“I suppose I’ll have to take your word for it. I don’t have much of a choice since she won’t leave with me.”
“There you go!” Logan patted him on the shoulder. “We might not ever like each other, but there’s no reason why we can’t be civil for Melissa’s sake.” He finished the last of the brandy. “Besides, it’ll be good for your future nephew and niece to know you.”
The sound of footsteps drew Logan’s attention to the doorway, and he smiled when he saw Melissa.
Placing the glass on a table, Logan went over to her and kissed her cheek. “You’re up early.”
“I noticed you weren’t in bed and was afraid Malcolm might have challenged you to a duel,” she said.
Logan glanced at Malcolm. He’d often wondered if Malcolm had told her about the night he’d done that very thing and was surprised to learn her brother hadn’t. That being the case, he saw no reason to tell her either. “No, he did nothing of the sort,” Logan told her, wrapping his hand around hers. “We were actually having a very civil discussion.”
“Oh?” She glanced at Malcolm as if she didn’t believe it.
“Yes,” Logan replied. “We agreed that for your sake, we will make an effort to get along.”
Her gaze went back to Malcolm. “Is that true?”
Letting out a resigned sigh, he nodded. “I can see you’re happy. I suppose that’s the important thing. Besides, the Ton is laughing about how Lord Waxman was caught with Miss Willis’ mother in a compromising position. He wouldn’t have been any better.”
Logan studied Melissa, wondering if this news would be upsetting since she’d had her heart set on marrying him. But her eyes didn’t well up with tears as he expected. Instead, she only shook her head. “I would never have thought him capable of such a thing.”
“You’re not the only one,” Malcolm muttered.
“There you go,” Logan said. “Now, I don’t seem so bad after all,” he told Malcolm. “The only lady I want is the one standing next to me.”
Logan squeezed Melissa’s hand, relieved she hadn’t been upset over finding out about Lord Waxman. It was nice to know she was completely over him.
“I’m going to see if Geoffrey is awake,” Logan said. “I’ll leave you and your brother to talk.”
She nodded, and he gave her another kiss before he left the room.
***
“Is it true?” Malcolm asked her once Logan was gone. “Are you really happy with him?”
Melissa turned to look at her brother. “I am.” She gestured for him to sit on the settee. Once he did, she sat next to him and faced him. “I understand why you find it hard to believe. I wouldn’t have believed it either a couple weeks ago. But the truth is, he has a good heart. It’s not easy to see because he makes it seem like he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I suspect he does that so he won’t get hurt when people reject him.”
“Or it could be that’s how he really feels.”
“No, I don’t think that’s the case. I honestly believe he does it to protect himself. He’s not the easiest gentleman to like. You just need to give him time and be open to the possibility your initial impression of him was wrong.”
“You’re expecting too much, Melissa. I’ll never fully approve of him. However, for your sake, I will make an effort to get along with him.”
Smiling, she patted his arm. “Thank you.” After a moment, she asked, “Will you stay here for a day or two to visit?”
“I’ll stay for the day, but tomorrow, I’m leaving. I need to see Mother and Father.”
“Will you tell them I’m happy?”
“Yes,” he replied with a heavy sigh. “I’ll let them know you lost your wits, just as they lost theirs.”
“Oh, Malcolm. You’re much too hard on Logan. Wait until you meet Geoffrey. He’s unable to take care of himself, and Logan has made all the arrangements possible for him to live a comfortable life here, surrounded by people who love him. Not every gentleman does that.”
“I’m not saying there isn’t some notable attribute he possesses. I’m just saying I’m not fond of him. Even a gentleman’s worst enemies have something to commend them.”
She supposed this was the most she could ask for. At least he wasn’t going to keep trying to find ways to whisk her away from Logan. He’d come to peace with her marriage, and he was willing to tolerate Logan for her sake. Some day he might see the same things in Logan she did, but until then, this was a suitable compromise.
“You’re a good brother,” she said. “Now, why don’t we take a stroll before it’s time to eat? It’ll give us a chance to talk before Marybeth comes down the stairs.”
He frowned. “Marybeth?”
“She’s Logan’s ten-year-old sister, and once she’s in a room, you’ll find it hard to get a word into the conversation. She’s a darling, though.” She rose to her feet and waited for her brother to join her for their walk. “Now, tell me, have I missed anything interesting in London besides what Lord Waxman got caught doing?”
“No. I’m afraid without you and Logan around, things have been relatively calm.”
“Then it’s a good thing we’ll be going back in a few days.” Giggling, she led him outside so they could go for their walk.
***
A month later, Logan was sipping brandy at White’s, this time choosing to listen—rather than speak—as the gentlemen sitting at the long table continued their discussion.
“But we need someone to replace Lord Pennella now that he’s moved to Spain,” Mister Robinson said. “What’s wrong with Mister Jameson?”
“We don’t want another untitled gentleman here,” Lord Steinbeck replied. “You’ve already shown us what a mistake that is. We want gentlemen who’ve actually grown up.”
