The Earl of Berkshire was fortunate to have four sons. Vincent Duncan and his wife, Amanda Duncan, lived out in the countryside south of London. Their closest neighbor was the Marquess of Reading. They lived with their only son, Francis. Robert and Julia Ravenport took pride in their appearance and never socialized with those lower than them. It was no surprise that Francis was promised to the Duke of Havenshire before she was born.
The Earl was happy with his life and prided himself on his sons. Amanda loved all four boys equally, even though most of them acted like their father in some way or another. The eldest, Jason, was to inherit everything of the earldom and was to marry a fine young lady to be his countess. Next was Lee, he was carefree and spirited and loved to talk about traveling the world one day. Then there was Austin, his mother's favorite. He never saw a point in learning the skills his father pushed on him. He knew he'd never need them but he learned them anyhow so he wouldn't start a fight. Then there was the youngest, Greyson. All he ever talked about was going to school and becoming a scholar. Jason was the only one who talked of marriage and Austin thought it was because he had to marry, not that he wanted to.
The boys grew up as closest friends even though there was an age gap between them. Jason was eighteen and already looking for a future Countess of Reading, with no luck so far. He hated going to London and knew he would eventually have to. Lee was sixteen and had no intention of settling down, ever. Austin was fifteen and liked the idea of finding a woman he could trust his heart to, but doubted it would ever happen. Greyson was thirteen and wanted an educated woman by his side after he achieved his goals at school. All the boys went to Oxford together and so far Greyson did prove to be the scholar of the family.
The next two years passed by in a flash as the boys had fun and explored what the world had to offer. When they returned home, Jason was broken off from them. At twenty, he had to start taking his position seriously and find a wife. Vincent hated having to send the three of them to London, but he had no choice. Greyson would stay behind. At only fifteen, he was not old enough to go. Lee and Austin were eighteen and seventeen and would need to look as well, or so Vincent hoped.
They were strolling through a picnic in the park they were invited to when Austin heard the most contagious laugh. He looked everywhere to find the one it belonged to, but with no luck. He went to every luncheon and picnic and dinner he was invited to in order to find that laugh again. Lee and Jason said they had never seen him so possessed to find someone. Lee met a couple of young ladies he thought were ravishing but they were on the marriage mart so they were off-limits to him. Jason met a few and danced with some but no one caught his interest. When the boys returned home, Vincent was surprised it was Austin who was stuck looking for someone.
"All I heard was her laugh and it was the most intoxicating thing I've ever heard."
"Any luck finding her?"
"No."
"You will if you are meant to."
Austin hoped he would find her before it was too late. He fantasized over her and wondered where she was that day. He recalled the day over and over again but all he saw were young girls. Then it hit him. She was not of age for marriage and knew he had to return next year to find her. Jason was being pressured to find a wife and knew he had to bring one home next year.
At eighteen, Austin was positively sinful-looking. He had red/brown hair that curled slightly on the ends. His mesmerizing eyes were shades of blue, green, red, and yellow that were a perfectly blended sea of colors. His facial hair showed more red of the same shade as his hair. He stood tall, lean, and muscular. He was every girl's dream and stood more muscled than his brothers. Jason had soft brown hair and light green eyes that matched those of his father. Lee had jet black hair and blue/green eyes. Greyson had dark brown hair and blue eyes and matched his mother. When next year rolled around, Austin knew he had to find her and only hoped she was available.
The boys were at the ball, dancing with one partner or the next when a lady was introduced with her parents. The Duke and Duchess of Havenshire were introducing their daughter. Austin leaned over to Jason.
"Isn't she promised?"
"To our neighbors' son, Francis."
"Then why is she being brought out?"
"She is free to choose her own husband per the agreement. The same goes for Francis. If the kids find someone their heart speaks to, they don't have to hold up the agreement. It was put in place after her twin brother didn't survive birth."
"Oh. That's awful. But unbelievable that they would allow them to choose."
"By the time she is eighteen and she hasn't found someone, she is to still wed Francis if he hasn't found anyone either."
"So they can look but if no one speaks to them, they are still stuck with each other?"
"Yes. She has never seen him."
"Why doesn't Francis.."
"He has seen her, but Francis knows how good-looking he is and wants her to explore without him."
"Arrogant bastard."
"Austin."
"Sorry."
Then he heard it. The laugh. He shot his head straight in her direction and gave a look of despair to Jason and Lee. Jason shook his head.
"No. Austin don't tell me."
"It's her."
"Austin..."
Before he could say another word, Austin was in front of her, introducing himself. Before they knew it, he was signing her dance card. He bowed his head and returned to them.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"I get a few minutes of her time."
