‘Lady Fallon you have a visitor,’ Louis announced, walking into Fallon’s chamber.

Fallon had been lying on her stomach, engrossed in the forbidden gothic romance of Emily St. Aubert of the famous Ann Radcliffe’s Mysteries of Udolpho. Fallon had read the book numerous times. She was fascinated with the brooding haughty Italian brigand Count Montoni. Would she have liked him if she met the cold, ruminating, dubious nobleman? She was intrigued by the infamous character. Fallon also seemed to think she had much in common with the heroine in the Radcliffe novel. Emily St. Aubert was portrayed as beautiful, self-reliant, resourceful, and brave, a lover of poetry, books, nature and music…just like Fallon was. She could just hear her father’s reproachful voice, gentle ladies should read poetry and books on home-making, not romance.

Fallon looked up at her maid and sighed. ‘He has come?’ she asked despondently. She knew it was the duke. He had arranged the previous day to call on Fallon the following morning. It was afternoon now. She guessed the lazy oaf had not been able to wake up earlier and probably only managed to drag himself out of his chamber after the luncheon hour. Because he was a gentleman of high rank, she was expected to bow, smile politely and show gratitude for the esteemed guest as a gentle lady should.

‘Shall you wear the yellow afternoon dress my lady?’

‘No,’ Fallon answered. ‘I will wear the brown riding dress, thank you.’ The duke had suggested they go riding. Perhaps some fresh air would do her good.

Louis brushed her hair and suggested Fallon leave it open and just wear a riding bonnet.

‘No. I want it braided,’ she instructed.

She saw no reason to go to any trouble for the duke. He had already stated his desire for her to be his duchess, so why go to any trouble to try and impress him, especially when she had no interest whatsoever to wed the ugly toad.

Fallon’s surprise was evident when she came downstairs and it was not the duke in conversation with her parents and Emma, but rather the object of her constant wayward thoughts. Braeden! What is he doing here? Fallon could hardly contain her pleasure. She cursed herself silently, for not listening to her maid. She should have put a prettier dress on and left her hair opened. She tried with great difficulty to school the expression on her face. She stopped at the entrance to the drawing room, one eyebrow raised questioningly at Braeden. As far as she knew they did not have an arrangement for today. Her mother received all the invitation cards and would know the earl had not extended an invitation to take her riding. Whatever would her mother say? Would she decline his request?

‘Good day Lady Fallon?’ He rose and greeted her with a polite smile, his expression unreadable.

So he is in good spirits this afternoon? ‘Good day my lord,’ Fallon walked towards Braeden. She extended her hand. He lifted it and lightly brushed it to his lips, releasing it after due courtesy.

‘Fallon, Lord Hampton informs us, he invited you to go riding.’

Fallon’s eyes met Braeden’s challengingly. He smiled confidently as if he knew she would not betray his lie. Just as she was about to expose his lie; the butler hastily interrupted, announcing the Duke of Baxendale.

So he finally decided to pitch. Fallon was in a dilemma now; two gentlemen arriving at the same time, one without an appointment, the other arrogantly late. She listened as Chilton greeted her parents with exaggerated politeness.

Not long now, the duke thought to himself. Today the lady would become his by default. He will take her any which way he could. He turned his eyes to the object of his obsession and greeted her.

Fallon surveyed the duke with as much courtesy as she could muster. She wondered what Braeden was making of all of this. Was he expecting her to reject the duke and go with her or was he so arrogant that he assumed she would agree with his lie. She abandoned the struggle not to feast her eyes on Braeden. Unexpectedly he smiled at her. A frisson of awareness, rippled down her spine, it sent shivers racing up her arms.

‘Hampton,’ the duke greeted Braeden dismissively and turned to Fallon. ‘Lady Fallon,’ his eyes hungrily raked over Fallon. ‘You are ready for our ride?’ he extended his arm invitingly.

The baron and the baroness looked at each other in confusion. They had no receipt of an invitation from either the duke or the earl. They waited patiently for their daughter to offer an explanation.

‘You are mistaken your grace,’ Braeden announced. ‘It is I that is taking Lady Fallon riding this afternoon.’

‘Nonsense Hampton,’ the duke waved his hand cheekily at Braeden. ‘Lady Fallon will attest that she agreed and confirmed my escort yesterday.’

The astounded baroness’s jaw dropped before she quickly regained her composure. This situation was most embarrassing. Naturally her daughter must accept the invitation of the duke. How could their daughter have agreed to two gentlemen’s invitation simultaneously?

‘Perhaps you have the day wrong,’ Braeden calmly folded his arms. ‘Lady Fallon agreed to ride with me this afternoon.’ Whilst his outward manner appeared calm, Braeden hoped Fallon will not dispute his false claim.

The duke scowled angrily. Hampton was interfering with his carefully orchestrated plans. Lady Fallon could not go with Hampton. She had to go with him. Everything had been set in motion. The duke’s accomplice was already in position to intercept his carriage and carry away the unsuspecting Lady Fallon.

