England's Perfect Hero

With her two best friends happily married, Lucinda Barrett realizes she can no longer put off her lessons in love. The rogue she hopes to educate must be someone who will keep her life steady and uneventful—and that someone is definitely
not
Robert Carroway! The handsome, brooding war hero is far too complicated, and he shuns
London
society and its "trivialities." Still, it is a pleasant surprise when Robert offers to assist Lucinda in her mission to reform and wed a more suitable nobleman. Now if only she can resist the sensuous allure of Robert's astoundingly blue eyes—and his intense inner fire that leaves her breathless. Lucinda wants a husband, not a passionate, irresistible lover who could shake her world with one deep, lingering kiss. And her heart is telling her that
this
man could be the most dangerous, disastrous… and exhilarating love she will ever know.

AVON
BOOKS

An Imprint of
HarperCollins
Publisbers

10 East 53rd Street

New York
,
New York
10022-5299

Copyright © 2004 by Suzanne Enoch

ISBN: 0-06-054313-2

www.avonromance.com

First Avon Books paperback printing: March

Avon
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U.S.
Pat. Off. and in Other Countries, Marca

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U.S.A.

HarperCollins is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Publishers Inc.

Printed in the
U.S.A.

"We should write these down," Lucinda said, raising her voice to be heard both over the summer shower and the debate. She and her rather vocal friends all agreed that most men had no idea how to act as gentlemen, but realizing that fact obviously caused nothing but frustration and a great deal of annoyance. Time, then, to take action.

She pulled several sheets of paper from a drawer and returned to the table, handing one blank page to Georgiana, another to Evelyn, and keeping one for herself. "The three of us wield a great deal of influence, particularly with the so-called gentlemen to whom these rules would apply," she continued.

"And we would be doing other ladies a service," Georgiana Halley said, her annoyed expression growing more thoughtful.

"But a list won't do anything for anyone but ourselves," Evie Ruddick countered, though she took the pencil Lucinda handed her anyway. "If that."

"Oh, yes, it will—when we put our rules into practice," Georgiana returned. "I propose that we each choose some man and teach him what he needs to know to properly impress a lady."

Now, that made sense. "Yes, by God," Lucinda agreed, thumping her fist on the table.

Georgiana chuckled as she began writing. "We could get our rules published. 'Lessons in Love,' by Three Ladies of Distinction."

1. When speaking to a lady, a man should be attentive and not gaze about the room while he's conversing, as if looking for someone more interesting to come along.

2.
At a dance, a gentleman should dance and interact. Attending an event for the sole purpose of staring or of being seat
—
especially when some ladies are left lacking partners
—is
rude
.

3. A gentleman should look for interests in more than just the latest popular trend. A fine mind is more interesting than a well-tied cravat.

4.
Simply because a gentleman is courting a lady doesn't mean he has to agree with everything her father says
—
though he should still be respectful, even behind her father's back
.

"This is fun," Evelyn said, blowing on her page to remove the excess pencil lead.

"I do have a question, though," Lucinda said, examining what she'd written. "If we create three perfect men, are we doing Society a favor, or harming every other man's chances of finding a mate?"

Georgie chuckled. "Oh, Luce. The question is whether or not any man can be taught to behave for the sake of gaining a lady's admiration and respect."

"Yes, but if we do train these hypothetical men, we should at least have an idea about what we are going to do with them afterward," Lucinda countered. "After all, I have to assume that we'll succeed."

"You have more confidence than I do, Luce, but then Georgie and I have brothers." Evie smiled. "Which isn't necessarily something to boast about."

"And I have a general for a father."

"I declare us all equally fit for the challenge." Georgiana slid her paper clockwise, taking Lucinda's in turn. "These are good." They all took turns reading each other's lists, and Lucinda, at least, was struck by how… personal they were. And how like their authors.

"So who goes first?" Evelyn asked.

All three ladies looked at one another, then burst out laughing. "Well, I know one thing," Lucinda said. "We won't have a shortage of potential students from which to choose."