Love is best approached from the blind side. That way, if you chance stumble upon it without meaning to, you might be able to get away before it catches you in return.

The d.u.c.h.ess of Wexford to Viscountess Brandford upon supping on broiled fish and calfas-foot jelly at Brandford House Chase was hallucinating. Yes, thatas what had happened. He was dreaming. In truth, he was still lying in his own blood in the forest, the thieves arguing over his possessions. He was not at a mysterious place called Garrett Park, surrounded by raving lunatics who just appeared to be normal. Like the angelic-looking woman in a lace cap who had just announced that he was a man named Captain John Frakenham and was engaged to her daughter.

What was even worse was that Mrs. Ward was so maddened by whatever spell held her brain in thrall, that she didnat even know to look shamefaced at such a lie. Instead, she beamed at him as if shead just conferred a great gift of some sort.

Chase caught her eager gaze and sighed. He wasnat hallucinating. This was really happening. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, what am I to do now?

Surely she didnat expect him to believe such a faradiddle. And even if he really had lost his memory and had fallen for her lame story, what did she think would happen when his memory returned?

When Chase had been ten, his younger brother, Devon, had fallen off his horse while taking a particularly brutal fence during a mad hunt. When Devon had awakened, he hadnat known who he was for almost a day.

For Chase and his older brothers, once they saw that Devon was fine, only confused, the incident had been cause for great merriment. Undetected by their parents, they had sneaked into the sickroom and attempted to convince Devon that he was, in fact, the illegitimate son of the head groomsman, a huge burly fellow with an askance eye and a horrible scar down his face.

There had been h.e.l.l to pay when theyad been caught, and theyad all been sentenced to muck out the stables under the stern presence of that very head groomsman, but it had been worth it.

Mrs. Ward went to the window, where a low chair stood in the swath of slowly growing sunshine. She pulled the chair to the side of the bed, angled it toward Chase, then sat down, her skirts billowing about her, her gaze fixed on his face.

Chase wished she hadnat done that. The bed was rather high, and she was not the tallest of women. With the help of the chair, she was now staring him right in the eyes, her gaze wide and unblinking, as if shead determined never to look away again.

He cleared his throat, wondering how to begin.

aMadam, I believe there has been some sort of mistakea"a aOh, no! You are Captain Frakenham, though you donat remember it.a aAm I indeed?a aOh yes!a She nodded so hard her lace cap seemed in imminent danger of taking flight. aIave known you a long time myself.a Chase lifted his brows. aHow long?a aVery long! In fact, you might say that Iave known you longer than anyone.a She seemed so secure in her belief that she could convince him that he was the admirable captain that Chase almost felt guilty for knowing who he really was. It was odd, but despite the fact that this woman was attempting to bamboozle him, Chase couldnat help but feel that she wasnat a truly untrustworthy individuala"at least, not usually. She possessed far too serene a spirit to be anything other than guileless. And in all honesty, she wasnat a very good liar, either.

But what in the world did she hope to gain by this deception? aMadam, perhaps we had best speak plainly.a Mrs. Ward blinked once. Twice. Then she cleared her throat. aPlainly?a aYou say I am thisa Captain Frakenham?a aYes.a aWho is engaged to your daughter?a aYes.a aThen why does your daughter act as if sheas never met me before?a aOh, you know Harriet!a Mrs. Ward said airily. aShe can be a bit stubborn at times.a Chase thought of the firm set to Harrietas mouth, and he rather thought perhaps Mrs. Ward was understating the case.

Mrs. Ward placed her hand on his sleeve. aCaptain Frakenham, I dislike placing this on your shoulders after your grievous injuries. But Garrett Park is in dire straits.a Chase leaned his head back against the pillows. Here it wasa"the reason she wanted him to be someone he was not. aHow dire are things?a She gave him an embarra.s.sed smile. aVery. But we were doing well until Mr. Gower joined the board of directors at the bank. Even though Iave told him of your existence and the funds you will shortly providea"a aFunds?a aProfits from your sailing. Youare a very good captain, you know.a aThat is rea.s.suring to hear.a aI thought so,a she said, unaware of his sarcasm. aDespite your existence, Mr. Gower continues to be an annoyance.a Chaseas lips twitched. A rising wave of curiosity was beginning to tickle his sense of the ridiculous. aI take it that there is some question to the existence of the good captainas fortune?a aWella not a question exactly. More of an inquiry. And not just about the fortune.a Mrs. Ward bit her lip. aYou see, we mentioneda that is, I mentioned your existence to the bank officersa"Mr. Gower in particulara"thinking they might give us an extension on the mortgage.a aI hope they were duly impressed.a aOh, very! You, my dearest sir, are in charge of a large ship! A very large ship. A very, successful large ship.a aThatas also good to hear. By the way, whatas the name of the ship?a She blinked. aIa"I donata"a aWhere was I sailing from?a aIa"we nevera"a aAnd my crew? Will they be joining me here? Or am I to meet them somewhere else?a aOh dear!a Mrs. Ward pressed a hand to her cheek. aIa"Iam sure I know the answers but not at this moment. Iam a bit distraught, you see. Mr. Gower is here, and that always muddles my thinking.a Chase regarded her steadily. Something strange was going on. Something stranger than head first realized. Not only was this woman telling him that he was someone he wasnat, but she didnat seem to have a firm grasp on who, exactly, he was supposed to be. It was almost as if this Captain Frakenham was a complete figment of someoneas imaga"

Chaseas brows rose. Was that it? Had the Wards concocted the captain in an effort to stave off the bank?

