Lords For All Seasons by Miranda Neville

Author:Miranda Neville
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Miranda Neville
Published: 2015-03-18T04:00:00+00:00

Keeping half her attention on Frank’s cricket heroics, Rosanne sat in the sun and made a daisy chain. It had been hard for Lord Bruton to tell her about his school days. She had learned from Frank, and in greater detail from another guest, that the subject of his scar was one a man was wise to avoid. How strange that a man of his birth and talents should care so much for an accidental disfigurement. That side of his face was shocking to the eye at first, but she’d become used to it. In fact, she thought it gave character to his countenance. She was sure most people would feel the same if he would let them know him. But he kept others at bay with fierce looks and haughty reserve, ensuring that they didn’t forget the most sinister aspect of an otherwise unexceptional appearance. As she threaded the flower stems together, she stole surreptitious glances at his impassive features, which, she fancied, disguised some inner grief. She had the urge to comfort him, to hold his dark head between her hands, to kiss the cruel red line...

Good Lord! What was she thinking? He’d no doubt be appalled at the very idea, and so should she. She was in love with his cousin and friend and would soon be his cousin too. Doubtless that was why he felt comfortable enough to mention the forbidden topic to her. She stole another glance and met his eyes over the top of his book: a hot, dark look that set her pulses racing.

Confused and blushing, she shifted to face the cricket field and put the perplexing man out of her sight. Frank brandished his bat, looking dashing and splendid. Any day now, possibly any hour, this magnificent man would propose to her, she would accept, and they’d plan their wedding. What better time to become betrothed than at a wedding party when love and matrimony were in the air? Yet she felt less rapturous at the prospect than she expected.

He took a mighty swipe, but instead of driving the ball into the distance as he had a dozen times, he missed and the wicket shattered. He accepted his dismissal with his usual good nature. She watched him congratulate the bowler and accept the commiserations of his team. Then he loped gracefully across the field and flung himself onto the ground next to them.

“Well played, Frank,” she said.

“Were you watching me?” He grinned bashfully. “I certainly botched that last ball. Went right by me.”

“You never could resist a fast one.” Apparently Lord Bruton could read and watch cricket at the same time.

“You know my weaknesses.” He paused. “Uh, Rosanne. Would you like to come for a walk with me or are you busy?”

“Busy making a daisy chain, that’s all.” She guessed what was coming and perhaps she needed to wait. Spend more time with Frank before she accepted him. On the other hand, she wouldn’t object to another kiss. That should settle her doubts.

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