Pride and Fire (Book 2 Dashing Nobles Series)

By JoMarie DeGioia

PAUL TALBOT, Viscount Leed, is set on avoiding the marriage trap. Though his family has money troubles he won’t marry an heiress and dance on her leading strings.
LADY MICHELLE THOMAS is a spirited heiress, piqued with the rules of Society which dictate that a woman must be seen and not heard. And if she has opinions on politics or finance? Well, she had best keep them to herself. Sparks fly when she meets Paul —she believes she’s found a man interested in more than her face, form and finances.
They wed but when Paul refuses her generous dowry she’ll do anything to see her money settled on him, even if it means going to his rival and putting more than his career in jeopardy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lachesis Publishing Inc
• Release date: Feb 16, 2009
• ISBN: 9781897562215

JoMarie DeGioia

JoMarie DeGioia is a bestselling author of Historical and Contemporary Romance. She's known Mickey Mouse from the "inside," has been a copyeditor for her tiny town's newspaper, and a bookseller. She is the author of 50 Romances, and writes Young Adult Fantasy/Adventure stories and Paranormal Romance too. She gets lost in DIY projects around the house and works out plot ideas during long runs. She divides her time between Central Florida and New England, and you may contact her at [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter 1

England 1823

Paul Talbot, Viscount Leed, stood on the front steps of an elegant London townhouse. Paul’s good friend Geoffrey Kane, the Earl of Kanewood, had been blessed recently with an heir and Geoffrey and his wife Rebecca remained in Town to permit well-wishers to call. Paul considered himself lucky to be counted among those well-wishers. He lifted the brass knocker, letting it fall upon the glossy black door.

The Kane butler Miles opened the door, wearing a broad smile for his master’s good friend. Lord Leed! Do come in!

Paul raised an eyebrow at the man’s demeanor, so changed from his former lack of humor. It was surely Rebecca’s doing.

He followed the butler into the parlor where the earl and his wife sat.

Leed. Geoffrey stood. High time you paid us a call.

Paul reached out to clasp his friend’s hand. How are you, Kane?

How do you presume? Geoffrey answered with a hearty handshake. Quite well, old man.

Paul turned to Rebecca, bowing low to her. Her black hair shone, her green eyes sparkled. You look splendid, Rebecca. He gently grasped her hand and brought it to his lips. Motherhood agrees with you, I daresay.

Thank you, Lord Leed, she said. And have you come to see the most beautiful baby in England?

Paul hid his grin as she smiled at her husband, guessing the comment was meant to tease. The earl wasn’t offended. He took her hand from Paul’s and tugged her to her feet, placing a kiss on her temple.

"He is the most beautiful baby, Becca," Geoffrey said with a wide grin.

Paul stilled. He almost envied Geoffrey and Becca their easy banter. One year earlier when he’d visited Kanewood, the earl’s estate, Paul had been interested in a young lady. Being uncomfortable around the opposite sex, he’d let her believe him indifferent. He wouldn’t think of her now, or of what could have been. Other matters had filled his mind during the past year, work and worry enough so he often felt much older than his twenty-seven years.

He presented his gift to Lady Kanewood. For your son.

Why, Leed, she said, her head tilted to one side. What have you done?

Paul shrugged. I admit my sister Catherine helped me make my selection, Rebecca.

Becca nodded and opened the package, then expressed her delight over the silver rattle nestled inside. On it was an inscription which read Michael McClair Kane─the eighth Earl of Kanewood.

Geoffrey leaned over to peek in the box. Leed, this is exceptional. I’m certain the little lordling will much enjoy getting his mouth on that.

Oh, Geoffrey. Becca swatted his arm.

Paul smiled. I’m pleased you like it.

Miles stood in the doorway then. Lady Michelle Thomas to see you, My Lord. My Lady.

At the butler’s announcement Paul’s heart began to pound. He glanced at Becca and found the speculation in her eyes disturbing.

Please show her in, Miles, Geoffrey instructed.

Paul slowly turned toward the doorway and froze. He watched as, with a swish of her skirts, Michelle Thomas came into the room.

Lord Kanewood, she said, pleasure clear on her lovely face. Rebecca! How have you been?

