Chase caught her expression. d.a.m.n it! He didnat want anyoneas pity, especially not Harriet Wardas. aNow that the game is up, you will wish me to leave. Iall go this evening anda"a aYou canat.a He frowned. aWhat?a aYou canat leave. Lady Cabot-Wells is to come this evening. What would you have us tell her?a aThat I was called back to sea.a aThen the bank would immediately demand payment. We need you, Mr. St. John. You cannot leave.a aCannot?a he asked softly.

aYou cannot leave,a she repeated. aNot yet.a Chase absently rubbed his neck where it had begun to ache. If he had any sense, head be gone with the first ray of dawn.

That was what a sane man would do. But apparently Chase was no longer sane. Charading as the captain and working knee-deep in sheep muck had turned his brain to mush. aI suppose I could continue to be the captain for another week or soa"a aI knew you would do it!a She beamed at him, her earlier irritation melting away like snow before the sun. aThat would be so lovely.a Yes, he realized with some surprise. It could be lovely indeed. Or it would have been, if he wasnat aware that he was going to have to leave, and soon. A pang shot through him.

aI donat know what to say excepta thank you.a Her brown eyes met his, warmth and light shining through.

Light that would disappear the instant she discovered his sins. aI will stay one more week but no more.a aExcellent! And while you are here, perhaps you should think things through. I canat help but wonder ifa"a aI have thought things through. I cannot go back to London.a aNever?a aNever.a She sighed. aI could help if youad tell me more.a No one could help. This time, Chase was going to have to help himself. aYou are not responsible for me, Harriet Ward.a aYou are just like Stephen. He wonat listen to a word I say, either.a Exasperation tinged her voice.

Chase almost smiled. aYou have never met a problem you couldnat solve, have you?a aNever.a She regarded him for a long moment. aI suppose we are even, you and I, for our first meeting. A deception for a deception.a aWe are indeed even, thou and I.a His gaze dropped to her mouth. aAnd well matched, too.a A faint flash of color touched her skin. And he was aware of an instant thrum of desire. Of all the beauties head met in London, head never beheld one who was as beautiful inside as she was outside. The combination was heady and he wished with all his heart that things had been different. But they werenat.

aThere you are!a Derrick ambled up, Max hard on his heels.

The dog came to a sudden halt, lifted his head, sniffed, blew through his nose, then turned back the way head just come, though at a much faster pace.

aMax!a Derrick scowled. aMax! Come back here!a The dogas ears and tail lowered, but he kept going.

Derrick blew out his breath in disgust and turned to walk back toward Harriet and the wagon. aI donat know about that dog. Heas a wonder at herding, but at everything else, hea"a Derrick slid to a stop, slapped a hand over his nose, and said in a strangled voice, aGood G.o.d, which sheep needed ointment?a Chase started abruptly. aSheep?a He glared down at his hands. aThat was sheep ointment?a aIt works on people, too,a Harriet said defensively. aAsk Derrick.a But Derrick was already walking briskly back the way head come, his shoulders shaking as if he was laughing too hard to speak.

aWonderful,a Chase muttered. aIam taking a bath as soon as I get back to Garrett Park.a aPlease do. You smell atrocious, and I donat think we could stand having you at the table at dinner.a aYou were the one whoa"a Chase clamped his mouth closed at her grin. Beautiful inside and out she might be, but she was also a mischievous tease. aShould we tell your family of my real ident.i.ty?a aThey deserve to know. But never fear, they will keep your secret, especially once I explain how you so graciously agreed to be Captain Frakenham for another week.a She bit her lip. aIa"I must admit that I was feeling somewhat bad.a aAbout what?a aAbout making you work so hard.a aYou should feel guilty about that. It has been intolerable.a Her guilty look disappeared. aYou havenat worked any harder than the rest of us.a aYes, but you benefit from my work. I donat benefit from it at all.a He looked down at his blistered hands, now oily from the smelly balm shead applied to them.

aHavenat we housed you and fed you and tended your wounds?a aWith sheep ointment!a aWith good sheep ointment.a aI donat think there is such a thing as good sheep ointment.a Derrick yelled something from across the field to Harriet. Something about the last railing on the fence he and the hands had just fixed. Harriet shouted back an answer while Chase waited.

