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

Parr’s understudy was tall and slender with hair a shade darker than Gabriel’s, a beautiful face that stopped just short of being feminine, and sly green eyes. After speaking to him for only a few moments, Julien knew that he was likely more clever than Gabriel, but similarly self-interested. It would make for the same situation Julien had with Gabriel, the only difference being the face and form. At least Gabriel already knew Julien’s limits, and Julien didn’t care to deal with someone new testing his temper and generosity.


Chapter 12