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

What Leander enjoyed most was when both brothers tried to tell the story together. Chance’s attempts at embellishment irritated Kit to no end, while Kit’s straightforward manner of relaying facts was far too boring for Chance.


To Leander’s surprise, Kit and Chance had just as many questions for him about his life during their time apart. As far as Leander was concerned, plays and books could hardly compare to shipwrecks and deserted islands, but he told them everything he’d done since arriving in England.


Chapter 92