She turned to face him. aWe should be able to begin the shearing tomorrow.a aItas about time.a aSo we think, too. Weave never done this before, though Stephen and I have concocted a system.a She was always the practical one, except for that streak of pa.s.sion that shimmered just below the surface. Chase wondered what shead do if he kissed her once more. He stepped a little closer, but yet another shout sounded from across the field.

Harriet leaned over the fence and shouted back an answer. Frustrated at the interruption, Chase had to constrain himself from yelling an answer himselfa" something rather unworthy.

Finally, Harriet glanced back at Chase. aWhat were wea"oh, yes. Our shearing system.a She tossed her head slightly, a tendril of brown hair escaping over one ear. aWe built some narrow pens that will only hold one sheep. You just have to loop a rope about its neck and it will be held in place so you can shear it. It should be ridiculously easy.a aOne can only hope,a Chase replied, though he had his doubts. aSo far, nothing about the sheep business has been what Iad call aeasy.aa Her chin seemed to jut a bit at that. But after a moment, she said in a rather genteel voice, aYou are right. Mr. St. John, you have been most helpful this week. Please accept our thanks for your a.s.sistance.a Her tone was almost warm. Chase was impressed. It must have cost her pride plenty to be able to pull that off. aYou are quite welcome, Miss Ward.a aIt was no problem, I a.s.sure you.a She peered up at him, all wide brown eyes and thick, curling brown lashes. A faint scattering of freckles decorated her nose. aI a.s.sume that since you will continue being the captain, you will also continue to help us with the shearing.a Chase almost choked. aIsnat it enough that I am willing to play the part for your nosy neighbors?a aItas only for a week and since you, yourself, said you werenat on a schedulea"a She met his gaze with a hopeful look.

But for the first time, Chase saw a flicker of uncertainty. aMiss Warda"Harriet, if you need money for the bank payment, I coulda"a Harrietas shoulders stiffened. aNo. I already had to pay back the bank; I will not owe money again.a Blast it all, who said anything about a loan? aWait a moment! You donat understand. You wonat owe me a thinga"a aI donat take charity, either, if thatas what you are going to suggest.a b.l.o.o.d.y, stiff-necked fool. Chaseas temper began to simmer. aLook, itas not as ifa"a aItas not as if we need it.a Her mouth thinned with displeasure. aDo you think we are not capable of making the final payment? For I a.s.sure you that we can anda"a A jangling sound made Harriet turn. Ophelia rode up on one of the farm horses, the old animal plodding along.

Chase gritted his teeth. Yet another interruption. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, could no one in the family do anything without turning to Harriet for advice? It made private speech with the woman almost impossible.

Ophelia pulled the horse to when she reached the wagon. aThere you are, Harri. I was looking all over for you.a aAnd now youave found me. What do you need?a Chase scowled. They were in the middle of a field, for chrissakes. How could they get interrupted so oft?

aSomethingas wrong with Stephen. Mother asked him to accompany Sophia to Colonel Parkeras to visit the colonelas wife, and he refused quite rudely, then stomped off to the library.a aThat doesnat sound like him.a aNo, it doesnat. I asked him what was wrong, but he will not say. Mother wants you to speak with him when you come home. Are you almost done?a aAlmost.a Harriet appeared concerned. aI could leave now, I suppose. I really should see whatas amissa"a aNonsense,a Chase said. aYour brother is a grown man. Leave him be.a Harriet appeared offended. aEven grown men need comfort at times.a aWhen youave made a mull of things, itas your responsibility to fix them. Your responsibility and no one elseas.a aYou, sir, are wrong. If I made an error, I would think nothing of asking my family for help.a Chase met her gaze with a flat look. aWe never know what weall do until the circ.u.mstances arise.a aI know what I would do under any circ.u.mstances. And anyone who keeps secrets from his own family is a selfish wretch.a Chase stiffened, a thousand rejoinders burning a way to his lips, though they remained stubbornly closed.

aUhm, Harriet?a Ophelia said, looking interestedly from one to the other. aShall I tell Mother you are on your way?a aPlease do,a Harriet said shortly, her gaze still locked with Chaseas.

aVery well.a Ophelia waited a moment more, but when nothing else was said, she gave a sigh and kicked the horse into a lumpy trot.

Chase wrenched his gaze from Harriet to see if Ophelia was yet out of range. When he turned back, Harriet was already gracing the seat of the cart, her gaze fixed straight ahead, the reins in her hands.

aIam off to the house,a she said, without looking at him. aIf you wish a ride, climb on.a She said the words as if they had been wrenched from her.

