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

They arrived in the front hall to find Kit staring out one of the windows, Daisy beside him. She turned to look at them, but Kit didn’t move. Powell was by the door, holding Leander’s hat and gloves.


“Charles!” the butler barked when they arrived, startling everyone. When a footman appeared, Powell nodded toward Chance and Charles hurried forward to take the trunk from him. “Put Master Leander’s trunk in—”


“Wait,” Leander interrupted. The footman stopped in his tracks. “I’ll be hiring a vehicle. So someone needs to tell Rand that—”


Leander looked at Kit, who hadn’t turned from the window when he spoke. Daisy met his eyes, giving him a small smile. “Thank you,” Leander said as Charles continued outside with his trunk.


“Have a good trip.” Chance clapped him on the shoulder as he took his hat and gloves from Powell.


Chapter 96