He silently considered that, a glimmer of realization beginning to glow. aLet me see if I understand this; the bank was demanding their money, so you waved Captain Frakenhama"a aWhich is you,a Mrs. Ward interjected with a hopeful look.

aa"which you say is me,a Chase said implacably, ain front of the officers in an effort to gain some time?a aYes. And except for Mr. Gower, everyone has been quite satisfied. But now that youare here, we can set his pesky reservations to rest. All we need to do is let Mr. Gower see youa"not for long because you are, after all, an invalida"but long enough that he stops asking so many questions.a aI take it you donat wish me to reveal that I donat remember who I am?a aIf you donat mind, it would be best if youad just pretend to remember that you are indeed the captain.a She clasped her hands together. aOh, this will solve everything! Now weall have time to get the wool to market anda"a aWool?a aOh yes. Harriet bought hundreds of sheep. Weare going to shear them and make the last payment; then Garrett Park will be ours.a b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, theyare sheep farmers, the lot of them. That explained why Miss Harriet Ward had such a lovely, aristocratic accent, yet was as tanned as a laundress.

In fact, that explained quite a lot of things. For the first time since head awakened, Chase took stock of his surroundings. The chamber was large and square, with two huge windows that allowed sun to stream warmly into the room.

Perhaps it was the largeness of the windows or the warm red colors that decorated the room, but until that moment, head thought himself rather sumptuously housed. Now, however, he could see the threadbare spots on the rugs, the lack of decoration on the wallsa"as if all the pictures had been removeda"and the overly soft, worn appearance of the counterpane.

The Wards might be from genteel stock, but it was rather obvious they were not well-off. And now, forced by penury to earn their way, theyad concocted a fict.i.tious fianc for Miss Harriet to keep the bank at bay.

It was a bold move. Chase eyed his hostess with a new respect. aYou had some ill fortune.a aOh, my, yes! My husband pa.s.sed away several years ago. Itas just me, my three daughters and two sons. So far, weave managed on our own. But nowa"a She placed her hand on his arm, a genuine plea in her eyes. aCaptain Frakenham, we need your help.a Chase looked at Mrs. Wardas hand, resting so innocuously on his sleeve. Good G.o.d, it was almost as if she thought him a knight on a white horse.

Unfortunately, Chase knew who and what he was. He was not a knight, and he felt anything but n.o.ble. aMrs. Ward, I am not Captain Frakenham.a aNo? Then who are you?a Chase opened his mouth to answer. But a split secondas thought made him close it. He was supposed to have no memory of who he was. If he wanted the Wards to believe that and not ask incessant questions, then he couldnat really argue about who he was not, could he?

d.a.m.n it all, perhaps he should just pretend to suddenly recall his namea but no. Word would reach his brothers within the day, if not the hour. Devonas house was only a short distance from where Chase had been attacked. His brothers would immediately ride out and attempt to talk him out of his decision to leave England.

Still, it was a shame to leave the Wards in such a predicament. Perhapsa he frowned. What ifa Good Lord, he couldnat believe he was even considering this, buta what if he did agree to become Captain Frakenham? For a few days, at least. He could be a great help to the Wards, and head have a safe place to convalesce without his brothers being the wiser to his proximity to London.

The idea had some merit. The thought of traveling with an aching head held no appeal. Besides, as much as he didnat want to admit it, he disliked the thought of Miss Harriet Ward brangling with the bank official. He had no doubt she would hold her own, but at what cost? Any cost was too high. She was far too young to pay the price of her own fatheras shortsightedness. Chase had a sister who was almost the same age he judged Harriet to be, and the entire situation was untenable.

Chase eyed Mrs. Ward. aTell me more about Captain Frakenham.a Mrs. Ward straightened her lace cap. aMore? Of course! Letas see, your name is Captain John Frakenham and you have a large ship.a aThat much, I know. Do I have any brothers or sisters?a She bit her lip. aIam not sure.a aWhere was I born?a aDevonshire, perhaps. Or maybe Yorkshire. No, wait!a She beamed. aThe Lake District! Itas lovely up there; I traveled through it with my uncle when I was ten, and it was just breathtaking.a aYou donat know where Iam from.a Her smile faded. aWella not really. No one ever asked.a She caught his gaze and added quickly, aAnd you never told us. The topic simply never came up.a aHm. How long have I been sailing.a aIa"Ia"a aAnd what items do I deal in? Tea? Silks? What?a aI donata"a aHow old am I?a aOld?a Her gaze grew somewhat glazed. aIam sure I donat know. But itas not important. All you need to remember for your interview with Mr. Gower is that youare engaged to Harriet and stand to receive a large amount of money very soon.a Chase wondered if he should press the issue and force Mrs. Ward to confess her deception, but then he thought he caught the glint of tears in her soft brown eyes.

