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

“To introduce them?” Blackstone quirked his lips.


Leander felt his cheeks burning. “For anyone to feel indebted. I didn’t mean to imply—”


“Julien, do stop teasing him,” the lady chastised.


Blackstone acquiesced with a slight bow in her direction. “Lady Penelope, may I present the new Earl of Dearborne? Lord Dearborne, these are my good friends, Viscount Seaforth and his fiancée, Lady Penelope Archer.”


“I heard Mr. Sutton say you were looking for Lanzelet,” Lady Penelope said. “Would that be the work by von Zatizikhoven?”


“Yes, of course,” Leander replied, impressed by the ease with which she rattled off the name.


“I have a translation I would be glad to lend you until you acquire your own copy.”


It took a moment for Leander to find his voice. “Thank you, Lady Penelope.”


“It’s the least I can do. What was the other work? A novella?”


Chapter 27