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Prologue

London, 1812

He’s back!

Sorin Lathahbor—and her dearest friend—had returned at last

Eleanor raced down the stairs, keeping tight hold of her skirts and a sharp eye out for Rowena The last thing she wanted was another scolding about running in the house The carriageout by the time she reached the front hall

A grin split her face as she conteood sense overruled the rash i down banisters was out of the question now—at least whenever there was a chance one ht be seen

Will he have exciting news to share? Will he be happy to seeme a present from Paris, like he promised?

He’d been gone three whole months this time It had seemed an eternity Not for the first time, she wished Cousin Charles had a sister he could marry so they could truly become family But, like her, Charles was an only child At least Sorin’s bride would one day come to live with him here in Somerset

Now all she had to do was find a way to reritted her teeth If only Charles would see reason! But both he and Roere bent on the idea of herIt was to be her debut Season, and no expense had been spared to see that she hter of a duke, she was expected to one so far as to show her a list of possible matches he deemed “acceptable”

A gried at the corners of her mouth I’ll never wed Her faet over it They don’t really wantCharles had told her that, in his opinion, noas she was happy

For some reason, he sis to remain exactly as they were I don’t need a husband I already have a home

The front door opened as she reached the bottoed at the sound of Sorin’s voice Quick as a fox, she ducked beneath the stairs and waited After the servant had welcouest was told Lord Cramley awaited him in the blue salon

Eleanor eed just as he rounded the corner “Surprise!”

Stopping short, he greeted her with a broad smile that crinkled the corners of his hazel eyes “Ellie!” His gaze travelled doard, doubtless noting the absence of her custorown another inch”

Too happy to take affront at his reference to her height, which had indeed increased during his absence, she dashed forward to embrace her friend “I’ve missed you so! It’s been dreadfully lonely here without your visits”

Her joy turned to bewilder his hands against her shoulders, thrust her away The ungentle uard and she stu to catch herself on the newel post and avoid an ungraceful fall

When she looked up, a thunderous, disapproving froas fixed upon his face, which was turning scarlet A dull, throbbing pain erupted in her chest, and a queer, nu her eyes as he backed away another step She wanted to ask why he looked at her as one ht a leper, but words would not form on her lips

It was he who broke the silence “Ellie, I’ive me” Without another word, he turned and strode away

Shaking as if a palsy had taken her, Eleanor sank to the floor in a state of utter shock and confusion

What did I do wrong?

Chapter One