His humor fled. Not tears. He could never hold his own against a crying female; it was his one weakness. When head been growing up and his little sister Sara had cried, head always given in. Always.

Sara was married now, a countess in her own right and the mother of two children. But even today, if she were to come to Chase, a tear on her cheek, he would do anything she asked. It was one of the things that drove him mad thinking about the woman head run down with his carriage. Had she cried? Had anyone heard her? Helped her?

Or had she been left to die alone in the middle of a cold, rain-washed street?

His throat tightened, his head aching anew. How could he live with this? How could he expect his brothers to live with it? He touched his forehead where it ached. Head figure out what to do. As soon as he felt better. ab.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l,a he muttered, a surge of irritation washing through him.

aI beg your pardon?a aI am sorry,a he said quickly. aI didnat mean to let that slip.a A faint smile touched her lips. aThatas quite all right. Mr. Ward was renowned for just such slippage.a Chase found himself regarding his hostess with a faint smile. It was hard to do elsea"the sun had shimmered her white hair into a lace-topped halo, and her eyes were amazingly like her daughteras.

aCaptain John Frakenham,a he heard himself say, as if he was trying the name on for size.

Mrs. Ward beamed and, once again, Chase was reminded of Harriet. Harriet who was even now downstairs being importuned by Gower. Though Chase had never met him, he had no doubts about the quality of man Gower must be. aI suppose Iall do it.a aThank you! You will make an excellent Captain Frakenham!a Chase looked at her.

aOha"Ia"that is to say, you are Captain Frakenham so of course youall do just fine.a aHm. Well, if Iam to meet Gower, youad best tell me everything you know about the good captain. Or rather, what everyone here knows of him.a Her brow lowered in thought. aWell, Captain Frakenham is very handsome.a He waited, but no more was forthcoming. After a moment, he said, aAnd?a She pursed her lips. aYou are also very wealthy, but I believe I told you that.a aNumerous times.a aOnly because it is very important.a aIndeed. What else?a Mrs. Ward tapped her chin thoughtfully. aOh! I know! Lucinda Carleton has said that the captain earned his money from sailing the Indian Seas, which I thought was very interesting becausea"a aLucinda Carleton?a He frowned. aWho is that?a aA friend.a aOf the captainas?a aNo, sheas never met the captain. No one has. Except,a she added in a rush after sending him a guilty glance, aHarriet, of course, has met hima"I mean, you, quite frequently. And all of us here at Garrett Park know hima"I mean, youa"very well.a aHow is it that this Lucinda Carleton heard that the captaina"pardon me, I mean Ia"gained my fortune in such a way if sheas never met me?a Mrs. Ward paused. aIam not certain. She just seemed to know.a aI see,a Chase said, though he most definitely did not. aIs there anything else?a aWella I heard from Lady Chudrowe that youave a bit of a limp caused by an injury sustained during a pirate fight.a Mrs. Wardas smile lit the room. aApparently, you are very brave.a Chase regarded her flatly. aTell me, Mrs. Ward, how many people know about the captainas existence?a aWhy, the whole town, to be sure! Everyone has been talking about you for weeks.a b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l. It would not do to a.s.sume the ident.i.ty of a well-known personae, even a fake one. That could cause undue attention. aI donat know if this will work. Too many people seem toa"a She stood in a rush, the chair sc.r.a.ping the wood floor. aEverything will work just fine, Captain. Trust me. Now we really must get downstairs. I hate leaving Harriet a second longer than necessary.a Harriet. Alone. Chase could see the very real distress in Mrs. Wardas eyes. He supposed that he could just stay near Garrett Park while he was here. So long as he avoided town, he should be well hidden.

With a sigh, he straightened and, holding the blanket over him to keep from embarra.s.sing Mrs. Ward with a glimpse of her guest attired in her sonas nightshirt, he swung his feet over the side of the bed. aWe donat want your daughter to suffer from the importunities ofa"a aOh no! Itas more the other way around.a Mrs. Ward bustled to the wardrobe. aHarriet has a bit of a temper. Mr. Gower will be burned to a crisp if we do not rescue him soon.a Chase almost smiled at that. Yes, the little brown wren had a flash of fire in her. Head seen it several times already. He pictured her lying across his lap and he was surprised to find that the image stirred him.

Mrs. Wardas voice emerged from the wardrobe, where she was busy stirring through the neatly hung clothes. aDerrick collected what he could find of your clothing from the forest. The thieves apparently tore through your cases, looking for valuables. Two of your shirts were beyond repair, but everything else seems fine.a aIall trust that youall choose something appropriate.a She looked over her shoulder. aAppropriate?a aFor a limping, wealthy sea captain from the Indian Seas.a Chase flashed her a grin. aIave got an interview with a banker.a

Chapter 7.

Pride is the most persistent, most stalwart, most infuriatingly stubborn pa.s.sion of all.

