married couple should be allowed to stay in their bedchamber for at least a week and not be expected to do anything but this,” Rose remarked.

He was retying his disordered cravat and setting himself to rights with a speed that amazed her. “I believe that’s why a lot of couples go away after the ceremony.” He frowned. “I should have thought about it. Is there anywhere you would like to go? To your sister in London, perhaps?”

“No, thank you.”

She smoothed down her skirts and stood, her legs a little wobbly. It was probably for the best that Colin didn’t have a mirror in his office or else she might have to consider what she looked like right now.

He walked over to her and smoothed his thumb over her cheek. He was as handsome as ever and quite immaculate. “You look beautiful.”

“How did you know what I was thinking?”

“Because you have a very expressive face.” He kissed her gently. “And you were patting your hair. Shall I walk you back up to the main house?”

“So I can go to sleep?” She sighed. “It is quite tempting. I confess I am rather tired after our exertions.”

“That’s to be expected.” He frowned. “I should not have indulged myself just now. It was—”

She placed her hand over his mouth. “It was delightful. I am fine.” The sound of breaking glass made her glance around. “What on earth?”

Colin wrapped his arm around her waist and practically threw them both to the floor, rolling until they were concealed behind the massive desk. Rose struggled to her knees and was held in check by the strength of his arm.

He whispered close to her ear. “Someone’s trying to get in.”

“I gathered that. But who?”

The curtains that covered the window farthest away from them had been closed and were now rippling and bulging as someone climbed in over the low sill. Colin eased away from her, his body tense and ready to spring.

There was a muttered curse, and the thick curtains parted fully to reveal a large man wearing an old-fashioned frock coat with deep pockets and a high collar. His scarf was pulled up over his face, and his tricorn hat kept his eyes in shadow. It was the kind of coat Rose had frequently seen featured on reward posters for highwaymen and ruffians. He also carried a cudgel, which he had obviously used to break the glass.

Colin looked at her, and he held his finger to his lips. She glared at him. Did he think her so nonsensical that she was going to swoon or do something foolish?

The man came farther into the room, his gaze intent on the bookshelves to the left of the desk. He reached into his pocket and brought out a grimy piece of paper, his lips moving as he sounded out the words.

“Left side. Top row. First four books.”

Rose stiffened as Colin reached forward, opened the top right-hand drawer of the desk, and retrieved a pistol. As the man reached on his tiptoes for the books, Colin stood.

“Put your hands in the air.”

The man spun around, the books already in his hand, and lobbed them straight at Colin’s head. His aim was good and knocked the pistol right out of Colin’s grip.

With a curse, Colin ducked as the books continued their flight and smashed into the wall above Rose’s head. The man turned to flee, and Colin launched himself forward, crashing the ruffian to the floor.

Rose watched in horror as a meaty fist collided with the side of Colin’s head, snapping it back. Fury gathered in her chest, and she picked up one of the heavy leather-bound estate books from the desk and advanced stealthily on the distracted pair, who were now exchanging blows and wrestling like amateur prize fighters.

Another blow to Colin’s shoulder and he fell back to the floor, his eyes closing as the intruder roared in triumph. Rose took a step back, braced herself, and brought the full force of the book crashing down against the revolting marauder’s head. He fell forward like a stunned ox. Rose followed him down, hitting him twice more for good measure as Colin struggled to pull himself from under the fallen man’s large frame.

“Are you all right?” Rose gasped.

His mouth was bloodied, and there was a darkening bruise on his high cheekbone.

“We need to tie him up and get someone to fetch the local magistrate.” Kicking off her shoes, Rose removed her stockings and handed them to Colin. “Use these.”

Between them they trussed the thief up like a pig bound for market. He was beginning to come around, and his language was quite dreadful.

“Rose, go to the main house and ask Mrs. Pemberley to send two of the footmen to help us. We’ll take him to the stables where we can lock him up nice and tight until the authorities can deal with him.”

Nodding, Rose handed him back his handkerchief and kissed him briefly on the nose. “My hero.”

His smile was crooked. “I believe you saved me, Mrs. Ford. Not that I am complaining. You gave him a mighty wallop with that book.”

“I pretended I was playing cricket.” She hesitated. “When I saw him hurting you—all I could think about was hurting him back. I cannot imagine being without you now.”

He gently touched her cheek. “Go and fetch Mrs. Pemberley.”

She struggled to her feet. “I will do so immediately.” She was almost at the door when he spoke again.

“Rose?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

She stared at his beloved battered face and then her vision blurred. “Oh, Colin…”

“Don’t cry. I meant it as a compliment.”

She smiled at him. “I know. It’s just such a beautiful thing to hear.”