Paul could only stare. She was more beautiful than he remembered. Her fiery red hair was caught up behind her head, rich curls left loose to frame her face. Her eyes, golden brown and fringed by thick lashes, sparkled. The dress she wore, creamy ivory dotted with pink flowers, complimented her porcelain skin beautifully. And Lord, she smelled of lavender. His senses were so filled with her he barely heard Becca speak.

Michelle, Becca said. How nice to see you again. She cleared her throat and went on. I believe you know Lord Leed.

Michelle turned to face him. Her gorgeous eyes widened and he felt her regard like a caress. He quickly tamped down his response to her.

Pleasure to see you again, Lady Michelle, he said coolly, bowing to her.

Michelle visibly stiffened and returned a look nearly as cool. She squared her shoulders and dropped a short curtsy, her full lips pressed together.

Becca smiled, drawing her husband’s attention. He leaned toward her. Becca?

Paul saw Becca give a quick shake of her head to silence him. What was this?

I suppose you wish to see my heir, Lady Michelle? Geoffrey asked.

His obvious pride caused Michelle to smile and Paul felt his own lips twitch in response.

Oh, please, she said.

Geoffrey and Becca led Paul and Michelle to the bassinet in the corner of the room. In it rested little Michael, Lord and Lady Kanewood’s pride and joy. The baby had his father’s honey brown hair and his mother’s emerald green eyes. He blinked and flailed his little arms toward the grownups staring down at him.

He’s so small, Paul said.

Geoffrey straightened, mock-indignation on his face. He’s precisely the correct size, Leed. And if you knew anything about babies you’d know that.

Michelle laughed, a musical sound, and he felt a genuine smile curve his lips. She returned the smile and he felt that attraction again.

I must be going. Kane, Rebecca. Congratulations again on your son. I…have a meeting this afternoon and I’m afraid I’m late.

As quickly as he could manage without rushing from the room, he turned and left them. He didn’t look at Michelle as he took his leave. He couldn’t.

Michelle watched Lord Leed go, her stomach tight. What ailed that man? Thankfully Rebecca chose that moment to ring for tea, and Michelle was able to put Lord Leed out of her mind as she and her host and hostess discussed some of the upcoming balls.

We won’t attend the bashes for several weeks, I’m afraid, Becca said. And here it is July, the social Season in full swing. You must share all the most delicious gossip.

Becca, Geoffrey said. Don’t trouble Michelle.

Nonsense, Geoffrey, Rebecca said. I trust her to keep me apprised of the latest goings-on. She turned back to Michelle. Do you think you might run into Lord Leed again?

Michelle snorted. I should hope not. She gasped, holding her hand over her lips.

Geoffrey arched a brow at her response and glanced at his wife, who gave a tiny shake of her head. Michelle uneasily watched their exchange, physically relieved when the conversation turned to other topics.

Not long after her unfortunate comment about Lord Leed the baby began to fuss, drawing Becca’s attention. Geoffrey joined her at the bassinet, smiling down at their son. Michelle took the moment to make her own escape. She congratulated them once more and left their townhouse.

As she sat in her carriage on the short ride home she fumed over her response to Rebecca’s simple question. Lord Leed’s strange behavior was vexing. When his eyes had met hers, the spark had been electric. Oh, my. She’d found him handsome when she met him a year ago. Well, he was devastating now. His dark brown hair, so rich and thick, made her long to run her fingers through it. His brilliant blue eyes captivated her. Her own body had tingled from head to toe, and she was certain he’d felt something as well. Those eyes had widened as they drank her in, and she hadn’t imagined the pleasure visible in their depths. But in the next moment a look of detachment had settled on his face.

Although they hadn’t spoken much at Kanewood last year, she’d believed him interested in her. He’d had opinions of politics and the state of their great country and hadn’t been afraid to voice them in polite company, something that attracted her as much as his handsome face and form. She’d not gotten up the nerve to join those few conversations she’d overheard, a condition not repeated before or since in her memory, but she suspected from the searching glances he’d sent her way more than once that he’d welcome her opinions. After today, however… Well, if he wished to behave so coldly she’d have to remember to respond in kind should they ever cross paths again.

