Page 11 of A Lady's Key to Passion

Sometimes, he wondered what it would be like to give in to strong feelings. But the curiosity was never enough to entice him to try. He had discreet affairs, from time to time, but they were always with like-minded society ladies who knew the score. Experienced, jaded ladies who didn’t want the messiness of love either. It had always suited him well.

But now, he was nearing thirty, and it was time to settle down. The earldom needed an heir, and he needed a wife. And so, in his usual forthright manner, he had resolved himself to the task, tackling it as he did anything else he needed in life. A marriage of convenience. He hadn’t realised that it mightn’t be as straightforward a task as purchasing a house or buying a horse.

“Some of us are not cut out for love, my friend,” he said eventually. “It is just the way of it.”

Freddie looked at him with pity. “Carlisle, I know you want a wife. If it were as straightforward a matter as just choosing a well-bred lady, then you could have set your sights upon any of the ambitious ladies, like Lady Jane’s cousin.” He hesitated. “But something about Lady Jane has intrigued you more. A lady who isnotambitious and seeks to be something other than an object. I wonder why?”

Percy bristled. “I just thought her temperament would suit me better. That is all.”

Freddie sighed again but didn’t pursue it. Instead, he changed the subject. “So, there is no fiancée today. But there may still be the chance of a house. Do you still wish to go and visit this fellow? Because I am bored stiff and need to stretch my legs.”

Percy smiled wryly. He had been so absorbed by the sting of his rejection that he had quite forgotten about the house. His heart lifted a little. Perhaps his extended visit to Seaborne wouldn’t be a total waste of time.

***

Percy stood on the hill, gazing out at the sea. He and Freddie had just viewed Mr Rankin’s house, which was perched on the edge of this hill. He was filled with quiet excitement, glancing back at the house, going over all the details in his mind.

The house was called Cliff Lodge. Mrs Holloway had been right—itwasa little rundown. It had been vacant these last two years and fallen into some neglect. But it was a sturdy house with good bones. Two floors, with large rooms. A good-sized dining room and parlour. But the best thing about it was its location, perched on top of this hill. The view was simply glorious. And it was very close to the town, as well.

Old Mr Rankin had given him the key, saying that he was too infirm to join him in looking through the house. They had discussed a price, which had been very reasonable.

Freddie joined him. “What do you think, Carlisle?”

Percy turned to his friend. “I think the house is wonderful and the location superb. The price is right.” He felt another stab of excitement. “This could be it, my friend.”

But before Freddie could reply, they were both distracted by a horse and rider thundering towards them over the plain. The pair skirted the cliff dangerously, approaching them at a rapid rate. Percy’s eyes widened. He could see now the rider was a woman in elegant black riding apparel, her silky black hair just visible beneath her hat.

The rider drew the horse up abruptly before dismounting. A young lady with porcelain-pale skin and deep brown eyes. She smiled at them.

“Hello there,” she said in a high, singsong voice. “I did not mean to startle you, but I saw you both standing here and was surprised to see anyone at the old house.” Her smile widened. “I am Miss Beatrice Prescott. I live very close and often ride along the clifftop.” She turned to Percy. “It is Lord Carlisle, is it not? Someone pointed you out to me at Lord Kensington’s ball last night.”

Percy nodded, trying to hide his surprise. “Yes, Miss Prescott. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.” He turned to Freddie. “This is my friend, Colonel Frederick Morland.”

The lady nodded in acknowledgement at Freddie.

“Are you thinking of buying Cliff Lodge, my lord?” she asked, turning back to Percy.

He nodded. “We just viewed the house. It is a spectacular spot, isn’t it?”

The lady laughed. “Yes, it is a view to die for! But the house needs a lot of work. Still, I am sure everyone in the district would welcome you as a neighbour, my lord.” She gave him a wide, flirtatious smile, batting long, black eyelashes at him.

Percy studied her. The lady was beautiful, probably in her mid-twenties. A round face with full lips and sparkling brown eyes. A flawless porcelain complexion. It was quite apparent that she was interested in him—she had clearly heard everything about him and his visit to Seaborne.

She was focused upon him and ignoring Freddie entirely. Another ambitious lady. Still, it was flattering to be the centre of her attention, especially after his rejection at the hands of Lady Jane this morning.

“Well, I should be off,” she said. “My father will worry if I am gone too long. I think he fears I shall ride off the cliff one day.” She laughed. “It was very nice to meet you, my lord. And Colonel Morland.”

She mounted her horse, looking down at them, fixing her eye upon Percy. “I do so hope you are attending the Lethbridge ball next week, my lord? Because there isalwaysa dearth of dance partners.” She smiled coquettishly. “It seems a girl must take the initiative these days.”

“I am sure we shall attend,” said Percy.

She nodded before taking off again, thundering back over the plain, the veil of her hat streaming behind her.

Freddie grinned. “Seems like you have made another conquest, Carlisle. All is not lost on the wife-hunting front!” He clapped him on the back.

Percy shrugged good-naturedly. He supposed he should contemplate Miss Prescott. She was beautiful, clearly interested, and she probably wouldn’t reject him like Lady Jane had.

He must start the hunt for a wife anew, he mused. Not let the setback with Lady Jane ruin his spirits. But as they climbed into the carriage to head back to town, he found he still couldn’t get Lady Jane out of his mind. It was her clear green eyes, rather than the sparkling brown eyes of Miss Prescott, which he could not shake out of his mind.

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