Colin’s smile faded as soon as his wife was clear of the room. He turned back to the trussed up man on the floor.

“Did Mr. Morehouse send you?”

His captive remained stubbornly silent. Colin checked that the makeshift bonds were secure and then went to pick up his pistol and the books the man had thrown at him. To his surprise, all four books were still in one clump, which explained why they’d knocked the pistol clean out of his hand and damaged at least two of his fingers.

He set the books on his desk, examined the now-broken spine, and slid his pocketknife between the pages to discover a hollow space within. A latch clicked open, and he blinked at the sudden blaze of precious gems and gold.

“Good Lord.” He poked one finger into the box, stirring up the contents, which looked both remarkably fine and very old-fashioned. “The lost treasure of the Beckworths, I presume? So this was what Mr. Morehouse was looking for.” He closed the lid of the box.

Crouching down beside the man, he felt his way into both the large pockets of his coat, bringing out a lethal-looking knife, a snuff box, a clay pipe, and all manner of keys and picks. Eventually, he found the scrap of paper he was looking for and stood.

“This note you brought with you? I know it is from Mr. Morehouse. I recognize the writing. It can be used in evidence against you.” He paused. “You might as well tell me what he promised you in return for stealing from the estate of a duke—a very serious offense, as you must well know.” Colin pretended to sigh. “Seeing as you’re the one who’ll be going to the gallows, not him, I do hope it was worth it.”

“I don’t bloody know a Mr. Morehouse.”

Colin sat on the edge of his desk, cleaned his pistol, and carefully reloaded it, making sure his companion could see what he was doing. His fingers were hurting, and he could barely use them. “And what might your name be?”

“None of your business.”

“True, but if I knew your name, and you were to share Mr. Morehouse’s instructions about where you are to meet him to hand over the stolen goods, then I might ask the authorities to have mercy on you. Otherwise, you will hang.”

Colin looked up as two of the stoutest footmen entered through the door. “Ah, James, can you help our visitor to his feet? We will lock him in the stables until the local magistrate is able to retrieve him. Hopefully that won’t take too long, although he might be in London at the moment.”

“Look at the size of him, Jack!” James poked the captive with his toe. “Mrs. Ford said you were a hero, Mr. Ford. She said you saved her life.”

“Hardly that.” Colin couldn’t help but notice the admiration on the faces of the two footmen, who were both at least six inches taller than him and twice as broad. It felt remarkably good. He almost hoped his father got to hear about it. “Nothing to it, really.”

He stood back as the man was wrestled to his feet and met his gaze. “We could just send you to London to be dealt with at one of the magistrates courts up there. The duke does have a London address as well.”

“You ain’t taking me to London.”

“You’re hardly in a position to stop me, are you?” Colin strolled toward him. “What’s wrong with London? Do they know you there? I’ll wager they do. Tell me where you were due to meet Mr. Morehouse, and I’ll make sure you stay here.”

In response, the man spat on the floor right at Colin’s feet.

Colin nodded at the footmen. “Take him away, and make sure he’s guarded night and day.”

“Yes, sir.”

He waited until they had left and went back to pick up the hidden box of jewels. Mrs. Pemberley or the butler would know a safe place to keep the treasure trove until the duke came home. He had high hopes the thief would think over his offer and reveal where Mr. Morehouse was hiding. If he didn’t, Colin would make inquiries in Southampton. He had no doubt that with the duke’s authority behind him, the true culprit would soon be apprehended.

And in the meantime, he would go and find his new wife, allow her to cosset him and treat him like a hero, even if he wasn’t one, and maybe let her try on the jewelry before he handed it over for safekeeping. He grinned and then groaned as his bruised cheek throbbed. Who would’ve thought living in the comparative peace of the countryside would be so exciting? In one day, he’d gained a wife and a reputation as a gallant hero.

His entire future suddenly looked far… rosier.

A Year Without a Duke

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros

Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore

A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby

Keep reading for a sneak peak of Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros!

Forbidden in February
by

Suzanna Medeiros

Robert Milton’s future as the valet to the Duke of Beckworth is uncertain. His employer has died, leaving no heir in sight. When Robert’s mother also dies, he discovers that her companion has taken over her household.

Isabel Durham’s dream of gaining her independence is almost a reality, but her cousin is determined to see her married to a wealthy but much-older man. Robert’s arrival in London is the answer to her prayers. Neither can deny the very real attraction sizzling between them and if he ruins her, she’ll be free of the unwanted marriage.

But Robert’s very existence has proven to him that romantic entanglements are to be avoided at all costs. His desire for Isabel could cost him the one thing he’s vowed never to lose—his heart.

Excerpt from Forbidden in February:

“Do you speak?”