Chase planted his hat more firmly on his head. aIall walk.a aAll the way to the house?a She started to say something, then stopped and shrugged. aVery well. I will see you at dinner. Donat forget Lady Cabot-Wells is coming to make an inspection of Captain Frakenham this evening. It wonat do for you to arrive smelling like sheep ointment.a The harridan, ordering him about as if she owned him. aIt wonat do for her to see you in that gown, either,a he retorted. aItas hideous.a She turned slowly and eyed him from head to foot, stopping to gaze at his sagging boots, faded breeches, and ragged hat. aItas a good thing I have such a qualified fashion advisor.a She smirked and then turned away to set the farm horses into motion.

Chase watched, fuming, as she drove to the opposite field, picked up Derrick and the two hired hands and, without so much as a glance his way, headed the cart down the path toward Garrett Park.

Chase was left, standing by the mended fence, reeking of sheep ointment, and facing a long, long walk back to the house. Teeth clenched against a stream of scathing invectives, he began walking.

Chapter 18.

Never let it be said that I donat enjoy a good bottle of brandy now and again. I donat usually remember enjoying it, of course, but I must, for I keep returning for more.

Edmund Valmont to Anthony Elliot, the Earl of Greyley, while sitting at Whiteas, enjoying a bottle Selfish? How dared she? Chase threw open the door of the house, his boots ringing loudly on the polished wood floor. It had taken him almost two hours to reach the house on foot. He was tired, sore, dirty, and far too aware of the odiferous waft of sheep salve to be comfortable.

d.a.m.n Harriet and her narrow view of things. He wasnat selfish. Why, how many times had he come to the rescue of his own brothers and friends? Not that many of his friends required much in the way of rescuinga"except Harry Annesley, of course. Chase paused in the hallway at the thought of Harry, but he quickly shook it off. He was not selfish. The entire idea was ludicrous.

Leave it to Harriet Ward, the most obstinate, outlandish, p.r.o.ne-to-exaggeration female of his acquaintance to toss off an ill-conceived word like aselfisha without so much as a secondas worth of consideration for his feelings.

The faint sound of girlish voices reached his earsa"Sophia and Ophelia deep in conversation. Chase paused, glancing up the stairwell.

He didnat like to think of bringing anyone pain, but G.o.d knew head already caused far more than his fair share of it. If he closed his eyes, he could still see the white face of the woman his carriage had run down, hear the clack of the hooves on the cobblestones, feel his own rising panic as he realized she could not have escaped.

The memory of that pain held him in place at the foot of the stairs. The voices from upstairs settled into a low murmur, while golden dust motes floated through the air. The hall was silent but for those voices, a faint scent of beeswax and plaster filling his senses.

The library door swung open and out stepped Harriet dressed in a gown of cool blue muslin. Shead had time to bathe and change, and pin her hair atop her head. Except for the telltale pink of her cheeks from being in the sun and the fact that her arms and nose were sadly tanned, she looked as if she belonged in a drawing room and not a pasture.

She was closing the door, but she stopped as she caught sight of him, a guilty expression crossing her face, followed quickly by a mulish jutting of her chin.

aI made it back,a he said grimly, aware that he looked and smelled atrociously. aIn case you were concerned for my safety.a aI wasnat.a She snapped the door closed behind her. aEven a braying a.s.s can walk a fathom without falling in a ditch.a The little minx. Chase closed the s.p.a.ce between them, pinning her to the door with only an inch of s.p.a.ce between her fresh skirts and his muddied breeches.

Her nose curled. aYou smell likea"a aI know exactly what I smell like. I havenat had time for my bath. Not yet.a aPray feel free to rinse in the trough by the barn until your bath is ready.a aYou are incorrigible.a aDo you ever say anything nice about people?a That hurt. aI was only trying to make a point. Your family leans on you far too much.a aThey do no such thing. Doesnat your family mean anything to you?a Of course it meant something to him. He had a familya"a very close one, in fact. He couldnat imagine life without them. But he was beginning to be aware that part of his problem was that they had taken perhaps too good care of him. Their motives had been pure, of coursea"love and concern. But their actions hadnat always turned things for the better.

Now that he thought about it, whenever things went wrong, his brothers were always there and not just to support him, but often actively fixing things so that Chase didnat have to. Perhaps that was why head been unable to face his problema"until that one instant, head never had to.