As the evening progressed, he kept watching her with each of her suitors. She looked to be having trouble with Ronald Edwards, the son of Baron of Ludwig. She walked away from him before the dance was over and wandered into the hall. Austin would have stayed put, but Jason and Lee were off dancing and Ronald followed her. Jason saw him leave in their direction and knew he couldn't stop him.
In the hall, Austin listened to the conversation.
"Ronald, the answer is no."
"You are already promised. What would it hurt?"
"I am a lady and a Bradshaw at that. If you are wanting a woman to ruin her reputation for you, go find someone outside of this ball. I for one will have no further contact with you. It's no wonder you are a Baron's son."
"How dare you, you stuck up, teasing little..."
"I believe the lady wants you to go."
"Austin?"
"Hello again, Ronald."
"You know her?"
"Yes. Do you know who she is promised to?"
"No."
"My neighbor, Francis Ravenport."
"Francis? He is no bother to me."
"What about me? Do we need a repeat of those days in Oxford where I had to teach you some manners? It looks you need a refresher."
"No, Austin. Please. I'll go."
He gave one last look of hatred to Nicole and disappeared back into the ballroom past Austin. Nicole looked at Austin and he saw her start to shake. He immediately was at her side and held her steady.
"That was quite a show."
"One I didn't think I was going to win. Thank you."
"It's no problem. He used to be a thorn in school. A lady such as yourself should never be disrespected as such."
"That's very kind of you. I'm Nicole Bradshaw."
"Austin Duncan. We met earlier. I should be two more dances away on your dance card."
"So you are, Mr. Duncan."
He smiled at her and she began to laugh. It was music to his ears and he could hardly stand it. Marie came rushing in and grabbed her arm.
"Nic, your father is furious."
"Why?"
"Someone heard Ronald storming out saying he would have you if he had to ruin you or not."
"What?"
"I'll deal with him. Save me a dance?"
"Of course. Austin?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"Thank you again."
"It was my pleasure."
She smiled at him and his heart sang. He walked off and outside to find Ronald and Lee followed him. Once he found out his destination, he knew he could only help him. Jason was caught up in conversation with Rebecca Sanford. A fair enough looking girl and polite. She seemed a bit stuck up but she came from good breeding. He was considering her when she ruined everything by insulting Nicole.
"Miss Rebecca, I must take my leave and find my brothers."
"Will I see you again?"
"No, you will not."
She stared after him and saw him walk in Nicole's direction. He pulled her aside for a dance.
"My Lord?"
"Lady Nicole."
"You have taken your brother's spot."
"Be ashamed to leave you on the sides."
"That's kind of you."
"Do you know where my brother is?"
"Ronald talked of ruining me to have me and all Austin said was taking care of him."
"Ronald? Ronald Edwards?"
"Yes."
"There was a rumor at Oxford that he raped one of the village girls close by."
"I would doubt it."
"Neither would I. You are a wonderful dancer. I shall be sure to tell my brother."
"That is very gracious of you, my lord. Is your brother seeking a wife?"
"As far as I am aware, I am the only brother seeking a wife."
"That's too bad. I'd love to get to know him. Thank you for the dance, My lord."
"Anytime, my lady."
He dipped his head and departed to find Austin before he committed murder. He could tell that Nicole would be Austin's undoing and just hoped it wasn't too soon.