But then you St. Johns already know that.

Viscountess Brandford to her friend, Mr. Devon St. John while playing a game of billiards (which her ladyship promptly won) Harriet rushed downstairs, her heels slapping the worn wooden steps. She was glad to get out of the sickroom. The handsome stranger was certainly sure of himself, the braggart. Harriet hopped off the bottom step and glanced at herself in the mirror.

Good heavens! How had her hair gotten into such a tangle? An instant image of herself sprawled over the lap of their guest flashed into her mind, heating her cheeks. Harriet met her own gaze in the mirror as she tugged out a pin and tried to fix her curls where they stuck out at odd angles.

aBlasted man,a she muttered aloud. It was all his fault. Had he been a gentleman and not treated her as if she was a flirtatious upstairs maid or a loose woman intent on seducing him, then Mother never would have found them in such a compromising position.

Not that head cared. Head seemed rather amused by it all, the wretch. What was worse was that Harriet had almost been swayed by his wide smile and mischievous blue eyes.

But as much as Harriet resented the stranger, she preferred his company to Mr. Goweras. Harriet didnat like the man one bit. Only slightly more advanced in years than Harriet herself, Mr. Gower acted much, much older. Head first come to Garrett Park three years ago, when the bank had employed him. Head been rude, demanding, and thoroughly annoying.

Mrs. Maple, the housekeeper, came out of the sitting room, an empty plate in one hand. aYead best get in there afore he asks fer another scone. Iave none left, and thereall be naught fer it but to give him the Sunday loaf if he requests more. Heas already eaten all of our apple tarts, too!a Wonderful. Not only had the unpleasant banker come to disrupt the entire family, but he was nibbling his way through their pantry like some huge, overstuffed mouse. Harriet wondered if perhaps that was why she always felt so uneasy around Mr. Gowera"he seemed inordinately greedy. The man was a swine; there were times when he looked at Harriet in such a way that it made her feel as if she was a particularly fat acorn and he a huge pig.

aIall make certain he leaves soon,a Harriet said firmly, hoping it would be that easy. She smoothed her skirts and patted her collar back into place.

Mrs. Mapleas faces softened, and she reached out to smooth a bit of Harrietas hair from her forehead. aYe look fine, Miss Harriet. Shall I announce ye?a aNo. I will announce myself.a She flashed a grin at the housekeeper. aIt will save us at least half a minute of his time.a The front door opened and a loud clomping sounded. Harriet turned to find her brother Stephen making his way through the front door. His left leg was heavily wrapped, his crutches barely long enough to allow his feet to clear. He came to a halt when he saw Harriet. A distinctly guilty look flashed across his face before he managed to clear it away. aOh! There you are! Howas the patient?a aHeas fine except that he says he doesnat remember who he is.a aSays?a Stephenas brows shot up. aWhat do you mean asaysa?a aJust that I wonder about him. He seems far too at ease to have forgotten his ident.i.ty.a aYou always did have a suspicious nature, Harri. The manas head wound seemed rather grievous to me, so atis entirely possible he is telling the truth. Besides, what reason could he possibly have for telling such a whopper?a Mrs. Maple sniffed. aMayhap the man plans on dallyina about and eatina all our food, like Mr. Gower.a Harriet shook her head. aHis clothes are very well made and his horse alone is worth a fortune. He could afford more mutton than our entire flock could provide.a Stephen brightened. aI just saw the horse. What a prime piece of blood and bones!a Harriet had to smile at his excitement. Like Sophia, he had fatheras more golden coloring, and his hair curled over his ears just the slightest bit. He was dressed in rough clothing, and Harriet suspected that head been working in the barn.

She glanced at his injured leg. aYou arenat supposed to be up on that leg more than a few moments at a time.a Stephen gave an impatient shrug. aIam fine. I just fixed the broken door on the grain bin.a aIf something needs done, have Jem do it.a aHeas out with the cows. Sophia and Ophelia rode out in the cart with him.a Mrs. Maple snorted. aIf I know Jem, heas fast asleep under a tree and the girls are doina all the work. If ye needed help, ye should have asked Master Derrick.a An impish sparkle entered Stephenas eyes. aDerrick did give me a hand. A very well served one, in fact.a aDid he? I just saw Derrick but he didnat mention helping you, he just said that Mr. Gower had arrived.a Stephenas sudden grin had a wolfish tone to it. aItas a pity Mr. Gower couldnat stay, but something of great urgency called him away.a Harriet frowned. aStephen, Mr. Gower is in the sitting room.a Stephenas smile disappeared. aOur sitting room?a aOf course,a Harriet said. aWhy would you think head left?a aI wish he had left,a Mrs. Maple huffed. aInstead oa eatina all our scones. Cook made them special fer Mrs. Ward, she did.a aStephen?a Harriet asked again. aYou and Derrick did something to put Mr. Gower into a rage, didnat you?a aUs?a She narrowed her gaze. aWhat did you do?a aNothing.a aNothing at all? Or nothing you want to tell me about?a Stephen shrugged. aYouall have to ask Mr. Gower that question. Only be forewarned, his temper might be a little ragged.a Harriet didnat wonder at that; from what shead seen of Mr. Gower, his temper was never good. aI asked you two not to play your tricks on him. It was all I could do to soothe his spirits when you poured glue in his hat. He had to have his hair cut just to get it off.a Stephen grinned. aThat was Derrickas idea. Rather clever, wasnat it? But never fear, what happened this time was purely an accident.a His lips twitched. aA humorous accident, but an accident nonetheless.a Wonderful. Yet more joy to brighten an otherwise frustrating day. aIall go and see what Mr. Gower wants,a Harriet said with a heavy sigh. aIf heas already in an ill mood, he will take exception to being left to cool his heels in the sitting room.a aYou do that,a Stephen said pleasantly. aMeanwhile, Iall go upstairs and see if Mother needs any help with our visitor. Oh, and Harriet?a aYes?a aEnjoy your visit with Mr. Gower.a There was a definite tremor of humor in Stephenas voice. The wretch.

