Nancy built a school for girls. There was a little girl there with flowing black hair, bright blue eyes, and a fierce personality. Nancy watched her as she ran across the playground, chasing a cat. She always seemed detached from the other girls, in her own world all the time. She reminded Nancy of another little girl from long time ago, an angry girl with curly red hair and green eyes. This girl had the same determination Nancy had when she was young, but the difference was that this little girl would have all the opportunities Nancy hadn't. The thought made her smile.

"My favorite thing in the whole world," a voice said behind her, and then someone wrapped their arms around her waist.

"Andrew!" Nancy exclaimed in surprise. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I missed you, and decided I did not want to wait until tonight when you would finally have time for me." He nuzzled against her neck.

Nancy laughed. "Excuse me, Lord Montgomery, but you're the one who has no time for me." Andrew spent most of his time helping his father with their estate and handling state affairs. His father was not as healthy as he had once been, and Andrew knew he would have to officially take over soon.

"Rubbish." Andrew pulled her inside, away from the children playing on the playground and the supervising teachers. "My time is all yours." He kissed her fiercely. Years had passed, but the passion between them had not dwindled.

She pulled away, laughing. "This is not the right time."

"It is always the right time," he said, but he did not persist like he usually did. Nancy took his hand and led him back outside. They walked around the garden next to the playground.

"William is coming over for dinner tonight," Nancy told him. "So are Laura and her fiancé."

Andrew's face grew dark at the mention of Laura's fiancé. "Why is he coming?"

Nancy gave him a reprimanding look. "Because he is Laura's fiancé."

"This is difficult enough for William."

"William is the one who invited them both." Nancy gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry. I will handle everything."

Andrew nodded but didn't respond.

They watched the children playing from a distance. "Do you want children?" Nancy asked offhandedly.

"I want what you want," Andrew answered.

"I'm not certain if I want children or not." Andrew listened, waiting for her to go on. That was what Nancy loved best about him: He never interrupted her when she spoke. "This world is cruel."

"But you are not."

"But you are," Nancy teased.

Andrew made a face. "Only sometimes. Only if it involves anyone hurting you."

Nancy laughed, pulling him closer to her. He put his arm around her shoulder. "Then we should have children."

Andrew looked down at her. "Would that make you happy?"

"I think so."

"Then I am willing to take the risk." His eyes were twinkling with amusement.

Nancy rolled her eyes. "I despise you." She led him toward the exit of the school, stepping out onto the pavement.

"Do you?" They began walking away from the school.

"I also love you."

Andrew laughed. "That's a pretty common reaction there, my love."

Nancy smiled, and they walked down the empty road hand in hand.

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If you have enjoyed reading this story, I believe you will be interested in checking out Book 01 in The Spinster's Society series.

Here's a sneak preview of Book 01 in the series.

Lady Lorena Cullip saw the Earl of Ashwick the moment she walked into his townhouse and immediately felt as though the last year of her life had vanished. In the blink of an eye, she was the young careless daughter of an eccentric and improvised duke and the daughter of a duchess who was known for her beauty. And while seeing the Earl of Ashwick made her heart flutter at the moments they'd shared only a year ago, her stomach felt as though it were in a continual fall. She felt slightly ill that she'd come at all.

She wasn't ready to reenter society. She shouldn't have come. She didn't belong. Sadly, being poor wasn't the only reason. Lorena was known to cause trouble, but never more than when Ashwick was around.

She turned to leave, but her friend Genie caught her arm before she could retreat toward the door. "Stay, Lorena."

"I can't," Lorena whispered, pressing close so as not to be overheard by the growing crowd. The foyer was full of those guests who had newly arrived. Standing by the stairs were Ashwick, along with his mother, cousin Lady May, and a slew of women who'd all but pressed to him, dressed in an assortment of pastel evening gowns while Lorena wore gray.