‘Why have you not informed me of the invitations Fallon?’ The baroness questioned her daughter.

Everyone’s eyes fell on Fallon. Her eyes shifted, curiously to Braeden. A shock of sheer awareness made her catch her breath. Blood surged through her veins. His lean muscles, chiselled handsomeness had her gasping with appreciation. Why was he putting her in this predicament? She did not have an arrangement with him for today. She turned to address the duke.

‘Your Grace we did have an agreement.’

Chilton’s face lit up with a glint of satisfaction. He cast a condescending look at Braeden.

‘However,’ Fallon continued, the smile disappeared from Chilton’s face. ‘You informed me you would arrive at eleven. It is now after three o’ clock.’ She looked on the drawing room wall clock for confirmation. ‘I have accepted the earl’s invitation to go riding for this afternoon.’

Fallon did not look Braeden’s way. She expected he would be gloating and there would be a smug look of satisfaction on his face. From the corner of her eye, she observed his body language had not altered. He stood with his arms crossed, that ever watchful, alert look about him. Damn the cur. He had just known she would not dispute his claim. Was Chilton going to challenge Braeden now, call him out?

Chilton was furious. The look on his face was ominous. His beady eyes shifted angrily from Fallon to Braeden. He would not challenge Braeden, not today. The duke knew the earl was highly skilled with sword and gun. He stood no chance against Hampton. There will be another opportunity. He would reluctantly defer to the lower ranked gentleman, but only for today. He would have his men deal with Hampton. He may not be a match for Hampton, but his six ruffians would finish Hampton off easily.

Chilton smiled eerily. Yes his plan was good. He shall allow the chit to wander in the park today with Hampton. She will be all his very soon, every inch of her delectable body. He nodded concedingly to Hampton.

‘I guess your timing is all mixed up Wentworth,’ Braeden taunted the duke. ‘Perhaps you will make another convenient appointment,’ he suggested unsmilingly.

Chilton nodded. His head swept around the room. ‘I shall call on Lady Fallon another day.’ His lips pursed, he tipped his hat and dashed out.

‘What have you done Fallon? The baroness censured her youngest, the minute the duke departed. Fallon should have sent the earl away. The duke was a more lucrative catch and protocol demanded that her daughter pay homage to the more highly ranked gentleman.

‘Fallon is right mama,’ Emma spoke up. ‘I did hear the duke say, he will call in the morning to take Fallon riding. He did not arrive at the appointed time. Fallon is not to blame.’

The baroness’s shoulders sagged weightily. ‘Very well Fallon,’ she reluctantly accepted her elder daughter’s counsel. She knew Emma would not speak dishonestly. ‘You may go riding with Earl Hampton. Is Louis accompanying you?’

‘Yes,’ Fallon replied. She would much have the discreet Louis than her sister as chaperone. Emma could be discreet but she was overly cautious.

The Fulhams were disappointed. They had expected their younger daughter to choose the duke over the earl. Fallon had also expected Braeden to bow to the duke’s rank, but clearly, the arrogant rake was doing no such thing.

Fallon accepted Braeden’s arm. She avoided the haughty look on his face. Without a word, she climbed into his carriage. Louis sat next to Fallon. Braeden was across from her, a mischievous smile on his face. Fallon glared at him then cast her eyes in Louis’ direction. Her maid discreetly, had her head tilted against the headrest, her eyes closed. Fallon refused to make conversation with Braeden. Though her heart pumped excitedly to be with him, though her hands itched to hold him, she restrained herself and continued to ignore him. They had driven some time, when Braeden tapped on the roof and the horses slowly came to a standstill.

‘Lovely day for a walk, don’t you agree, my lady?’ He did not wait for her response. Instead, he opened the carriage door, hopped out and held out his hand to Fallon.

Her eyes met his. Her fingers tingled just at the thought of them being in contact with him. Fallon offered him her hand. When Braeden assisted Fallon out, he released her immediately to help her maid out. Fallon felt a sense of disappointment that she was robbed of the pleasure of savouring their contact. She walked a few slow steps ahead and waited for Braeden to join her. Her maid followed a few steps behind.

‘Good, I finally have you to myself,’ Braeden tucked her hand in his arm and increased their pace, so they had some privacy. ‘You look lovely Lady Fallon,’ his eyes gathered over her admiringly.

She smiled, felt the strength of his muscles in his arm. His heat deflected on her. Fallon looked up at his face. She held her breath. He really was too good looking for his own good. No wonder he was an acclaimed rake. When they had walked a few feet, she turned on him.

‘You told a lie,’ she accused.

He favoured her with his most winning smile. ‘And why, my lady, did you not dispute my lie?’ He challenged. His other hand boldly closed over her fingers. Her delicate eye brows drew together. She did not speak, instead she dragged her eyes away from the handsome devil. Braeden laughed evilly.