Jason found Austin and Lee with a broken nose and a few other broken bones. Poor Ronald was going to need a hospital and for a long bit, it looked like. Austin had defended Nicole to the fullest without killing him and only hoped she knew what kind of hold she had on him already. He had to admit after dancing with her, she carried herself differently. She didn't act like the normal spoiled child. She was the only daughter of the richest duke in the country yet she was best friends with a lord's daughter, who he heard worked for her father. He needed to tell Austin what happened after he left. Rebecca said some nasty things and he needed to know. "So, how was Miss Rebecca?" "Not seeing that one again." "What? You looked like you were into her." "A little and then she did something." "Like what?" "She insulted Lady Nicole." "What did she say?" "Easy Austin." "What was said?" "She said she was disrespecting
Nicole was upset at Austin's departure but knew he would make an excellent soldier. She kept in touch with him but she knew he was being sent out and prayed for his safe return. Meanwhile, she stopped going to balls with Marie and they talked for hours when she got back. After only two meetings, Marie knew where Nicole's heart was and felt sorry for her friend. Francis wrote to her even though she had never seen him. One letter had her upset and she feared for her future. My Dearest Fiance, I bring the sad news of my father's death. Sickness has taken him rather suddenly. My mother is beside herself. I am now the new Marquess and hope to see you soon. I want to tell you that my father and I had plans of taking our busi
Francis was always told he had to help the family. His father was always power-hungry and so when he could arrange for Francis to wed Nicole, he didn't hesitate. Francis grew up resenting the idea and even when he met her as a baby, he didn't agree with it. As he got older, he prided himself in knowing much about the opposite sex. He did have the occasional visits and each time he did, she got lovelier. He considered that she would make a beautiful bride and if he were going to marry her, he would do it for himself and not because that's what his father wanted. Over the years, she seemed to have a good upbringing and she was respectable. He knew she knew of the agreement, so when she turned sixteen, he kept a close watch on her. At the first ball she attended with Marie, he heard of Ronald and he was ready to storm out before he was told that his neighbor Austin handled it, even put Ronald in the hospital. Then he heard of Rebecca and grew furious someone would insult his fi
When Henry saw Austin step out of the carriage with Marie and Nicole, he was skeptical. When they walked in, Henry asked to speak with him in his office. Austin agreed and smiled at Nicole and followed Henry inside. Once inside, Austin was very professional. "How are you, Austin?" "I am well, My Lord." "A Lieutenant-General now?" "Yes, My Lord. It is a great honor." "One you earned?" "Not in the way I want to earn it, My Lord." "Tell me." "While in Scotland, a war chief was gathering forces in secret. I was on patrol and happened across him seeking through the woods. I followed and uncovered their whole operation. I told my commanding officer and unfortunately, it ended with us killing about fifteen of them. I feel responsible for their deaths." "But you uncovered an entire rebellion." "Yes and that is why I was promoted." "So, you like Nicole." "Yes, sir, I do." "You really broke
Once back home, she walked in the door, and from the look on her father's face, they both knew it had gotten back here. Henry looked at Austin and scowled. "In my office, now." "No, father. I made my choice." "I know. Things need to be sorted out, my dear." Nicole watched as Austin walked into the office. She wondered what would happen and when Francis would show up. She went with her mother to the parlor and she told her everything and that the kiss was unexpected for both of them but it was the best thing she had ever experienced. "I don't know if it makes sense, but when his lips touched mine, my heart felt like it was dancing." "It makes sense to me. I got the same feeling with your father." "Really?" "Yes, But there is something I must ask you." "What is it?" "Austin is in the army. At any given moment he could be called away and it could be the last you see him. I do believe it's why he let you go
Nicole had walked out of the shop and was waiting for the maid Claire had sent with her. She turned around to look for her when she was snatched from behind. Panic set in as she didn't know what was happening. When she was tossed into the carriage, she took the moment to turn and she paled as she saw Francis. The ride to the docks was rogh as she was tied up and left on the floor. Francis didn't say a word and didn't even look at her as they rode. Once they got to the docks, he pulled her out and took her by the arm and led her onto his ship.Once on the ship, she was thrown into the cabin and the door was shut and locked. She walked over to the window in the cabin and watched with sickening fear as she watched England get smaller and smaller and she feared the worst. Austin arrived a day early and when he showed up at the Birkshire mansion, the authorities were everwhere. Lee was deep in his cups and Jason was trying to calm a hysterical Claire. They were ques
In order to bring Francis and his crew to justice, his ship was towed behind Ryan's. Austin chose to stay on Francis' ship, unable to face Nicole. Not only was he not there when she needed him most, but he failed to protect her. One of his biggest fears was that he was unsure if he was unable to protect her virtue. Nicole woke up in Ryan's cabin and panicked. She didn't know this man sitting in front of her and she looked for Austin. The doctor came in and checked her over, day after day. The doctor finally advised she have no visitors. Her wounds had healed and he confirmed her virtue was intact. He did report that when he told her where Austin was and why she began to cry. She understood that Austin felt like he failed and she could have comforted him about that but what really got her was that he felt shamed by her without even asking her anything. As she thought more about it, she grew angry. A man just kidnapped her but what he cared about was if her virtue was in
Nicole sat in her window and kept watching to see if Austin would return, but after two months, she gave up hope. Maybe he had moved on and that was what was best for him. How could she ever make him happy if he constantly saw her as the worst possible version of herself? She would've come down to him the day he was here, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't see the looks of pity, shame, anger, or even guilt if he had it. She kept herself locked in her room and refused to come out. Food was left for her at her door, but not even Marie had seen her. Nicole told her what happened and why she couldn't face him, even when nothing happened. It was the sting that he thought it did and it hurt. Even if she gave her word, would he believe it? Would he force her to go through an examine and humiliate her just to prove she would be a virginal bride? She didn't dare ask and she didn't want to know. Night after night, she cried for hours. Some nights, she only shed a few tears, and others, her