The amusement in his voice had her straightening her spine and meeting his gaze again. She didn’t miss the way his eyes swept over her, but she refused to allow this man to cause her further discomfort.

“Of course I do,” she snapped before she could restrain herself. When his eyebrows rose at her rudeness, she took a steadying breath and continued. “I apologize. You caught me by surprise. If I’d known to expect you, I would have received you properly.”

His brows drew together at her words. “I’m sorry, but you have me at a disadvantage. My mother didn’t tell me she had hired a new maid—”

“Oh no, I’m not a maid. I’m Miss Isabel Durham, your mother’s companion.”

What had been confusion changed at her introduction. She wasn’t sure what to make of this stranger in front of her, but the last thing she expected him to do was to fold his arms across his chest and scowl at her.

“I see. Well, it turns out that my mother did mention you.”

His anger baffled her. “I don’t understand, I’ve already apologized for my rudeness. You surprised me, and I didn’t know who you were.”

“Is there a reason why you’re still living here? Wait, let me guess. You’ve decided to move into my mother’s chamber and continue where she left off.”

“Excuse me? I have no idea what you’re accusing me of. I would never move into your mother’s bedroom, nor do I understand what you mean by ‘continuing where she left off.’ I’m only here because I’ve been waiting for your arrival.”

“Why?” he asked, taking a step closer.

He glared down at her for several seconds, and within that time she saw his anger change into something else. Something dangerous that would have had her taking a step backward if the settee weren’t directly behind her.

“You’re not going to pretend to be shy, are you?” He took another step closer, and her heart gave a funny little leap at the intensity of his gaze. “I assure you, I can handle plainness. You don’t need to be coy with me.”

At his next step, she raised her hand to prevent him from coming any closer.

“I think you have me confused with someone else. I said I was your mother’s companion.”

She gasped in shock when he took hold of her hand and pressed it against his chest. His hand was warm over hers, and she had the irrelevant thought that he was, indeed, quite muscular.

“Companion, protégé… I care not what you call it. But what once seemed distasteful to me when my mother first proposed it, now sounds attractive beyond measure. Of course, I won’t promise to be your protector—I’ve seen enough growing up in this household to know how such an arrangement can lead to misery all around—but I wouldn’t be adverse to a discreet affair.”

“What?” The word escaped on a shaky breath. Her legs threatened to give out, and she dropped to the settee. To her dismay, instead of releasing her hand, Robert followed her down, sitting entirely too close for her peace of mind.

“Come now, you don’t have to pretend with me. My mother told me she’d chosen you for me. And you did say that you were awaiting my arrival.”

She tugged her hand from his grasp, relieved when he released it, and rose quickly, moving around to the back of the settee so that the solid piece of furniture stood between them. Her pulse beat frantically as she tried to make sense of his words.

He stood, and when he moved to follow her, she made a small sound of alarm that had him furling his brow again. Fortunately, it also seemed to stop him from drawing nearer.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I was Mrs. Milton’s companion—only her companion. I certainly am not what… what…” She waved her hand between them. “Whatever it is you are thinking, you can stop right now. When your mother became ill last year, she hired me to keep her company and to help her when she became overtired. Something that happened more frequently as the months passed and her illness progressed. You’d know that if you’d bothered to stay in touch with her at all.”

He opened his mouth to interject, but she continued before he could say a word. “I don’t know why you’d presume to know anything about me, but I can assure you that I most definitely will not be engaging in an affair with you, nor do I desire your protection.”

Click here for more information or to buy Forbidden in February.

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to “get with the program”, she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.

A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write her first romance novel. Along with being a voracious reader, Kate loves walking on the beach and climbing live volcanoes in her new home in Hawaii. Kate is a member of RWA and is published by NAL Signet Eclipse, Kensington Aphrodisia, Cleis Press, Carina Press and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.

To learn more about Kate, visit her at www.katepearce.com, on Facebook or Twitter. For all of Kate’s latest news, sign up here for her newsletter.

Also by Kate Pearce

Diable Delamere

Educating Elizabeth

Redeeming Jack

Loving Michael

Awakening Amelia

House of Pleasure Series

Simply Sexual

Simply Sinful

Simply Shameless

Simply Wicked

Simply Insatiable

Simply Forbidden

Simply Carnal

Simply Voracious

Simply Scandalous

Simply Pleasure

Simply Irresistible

The Sinners Club

The First Sinners

The Sinners Club

Tempting a Sinner

Mastering a Sinner

The Tudor Vampire Chronicles

Kiss of the Rose

Blood of the Rose

Mark of the Rose

Historical Romances

Eden's Pleasure

Antonia's Bargain

The Ties That Bind