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

Bewildered and still a bit groggy, he didn’t object when Gibson helped him into his brocade dressing gown. The reason became apparent when Lord and Lady Carysfort entered his bedchamber. The couple—particularly Lady Carysfort—were quite upset by the day’s events, and Leander’s insistence that he was not so badly hurt did little to assure them. Then came the Sutcliffes, whose visit was obviously out of duty, with Mrs. Sutcliffe’s concern being as plainly false as Lady Carysfort’s had been genuine. Their visit was mercifully brief, but was followed by Lady Penelope, Seaforth, and Archer, who stayed until the maid brought up a dinner tray.


Chapter 44