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

The increased activity had been good for him, helping him to fall asleep easily despite constant thoughts of Blackstone. As the day for departure drew closer, he’d had more difficulty, hardly getting any rest for the past two nights. To quell his uncertainty about Blackstone’s motives, Leander constantly reminded himself that Blackstone had gone to the effort to invite him. Attractive though Leander found him, he didn’t believe Blackstone was so obliging that he would invite someone who bored him out of mere politeness. Leander told himself over and over—and without success—to stop thinking about Blackstone quite so much or risk making an idiot of himself. After all, the house party would be filled with Blackstone’s family and friends, so…


That was a bit odd, wasn’t it? All the other guests were old friends or family members. Why would Blackstone invite someone he’d only met a handful of times and kissed once? Surely that had to count for something.


Chapter 33