Dunsaney's Desire (Historical Romance) by Brianna York

Author:Brianna York [York, Brianna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Romance, London Society, England & Britain, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Hearts Desire, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Beautiful & Feisty, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Sensual Story Theme
Publisher: Brianna York
Published: 2017-10-26T04:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

M

atthew straightened the stickpin in his snowy cravat, and pulled at his shirt points. He took his gloves off the dressing table and slowly pulled them on, still staring at his reflection intently. He wanted to look his very best. Leaning closer to the mirror, he swiped at his green lapels to remove any dust from their well-pressed surface.

“I assure you that nothing is amiss with your appearance, Your Grace” Dobbs said. His voice held tolerant amusement. He had never seen his employer so nervous.

Matthew tweaked his stickpin to the left, decided against that, and returned it to its original position before replying, “I want everything to be better than perfect for today, Dobbs.”

Dobbs smiled a bit. “It appears so.”

Matthew glared at his valet’s reflection in the mirror, then turned around to leave. “I will be back in time for tea, Dobbs.”

“I shall wait expectantly,” Dobbs replied, something in his tone making Matthew’s self-conscious scowl deepen. Dobbs watched his employer hunch his large shoulders and leave the room in a disgruntled hurry. Dobbs thanked the heavens above that he had never had the insane urge to marry. It seemed like a bloody waste of energy to him. Sighing, he set about putting the room to rights again. He hoped that Miss Dartmoor did not mind clutter since Matthew was so good at creating it.

∞∞∞

Matthew pulled his chestnuts to a halt in front of Tess’s door, and sat in the wan morning light for a long, contemplative moment. He had felt like this when he had been a boy, learning to jump fences with his horse. There was a moment of intense anxiety mixed with happy expectation that preceded the jumping of a large hurdle which was quickly followed by the exuberant, intoxicating thrill of having succeeded when one landed on the other side. He hoped that his hesitance and vague doubts would be put to rest by the pure joy of success, but he could not be sure in this instance. Unlike riding a horse over obstacles, he had less positive experiences with regard to marriage.

Gathering his courage, he jumped from his perch and handed his horses to the boy that scurried over. He took the time to straighten his coat and make sure that his boots were clean before he climbed the steps and used the heavy brass knocker to announce his presence.

The butler knew him on sight by now, and so, in contrast to Matthew’s first visit, he nodded at Matthew and allowed him in without comment. He waved Matthew towards the parlor, and Matthew divested himself of his gloves as he made his way toward the room. He sat down in one of the chairs and pulled again at his lapels. Taking out his pocket watch, he checked the time. Perfectly on time. Hopefully he would not have to wait too long. He wasn’t sure if his nerves could tolerate too much more suspense.

Upstairs, Tess eyed herself critically in the mirror, checking her reflection from all angles. She glanced down at the light green skirts of her morning dress and sighed.

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