She counted at least six unmarried daughters about him as he stood more than a foot over them, wearing an expression that conveyed neither pleasure nor annoyance, and yet still made him beautiful. He was an unmarried earl and far too handsome for words. Never mind that she'd always considered him hers. How foolish she felt, considering that she'd thought herself special to him.

"Lorena," Genie said. "Stay. He invited you."

"No," Lorena said. "His mother did."

"His mother is not... fond of you," Genie told her.

Lorena turned to look at the door. "Ah, yet another reason I should leave." She could barely breathe.

No," Genie yanked on her arm hard enough that Lorena was sure she'd bruise. So, she looked down at her petite friend to find Genie glaring at her. "Ashwick wishes you here. His mother would have obviously never invited you otherwise."

"That does not make me feel better. I'm leaving."

"Lady Lorena," a male voice called from behind her.

She froze and the fluttering in her heart quickly moved to her stomach. She took a deep breath, turned around, and met the face of the man who'd haunted her dreams since the day they met.

Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick, looked gorgeous in his dark suit. His gray eyes were focused on her and in his gaze, she saw both surprise and... happiness. It wasn't a full smile, but still one of his rare looks of pleasure. His lips were slightly lifted on one side, and she recalled what it was like to...

"I'm sorry," Lorena whispered. "I have to go."

"Stay," he told her as he took Genie's hand and greeted her. He turned back to Lorena and did the same, lowering his dark head to kiss her hand. His voice took on a deep seductive tone. "Will you save me a dance?" he asked.

Lorena immediately panicked. "No."

His eyes widened with surprise. "No?"

She shook her head. "We shouldn't."

He blinked as he straightened. "It's my party. You can't say no."

"I believe I did."

His smile widened and an expression came on his face that she couldn't read.

Lorena went on, "I mean, I'm not dancing tonight. I'm just coming out of mourning and—"

"Of course," he whispered and concern touched his eyes. "I understand, but I am so very grateful you've come." He still held her hand. "I mourned the passing of your parents as well. I always felt welcomed at your home."

Lorena could tell he was no longer speaking of her parents but herself. She'd made him feel welcomed.

"Ashwick," a high and aged female voice called just before Lady Ashwick appeared. His mother barely looked at Lorena as she spoke to her son. "You promised Lady Harriet a dance. The music is about to begin. Do not keep her waiting."

The obvious dislike the countess had for Lorena was easy to see. Lady Harriet was not only beautiful but Lorena had heard through the gossip that reached the country that the lady would make a perfect wife to any titled man. She also had money, which was something Lorena had none of. Harriett was perfect. Unlike Lorena, who'd failed her first season and had never returned to London.

Until now.

Ashwick, who hadn't looked his mother's way, not even while she spoke to him, slowly turned his gaze from Lorena. "Mother, you do know Lady Lorena and Lady Genevieve, don't you?"

"Oh, of course," Lady Ashwick said, still not looking in her direction. "But we must go. A host cannot greet every guest."

Ashwick fully faced his mother then. "I do not have to dance the very first song."

"Of course, you do," Ashwick's beautiful cousin, Lady May, cut in, glaring at him. "You are the host. You set the pace for the entire evening."

"Yes," his mother said. "Come along." Then she started moving away, as though already knowing he would listen."

Lady May turned to Lorena and said, "I'm sure you understand, dear. My cousin has responsibilities."

"Of course," Lorena said quickly to Ashwick. "You must go."

He seemed hesitant, so she pushed. "Please."

Just go.

He stared at her and opened his mouth, prepared to say something.

Lorena froze.

"Later," Lady May urged, taking her cousin's arm and steering him away.

Ashwick met her eyes before fully turning to leave Lorena. She watched him turn to Lady Harriet and take her hand as they walked up and into the ballroom. All Lorena could think about was just how perfect they seemed together. She touched one hand with the other, over the spot he'd kissed, believing it to be the last time.

