by Dawn Brower
“Never is a long time to adhere to,” Lady Marian replied. “Do you want to limit yourself when there are infinite possibilities if you’d open yourself up to them?”
“It’s not up to me,” Sir Anthony told her. “Society has rules for a reason. Go home and do something more ladylike. It truly is for the best.”
She narrowed her gaze and pursed her lips together. Ladylike? He was much worse than Lord Harrington. At least the earl pretended to give her the space to argue her stance. Sir Anthony was an old-fashioned sycophant. He thought playing up to her feminine tributes would make her abandon her calling and do a bit of embroidery instead. Why could a man do anything he wanted, but a woman had inadequate options? If she decided to take up water colors or the pianoforte, they’d encourage her. Being a doctor though? That was a ridiculous notion.
“Thank you for your sage advice,” Marian replied with false sweetness. “I’ll leave you gentleman to whatever you were discussing. It’s time for me to return home. Good day.” She curtsied and turned to the door.
“Wait,” Lord Harrington demanded as he stepped forward. “I’ll escort you.”
“There’s no need,” she explained. Marian did not want him following her home. If he spoke to her father, then much more than a failed attempt to gain entry into the Royal Medical Society would befall her. “I managed to arrive here safely without an escort. I don’t need one to see I find my way home.”
“Perhaps,” he replied cordially. “But I will be by your side every step of the way regardless. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you and I could have prevented it.” The corner of his mouth lifted enticingly. “I admire your father, and for that alone I’d see you safely to the ends of the Earth. Nothing you can say will talk me out of this.”
Damn him. She cursed him for the thousandth time in the space of a half hour. At that rate, she’d start saying it aloud. There was no way she’d win in an argument with him. The easiest way would be to agree, but that irritated her nonetheless.
“Fine,” she replied. “Have it your way.”
“I always do,” he retorted. “Good of you to see that.” His blue eyes practically twinkled with mischief. He was a conceited scoundrel.
She ground her teeth together and refrained from responding. Instead, she spun on her heels and exited the building and Sir Anthony’s misogyny. She would not give up on her dream. There had to be another way, and if there was, she’d find it.
The rain hadn’t stopped while she was inside the shop. It beat against her in a rapid staccato, making her wish she’d stayed inside a bit longer, or procured a carriage. Why hadn’t she planned this a little better? Because that would have made sense… She’d been blinded by her ambition and the need to be a part of something much bigger than herself. One day she’d learn the benefit of a well laid plan. Unfortunately, that day was not this one.
“Come with me,” Lord Harrington leaned down and spoke directly into her ear. His heat enveloped her, making her forget where she was for a moment. He picked up her hand and rested it on his arm to lead her in the direction of his choosing. “My carriage is around the corner.”
She blinked several times as rain continued to drown out the sound of the London Street. What was happening to her? She shook her head and did as Lord Harrington said. A carriage in this kind of weather was desirable, and for the first time since she saw him inside Sir Anthony’s place, she was happy to have him near.
Thankfully, Lord Harrington’s carriage wasn’t far away. He helped her inside, but unfortunately, she was already soaked through. She couldn’t wait to return home and put some distance between them. Uncomfortable wasn’t a strong enough word to describe how he made her feel, and it didn’t help that she was drenched from head to toe. She had to look a fright… What nonsense.
Why did she care if she looked less than desirable? Lord Harrington wasn’t a potential suitor even if she was looking for a husband. He was one of the biggest rogues of the ton, and she was firmly on the shelf. Marian was a bluestocking and a spinster in the making, as untouchable as possible and quite content with that fate. Her pent up wantonness could dwindle down to nothing. She didn’t need a man to find happiness.
Maybe she’d found a spot of luck in a sea of bad fortune. So, she’d taken a couple steps backward from her main goal. That didn’t mean she couldn’t find a way to move forward. For now, she’d allow Lord Harrington to see her home, and then she’d meet with her two closest friends to make a new plan. This was not the end of anything. Marian chose to see to it as a beginning. The likes of Sir Anthony and Lord Harrington would not discourage her.
About The Author
USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.
Also by Dawn Brower
HISTORICAL
Stand alone:
Broken Pearl
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss
* * *
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
* * *
Marsden Descendants
Rebellious Angel
Tempting An American Princess
How to Kiss a Debutante
Loving an America Spy
* * *
Linked Across Time
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Spellbound by My Charmer
Stolen by My Knave
Separated from My Love
Scheming with My Duke
Secluded with My Hellion
Secrets of My Beloved
Spying on My Scoundrel
Shocked by My Vixen
Smitten with My Christmas Minx
Vision of Love
* * *
Enduring Legacy
The Legacy’s Origin
Charming Her Rogue
* * *
Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Always My Viscount
Infinitely My Marquess
Eternally My Duke
* * *
Bluestockings Defying Rogues
When An Earl Turns Wicked
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret
One Wicked Kiss
Earl In Trouble
All the Ladies Love Coventry
One Less Scandalous Earl
Confessions of a Hellion
The Vixen in Red
Lady Pear’s Duke
* * *
Scandal Meets Love
Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)
Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)
If It’s Love (Amanda Mariel)
Odds of Love (Dawn Brower)
Believe In Love (Amanda Mariel)
Chance of Love (Dawn Brower)
Love and Holly (Amanda Mariel)
Love and Mistletoe (Dawn Brower
* * *
The Neverhartts
Never Defy a Vixen
Never Disregard a Wallflower
Never Dare a Hellion
Never Deceive a Bluestocking
Never Disrespect a Governess
Never Desire a Duke
* * *
CONTEMPORARY
Stand alone:
Deadly Benevolence
Snowflake Kisses
Kindred Lies
* * *
Sparkle City
Diamonds Don’t Cry
Hooking a Firefly
Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Temptation
* * *
Daring Love
Passion and Lies
Desire and Jealousy
Seduction and Betrayal
* * *
Begin Again
There You’ll Be
Better as a Memory
Won’t Let Go
* * *
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
Heart in Waiting
Heart Lessons
A Heart Redeemed
* * *
Kismet Bay
Once Upon a Christmas
New Year Revelation
All Things Valentine
Luck At First Sight
Endless Summer Days
A Witch’s Charm
All Out of Gratitude
Christmas Ever After
* * *
YOUNG ADULT FANTASY
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
The Bespelled Knight
The Magical Hunt
Acknowledgments
This is where I thank my editor and cover artist, Victoria Miller profusely. She helps me more than I can ever say. I appreciate everything she does and that she pushes me to be better…do better. Thank you a thousand times over.
Also to Elizabeth Evans. Thank you for always being there for me and being my friend. You mean so much to me. Thanks isn’t nearly enough, but it’s all I have, so thank you my friend for being you.