A Bachelor Still

By Rebecca Hagan Lee

What’s a sworn bachelor to do when forced to wed the woman of his dreams?

Liana McElreath is in need of a hero. After her father bargains away her innocence to settle a gambling debt, she stands at the altar, about to be wed to the worst sort of villain. The last man she expects to come charging to her rescue is the Marquess of Courtland, her brother’s dearest friend and the last remaining Free Fellow.

Alexander Courtland has no desire to be leg-shackled for life to some society miss. But nor can he stand idly by and watch as the lovely Liana is sacrificed at the altar of matrimony. When he decides he has no choice but to step into the role of her bridegroom, he vows to give her his name, but not his heart.

Alex soon finds that heart softening beneath Liana’s tender touch. And once a man starts to realize he may be at risk of losing the love of a lifetime, how is he to remain...A Bachelor Still?

The “Free Fellows League” Series includes BARELY A BRIDE, MERELY THE GROOM, HARDLY A HUSBAND, TRULY A WIFE, A BACHELOR STILL and CLEARLY A COUPLE (a novella in TALK OF THE TON)

“Tender, enthralling romance straight from the heart!”—Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling author
“Sparkling romance and passion that sizzles...Rebecca Hagan Lee taps into every woman’s fantasy!”—Christina Dodd, New York Times bestseller
“Merely the Groom is a perfect 10!”—Romance Reviews Today

“Merely the Groom is another wonderful story in the Free Fellows League Series!”—The Romance Reader’s Connection

“Barely a Bride is a wonderfully charming tale. Intelligent and witty!”—Romance Reviews Today

“Barely a Bride is a superb novel!”—The Best Reviews

“Barely a Bride is simply luscious!”—The Romance Reader’s Connection

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teresa Medeiros
• Release date: Aug 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781943505081

Rebecca Hagan Lee

After arming herself with a degree in fine arts and experience in radio, television, and film, Rebecca Hagan Lee wrote her first novel Golden Chances. Since then, she’s published numerous bestselling and award-winning novels and three novellas.She’s won a Waldenbooks Award, a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award, several Romantic Times awards, been nominated for an RWA Rita Award and has been published in nine languages.She currently lives in Georgia with her husband, her two beloved Quarter Horses, and a miniature schnauzer named after literary icon Harper Lee.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

There is no more sure tie between friends than when they are united in their objects and wishes.

–Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 B.C.

Shepherdston Hall

Bedfordshire, England

7 January, 1813

"Y ou’re no doubt wondering why I asked you here today," Jarrod Shepherdston, fifth Marquess of Shepherdston, said to Alexander Courtland, second Marquess of Courtland, as the two of them, along with Griffin Abernathy, first Duke of Avon, Colin McElreath, twenty-seventh Viscount Grantham, Jonathan Manners, eleventh Earl of Barclay, and Daniel Sussex, ninth Duke of Sussex, sat in the spacious wood-paneled study in Shepherdston’s magnificent county seat near the tiny village of Helford Green.

Sitting on a comfortable leather chair, Alex straightened his legs before the hearth, warming the soles of his boots and the icy toes encased in the fine calf leather. The morning had been raw with cold and damp and the afternoon was proving just as miserable. After a long horseback ride from his country house in Buckingham on roads made too wet and treacherous for a coach, he had been frozen to the marrow and covered in a fine sheen of ice, and was finally beginning to thaw out. Alex smiled. The fact that he had made the trip at all was a measure of his regard for Shepherdston and the other men present. Ordinarily, nothing short of a direct summons from His Majesty the King or the Prince Regent would have budged him from his cozy library on a day like this. Yet he’d jumped at the opportunity to travel through inclement weather for these men.

Part of the reason for the journey was a keen sense of curiosity.

The last time this particular group of gentlemen had approached him—several months past—the situation had included a deadly threat and all the ingredients for scandal and ruination for those involved. Alex had experienced more excitement that day than he had in his entire life. He’d been thrilled that they had asked for his assistance and honored that they had trusted him with so delicate a matter.

Alex could no more resist today’s invitation than he had been able to refuse the last one. He was puzzled as to why Shepherdston claimed to have invited him when the Duke of Sussex had actually issued the invitation to him to appear at the Marquess of Shepherdston’s country home. It wasn’t often that one peer of the realm invited guests to another peer of the realm’s country house. But that was just one of the things Alex liked about this particular group of men. They tended toward the unexpected and he had yet to find their company boring.