aThat boy,a Mrs. Maple said with a disapproving shake of his head as he made his way upstairs, the crutches sc.r.a.ping the wood steps.

aThat boy is exactly like Father.a Harriet managed a reluctant smile. aFather couldnat resist a good joke either.a aNo, he couldnat. He was a good man, was your father.a aI know. I miss him every day.a Harriet sighed. aI had best see to Mr. Gower before he starts gnawing on the furniture.a aVery well, miss. And if he dangles fer a dinner invitation, tell him heas already eaten it all and thereas none left.a aI shall.a Harriet flashed a bright smile at the housekeeper and then made her way down the hall and let herself into the sitting room.

As soon as she shut the door, a large man turned from the window to face her. Dressed in a plain coat of brown worsted with a sober waistcoat of yellow kersey, Mr. Gower was a handsome man, if somewhat florid. Or he would have been handsome if his hair hadnat been cut in quite such an extreme fashion.

Harriet had to bite her lip to keep from grinning at the sight as she dipped a curtsy. aMr. Gower.a He made a ponderous bow. aMiss Ward.a Despite Mrs. Mapleas charge, Mr. Gower was not as fat as the Christmas pig. He was, however, of a rather beefy appearance.

aMiss Ward, might I say this is a pleasant surprise. I had thought Mrs. Warda"a aMother is rather busy today. I told her Iad come and visit.a Harriet pasted what she hoped was a pleasant smile on her face and held out her hand.

Mr. Gower hurried forward to press a rather damp kiss on the back of her fingers. As he did so, a wave of odor rose about him, so thick Harriet would have sworn she could see it had the light been stronger.

She blinked, forcing herself not to react to the rancid smell. What was that? Normally Mr. Gower smelled of tonic and hair treatment. But this odor was morea sheeplike. As if head rolled in the barn.

Harriet retrieved her hand and stilled the impulse to wipe it on her skirt. aMr. Gower, how pleasant to see you. Please take a seat.a She sank into a chair closest to the door, cautiously edging it away from the one nearest to it.

He smiled at her as he took the seat opposite, the odor wafting with him. aI must say that this is an unexpected pleasure, Miss Ward. Usually, you arenat present when I come to call.a aIave been very busy lately.a She pressed her hand over her nose a moment, her gaze falling on the desolated tea tray and empty scone plate. aI see youave already had tea.a aIndeed I have. Your cook is exceptional.a aI will tell her you said so. Mr. Gower, to what do we owe the pleasure of this call?a aI just came from a meeting.a He looked at her in a meaningful way. aAt the bank.a Where else would he have been at a meeting, she wondered with some irritation. aIndeed. How nice for you.a He waited, apparently expecting her to ask for more information.

Harriet easily withheld the impulse. aPerhaps you came today to see about Stephenas injured leg. That is quite nice of you, and Ia"a Mr. Goweras smile disappeared. aYour brothers area"a He caught himself, coloring heavily. aI donat mean to say anything untoward, but I must tell you that your brothers would be the better for Mr. Wardas presence.a aWe would all be the better for Mr. Wardas presence. Unfortunately, his death makes that an impossibility,a Harriet said dryly.

aI beg your pardon. I didnat mean to offend you. But your brothers need the steady influence of a man, someone who could deflect their high spirits. But you are right in saying that you could benefit from having a man about as well.a He glanced around the room as if a.s.sessing each piece of faded furniture. aItas such a pity how everything has gone to ruin.a Harriet bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying something very unworthy. The man oozed certainty, and it annoyed her no end. aWe all miss my father. He was a wonderful man.a aSo Iave heard. I was most impressed to find that he was listed in Debrettas. That is quite an honor.a Debrettas was a book that listed Englandas peerage. There was a very dusty copy of it somewhere in the library, though Harriet hadnat seen it in years. aHis brother inherited the t.i.tle, of course, but Father was always pleased to be mentioned.a aYou are mentioned as well, Miss Harriet.a Mr. Gower beamed, as if shead accomplished something of great merit.

aYes, though they spelled Harriet with only one ar.aa aThat must have stung,a he said earnestly. aTo make the pages of that hallowed book, then be robbed of its true glory by an error.a Harriet could find nothing to say to this, so she settled for nodding in as cool and impersonal a way as her uncertain temper would allow.

