by Dawn Brower
He held out his hands in front of him. “Far be it from me to step in front of a bluestocking on a mission. By all means, say your piece and see if Sir Anthony is willing to assist you.”
Sir Anthony glanced back and forth between them, but Marian barely noticed. She was irritated more than she should be. Lord Harrington was being nice by allowing her to speak—a sardonic, arrogant, and presumptuous...man. Rolling her eyes would not help her convince Sir Anthony she should be a part of the Royal Medical Society. She took a deep breath to calm herself. Calling him names inside her head would not further her goals. She had to pull herself together and try to present herself in the best light to Sir Anthony.
“You require something from me?” Anthony asked as he gave her his full attention. “What is it?”
“Well,” she started. This was much harder than she thought it would be. “I have a request I hope you’ll agree to.”
“Oh?”
That was it. Nothing else from him or any encouragement for her to go on. Lord Harrington, the rogue, leaned against a nearby table and crossed his arms over his chest. He had a wicked grin on his too handsome face. If Marian wasn’t a lady, she’d do something to wipe that knowing smile away. Someone should put him in his place, and maybe then he wouldn’t be so condescending.
“I’ve been studying for a while to be a physician...”
“You have?” Sir Anthony scrunched his eyebrows together. “Your father knows you’re doing this?”
“Well, yes,” she said. “I did mention he was aware of my activities...”
“She’s a bluestocking,” Lord Harrington added. “You know how they are when they get an idea in their head. It’s why I didn’t stop her when she came in, if you’ll recall.”
Marian gave in and rolled her eyes. She couldn’t help herself any longer. Why did she have to be attracted to him? He drove her mad in more ways than she could count, yet he was the one man her body became alive near. She hated him for it. “Thank you, my lord.” She pasted a cheerful smile on her face. “You give glowing recommendations.”
“It’s the least I can do,” he replied with that sinful voice of his. It sent shivers down her spine. “As you can see, Sir Anthony is quite scandalized with your chosen hobby. He’s gone mute with the shock of it.”
Damn him, he was right. Sir Anthony stared at her as if she were a bug to be studied in length. He hadn’t said a word in several heartbeats. “I had hoped you’d foster my admission into the Royal—”
“Absolutely not,” he responded with vehemence. “Ladies do not become doctors or study anything. I don’t understand this generation and their need to poke their noses in things they best not be a part of.”
“Some ladies find science and knowledge enticing,” Marian said as she lifted her head in defiance. “Intelligence is quite an attractive asset to inspire to.”
“Touché,” Lord Harrington agreed. “But I’d take it a step further and suggest there are things a gentleman finds more attractive in a lady than what’s inside their head.”
She shook her head. “I didn’t come here to debate the qualities one looks for in a potential spouse. I want to become an active member of the Royal Medical Society.”
“That’s not going to happen, my dear. I’m afraid women are not allowed and never will be.” Sir Anthony squared his shoulders, preparing for battle. Good, she planned on giving him something to fight about.
“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.
For more information about upcoming releases or to contact Dawn Brower go to her website: authordawnbrower.com
Books by Dawn Brower
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss
Snowflake Kisses
Begin Again
There You’ll Be
Better as a Memory
Won’t Let Go
Scandal Meets Love
Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)
Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)
Bluestockings Defying Rogues
Earl of Harrington
A Lady Hoyden’s Secret
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
Novak Springs
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Christmas Temptation
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
Heart’s Intent
One Heart to Give
Unveiled Hearts
Heart of the Moment
Kiss My Heart Goodbye
Heart in Waiting
Broken Curses
The Enchanted Princess
The Bespelled Knight
The Magical Hunt
Ever Beloved
Forever My Earl
Always My Viscount