Genie was in her ear before Lorena could complete her thought. "Did you see the way he looked at you? He is completely—"

"For someone else," Lorena quickly said.

Someone like Harriett.

Lorena started for the door again but Genie's arm stopped her from leaving. "Let us at least stay and be social. This is your first invitation since your parents' passing. There are those who would want to know that all is well."

But all wasn't well. Lorena had just witnessed the man she loved walk away with another woman. So much had changed in a year. Of course, he'd never said he had any intentions toward her, and why would he? She had no money, and they'd shared one impulsive kiss over a year ago.

She wanted to fall through the floorboards and never return.

Instead, she rushed from the room and toward the hall, heading in a direction that held fewer guests, not stopping to take in Ashwick's vast collection of art. Vases lined the halls and paintings adorned the walls. She'd never been to his residence herself, but she'd heard of its grandeur. Her mind wouldn't allow her to think on it for long.

She came to a hall that was completely empty. Genie appeared as if from nowhere.

"Lorena, you can't avoid him all night."

Lorena had a prepared response for this but paused as she heard a noise. Then she heard another that sounded like something heavy hitting the ground.

"What was that?" Genie asked.

They both turned to look down one of the long corridors and watched as a man emerged. It took Lorena a full moment to comprehend why she couldn't make out his face from this distance. Chills ran through her, and she noticed his shabby attire and that in his hand he held a box.

A box that obviously did not belong to him. In fact, she was sure it very much belonged to Ashwick.

He started toward them at a run.

Genie screamed.

The man cut down another hall.

Lorena followed.

"Lorena!" Genie shouted. "What are you doing?"

Lorena picked up her skirts and ran, aware of Genie's quick footsteps right behind her. She passed an armed statue and noticed when she didn't hear Genie's feet anymore. Then she heard a grunt. She turned around and noticed Genie struggling to untangle her dress from the metal on the statue's armor. Unlike Lorena, Genie was dressed in a stunning pale blue evening gown.

But Lorena had no time to wait for Genie. She ran, following the direction the man had fled until she saw movement in a formal dining room. The man was opening a window when Lorena paused at the door.

"Wait!"

The man turned to look at her and fear gripped her. Dark eyes stared at her from the other side of the mask.

Then he turned back around, grabbed the box, and while climbing out, knocked a heavy candelabra from the table with his foot.

Then he was gone and flames burst from the floor. The curtains by the window caught fire first, then a carpet and the wallpaper. It was a disaster. She looked around, spotted a table liner, took it from the table, and began to try and fan the flames away, but then they grew, up toward the ceiling and circling the room.

A strong arm grabbed her and pulled her from the hot room.

She was lifted and carried down the hall. It took her a moment to realize just who was carrying her.

Ashwick did not look happy.

Flames poured out of the room and into the hall.

"What did you do?" he asked.

"Me?" Lorena gripped his neck as they started down the stairs. "We have to save Genie."

"How do you think I found you?" he asked as he adjusted her.

Lorena tried to ignore how hard his body was as her side was pressed into his chest. The arms that held her were also strong.

They made it to the foyer, and Lorena noticed the house had been emptied of guests.

Lorena looked over Ashwick's shoulder and saw the flames licking down the halls. "Your house," she whispered as they made it outside.

Only when they were at the street did he put her down. They both turned to watch fire through the windows as it quickly consumed every floor.

The townhouse was gone, along with his vast collection.

Lorena's heart fell. "Ashwick—"

"A moment," he said, raising a hand to silence her as he watched his home and his worldly possessions burn before his eyes. He simply stood there for a long time, staring at the building and doing nothing but breathing deeply and slowly. The lights of the flames danced across his features, emphasizing the turmoil in him. Then he closed his eyes and asked, "What happened?"

Lorena hated the words she spoke, but said them because they were true. "There was a man in a white mask."

He frowned.