Alex met Shepherdston’s piercing gaze as he replied, "The thought has crossed my mind. Especially since Sussex invited me to your country house instead of his own."

The Duke of Sussex shrugged. Privacy is a problem at my county seat as my mother—following family tradition—is in residence during the yuletide holidays.

Mine is a bachelor household since I have no mother, Shepherdston explained, or any close family. Therefore my privacy and that of my guests, is guaranteed.

Besides, Viscount Grantham added, Shepherdston Hall is conveniently located for all of us. None of us need travel to the far reaches of any county to get here. He grinned at Alex. I’m afraid the same cannot be said of my ancestral pile…

Since everyone in the ton knew Grantham’s ancestral home was situated in the border country near Edinburgh, Alex nodded in agreement. Shuddering at the thought of having to travel any farther than necessary in this wretched weather, Alex was glad Shepherdston Hall was conveniently located to his country house, too.

You did me a favor, a few months back, Grantham continued, a favor for which I am exceedingly grateful. And you’ve never asked for anything in exchange, nor breathed a word of what transpired to any of your acquaintances.

The favor of which Grantham spoke involved the foiling of a plot by French spies to kidnap Grantham’s bride and hold her for the ransom of her father’s fleet of merchant ships. Alex and Jonathan Manners had leapt at the opportunity to render assistance to Grantham and had willingly offered their services when Sussex approached them separately at White’s and discreetly asked a favor of them. Alex and Barclay had been slight acquaintances at the time, generally aware of the other’s identity and station in life, but mixing in different circles.

A few months ago, they had been virtual strangers.

They had since become great friends and boon companions.

I don’t gossip, Alex said. Or make small talk or dinner conversation out of other men’s personal business. He glanced at the Earl of Barclay. And I didn’t act alone. As you know, Barclay was right beside me lending aid where it was needed. As far as I can tell, he’s never breathed a word about the incident to anyone, either.

"That’s why we invited the both of you here today, Shepherdston replied with a nod to Barclay acknowledging his contribution. Grantham, Avon, and I have known Barclay since we were boys. Barclay occupied the cot next to mine when the four of us were students at The Knightsguild School for Gentlemen. Jarrod paused long enough to share a glance with Barclay. We were aware of Jonathan’s steadfast character. With the exception of sharing bits of harmless information with his cousin, Sussex, Barclay has kept our secrets for decades. But you…—he turned his gaze back to Alex—were an unknown quantity and something of a mystery, being several years our junior and with a different circle of friends and acquaintances. We took a risk with you having known you by name and general reputation only. He grinned at Alex. Imagine our delight at discovering that you possess the attributes of bravery, loyalty, honor, friendship, and absolute discretion we were seeking."

Those are rare and highly valued traits in a town like London, The Duke of Avon said, stretching his legs out in front of him in a valiant attempt to ease the throbbing of his injured hip and thigh. He’d suffered a nasty saber cut and several other wounds during the Battle of Fuentes de Oñoro, become a national hero, and been rewarded with a dukedom upon his return to England. But Griffin Abernathy had paid a high price for his elevation in rank from viscount to duke. He’d almost died from his injuries and everyone in the room knew they pained him still, especially in raw weather like this.

Alex moved his chair to the left, allowing Avon more access to the heat from the fire. Wordlessly reaching for the brandy decanter, Shepherdston filled a glass and offered it to Avon.

Avon accepted.

Valued by whom? Alex demanded. In my experience, the opposite is true. London society is a notorious hotbed of gossips and scandalmongers. The ton thrives on gossip and speculation and innuendo.

For the most part, Grantham said, I would agree with you. There are those in the ton who take great pleasure in spreading rumors and gossip and fostering scandal. But there are others in the ton who…

Value the attributes Jarrod named, Sussex answered, finishing Colin’s sentence. We admit to being in the minority among London society, but we have need of men who meet the requirements of bravery, loyalty, honor, friendship, and absolute discretion.

We believe that you are such a man, Avon told Alex. And that is why we’re asking you and Barclay to aid us once again.

Barclay sat up straighter on his chair, his excitement at Griffin Abernathy’s announcement palpable.

Alex took a deep breath. How?

By providing a great service to your king and country, Avon replied.

Alex glanced at the Duke of Avon, then shook his head. I’m afraid I cannot help you, Your Grace.

Oh? Griffin arched his right eyebrow in query. Why is that?

I attempted to purchase a commission in the army, Your Grace, Alex elaborated. But to no avail. I was summarily refused and rejected because His Majesty and His Royal Highness, the Prince Regent, are unwilling to risk the life of the sitting Marquess of Courtland. He frowned. Unlike Your Grace, I was unable to secure a commission at any price.