She couldn’t deny that his smile had surprised her, though. How had she forgotten that dimple in his cheek? But then his gaze had turned icy, his gorgeous eyes remote. Just what ailed that man?

The carriage soon rolled to a stop in front of the townhouse she shared with her mother. The Earl of Thomasham had passed away three years earlier, leaving his widow and only child with no financial worries. The house reflected his good taste and wealth in size and elegance, its deep red door a fine accent to the golden yellow bricks.

Michelle alighted the carriage and climbed the front steps. She opened the door with a sigh and pulled off her cream-colored kid gloves, setting them down on the table in the foyer.

She found her mother in the parlor as expected. Good afternoon, Mother.

Lady Helen Thomas sat on a blue settee. Her hair was just beginning to gray, hair that had once been as fiery-red as Michelle’s.

Hello, dear. She set down her needlework and favored her with a smile. Did you have a nice visit with Lord and Lady Kanewood?

Oh, yes, Michelle said. The baby is adorable, Mother. He has the most beautiful green eyes and—

Was anyone else in attendance?

Michelle arched a brow. Could she know about Lord Leed? Anyone else? Such as?

Lady Helen sighed in obvious irritation. Any other gentlemen, dear, she qualified.

Oh, that again. Michelle rolled her eyes. Mother, why must I treat every social engagement as a quest to land a husband?

Now Michelle, when you were first out two Seasons past I had such high hopes for you.

Her mother used a tone meant for speaking to a small child, and Michelle felt her back stiffen. Mother—

But when you managed to turn away each and every suitor—

Mother, please! Michelle placed her hands on her hips. I refuse to spend time with a man simply because he is considered suitable.

Michelle, you’re too willful by half, her mother said, not for the first time. You’re twenty years old now, and should behave as such. I am quite certain if you did not insist on spouting your opinions—

Am I not permitted to have opinions!?

Lady Helen let out a breath. You may have opinions, dear, she said. You must simply learn to keep them to yourself.

That was quite enough in Michelle’s opinion. She pulled in a breath and let it out in a rush. I will not discuss this with you. She turned to leave. I’m going upstairs to ready for this evening.

Dress with care, dear, her mother called to her, picking up her needlework. There will most certainly be eligible men present.

With an unladylike snort, Michelle began to climb the stairs.

Too willful by half, her mother offered in parting.

* * * *

Paul sat at the worn desk in his study, trying to concentrate on the papers spread on top of it. Since leaving Kane’s home that afternoon, Michelle Thomas too often intruded on his thoughts. She was as beautiful as he remembered. God, even more so. Her eyes with their flecks of gold, her full rose lips… His skin had felt tight, his body hard, as he’d stared at her. He was still drawn to her and it scared the hell out of him.

Shaking his head, he focused his attentions on the papers once more. He couldn’t make the ledgers balance, and the tallies were smaller each month. The landed estate that went with his title was tied up in such a way he couldn’t sell any of it to defray its expenses. As a result, the estate was a constant draw on his dwindling reserves.

His father was still alive and well, and Paul was grateful. But the Earl of Talbot appeared to be squandering what fortune the family had left. And with Paul’s two sisters to dower… He stacked the papers and laid them aside.

His butler, Starks, rapped on the open door. Paul looked up to find the proper servant standing ramrod stiff. He’d tried repeatedly to ease the young man’s demeanor, but to no avail. The servant remained as dour as the Earl of Kanewood’s butler Miles used to be.

Yes, Starks, he replied. What is it?

Lord Chester to see you, My Lord.

Paul knew a simple nod wouldn’t do, and if he didn’t word his request in precisely the correct manner, Starks would stand there until he did. Just who served whom? Please show him in.

Starks nodded and turned on his heel.

Leed. The Earl of Chester, blond-haired with merry brown eyes, strode into the study. What have you been about this fine day?

Paul stood up to grasp Chester’s hand. Hello, Chester.

Stopped by Kane’s this afternoon. Chester settled his big frame in the chair facing Paul’s desk and crossed his legs. Thought you were paying a call there today.

I did. Paul nodded and took his seat. I didn’t stay overlong.