He shook his head. aYou arenat doing your brothers or sisters a favor when you run around correcting every difficulty they might face.a She pressed her hand against his chest. aI hate to be rude, but could you step back a little. The smellaa aIf I have to smell the sheep ointment, then you should have to smell the sheep ointment. After all, youare the one who slathered it all over me.a aPiffle! You had blisters. What else was I to do?a aNot a d.a.m.n thing. Fortunately for you, Iam too tired to argue with you more.a He stepped back and allowed her room to escape.

She moved in a rustle of fresh muslin. aIall ask Jane to have a bath drawn for you.a aThank you.a aDonat thank me. Mother will expect you at dinner since Lady Cabot-Wells is on her way. Besides, I, for one, have no desire to sit next to you while you smell like a sick sheep.a With that, she turned to the stairs and made her way up.

Chase watched her go, her trim backside perfectly outlined under her skirts. His body, tired and aching as it was, reacted instantly. b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, what was it about her that heated him as flame to tinder? Head had so many womena more than he cared to count. But Harriet Ward, prim and proper and totally unlike any woman he had ever met, inflamed him to uncomfortable heights just by the simple act of walking up a flight of stairs. d.a.m.n it, he would not think about that. Not now.

Meanwhile, head slip into the library and retrieve the tome head been reading about the sea captain. Head need some fresh amemoriesa of life at sea if he was to feed the rumor mill yet again.

Besides, it would be a while before his bath was ready, and it would be nice to relax with a book before he had to don his official Captain Frakenham garb and entertain the community. Chase turned to the library door through which Harriet had come, and pushed it open.

Stephen stood in the room, one shoulder against the mantel, his crutches to one side. His head was bowed, a mulish expression on his face, a gla.s.s clutched in one hand. Chase hesitated, recognizing a crisis in the making.

He really didnat want to get involved with Stephenas contretemps, but his book sat on a table just past the youth. Chase wondered if he could retrieve it without getting sucked into a lengthy conversation about whatever was paining Stephen.

He must have made some noise, for Stephen lifted his head, his gaze landing on Chase. aOh,a he said in a sullen tone. aItas you.a He lifted the gla.s.s and tossed back the contents, gasping a little as he did so.

Chase caught the scent of brandy and raised his brows. aDoes your sister know you are drinking?a aYes,a Stephen said, his eyes blazing. aShe is not my keeper and neither are you, sir. I am nineteen years of age and may do as I please.a Chase opened his mouth, but then stopped. Normally, he would have met such pretension with a swift and brutal rejoinder, one guaranteed to put the insolent pup in his place. But somehow, in the back of Chaseas head, he heard the words aselfish wretcha spoken over and over.

Chase sighed. He really didnat have a choice. aVery well. Letas start anew. Stephen, how nice to see you.a Stephen gave a bitter laugh and turned away. His face was flushed with drink, his eyes glittering.

Chase rubbed his chin. What should he do now? Just take the book and leave? But no, thatas exactly what Harriet would expect him to do and head be d.a.m.ned if head prove her right. aWhat holds you here, in the library? I believe dinner is served shortly.a He ambled closer to the table.

aI donat carea"a Stephen grimaced. aWhat is that smell?a aMy hands. I had blisters and your sister used the sheep ointment on them.a Stephen pressed a hand to his nose. aHow horrid. I do hope you mean to bathe.a aAs soon as the water has been heated.a Chase eyed Stephen for a moment, noting how the ladas gaze rested on him with sullen intent. aHarriet told you my true ident.i.ty, eh?a Stephen nodded. aAnd that youave known all along who you are. Harriet seems to think you didnat act with malice and Ia"a He bit his lip a moment, then said, aAllow me to apologize on behalf of the family for our deception, as well. Iam sure it must seem very odd to you.a aNonsense. It made perfect sense or Iad have never agreed to a.s.sist you. I daresay that if Iad been in your shoes, Iad have made up a Captain Frakenham, too.a aThank you all the same,a Stephen said stiffly. aYou are too kind.a Chase eyed the lad curiously. Despite the boyas frigidly polite tone, there was an underlying expression of agony. What did one do when one actually wished to encourage confidences? Chase wondered what Harriet would do in just such a situation.