Mr. Gower slid closer to the edge of his seat. The horrid odor that clung to him seeped closer to Harriet.

She pulled her skirts closer and scooted away. What was that smell?

Mr. Gower smoothed his uneven hair in a nervous gesture. aI canat tell you how delighted I am to have this unexpected pleasure of speaking with you.a aYouave already said that.a Harriet wondered how she could draw their meeting to an end. She supposed she could say she was overcome by fumes.

aYes, well, there is a reason Iam glad youare here. Especially alone. Miss Warda"Harriet, I was going to speak to your mother today, but perhapsa"a aI donat believe Iave given you permission to use my Christian name,a she said quickly, an uneasy feeling arising. Goodness, surely this pompous oaf wasnat on the verge of making an overture? Surely he wasnata"he couldnat possibly thinka"she met his gaze, and her heart sank in her chest like a ship smashed on a jagged reef.

Good G.o.d, she should have been protected from this sort of thinga"the entire world thought her engaged to the dashing, though absent Captain Frakenham. Her gaze narrowed on Mr. Gower. But perhaps Mr. Gower hadnat been as gullible as theyad thought?

aHarrieta my dear Harriet,a he said with that odiously superior smile, aI have known your family for far too long to stand upon feeble conventionality.a Harriet had to breathe through her nose since her teeth had clenched so tightly together that air could no longer pa.s.s between them. And breathing through her nose made the odor only worse. Her eyes began to water, and she coughed a little. aIam sorry. Thereas a smella"a Mr. Goweras superior smile disappeared, his face reddening in an instant. aCan you smella"d.a.m.n it! Of course you can. I thought Iad cleaned my shoes, buta"a He grimaced. aYes, well, that is because of your brother.a aStephen?a aThe other one. He picked up a bucket ofa something just as I dismounted. Iam afraid I didnat recognize him, and I asked him to see to it that my horse was taken care of. And he, apparently offended by my request, poured the contents of the bucket on my shoes.a Harriet looked down at Mr. Goweras leather shoes. They were dark and stained. Her nose wrinkled. aIam certain Derrick didnat mean to do such a thing.a aIam sure he did, though he claimed it was an accident and the handle slipped.a aIf he said it was an accident, then it was,a Harriet said, though she had an instant image of Stephenas mischievous grin.

aHe meant to do it, the littlea"a Gower clamped his mouth closed.

aPerhaps he did,a Harriet said, lifting her chin. aHe is not a servant to take your horse at your demand.a aHe was dressed like a servant and so I thought he was one. Besides, my error does not excuse his behavior.a aNo, it doesnat. If he did indeed sully your shoes on purpose, he is in the wrong. But so are you, for being so remiss in the attention that is due him.a Mr. Goweras mouth thinned. aI gave him a shilling for his trouble. Considering the sad case of your family affairs, one would think head be glad for thea"a Harriet stood. aMr. Gower, thank you so much for coming to visit.a He reluctantly climbed to his feet, his brows knit. aMiss Warda"Harriet, I only meant that your family is in a very poor situationa"a aI donat care how poor my familyas situation is. It was an insult to Derrick and to everyone under this roof that you tossed a coin to him as if he was a common linkboy. You are just fortunate I wasnat in the barnyard, for I would have poured the bucket over more than your shoes.a aYoua"how can you say that? Look at these!a He held out one foot.

Harriet pressed a hand over her nose. aIndeed. Iam very sorry you wore them into the house because now Iall have to have the rugs cleaned.a He lowered his foot, a mottled red traveling up his neck. aAfter all Iave done for your familya"a aDone for my family? Endlessly tormenting us about the payments?a aItas my job toa"a aExactly. Itas your job. So donat come here, mewing about how youave had our best interests at heart. All youave had at heart is money. Our money. And nothing else.a He straightened his shoulders. aAt one time, that may have been true. But nowa"Harriet, I do not pretend that I find your familyas sad financial plight to my liking. I do not. Though Iave admired you and your determination for many months now, your situation has caused me some hesitation in speaking my mind.a aHow unfortunate for my family,a Harriet said with a burning look.

aSo it is,a he responded, missing her sarcasm altogether. aMost men would never willingly overlook such things. But however much I deplore the state of your finances, I have to admit it is gratifying to see that youave only one payment left before Garrett Park is your own. Of course, I realize that there is nothing else to be had. Neither you, nor any of your sisters, will have a dowry, will you?a How dare the man even ask such a question! Harriet was so angry that she wasnat sure whether she could make it out of the room without saying something she was sure she would regret. aThat is none of your concern.a aOh, but it is,a he said gravely. aFor all my hesitations about your lack of a dowry, there is no denying your good breeding. Your father is in Debrettas, your mother was a Standish. I daresay no other family in this area is as well connected as the Wards.a aMr. Gower, where are you going with all of this?a The pompous a.s.s smiled down at her, completely unaffected that she was glaring back at him. aSimple, my dear. After much thought, Iave decided to make you my wife.a

Chapter 8.