Avon nodded in understanding. Had I been a sitting earl like my father or a marquess like you, my commission would have been refused as well.

I was given to understand that I was unsuitable for service not just because I am the sitting Marquess, but because I am an only son with no other male blood relatives in the family to inherit the title. Alex answered. A situation very similar to your own… It was common knowledge among members of the ton that that the Courtland and Abernathy families had produced far too few male offspring to risk any of them in battle.

Avon nodded once again. "The difference being that while I am my father, the Earl of Weymouth’s, only son and heir, he is the sitting earl. And although he is in his middle years, my father is still considered young enough and healthy enough to sire another heir if necessary…"

All evidence to the contrary, Jarrod remarked, dryly. Though not for lack of trying…

Indeed, Griffin agreed, good-naturedly. For as embarrassing as it was to imagine one’s parents’ enjoying the marriage bed, it was no secret that the Earl and Countess of Weymouth continued in their efforts to provide Griffin with a sibling, the greatly desired heir and a spare that every noble family strove to produce in order to perpetuate the line. Therefore, I was able to secure my commission.

Much to your father’s displeasure… Colin added.

And our envy… Jarrod admitted. Except, of course, the caveat your father added that you marry and sire an heir before you left.

An unreasonable demand I thought at the time, Avon admitted with a smile, remembering how he railed at his fate—and his father’s decree that he marry or forfeit his commission.

Grantham, Shepherdston, and Sussex, nodded in agreement

Now, I marvel at my father’s wisdom, Avon said. And my own good fortune. Because marrying Lady Alyssa Carrollton and winning her heart has been my greatest accomplishment—and my saving grace. His voice wavered with emotion. I am proud of having served my king and country faithfully and with distinction. I’m proud that I’ve been able to bring honor and acclaim to my family name. But those achievements pale in comparison to my devotion to this group of friends and to my love for my wife. He glanced at his compatriots’ faces before turning his attention back to Alex. My elevation in station from viscount to duke, my marriage, and my injuries— Griffin grimaced at his aching leg.

Not to mention your status as national hero, Jarrod interrupted.

—make it difficult for me to fulfill my duties to this group without drawing unwanted attention to it and the work that we do. He made another wry face. Since my return from the Peninsula, I seem to garner a crowd of onlookers wherever I go. Unfortunately, I’m no longer able to outrun even the slowest of them. And I fear that my newly acquired status and my physical limitations could put one or all of us at risk.

Which is why the three of you—the Duke of Sussex glanced at Griffin, Colin, and Jarrod in turn, before continuing his explanation—asked me to join you. I’ve been a duke long enough to be old news to most members of the Ton. I’m unmarried. And I have an heir apparent in Cousin Jonathan. He nudged Barclay’s leg with the toe of his boot. Should anything happen to me, he becomes the new duke.

When they were younger, Daniel had been so envious of Jonathan for having the great fortune to attend The Knightsguild School for Gentlemen with Griffin, Colin, and Jarrod instead of being sent to Eton that Daniel had insisted on telling everyone that his whiny, timid, irritating cousin was a distant cousin, when in fact, everyone in the know in the ton knew Jonathan was Daniel’s first and closest cousin.

But no one had blamed Daniel for the lie. Not the Free Fellows or Jonathan. Because Jonathan had been whiny, timid, and irritating in spades. Fortunately, he’d outgrown those tendencies and had proven himself a devoted friend and loyal confidante to the Free Fellows and to Daniel. While at university, the two cousins had grown as close as brothers and were devoted to each other, their friends, and family.

Perish the thought! Jonathan frowned. Unlike a great many of our noble peers, I don’t relish the idea of anything happening to you or of inheriting your title or fortune or the headaches that go along with it…

Namely my mother, Daniel inserted. Johnny’s favorite aunt, who is, admittedly, a handful to manage—even for those of us who love her best.

Agreed, Jonathan answered. Especially when I have an equally challenging mother of my own— He gestured toward his cousin. Who happens to be his favorite aunt with whom to contend.

And Colin’s recent marriage, Jarrod continued, has provided him with a charming bride to which to account and makes lengthy absences from her suspect…

And most unwelcomed, Colin added.

So, that leaves Sussex and me to do the legwork, Jarrod said. Unfortunately, neither one of us can be in two places at once. My forte is organization and planning and Sussex’s is directing the operations and providing misdirection for our adversaries. But neither of us can fulfill our roles if we’re called to do Avon’s and Grantham’s.