After a moment, he sighed. There was nothing for it but a direct attack. aWell? Whatas wrong with you?a Stephen stiffened. aNothing is wrong with me.a aNonsense. Iam usually unaware of peopleas feelings and such, but even I can tell youare suffering from the doldrums.a Stephen flushed. aThereas nothinga"I donata"you wouldnat understand.a Chase eyed the book with a gloomy gaze. If things had worked out his way, no one would have been in the library and Chase would even now be paging through the book, looking for just the right sailing yarn to spring on Lady Cabot-Wells.

aItas a woman,a Stephen blurted out.

aOf course itas a woman.a Stephen sent him a sharp glance. aWhat do you mean 'of course.'a aWhat else would send a man into a full-thrown gloom in the middle of the day? Has to be a woman.a aI suppose,a Stephen said without enthusiasm. He stared down at his hands, his bottom lip softened and then quivered ever so slightly.

Chase watched, horrified that the young man might actually burst into tears. aHere, now! See what brandy will do to you?a He sent the book one last regretful glance, then took a chair near where Stephen stood, shoulders slumped. aTell me about this paragon of yours.a aTell you?a Stephenas bitter laugh grated along Chaseas nerves. aI canat believe this! You, who can barely set a fence rail, are offering me advice. By gad, thatas rich.a Chase managed a grin. aTrust me on this; if there is one thing I do know, itas how to deal with the fair s.e.x.a aYou forget that Iave seen you with Harriet.a Chaseas grin disappeared. aYour sister is not an ordinary woman. Sheasa"a Stubborn. Intractable. Condescending when she had no right to be. And intolerably prideful. All told, Harriet Ward was impossibly argumentative. Chase caught Stephenas questioning gaze. aYour sister drives me mad.a A faint smile touched Stephenas mouth, softening his haggard look. aShe has that effect on all of us. Father used to say she had an iron spine and, when disgruntled, could freeze the pond with a single look.a aYour father was a very wise man.a Stephen looked at the worn carpet beneath his feet and grimaced. aAbout some things. Had he had a better head on his shoulders, we wouldnat be scrambling to make this payment.a aWe all have our shortcomings.a Stephenas gaze met his, hard and unflinching. aWhat are your shortcomings, then?a The insolent tone in his voice sent a hot rejoinder flying to Chaseas lips. He wasnat used to being spoken to in such a summary fashion. Especially not by a whelp who was still wet behind the ears. But just as he opened his mouth to send a sharply worded retort, he caught a glimpse of pain in Stephenas gaze.

Somewhere in the back of Chaseas mind, a faint memory began to hum. Head been fifteen, a few years younger than Stephen, and hopelessly, relentlessly in alovea with the divine Miss Leticia Overhill, a plump beauty with flaxen hair and blue eyes and the most ravishing dimples.

The fair Leticia had been several years older than he and had her sights firmly fixed on Viscount Ripley, eldest son of the Earl of Snowton. Chase had no t.i.tle, and was a younger son, as wella"though he was infinitely more well-to-do than the Ripleys would ever be.

Still, Leticiaad had her heart set on a t.i.tle and a t.i.tle she was determined to have. Chase had been devastated. Of course, now he thanked the stars for his lucky escape, though at the time head sworn never again to smile.

aI have many, many flaws. Not the least of which is a tendency to see things from my own stance and no one elseas and a sad propensity to convince myself that certain problems will disappear if I can just outrun them.a Inwardly Chase winced at how true this profession was.

Stephen eyed him with interest. aThose are grave indeed.a aIam trying to overcome them. Besides, no one is perfect. Even my father, who was the most generous man I ever met, had his shortcomings. He loved us all dearly, but he had very little patience with children.a Chase gestured to the chair opposite his. aCome. Sit. Youare giving me a neck ache.a aI donat want to sit.a Chase made an exasperated noise. aMust you argue with every d.a.m.n thing I say? You are far more like your sister than you realize.a Stephenas lips twitched. aHarriet would not agree.a aAll the more reason to believe itas true.a Stephen sighed. aI suppose you are right.a He gathered his crutches from the wall and made his way to the chair Chase indicated, stopping to refill his gla.s.s.

Though he winced to see how much brandy the lad splashed into his gla.s.s, Chase wisely refrained from commenting.