The first time I fell in love, I was sixteen years of age.

The second time I fell in love, I was also sixteen years of age. But then I grew older and wiser and I did not fall in love for a very, very long time. In fact, I almost made it to my seventeenth birthday before I experienced that wretched state again.

Mr. Devon St. John to Lord Kilturn, an antiquarian with an unfortunate penchant for dressing the dandy and dangling after much younger women Devon St. John tossed his cards on the green baize table that stretched before him. aI lose,a he said in an affable voice.

Through the swirl of smoke that permeated the card room at Whiteas, his opponent, Mr. Lawrence Pound, sighed languidly. Renowned in polite circles not only for his close connection with the Bessingtons, but also for his polite manner and impeccable dress, Pound tossed his own cards onto the table and said in a rather plaintive voice, aIt is insulting how well you take defeat.a Devon quirked a brow. aWhat do you wish? Sighs and laments? Wild cries of unjust hands and a threat to put a period to my existence?a Though the two men were both lean and well built, Devon St. John had the broad shoulders and well defined hands of his family. That along with the unmistakable combination of black hair and blue eyes, proclaimed his breeding as clearly as if the St. John coat of arms were embroidered on his pocket.

Pound took a thoughtful sip of port. aI rather like the last scenario, but then Iave always been rather fond of gun play. Perhaps next time.a aPerhaps. If I lose again, which I doubt.a Pound sighed wearily. aI should have known better than to toss the cards with a St. John. Winning is devoid of pleasure when one knows it is but a temporary lapse in the alignment of the stars.a Devon leaned back in his chair and grinned. aYou were the one who insisted on playing. I merely wished to talk.a aYes,a Pound said in a meditative tone, ait is a common fault with my family, to rush toward their own demise in a most hodgepodge manner. Quite ill-bred of the lot of us.a aNonsense. You didnat rush at all. At times, it took you so long to play your card that I worried you had expired but were too polite to fall over.a Poundas thin lips twitched. aI was struggling to maintain the lead. You play a difficult game.a aYou are too severe on yourself. There were several seconds I was unsure of the outcome.a aSeconds? Considering we played for over four hours, I find that statement positively vile.a Devon chuckled. aYou find everything vile. Everything but port. Come, let me procure a new bottle for the winnera"a aDevon St. John!a came an urbane voice to their right. aJust the man I was looking for.a Devon lifted his gla.s.s from the table, his gaze still on his companion. aShall we play one more round?a Pound opened his mouth to reply, but the insistent voice intruded again. aMr. St. John, you donat know me, but Iama"a aHow rude,a murmured Pound. He lifted the quizzing gla.s.s that hung from his waistcoat by a ribbon and regarded the man who now stood beside their table.

Devon finished his drink. aWell?a Poundas eye was hideously magnified by the quizzing gla.s.s. aNo. I do not recognize him.a He dropped the gla.s.s and picked up his port once again. aThey are not nearly particular enough at this club. Perhaps I shall join Watiers.a aMr. St. Johna"a This time the evidently annoyed individual moved to stand in Devonas line of vision. aI need but a moment of your time.a Dressed in the height of fashion, Harry Annesley appeared like any other pompous young a.s.s of fashion. His shirt collar was starched to points so high he could not bend his chin a normal height. His cravat was a complex mess of knots and twists, fastened with a huge, gaudy ruby of questionable authenticity.

Devon decided after a momentas inspection that there was somethinga unsavory about the man. Something unrefined, as if despite the polish of his boots, a whiff of common breeding seeped through. aWell? What do you want?a Annesley flushed at the curt tone.

Devon was well aware of Annesleyas acquaintance with his brother Chase. He wondered that Chase would countenance such a man. His brother was usually far more fastidious in his choice of friends, but that had been before Chaseas descent. Before Chase had cut his family from his life as thoroughly and ruthlessly as a surgeon.

The thought caused Devonas chest to tighten.

Harry smiled, a seemingly casual, self-deprecating smile, though Devon could sense a hint of superiority behind it. aMr. St. John, I am indeed sorry to bother you and your acquaintance, Mr. Pound, buta"a aIt knows my name,a Pound murmured. He arched his brows. aShould I be honored?a In Devonas opinion, Chaseas downfall was somehow tied up with this man. aNo,a he said to Pound, setting his gla.s.s on the table with a snap. aYou should not be honored at all.a Harryas face turned bright red, his mouth thinning for an instant. But he quickly regained control and plastered his usual false smile on his face.