The sun was hot, though not unbearable. A gentle breeze swayed the leafy branches. Birds chirped happily from the trees. Laughter and loud voices filled the air from children playing a game in a big circle, nearby.

‘Thank you,’ he murmured and lifted her hand to his lips.

She huffed. Her eyes widened as a warm sensation rushed through her. ‘For what?’

‘For not exposing me,’ his eyes locked with hers.

‘Do not pull a stunt like that again,’ she cautioned.

‘The next time, I will just have to kidnap you and take you to my fortress,’ he smiled.

Fallon laughed softly. ‘Does your grandmother know that obscure side of you?’ She teased.

‘Heaven forbid. No! She would skin me alive and then disown me,’ he feigned horror.

Fallon stared into his striking face, wondering just what made Braeden Kerrich really tick. Who is this gentleman really? He clearly had two very different personas and she was enjoying this one at the moment.

‘What?’ He chuckled.

She smiled. ‘Are you really afraid of your grandmother?’

‘Yes and don’t you dare tell her that.’

Fallon smiled and shook her head. ‘I suspect nothing and no one is able to put any fear in you, my lord.’

He stopped walking. His eyes locked with hers for a long intense moment. ‘You’re wrong, but let us keep walking,’ he looked away so she could not read the expression on his face.

What is he being so secretive about? Fallon looked over her shoulder and saw her maid had stopped walking as well.

‘My lord ___.’

‘We have been intimate enough for you to address me by my given name, do you not think so?’ He interrupted sharply.

Did he have to always remind her of their coupling? Her cheeks burned with embarrassment. He changed liked the weather. Her eyes narrowed angrily at him.

‘You are a regular Jekyll and Hyde, are you not?’ She jerked her hand out of his in a very unladylike manner.

‘What is that supposed to mean?’ He gripped her arm in a steel band.

‘Are you trying to create a public spectacle?’ she hissed.

‘Answer me,’ he demanded through gritted teeth, ignoring the fact that people were looking in their direction.

‘Would you like to return home, Lady Fallon,’ the protective Louis suddenly appeared.

‘We are not going back just yet, Louis,’ Braeden answered for Fallon.

‘She was talking to me,’ Fallon hissed. ‘Do be quiet,’ she instructed.

‘I am no good at taking instructions,’ his eyes dueled with hers. ‘We are not leaving just yet,’ Braeden repeated. He tucked her arm in his again and began walking.

‘You are indeed insufferable, my lord,’ Fallon ground out.

‘Call me Braeden,’ he instructed.

‘Just take me back home,’ Fallon stopped walking.

‘Already?’ He sighed disappointedly. ‘We have just started to enjoy our walk, Fallon,’ he murmured, with a teasing smile.

Her breathing became difficult. He spoke her name so caressingly. She was so confused about this affable yet obnoxious oaf?

‘Perhaps you are,’ she voiced. ‘I want to go home,’ she stormed away to his carriage.

Braeden followed at a leisurely pace. He smiled to himself as he watched Fallon standing with her arms folded, her face on fire, like she was about to explode. Braeden felt his heart constrict just watching her radiant beauty. Why do you tug at my heart so? You stir my loins and make my blood burn with desire. I will have no other as my countess.

‘You are back so quickly dear?’ The baroness asked, seeing Fallon striding in.

‘I ___ have a headache.’

‘It was rather hot today,’ the baroness replied to Fallon’s retreating back as she hurried to her chamber, hastily followed by Louis. The door slammed in Louis face before she had a chance to enter the chamber. Gently, Louis opened the door.

Louis loosened the lace and helped Fallon out of her riding dress. ‘The earl is charming, Lady Fallon. Why do you test him so?’

“’Charming?” Hah!’

‘He is certainly more appealing that that insidious duke,’ Louis uttered softly.

‘At least the duke knows how to show respect to a lady,’ Fallon waved a fan furiously in front of her face.

‘Like you show respect to the earl,’ Louis murmured.

Fallon’s eyes met her maid’s,‘ he is so arrogant. He always belittles me. He annoys me.’

‘”The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”’

Fallon averted her eyes. ‘I am tired. I wish to rest before supper. Please close the curtains,’ Fallon climbed into bed in her under garments and turned her back to Louis.’

‘Lady Fallon. How lovely to see you.’

‘Your grace!’ Fallon laughed softly. ‘What are you doing in the lending library?’

He smiled, lifted her hand to his lips. ‘I saw you from outside. I was on my way to see a friend, but I would much rather enjoy your delightful company. Care to go for a walk?’

Fallon looked over her shoulder to find her maid leaning against the wall. Louis shook her head slowly. Her eyes pleaded with Fallon not to go with the duke.

‘I would like that,’ Fallon spoke loud enough for her maid to hear. Chilton’s smile broadened as he offered his arm to Fallon.