Stephen propped his crutches beside the chair and sank into it. Brandy in one hand, he eyed Chase with a complete lack of respect. aThis is asinine. How could you possibly understand my situation?a aIam older, a male, and I was once your age.a aWhat does that prove?a Good G.o.d, this helping thing was most unpleasant. Chase thrust his feet out before him, settling them on the small bra.s.s trunk that served as a tea table. Gad, but the lad was full of pride. aStiff-necked as your sister, arenat you?a aWhat if I am?a aWhat indeed,a Chase muttered. aTell me what bugs have infested your ladyas bonnet.a aShe wouldnat like to hear you refer to her in such a manner.a aGood thing sheas not here, then.a Chase settled deeper into the chair, resting his head on the high back. aWhat seems to be the problem?a aThere isnat a problem. Not with her.a All vestiges of sullenness fell from Stephenas expression. aSheas an angel.a aIf sheas an angel, then why are you so blue-deviled?a aBecause sheas above my touch.a aWho told you that?a aShe did.a Chase winced. aWhat a harridan.a Stephen jolted upright. aShe is no such thinga"a aCalm down. All women are harridans. Every last one.a Especially the brown-eyed wretch who was, he was certain, even then plotting new ways to irritate him.

Stephenas hands fisted. aI donat like your tone.a This really is not going well. He looked at Stephenas affronted expression and contained a sigh. Perhapsa perhaps Harriet had one thing right. Perhaps he was just the tiniest bit selfish. Just a little, mind you. He certainly could never remember asking another fellow human other than his brothers to share a problem.

Stephen took a gulp of the brandy then set it aside and reached for his crutches. aIam sorry I said a word to you at alla"a aIam sorry if Iave offended you, but Iam not used to serving as confidant. You are my first effort.a Stephen paused. aReally?a aReally.a aThen why did you offer?a aBecause I was told I was selfish and I was determined to prove the statement wrong.a Recognition dawned on Stephenas face. aAhhh. Youave been brangling with Harriet. That is exactly the kind of thing she would tell someone.a aI donat brangle. She brangles. I merely refuse to listen.a Stephen managed a faint grin. aIave been there a time or two myself.a To his surprise, Chase found himself grinning back. aYouare an impudent whelp, did you know that?a Stephen hesitated, replaced his crutches beside his chair. aI apologize for my short temper. I donat know whatas come over mea"a aLove. According to the poets, it makes fools of all men. Or so my oldest brother has told me oft enough.a aDoes he believe that?a aWell, he thinks it applies to all men but him. So heas not infallible either. In fact, I believe that when Marcus falls in love, it will be worse than it is for the rest of us because of all the practice weave had. Weave calluses on our hearts, as it were. He, meanwhile, has nothing but pride to protect him.a aI never thought of pride as a protection.a aYou should. But we were not speaking of me or my family. We were talking about your unfortunate circ.u.mstances. You are in love with a woman who says she is above you.a Stephen nodded morosely. aThatas not exactly what she said, but close to it.a aWhat exactly did she say?a aThat she wasa wella"a Stephen flushed. aShe said she was older. And she is, but only by two months.a Chase had to bite the inside of his lip to keep from smiling. After a momentas struggle, he managed to say in a bland tone, aThe nerve.a Stephen slumped in his chair. aI warned you it was an ugly situation.a aTell me more about this mystery woman.a aWhat do you want to know?a aThe usuala hair color, eyesaa Chase made a curvy gesture in the air. aAll the details.a Stephenas lips thinned. aSheas not like that.a Chase frowned. aNot like this?a He made another curvy shape in the air. At Stephenas stubborn scowl, Chase shook his head. aIf sheas not like this, then we really do need to talk.a aI, sir, do not find this at all amusing! Miss Strickton is perfection!a The boy had no humor. None at all. aEasy, hothead. I retract my levity.a Stephenas jaw tilted to a pugnacious angle. aI know you think this is silliness. A childish sort of affaira"a aI think nothing of the sort. One of the things about love is that it always feels real. Even when itas not.a aThis is real!a Chase wisely did not respond. Was love just a fleeting feeling that came and went, as capricious as the moon and just as cold?