Which is why we have need of two new members, Daniel told them. Brave, loyal men whose honor, integrity, and discretion are absolute. He glanced from his cousin, Jonathan, to Alex Courtland. Men like you.

Jonathan grinned. You’re actually inviting us to join you? The Earl of Barclay’s voice held a tone of reverence ordinarily reserved for miracle workers and cathedrals.

Yes. The men answered in unison. If you are willing to swear allegiance and take the solemn oath.

Barclay closed his eyes. This was the answer to his fondest wish. He’d waited years for the opportunity. Ever since he was a boy lying in his cot at The Knightsguild School for Gentlemen, pretending to sleep while he listened as Jarrod, Griffin, and Colin formed the alliance that would make them England’s greatest heroes. Finally, he breathed, offering up his right palm, as Jarrod Shepherdston produced a sharp knife. I’ve been waiting years to swear allegiance and take the solemn oath.

Alex lifted an eyebrow. Swear allegiance to what?

To us, Colin answered. To those of us who work behind the scenes in order to secure England’s victory over Bonaparte and the French.

Behind the scenes? Alex came halfway out of his chair. "You mean spy? You’re asking me to become a spy?" There was nothing brave or honorable about spying. To Alex’s way of thinking, that distasteful job was best left to the rogues and scoundrels born to it. It was not the work of a gentleman.

Jarrod Shepherdston gave Alex a mighty frown. Have we been misled by your enthusiastic participation in our previous adventure? Or is this an unexpected bit of snobbery on the part of a sitting marquess?

Alex straightened his spine. The aid he had offered on the previous occasion had been a matter of life and death. Discretion had been paramount, but there had been nothing dishonorable or underhanded about it. You cannot deny that spying is looked upon with contempt.

As is privateering, Colin replied. By some. But noble gentlemen have actively engaged in both in order to provide a needed advantage for their king and country.

It’s a misconception to believe that spying is best left to thieves and rogues and guttersnipes, Sussex added. A misconception we choose to perpetuate amid the members of the Ton.

And why we’ve never come under suspicion amongst our peers, Colin pointed out.

When it comes to defending our government and our fundamental liberties, I, for one, would rather have honorable gentlemen like Griffin and Colin and Sussex providing that clandestine service, Jarrod announced. Rather than the questionable characters who define the common misconception.

So, you see, The Duke of Avon said, We’re not just asking you to become a spy, we’re asking to you to become something far more important than that. We are asking you to mingle your blood with ours and sign an oath to become our brothers and members of The Free Fellows League. We’re asking you to join us as we fulfill our duty to our king and country by preserving our way of life and by making England safe and secure for generations to come.

Put like that, how could Alex refuse? Why would he refuse the adventure of a lifetime?

Extending his right palm, Alex allowed Shepherdston to draw the tip of the blade across it, scoring a thin line of blood that would mix with the blood of the other Free Fellows.

His new blood brothers-in-arms.

CHAPTER 1

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

—John 15:13, New Testament

Creighton Place

12 Upper Brook Street

London, England

February, 1815

W ell, are you or aren’t you?

The demand came without warning.

Finding his way blocked by a gorgeous Amazon wearing a shimmering gold gown, Alexander Courtland took an involuntary step backward, narrowly avoiding bumping into a passing matron wearing a feathered turban, yards of purple silk, and a cloud of sickeningly sweet perfume.

Since he’d been contemplating making his excuses to his hostess and exiting the party in favor of the comfort of a warm bed and an equally warm companion, plucked not from the ranks of the Season’s newest eligible young ladies, but from Madame Theo’s elegant house on Portman Square, Alex wondered if the lovely Amazon had read his mind.

Lifting an eyebrow in query, Alex did his best to disguise his chagrin at being taken by surprise. Do what, Your Grace?

Miranda, Duchess of Sussex, pursed her lips, then gave a quick, decisive nod of her head that set the yellow diamonds in her drop earrings dancing. Alex followed Miranda’s line of sight to a woman sitting with a group of chaperones near the dance floor. Help her.

Lady McElreath? Alex was surprised and a bit nonplussed to discover Miranda had nodded not toward this season’s crop of young hopefuls, but toward the mother of one of his Free Fellow colleagues.

Of course, Lady McElreath. Groaning in frustration at Alex’s apparent dim-wittedness, Miranda flicked her lace fan closed, then drew back her hand to rap Courtland on the arm with it.

