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 let you see to your message,” Mayfield said as if he were doing Leander a favor. “Good day, Dearborne.”


“Good day,” Leander said absently. The moment the door closed behind Mayfield he broke the wax seal and unfolded the letter.


Rest assured that all is well between myself and my aunt. She is not angry with either of us now that the situation has been sufficiently explained.


She has asked for the use of my box at the Haymarket tomorrow evening, and under the circumstances, I felt it would be prudent to grant her request. As I would rather we not attend with her and her friend, our plans must be changed. Would tonight or the evening after next be preferable to you? If neither, then any evening that is convenient.


Chapter 49