"I don't jest," she quickly said. "A man was stealing something from your house and I thought—"

"To chase him?" he asked, his voice growing. His eyes were wide. "Why not call for help? You could have been hurt."

"Ashwick—"

"You could have died!" he shouted.

Lorena looked around and saw that the other guests were standing on the street. Some stared at the burning building while others had turned to look at him. She'd done it again. Her first night back in society, and she'd managed to ruin yet another party. She should have left when she first thought to do so.

Lorena ducked her head and said, "Ashwick..." She gasped and stopped talking when he stepped closer. She lifted her head to look into his eyes.

He lowered both his head and his voice and while holding her eyes said, "You owe me."

Lorena swallowed and shook her head. "I didn't do it. It was the man in the mask."

"You owe me," he said again.

Her chest hurt and she knew she'd never have the money to rebuild his home. He knew it as well as her. "Ashwick, I didn't—"

"We need to talk, Lorena," he said even lower. "You and I will talk." Then, in a blink, he walked away, leaving Lorena trembling with apprehension. She thought of the other times she'd spent in Ashwick's presence...

Lorena remembered the first time she'd met Lord Ashwick. It had been the night of her debut into society. She'd been fifteen and, up until that point, Lorena had always had the very best of everything. As the daughter of a duke and an heiress, she'd had the best in tutors and governesses. Lorena knew how to read and write both Latin and French, the etiquette of fine speech, and by all accounts, had been the most beautiful woman of the season.

But what Lorena had never known until that very night was that while etiquette and grace did make a fine wife... money was much better and... her parents had very little of it.

The Duke of Valdeston, who'd never been known to make the best financial decisions, had squandered his family's fortune in one terrible investment after another until the Cullips had been left with nothing. But Lady Constance's parents, who had allowed their daughter to marry for the title, had written in her wedding contract a sum of money that could never be touched by the duke. Thus, Lorena's mother had held onto just enough money to see to her daughter's first Season, Francis' country parties, and ensure her children's happiness. Though it was no secret that happiness for Constance Cullip, the Duchess of Valdeston, meant having a daughter who married quickly.

And, why wouldn't she?

Everyone thought so highly of her, though she was known to be slightly curious. A thing that many believed a strong husband could cure her of. Lorena didn't think so, but she smiled nonetheless.

She was beautiful.

She knew how to say, "What a fine day we are having," in both Latin and French.

She could set a table well enough to host the king.

Lorena was sure she'd have married during that first Season, many years ago, if she hadn't met Lord Ashwick.

She'd danced the first night with several gentlemen, but either they'd all been friends, had been old enough to have attended Oxford when her grandfather had, or young gentlemen who had simply not asked to pay a call on her in the future, and that alone had given Lorena some worry. Then she'd heard the whispers of her father's finances, which had resulted in her fleeing the ballroom. Upon entering the drawing room, Lorena had frozen at the sight of a man standing only a stride away.

Emmett Starr, the Earl of Ashwick, had been the most beautiful thing Lorena had ever set her eyes upon. He'd been speaking to a group of other gentlemen, Lorena's brother Francis among them, but Lorena only had eyes for him. She'd been stunned again when he'd smiled, and thought surely Ashwick was the one. Soft creases had formed around his eyes and a few at his mouth as he spoke.

Lorena had forgotten how to blink when she'd gazed at his mouth and a strange sensation had made her stomach flutter.

Look at me.

Her mind had pleaded for his eyes, sure that with one look, he'd fall madly in love with her, just as she'd fallen for him.

Look at me. Please, look at me.

His head had turned and the hairs on the back of Lorena's neck had risen.

Their eyes had met.

Cool gray eyes, rimmed by darkness and even darker lashes.

Without thinking, Lorena had taken a step toward them.

As her foot caught hold of dress, she went down, and foolishly, Ashwick had tried to save her. Her face hit something. Hard. There had been blood. Screaming. Glass broke, and Lorena could still hear her mother shouting for someone to save her dress.