Devon rather thought he preferred naked anger to the tight smile. He flicked a glance at the man. aWell?a he prompted shortly. aWhat do you want?a The smile grew tighter, but remained firmly in place. aI wonder if you could a.s.sist me. I have been looking for your brother, Chase. Have you heard from him lately?a Devon managed to keep his face expressionless, though it was difficult. The louse wanted something; his kind always did. What was truly unusual was that Chase was normally in the pocket of this man. If Harry Annesley didnat know where Chase was, who would? A knot of disquiet began to form in Devonas stomach. aI havenat seen my brother in almost two weeks. Not since our brother Brandonas wedding.a aNo?a Harryas practiced smile faded and was replaced with an equally fake expression of concern. aI wonder where he could have gotten to?a Devon shrugged. aI daresay he has found yet another amorata. He flits from woman to woman like a bee.a aWith a stinger, no doubt.a Pound shook his head sadly. aThat was poorly done, St. John.a Devon managed a genuine smile. Poundas dry wit perfectly suited his own. aI shall try to be more subtle.a Harry placed his hands on the table and leaned closer, his cologne drifting over Devon like a fine cloying mist. aI hesitate to say anything becauseaa He broke off as if too embarra.s.sed to continue.

Devonas gaze narrowed. What the h.e.l.l did the shyster want? More to the point, where the h.e.l.l was Chase. Devon continued to shuffle the cards, then dealt them into two neat stacks. aOut with it, Annesley.a aI didnat wish to say anything, but your brotheraa He paused, sending a side glance at Pound. aMr. St. John, perhaps we should discuss this in private.a Poundas gaze lifted from his hand of cards. aAh! A secret, is it? Pray do not attempt to dismiss me then. There is little I like more than a secret.a Devon hesitated. Pound, for all his dissembling humor, was something of a gossip. But there was nothing for it now. Annesley had said too much already, and any attempt to keep Pound out of it was long gone. aSpeak, Annesley.a aVery well. Mr. St. John, Iam sorry to bring this matter to your notice, but it is unlike your brother to miss a meeting.a Annesley paused, casting a quick look toward Pound. aEspecially when that meeting was a matter of honor.a Devon cursed to himself when he caught the interested gleam behind Poundas bland gaze. Whatever Annesley had to say, it would be all over town before dawn. Devon forced his attention to his cards. He carefully selected his discard before answering. aIam sure there must have been some sort of misunderstanding. Perhaps he had the wrong location or time.a aI hardly think it could be that.a Annesley pursed his lips. aTo be blunt, your brother owes me a considerable amount of money.a Harry reached into his pocket and withdrew a note. He placed it on the table. Devon glanced at it, then frowned. The note promised twenty thousand pounds to Harry Annesley and was signed with a sloping flourish that Devon immediately recognized as Chaseas.

A stirring of unease filtered through Devon. Something wasnat right. Still, he forced himself to leave the paper on the table though he longed to s.n.a.t.c.h it up and rip it in half. aIf itas a matter of honor, Iam certain my brother will answer it to your satisfaction. And he will no doubt be chagrined he missed your meeting.a aI hope so,a Annesley said ruefully. He tucked the paper away. aChase was a little upset when last I saw him.a aI daresay head been drinking. Heavily. It seemed to become a habit with him once he began to converse with you.a aTouche,a murmured Pound.

With a noticeable thinning of his mouth, Annesley patted the pocket where the note lay. aI only hope your brother isnat gone too long, or I shall begin to wondera"a aAnnesley,a Devon said with deadly calm, awhat will you wonder? Surely you are not maligning the St. John name.a Silence filled the small area. Pound watched, an amused expression in his sharp gaze. Annesley seemed to be searching for wordsa"though it was difficult to tell whether he wished to retract his statement or rea.s.sure Devon.

Devon turned away. aThat will be all, Annesley. Iam certain that whenever my brother returns to town, youall get your funds.a Annesleyas expression was a frozen grimace compared to the wide smile head once had. There was nothing left for it but to bow and make his way to the door.

Devon and Pound played in silence for several minutes. Though Devonas mind was elsewhere, luck favored him and he won.

aAh, the St. John luck returns.a Pound picked up his port. aWhat do you think of Annesley?a aWho?a Poundas eyes shimmered with appreciation. aAnnesley,a he repeated gently.

aI donat think of him at all.a aHm. I wonder where your brother is? He has been a bit of a loss of late, hasnat he?a Devon didnat answer.

aFor the last six monthsa"maybe longera"Chase St. John has not been acting likea well, a St. John.a aMy brother is fine. And he is as much a St. John as I.a Pound wisely did not say a thing and they had soon resumed their game.

But Devon found that he could not pay attention, a strange sense of unrest flickering through him. Where was Chase? And what did his recent disappearance have to do with Harry Annesley?

Devon stifled a sigh. Over the last year, Chase had become something of an enigma, disappearing for days on end, usually in the company of an actress or some other equally unworthy female.

Except, of course, when head taken up with the Viscountess Westforth. That relationship had proven itself to be something differenta"a foray into true friendshipa"although no one had realized it until theyad sent Devonas older brother, Brandon, to buy off the lady.

Something had happened in that meeting and a short time later, Brandon himself had married the woman. Devon thought about his sister-in-law, and smiled. Verena was as strong-willed and intelligent as they came, and she was every bit as in love with Brandon as he was with her. All told, the marriage promised to be as interesting as it would be lasting.