Of course, his own parents had seemed genuinely smitten, though head always thought their obvious affection for one another was a matter of common sense rather than cra.s.s emotion. aHave you told Miss Strickton of your feelings?a aI tried, but she wonat allow me to speak of it. Worse, ever since she had her London season, she is constantly surrounded by admirers. I can scarcely get a word alone with her.a aThereas your first task, then. To get her attention. Iam certain that once youave impressed her with your sincerity and the depths of your devotion, all will change.a aSo I thought. Iave written her poemsa"a aEveryone does that since that fellow Byron came to town. What else?a aFlowers. But she gets bundles of them a day.a aToo common. You need something larger, more romantic. You know how women are, always gushing about this gesture or that.a Stephen bit his lip. aYouare right, of course. There has to be somethingaa Chase drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. A long silence ensued. aI suppose jewelry would be too forward?a aHer father would burst into flames at the thought.a Chase rubbed the bridge of his nose, then winced at the smell. He dropped his hands back to his knees. There was something very gratifying about playing the part of Mature Advisor. He cleared his throat and said in a stentorian tone, aYes, Stephen, love is a verya"a He caught the ladas apt gaze and the clichd words dried in his throat.

Love was a very what? Annoying feeling? Irritating emotion? Chase wondered what he could say since he wasnat altogether certain that he believed in the fabled emotion anymore.

He eyed Stephenas luminous expression and checked his next words. It was possible that love, in all its infinite glory, didnat really exist. It was a myth, a fiction perpetrated by the females of the species in a vain effort to attach a man with wealth and standing to their sides forever.

In a word, love was pathetic.

Chaseas brow lowered. How did one pa.s.s on such maudlin information? He really hated to see the light fade from Stephenas eyes. Everyone should have the opportunity to believe in something. At least every once in a while. aLove is a very difficult emotion to understand.a There. That said it all. And yet said nothing.

Stephen latched on to it at once. aYes! Youare absolutely right! If only I could get Charlotte to understand how I feel, that itas more than mere childish affection.a His brow folded in thought, and he absently sipped his brandy.

Chase watched as the brandy disappeared. aYou know, Iad be careful drinking that if I were you.a He held up his hands when Stephenas eyes flashed. aIam not going to say another word, itas just that many of my own problems came from a bottle of my own choosing.a aThis is only my second gla.s.s.a Which, if one never drank, was still a good quant.i.ty of brandy. But there was little Chase could say at this point. The gla.s.s was almost empty, and Stephen really didnat seem very tipsy. Perhaps the lad had a head for such things. aI donat suppose youad welcome the suggestion that you should perhaps forget Miss Strickton for the time being.a aI cannot. You have no idea what sheas like. How she smiles. The way she looks when sheas trying to decide on something. The way I feel when sheas near.a Stephen shook his head in wonderment. aI love her and no one else.a The lad had it bad. In a vague way, Chase supposed he could understand Stephenas fascination. It was the same way he felt about Harriet.

Chase, being more mature, didnat fancy himself in lovea"far from it. But there were certain women who managed to raise his irea"and other parts of his anatomya"remarkably easily.

There was something special about a woman who refused to be charmed. Chase was only lately beginning to realize that fact. Perhaps it was the challenge. The simple give and take of an intelligent wit coupled with a well-turned mind.

Strange how head never realized the importance of such things before.

Such women needed firm handling. Direct action. aItas a pity you canat ride into a party and toss her over your saddle like that knight fellow, Loch-something,a Chase said thoughtfully. aThereas a lot to be said for such decisive handling.a Stephen blinked.

Chase rolled his shoulder a bit and winced. aPerhaps you could begin with something simple and build up to a grand gesture. Start with oh, I donat knowa maybe a picnic. That could be romantic if done right.a He imagined taking Harriet on a picnic. A basket of fooda"good food, not the work fare they got out in the fielda"a blanket beside a creek, and perhaps a little wine. He loved the way the sun warmed her brown hair with golden lights. And if the two of them were alone, there was no telling how many kisses he might win from her lips.

The idea held some merit. Perhaps he shoulda"

Stephen slapped his knee, the sound breaking the silence like a gunshot. aBaG.o.d, you are right!a His voice brimmed with excitement. He s.n.a.t.c.hed up his crutches and was on his feet and halfway to the door before Chase could even form a sentence.

aStephen! What are youa"a But Stephen was already making his way out the door. His grand exit was somewhat marred by the fact that he stumbled a little while pa.s.sing the tea table and had to right it.

aStephen! Where are you going?a Stephen grinned. aTo win the woman of my heart.a Oh. Well. That sounded far more positive than the maudlin musing of the lad when Chase had first entered the room. aGood for you. I wish you luck.a aThank you! Although, if this worksa"a A wide grin burst across his face. aI shall report back in an hour!a He saluted, and then left, stumbling over the very edge of the carpet as he went.

