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

Standing just inside the door, Leander did indeed notice Julien’s appearance. “I’m sorry. You were going out. I can call back later.”


Leander still looked uncertain, but Hudson had closed the door behind him and was holding out his hand for Leander’s hat and overcoat.


Julien handed his hat and gloves to the butler as well. “Tell Thomas to unsaddle Spartan. I won’t be needing him.” He gestured for Leander to follow him into the drawing room and closed the door behind them.


“I don’t mean to keep you,” Leander said once they were alone. “I knew I probably shouldn’t have called like this…today, but—if you have other plans I can—”


“Leander,” Julien said, stopping the tumble of apologies. “I was going to pay a call on you.”


“Oh.” A smile tugged at Leander’s lips. “You were?”


“I was. I wanted to make certain you had fully recovered.”


“I barely notice it anymore,” Leander assured him.


Chapter 46