Mister Robinson’s jaw dropped.
“He’s more reputable than half the gentlemen in this room,” Lord Edon snapped, quick to jump to his friend’s defense.
Logan noted this made Mister Robinson feel a little better, and he couldn’t help but envy the two their friendship. Just like Lords Roderick and Clement, the two were steadfast friends and loyal to the end.
Lord Roderick crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I agree we don’t need any more gentlemen who act more like children than adults, but I don’t think we have to necessarily make him titled. This place needs some honorable faces.”
“Ah,” Mister Robinson began, giving Lord Roderick a fake pout, “are you getting tired of Lord Clement?”
“Leave me out of this,” Lord Clement said.
“We’d do better to get someone with money,” Sir Willoby spoke up. “It’d make wagers a lot more entertaining.”
“There you go,” another gentleman replied with a smirk. “Once again, it all comes down to money.”
Sir Willoby raised his eyebrows and shot the other gentleman a pointed look. “Are you saying you don’t want to increase the money you can win in our little wagers?”
“No. I’m all for it. Let’s find some wealthy fellow and bring him into the fold.”
“It ought to be someone we know,” Lord Edon said. “It can’t be just anyone off the street. He should have a connection with one of us. He could be a relative by blood or marriage or a good friend.”
“Just as long as he has money,” Sir Willoby added. “Lots and lots of money. Ever since Edon stopped betting, the pot hasn’t been all that lucrative.”
A good thing, too, Logan thought. No one needed to lose their entire fortune on a bet. But he sipped more brandy rather than say it aloud. He was here to vote on the new member, and that was it. Besides, he had no one in mind to add to the club. So there was really nothing for him to say. It was his new goal. He was going to start thinking before speaking, and he was only going to speak when he had something worth saying. Melissa did that kind of thing, and she got along quite well with other ladies. Maybe the same would eventually work for him, and he’d get along with some gentlemen.
“I know!”
Mister Robinson snapped his fingers and pointed to Logan. “Lord Toplyn has a very wealthy brother-in-law. Why not bring him in?”
Logan almost dropped his glass. “What? No. No! We can’t bring Mister Jasper into White’s.”
“But he fulfills all the wishes of all the gentlemen here,” Mister Robinson said. “He’s related to you by marriage, he has a vast fortune, and he doesn’t have one single blemish to his name.”
“Mister Jasper is a saint,” Lord Edon added. “His halo shines a little brighter than even Roderick’s or Clement’s.”
“But he’s new money,” Logan argued.
“That didn’t stop you from kissing his sister so you could get some of it,” Mister Robinson pointed out.
“That’s different,” Logan replied, setting his glass on the table and leaning forward. “Gentlemen marry into money all the time. But White’s is an establishment that prides itself on only the best.”
Roderick snorted. “You aren’t making a convincing case if you’re going to include Robinson and Edon in that list.”
“I don’t care what his background is,” Sir Willoby said. “Money is money.”
“He won’t make any wagers,” Logan replied.
Sir Willoby smirked. “I’m sure he would under the right circumstances. When you first came here, you weren’t so eager to make wagers either, but then you became quite enthusiastic about it.”
Logan fought the urge to groan. “Surely, there must be someone else.” Anyone else! “Malcolm Jasper and I don’t get along.”
“Roderick and I don’t get along either,” Mister Robinson said, “but we manage just fine.”
Logan was ready to protest, but someone tapped him on the arm. He turned to face the butler who handed him a missive. It was from Melissa, and she said it was important. He glanced at the other gentlemen who were, even now, extolling the virtues of Malcolm. There was no doubt they were going to vote him in. None of his arguments were going to matter.
He excused himself and headed to the townhouse. By the time he made it home, he found Melissa talking in excited tones to her parents, who were sitting on the settee. Well, at least whatever news she had was good. He had to admit the prospect of something bad happening to her crossed his mind, though he couldn’t fathom what was worse than Malcolm becoming a member of White’s.
“Logan,” Melissa called as he entered the drawing room. She got up from the chair and hugged him. “I didn’t think you’d come here right away. You left White’s just for me?”
He shrugged. “Well, you did write that what you have to tell me is important.”
She took his hands in hers and grinned. “It is. And I’m glad you came. Now I can tell you and my parents at the same time.” Still holding one of his hands, she turned to face her parents who were looking expectantly at her. “I’m with child!”
His eyes grew wide as her parents rushed over to hug her. A child? Already? He thought it was going to take longer than that. Then again, he supposed it only took once for some, and this meant he and Melissa just might have a house full of children, something he wouldn’t mind one bit.
“Good work, my son,” her father congratulated him, shaking his hand.
“When is the little one due?” her mother asked.
“May,” Melissa replied. “Just think, this time next year, we’ll have another member in the family.” She turned to Logan. “Isn’t that good news?”
“It’s the best news I could have asked for,” he told her and gave her a hug.