Chase was left facing the closed door. His gaze traveled to the askew tea table and then to the nearly empty brandy decanter. Though he was happy to see Stephen so revitalized, Chase had the unmistakable feeling that head missed something. Something significant.

He mulled that thought over for a moment, then shrugged. Whatever happened, head cheered up the boy and that was certainly worth something. Why, as soon as Harriet found out, Chase was certain shead be abject in her apologies for ever calling him selfish.

Feeling very altruistic, Chase pushed up from his chair and made his way out of the library to see if perchance his bath was ready.

Chapter 19.

They say that love is the grandest pa.s.sion of all. Except, perhaps, pa.s.sion itself.

Anthony Elliot, the Earl of Greyley, to his wife while on the way to visit the earlas half brother, Marcus St. John, the Marquis of Treymount Devon ran up the wide steps, his booted feet making a ringing announcement of his presence. Located in the heart of Mayfair, Treymount House was an awe-inspiring manor, filled with antiquities and treasures, yet blended with the most modern of conveniences.

Even in Londonas most exclusive neighborhood, the house caused much comment, from its towering height to the outstanding quality of stonework that graced the entry. Even the shrubbery that lined the drive was painfully perfect. Marcus, of course, would have nothing less.

To many, it seemed cold and somewhat overbearing, but to Devon, who had slid down the stair railings untold times and had frequently jumped out the lower windows while escaping from Cook after stealing a hot pie, Treymount House was just home.

Or had been until head moved out at the age of nineteen into his own lodgings.

aSir,a the butler said, smiling a little on seeing who had been hammering on the door. aIt has been a long time.a aHallo, Jeffries. It hasnat been that long. Two weeks, no more.a Devon stepped through the door and handed his hat to the butler. aIs his lordship up and about? I feel the need to upset my brotheras peaceful existence.a aI would hardly call the marquisas existence peaceful. And he has been up since dawn. In fact, he has already met with his man of business, one of his solicitors, as well as two new investors.a aShowing us all up, is he? All Iave managed to do today is eat breakfast and tie my cravat.a Jeffries bowed appreciatively. aI cannot speak for your breakfast, but your cravat is without compare.a Devon grinned. ad.a.m.n! I wish youad let me steal you away from Marcus. Iad pay you twice what youare worth and youad never have to answer that heavy door again.a aThank you, sir. I shall keep your offer in mind. His lordship is in the library. Shall I announce you?a aLud, no. Iall announce myself.a Devon walked toward a wide door at the end of the hall, then stopped, staring up at a huge tapestry that now adorned the wall over the impressive curving stairs. The thing depicted a battle of some sort, with warriors in strange garb swinging huge swords. Here and there were slain enemies, their heads chopped off and lying in pools of blood. aWhere in b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l did my brother find that?a Jeffries paused, a faint shimmer of disapproval on his face. aI believe it just arrived from India, sir. The workers took almost three entire days to hang it to his lordshipas satisfaction.a aThey should take it back. Iave never seen anything so hideous in my life.a aLord Greyley had the same reaction, not ten minutes ago.a Devon turned to look at the butler. aMy half brother is here as well?a aYes, sir. And the countess, with one of their children. I believe they came to town to consult a physician, or so I heard the countess say.a aI hope nothing is amiss. Thank you, Jeffries.a Devon made his way to the library, his heels ringing on the cold marble floor. It was a good thing Anthony was here. He had a calm, logical way about him that might be of a.s.sistance.

With a light knock on the library door, Devon let himself into the room. Anthony leaned against the mantel, his huge frame dwarfing even that monstrous affair. His hair, unlike his half siblingsa, was a golden brown. He always reminded Devon of a beara"large and growling.

But there was no harm to Anthony. His worst fault was an overly sincere desire always to be right. Though he hadnat been born a St. John, it was the one characteristic that bound him the most closely to his brothers and sister.

His wife, Anna, was seated on a nearby chair, her reddish hair warm in the morning sun. One of their many children sat beside her, fiddling with the ta.s.sels on a pillow.

Less than a year ago, Anthony had inherited five children, and Anna had come to the house as governess. But the sparks that had existed between the two had been undeniable and within a remarkably short time, they had fallen deeply in love. Devon tried not to remember that Anthony had had that blasted talisman ring in his possession at the time.