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

That confused Leander even further, because didn’t he wantthis to be real? Hadn’t he longed to feel anysort of emotional connection since losing his father and brothers? Hadn’t he wantedto know why he’d always felt so different from those very same brothers? Hadn’t he always secretly wished for someone to want him the way Julien did?


Leander forced himself to meet eyes that gleamed almost golden in the near-darkness.


“Leander, if you’re having doubts—”


“No,” Leander said quickly. “Not doubts. It’s just—I don’t…I just…”


Julien’s hand came up to cup his cheek and as Leander leaned into the warm palm, he made his decision.


“I’m sorry.” Leander tried to smile, but suspected it was a little shaky. “For a moment I just—” He stopped himself before he began stammering stupidly again. “I’m ready, but you’ll have to lead the way.”


Chapter 53