And before he knew it, her parents were joining in the hug, and he couldn’t help but laugh at what a fun family he and Melissa were going to bring their child into.
Yes, he and Malcolm might not ever get along, but there was little he could do about it. The important thing was Melissa and her parents enjoyed his company. And soon, they’d be blessed with a baby. If life could get any more perfect, he didn’t know how.
Coming Summer 2015
The Earl’s Stolen Bride
(the last book in the Marriage by Deceit Series)
Orlando Emmett, the Earl of Reddington, fell in love with Miss Chloe Boyle a year ago. But she married Lord Hawkins before he had a chance to propose. Then news of Lord Hawkins’ untimely death arrives, and Orlando sees his second chance. This time, he’ll risk everything to be with her, regardless of how much scandal he creates.
Regencies Already Available!
Marriage by Scandal Series:
The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife: Lord Roderick needs an heir, and the only way he’s going to get one is by finding a suitable young lady to marry. But one wrong move on his part has just betrothed him to a lady he believes has tricked him into a scandal.
A Most Unsuitable Earl: Lord Edon has done everything he can to avoid marriage, including building a reputation as London’s most notorious rake. His scheming mother, however, is so determined that he’ll find a good lady to marry, she’ll stop at nothing to find him one. And the lady she finally picks happens to be London’s most notorious wallflower, the ever-so-boring Lady Catherine.
His Reluctant Lady: From the moment Mister Robinson meets Lady Richfield, he knows they are destined to be together. But it may take the threat of a scandal to convince the reluctant widow that marriage can be the most sensually and emotionally satisfying experience she’ll ever have.
The Earl’s Scandalous Wife: Lord Clement, who others refer to as “the earl who can’t find a wife,” is about to find that scandals aren’t so bad when a lady kisses him at a ball.
***
Marriage by Deception Series:
The Earl’s Secret Bargain: Lord Davenport and Lord Pennella have just made a bet for the hand of Miss Regina Giles. The gentleman she chooses wins the loser’s estate.
Love Lessons with the Duke: The Duke of Ashbourne asks Lady Seyton to help him secure a bride in one month, but soon he realizes he’s in love with her and will do anything it takes to marry her, even if it involves a scandal.
Ruined by the Earl: After losing all of his money in a reckless bet, Logan needs to marry a lady from a wealthy family–and fast. So he does the only thing he can think of and picks one at random to trick her into marriage.
***
A Standalone Regency Novel that is also Currently Available:
Her Counterfeit Husband: When her abusive husband dies, the Duchess of Watkins plots a way to hide his death so his brother doesn’t get the title. Fate steps in and she comes upon a gentleman who looks just like her husband, and more than that, he doesn’t remember who he is. Has she just come across the best solution to her problem, or has she just made things much, much worse?
Complete List of Romances Written by Ruth Ann Nordin
(Chronological Order)
Regencies
Marriage by Scandal Series
The Earl’s Inconvenient Wife
A Most Unsuitable Earl
His Reluctant Lady
The Earl’s Scandalous Wife
Marriage by Deceit Series
The Earl’s Secret Bargain
Love Lessons With The Duke
Ruined by the Earl
The Earl’s Stolen Bride (coming summer 2015)
Standalone Regencies
Her Counterfeit Husband
Historical Westerns
Nebraska Historical Romances
Her Heart’s Desire
A Bride for Tom
A Husband for Margaret
Eye of the Beholder
The Wrong Husband
Shotgun Groom
To Have and To Hold
His Redeeming Bride
Isaac’s Decision
Mail Order Bride Romances
The Mail Order Bride’s Deception
South Dakota Romances
Loving Eliza
Bid for a Bride
Bride of Second Chances
Montana Collection
Mitch’s Win
Boaz’s Wager
Patty’s Gamble
Native American Romance Series
Restoring Hope
Brave Beginnings
Bound by Honor, Bound by Love
A Chance In Time (novella) – main characters show up in Restoring Hope and Bound by Honor, Bound by Love)
Virginia Brides Series
An Unlikely Place for Love
The Cold Wife
An Inconvenient Marriage
Romancing Adrienne
Other Historical Western Romances
Falling In Love With Her Husband
Kent Ashton’s Backstory (Prequel to Catching Kent)
Catching Kent
His Convenient Wife
Meant To Be
Contemporaries
Contemporary Omaha Romances
With This Ring, I Thee Dread
What Nathan Wants
Just Good Friends
Across the Stars
Suddenly a Bride
Runaway Bride
His Abducted Bride
Enchanted Galaxy Series
A Royal Engagement
Royal Hearts (coming late 2015)
The Royal Pursuit (coming late 2015)
To find out more about Ruth Ann Nordin’s available books and books she’s working on, you can go to the following sites:
Her Author Blog: http://ruthannnordinauthorblog.wordpress.com
Her Website:
www.ruthannnordin.com
You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ruth.a.nordin
Ruined by the Earl (Marriage by Deceit Book 3) Page 20