Now, now, Your Grace, no fair whacking the man now that you outrank him.

Instantly recognizing her husband’s teasing drawl, Miranda looked up to find Daniel frowning down at her. I’m not whacking him because I outrank him, she said. I’m whacking him for pretending ignorance and indifference to a desperate woman’s plight.

Daniel reached out and gently took hold of his wife’s arm before slipping the ribbon of her frilly gold lace fan off her wrist and over her gloved hand, expertly removing Miranda’s makeshift weapon from her grasp. Only after he’d accomplished his goal did the duke dare to kiss his wife’s gloved fingers.

Alex breathed a sigh of relief. Not that he was afraid of Miranda. But she did have a redhead’s temper and more than a fair amount of strength. If she’d whacked him, she’d have made sure it hurt.

He makes me so mad I could scream. He’s the only one who can help her. The only one who can do what has to be done. Miranda fought to keep from stamping her foot in frustration. We didn’t go to the trouble of getting her here alone so that he can pretend ignorance of her plight and ignore her.

You’re doing our friend an injustice, my love, Daniel explained, slipping Miranda’s fan into the inside pocket of his evening jacket. He’s not pretending. His ignorance is genuine.

Alex frowned at his friend. He didn’t know whether to be affronted or pleased by Daniel’s timely intervention. Alex would willingly risk life and limb for his Free Fellow brethren and their families, and had done so on several memorable occasions. But having Daniel describe him as ignorant of any situation stung his pride.

Alex respected the Duke of Sussex, loved him as a friend and a brother, and trusted and admired him as a talented and courageous leader. Alex was honored to call Daniel his friend and he felt the same way about Miranda. He was glad Daniel and Miranda had finally realized what everyone else in London society had known for years—that they were made for each other—and had married. Glad Miranda had finally rid herself of her unofficial title of ‘Society’s Perennial Bridesmaid’. But he was wary of her new reputation as the ‘Married Matchmaker of Mayfair’.

Alex dreaded having the new duchess turn her matchmaking eye in his direction. He’d been lucky so far because Miranda and Daniel were still newlyweds and engrossed in each other almost to the exclusion of all else, but tonight his luck had apparently run out. Alex appreciated Miranda’s well-meaning intentions to see all of her friends as happily wed as she was, but he could attend to his own affairs without her assistance.

He’s been avoiding her for days, Miranda insisted. Ignoring her urgent notes and the calling cards she left with his butler.

Alex frowned. What notes? What calling cards? This was the first he’d heard about urgent notes and calling cards. From Lady McElreath or anyone else. He’d only just arrived home from his latest mission and had barely enough time to bathe and dress in order to honor his commitment and make an appearance at tonight’s party. The only exchange he’d had with his butler had consisted of a greeting and an order for a hot bath.

I beg your pardon, Your Grace. I am guilty of many sins, but avoiding Lady McElreath isn’t one of them, Alex protested, straightening his shoulders and pulling himself to his full height to give himself an inch or so advantage over the nearly six-foot tall duchess. I wouldn’t hesitate to rush to her aid in a moment had I known of her distress. He glanced toward the area just beyond the dance floor where Lady McElreath was sitting, now partially obscured by the whirling skirts and the movements of the dancers, automatically searching the crowd for a glimpse of Lady McElreath’s eldest daughter before turning his attention back to the duke and duchess. I wasn’t aware Lady McElreath was in need.

Miranda pounced. If you answered your correspondence you would know.

Alex has been away, sweetheart, Daniel told her, changing his inflection ever-so-slightly as he added, "on business."

Immediately grasping her husband’s meaning, Miranda sheathed her claws. Business in that tone of voice always meant important, secretive business neither Daniel nor his friends could discuss.

For the past sennight, Alex added. I returned this afternoon and was home only long enough to bathe and change. He glanced down at his evening wear as if checking to make certain he was socially presentable. In my haste to get here on time, I’m afraid I neglected to ask Langdon for my social correspondence. Alex’s urgent business had been in France, playing cat and mouse with Bonaparte’s spies. The war might be over and Bonaparte might have abdicated and be safely ruling over the twelve thousand residents of the Island of Elba, but his network of spies continued operating in the service of their former emperor. And rumors abounded around town that British security on Elba was extraordinarily lax and that Bonaparte spent most of his time scheming to escape the island and return to his former glory in Paris.

The French spies had been more active of late and as long as their enemies continued their work, Alex and the Free Fellows League would continue theirs. That meant that while Colin, Jarrod, and Jonathan and their wives and Griffin’s father, the Earl of Weymouth, remained in Vienna as part of a large English contingent attending the Congress of Vienna, Alex, Daniel, and Griffin continued their work at home.

