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

“I’ll talk to Cordelia,” Julien assured him. “But I think it would be best if you went home.”


“I should go in with you,” Leander protested.


“How gallant of you,” Julien teased, not wanting to let on how touched he was. “But she’s my aunt, after all. I’ll send a note to let you know when I’ll arrive to collect you for the opera.”


“Trust me.” Julien bent to give him the softest of kisses. “She’s my aunt and I know how to deal with her.” That wasn’t entirely true, since he wasn’t sure how Cordelia was going to react to this situation.


“I am.” Julien ushered him to the front door. “As much as I appreciate your concern, this is something I’d best deal with alone.”


Leander slipped on his coat and took his hat from Hudson, obviously reluctant, but unwilling to say anything in front of the butler.


Julien walked with him to his waiting coach. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”


Leander nodded, but didn’t look reassured as his climbed in.


Chapter 47