EXCERPT
"Hells, bells!"
Dorina Stevens swore under her breath as she glared up at the tall dark stranger
through the ruins of her once stylish coiffure. If the man's reckless actions
hadn't landed her backside in this muddy patch of bog she might have admired
his glossy black hair and piercing blue eyes. After all, the intriguing devil-may-care
looks he sported were quite a change from the other young men of her acquaintance.
To be truly fair, she would have to admit the gentleman was
of a more mature age than most of those she knew; but, aside from the scar that
ran down one side of his tanned face, age had treated him well. Much more so
than Julian. Even so, she could swear she saw a suspicious twinge of amusement
tugging at the solemn line of his full lips.
"Go ahead and have your fun," she demanded. "I
hope you know, you've ruined everything."
Having dismounted, Richard Michaels reached down to assist
the fetching young miss to her feet. "Other than muddying your attractive
riding habit, what other crimes are you attempting to lie at my feet?"
"You've ruined my chance of catching a glimpse of the
Elusive Earl."
Richard stiffened at the nickname the more frivolous of the
ton had bestowed upon him merely because he elected to keep his distance from
the match-making efforts of the mothers who were willing to sacrifice their
daughters to him--all for the sake of his wealth and title.
He was well aware of the young lady's scrutiny of him and
knew she hadn't overlooked the bold scar that had blighted his countenance--and
his heart--since the tender age of eleven. Odd she hadn't recognized the vulgar
badge of his identity as that of belonging to the earl.
"If I have truly ruined your chances, then you should
be thanking me, not berating me," he announced bitterly.
Dorina removed her crushed bonnet. "Thanking you! Whatever
for? My horse has ran off and I am covered with mud--all thanks to you."
Her green eyes reflected the anger of her words and Richard
found himself smiling. "Ah, but then I saved you from having to view the
horror of the earl's terrible affliction." He paused and studied her a
moment. "I've been told it can be quite daunting."
Dorina forgot her anger for a moment. Here was someone who
actually knew of the earl. "Is the sight so awful?" she asked breathlessly.
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January 12, 2007
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