Daniel had temporarily assumed Jarrod’s leadership role in London so Griff could remain at his country house with his duchess and with his mother, both of whom were impatiently awaiting the births of their children. Griff’s first child, and as unlikely as it seemed, his first sibling.

As the lone remaining bachelor of the group, Alex continued to cross and re-cross the Channel, sneaking in and out of France, keeping a close watch on his French counterparts sneaking in and out of England. Alex was concerned at the rise of covert activity. Something was happening and he could only pray the Free Fellows and the British government were up to the challenge.

I surmised as much, Daniel said, when your man, Langdon, came to me with his concerns early this morning. He told me Lady McElreath had sent you several urgent notes. He was afraid you might not arrive home in time to respond promptly.

Alex nodded. He’d given his butler standing orders to consult the Duke of Sussex or the Marquess of Shepherdston with any urgent matters whenever Alex was away from London on business.

I took it upon myself to ask Lady Creighton to invite Lady McElreath to tonight’s soiree, Daniel continued, because I knew you would be in attendance and that Lord McElreath would not.

I don’t understand, Alex began.

Daniel gave Alex a rueful little smile, before leaning close and lowering his voice. I’ve a most important assignment for you, Alex. One only you can accomplish.

Anything, Alex vowed.

But Daniel held up a hand to forestall him. Don’t be too eager to accept. This one has nothing to do with our usual missions. The consequences of this mission—in success or failure—are equally severe. I’ve no wish to have this on my conscience, he paused, gathering his thoughts. Either way. But with Colin gone… Miranda and I would consider it a very great favor if you would speak with Lady McElreath.

Tonight’s soiree was one of several charity evenings of music and dancing leading up to the start of the Season, which wouldn’t begin in earnest until May. But Parliament was in secession. Its members had come to town a bit earlier than usual and expected to be entertained. Lady Creighton, one of society’s most popular hostesses, had sponsored tonight’s event in order to raise funds to help house, feed, and clothe the widows and orphans of soldiers and sailors lost in the war.

All invitees had been asked to contribute a minimum of fifty pounds upon acceptance of the invitation. Although the Earl and Countess McElreath were almost always invited to these gatherings, Lord McElreath routinely eschewed all charity affairs and all affairs that did not include gaming. The earl didn’t contribute money that could be used for gambling to charity. Knowing the earl would refuse the invitation and that Lady McElreath could not attend without him, Daniel had asked Lady Creighton to invite Lady McElreath to attend as his and Miranda’s guest.

It was an invitation Lady McElreath could not and would not refuse. And one to which Lord McElreath could have no objection since it would cost him nothing. Because the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had asked that Lady McElreath be included as part of their invitation, they would, of course, contribute fifty pounds to Lady Creighton’s charity in Lady McElreath’s name.

Focusing his attention on Daniel, Alex didn’t hesitate. Of course. I’ll be happy to do whatever you require of me.

We knew we could count on you. Miranda beamed at him.

Alex looked askance at the duchess, ill at ease with Miranda’s abrupt about face. He glanced at Daniel.

Allow us to take you to her, Daniel said, following a step behind as Miranda placed her hand on Alex’s arm and began steering him toward Lady McElreath.

Is she in need of financial assistance? Alex asked. The McElreath’s precarious financial state was no secret and with Colin and Gillian in Austria, the other Free Fellows had promised to attend to Lady McElreath’s needs.

Daniel shook his head. Not exactly.

Alex expelled the breath he’d been holding. I hope that means the earl has shown some self-restraint and judgment in Colin’s absence…

Miranda rolled her eyes, glancing up at the frescoed ceiling as she attempted to muffle a sarcastic and decidedly unladylike snort. It means nothing of the sort. McElreath is incapable of self-restraint or exercising good judgment when it comes to cards and spirits. He’s drinking as heavily and gambling as badly as ever.

His excessive gaming and drinking is a sickness, Daniel reminded his wife.

Miranda nodded. "I know it’s a sickness, my love, and it’s not as if I don’t care what happens to the earl, but I care what happens to Lady McElreath and her children more. They’ve suffered as much, if not more than McElreath,

Reviews for A Bachelor Still

[CB · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series. I love the characters and the setting. Manly and noble duties, international espionage and intrigue and heart-felt romance. It’s a winning combination.

[benn9314 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a sweet story about romance and the war with England and France