Andrea Pickens - [Lessons in Love 01] (28 page)

"Hoyden," he said with a groan. "Behave yourself or I shall have to take you over my knee." And he claimed another kiss.

"And you, my lord, remember there is always a horsewhip to keep you in line."

Their muffled laughter floated through the air as Saybrook bent to pick up his coat. "I suppose we had better return," he sighed.

As they reentered the drawing room, a lone figure seated in one of the brocade armchairs was silhouetted by the moonlight. The duke had his legs stretched out comfortably in front of him, a glass of cognac held in one hand as he contemplated the thick cigar in the other.

"Ah, Saybrook," he drawled. "I believe you were looking for me?"

"As a matter of fact, Your Grace..."

"The answer is yes."

Both Jane and Saybrook looked startled.

"Any man with the fortitude to take my daughter over his knee has my wholehearted blessings. So, yes. Yes! Before you change your mind!"

"Father!" cried Jane indignantly.

The duke let out a chuckle. Jane opened her mouth to retort but found herself laughing as well as her father rose and gave her a hug.

"You have chosen much better than I," he murmured in her ear. "I believe you will be very happy." He extended his hand to Saybrook and added, "I believe that an announcement of our own is in order. You may wish to retie your cravat. The, er, wind seems to have caused some disarray."

"But Papa, Aunt Bella will have a fit of vapors if we take the attention from Cousin Annabelle!"

"Quite." A rather satisfied smile spread over the duke's face. "She vastly deserves it, too, for all of her meddling."

"I, for one, would like to embrace the dear lady," interrupted Saybrook.

Jane and her father looked at him as if he were mad. "But Edward, you can't imagine..." began Jane.

"Without her, I would not have met you," he grinned.

"You have a point," conceded the duke. "We shall wait until the end of the evening then, and let her bask in all the attention until then."

"Papa, before we return to the ballroom Edward and I must visit the nursery."

He nodded, smiling broadly. "Of course the lad must know. I shall wait for you here and savor my good fortune." He lit his cigar. "You know, I look forward to seeing Peter here at Avanlea often—along with his brothers and sisters," he added as the two of them left the room.

"Mmmm," said Saybrook, nuzzling close to her ear as they climbed the stairs. "Lots of brothers and sisters."

"Edward..." Her words were cut off by yet another kiss.

"Very soon."

The End

Want more from Andrea Pickens?

Page forward for an excerpt from

SECOND CHANCES

Lessons in Love

Book Two

Excerpt from

Second Chances

Lessons in Love

Book Two

by

Andrea Pickens

Award-winning Author

SECOND CHANCES

Reviews & Accolades

"Creating a marvelous heroine... Ms. Pickens combines a wonderful sense of the absurd with appealing emotional intensity to create a lilting romance for all to enjoy."

~
RT magazine

Her mind was so occupied that Allegra failed to notice that Lord Wrexham had reined his mount to a halt and was watching as she scrambled over a tall stile. Smoothing her skirts down over her sturdy half boots she suddenly became aware of his presence. Though the unbecoming bonnet shaded most of her face, a hint of a frown peeked out from beneath the broad brim.

Drat the man
. She really preferred to avoid him as much as possible.

"Oh—good afternoon, my lord." Her tone was as chilly as her expression.

He inclined his head a fraction. "It appears you are partial to taking the country air."

"Lessons are over for the day. I am following your wishes to make myself scarce."

"I did not mean it literally, Mrs. Proctor," he replied dryly. "Do not feel that you must... wear yourself to the bone."

Her lips repressed a smile. So the earl actually had a sense of humor. "I enjoy doing a bit of sketching," she said.

Wrexham raised an eyebrow. "I wouldn't have expected you to indulge in such a frivolous pursuit."

"It does not meet with your approval? Perhaps you consider it a pastime fit only for young females."

The earl dismounted with an easy grace and fell in step beside her. There was a flash of amusement in his eyes at her last comment, though he chose to ignore her challenge.

"What you choose to do with your own time is your concern, Mrs. Proctor," he answered as he casually wrapped the reins of his dappled grey stallion around the long fingers of one hand. "My concern is with Max."

Her eyes shot up to meet his. "Is something wrong?"

"Not at all," he admitted. "Max has made great progress in his studies. He has responded well to your teaching."

She looked at him warily. "I trust you do not mean to imply..."

"No. I do not believe you are throwing your cap at my son."

"I should hope not," she muttered. "Why, I'm almost old enough to be his mother."

The earl appeared to be regarded her face and the errant wisps of honey colored hair that curled around her ears. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Max is a highly intelligent young man," she continued. "It has been a pleasure to work with such a good student." She hesitated for a moment. "He is also unfailingly polite, cheerful and courteous."

"Unlike his father," murmured Wrexham.

She opened her mouth as if to speak.

"It does seem that his moods have improved considerably," he went on, without waiting for a reply from her. "At least he is no longer flying into the boughs every time I speak to him." He shook his head. "I know this is an awkward age for him, but I was beginning to think he couldn't abide my very presence."

"You needn't worry on that account, my lord. Max thinks you are—how did he put it—a great gun."

"He said that?" The earl's features softened perceptibly.

"Indeed he did."

"Thank you, Mrs. Proctor," he said after a moment. "You did not have to say so."

Allegra decided to change the subject. "I was wondering sir, have you made any progress in finding a new tutor for Max?" After a tiny pause, she added, "I know how much you disapprove of having a female performing that duty in your household."

Wrexham walked on for a few paces before answering. "No. I have not." His eyes strayed to the scudding grey clouds moving in over the craggy hills. "It seems we are in for some rain shortly. I fear you had best come up with me if you are to avoid getting drenched."

"That is not at all necessary. I don't mind a spot of rain."

"Max would no doubt ring a peal over my head if you took a chill and were unable to preside over the schoolroom." Before she could argue any further, his hands came around her waist and lifted her effortlessly up across the saddle.