The only surviving son of a poor American farmer, Leander Mayfield is shocked to learn that he is in fact the new Earl of Dearborne. Barely recovered from one of the many illnesses that have plagued him all his life, he sets sail for England and a new life.<br><br>Tired and bored with all the wealth and finery that constantly surrounds him, Julien Sutcliffe, the Earl of Blackstone, is constantly on the lookout for something to lift his ennui. Then he meets the young American Earl, whose naiveté he finds refreshing and new.<br><br>Drawn to each other, it actually begins to seem as though they might be able to enjoy a happy life in each other’s company, but something -- or someone -- is determined to separate them permanently.

The Desire for Dearborne

“I ran into Hartley at Mother Madge’s last night.”


That wasnews, but Julien didn’t allow himself to react. “Did you?”


“That’s likely because I haven’t been to Mother Madge’s for well over a year.”


Vance looked vaguely disappointed by Julien’s calm. “Thought you ought to know. It almost looked as though he was in the market for a new patron.”


Vance’s eyes widened in understanding. “Who is your new companion? Parr’s understudy?”


Chapter 11