Chester’s eyes sparkled. I heard a certain red-haired young lady frightened you away.

Paul leaned forward. Chester, if you believe that had anything to do with Lady Michelle Thomas—

Ah ha! Chester cut in. Then what Rebecca said was true.

Paul swallowed. And just what did she say?

Chester appeared to be giving the sleeve of his jacket at great deal of attention.

Chester?

Oh, Chester began at last. Rebecca said the lovely lady rendered you speechless. He looked at Paul and smiled. A feat to be sure.

Never mind, Paul grumbled.

I remember the lady from Kanewood last year, Leed. Quite outspoken, no?

I’ve heard. Paul recalled the time they’d nearly conversed on the state of the Royal Navy last year. He’d seen the interest in her eyes as the subject bounced about the parlor but she’d kept that lovely mouth of hers closed tight. We didn’t speak much, however.

Chester eyed the stack of ledgers and Paul knew better than to dismiss them to one of his closest friends. Trouble?

No more than I’ve come to expect.

Chester’s eyes narrowed. You know, Leed. A woman of Lady Michelle’s status could be just what you need.

Paul stiffened. For a romp? Hardly.

You know precisely what I mean. Her father left her well off, it’s rumored. Why, with her as a wife—

Wife? Paul waved a hand. Chester, I can’t think of taking on a wife with my father’s… You know my situation.

Money, Leed. That’s the crux of the matter. She has it and you need it.

So I should sell myself, then?

Chester leaned back. Would it be such a sacrifice? She’s quite a picture.

Paul thought of her again as he’d left her at Geoffrey and Rebecca’s. Michelle was more than a picture. She was a goddamn vision and more temptation than he’d ever encountered. But he wouldn’t be beholden to a rich wife.

It won’t serve, Chester.

Chester gave a nod. Very well. Are you going to the Winslow bash this evening?

Paul relaxed at the change of subject. Yes. My sisters have been prattling on about it all week.

Catherine and Elizabeth will both be in attendance? Chester rolled his eyes. God help us all.

Paul laughed. Yes. The two of them are like butterflies, never standing still for a moment.

More like magpies, Leed.

They do tend to chatter on, don’t they?

The gentlemen talked about the upcoming evening, wondering aloud over who would attend the Winslow ball. Paul prayed one lady in particular would be absent. It would be torture to see her twice in one day.

* * * *

Michelle stood in her chamber, at last ready for the evening. She regarded herself in the cheval mirror. Her curls were piled atop her head, twined with ribbons that matched her dark green gown.

The dress hugged her curves, accentuating her full breasts and slender waist. The bodice was daring for her, dipping lower than Michelle was accustomed to wearing. Her mother said her new gowns were suited to a girl of twenty well out of her first, and second, Season but Michelle wished to remedy the situation.

She crossed to her vanity and opened a wooden box resting on the polished surface. She withdrew a small brass key and opened the center drawer of the vanity. Inside were several velvet jewelers’ boxes. She opened one of dark gold and traced her fingers over the emerald necklace inside. She fastened the necklace behind her neck and turned once more to the mirror, admiring the small gems. They were arranged in a lacy pattern, falling to a V just below the hollow of her throat. Surely the stones would detract from her exposed bosom.

Now she was ready for the Winslow ball. She left her room and went downstairs to the waiting carriage.

Chapter 2

Paul attempted to follow the conversation going on around him at the Winslow Bash, focusing his attention on his sisters. Catherine, the older of the two, was dressed in a gown of pale blue satin. Elizabeth, one year younger at sixteen, wore light rose. They looked as finely tricked out as any other debutantes present, to his relief.

He nodded absently at something Elizabeth said, trying to keep his attention from Michelle Thomas and her crowd of eager suitors. He’d spotted her as soon as they’d arrived. How could he miss her? That red hair, that green dress. The men around her couldn’t take their eyes off her creamy bosom. How dare those young pups drool all over her! As if he wasn’t drooling over the girl himself. He’d never felt such an attraction, before or since meeting her last year. She certainly seemed at ease with the gentlemen. She stood in the center of the group, gazing up at them in simpering adoration.

Paul, really. Catherine fiddled with the strings of her purse. Do not scowl so. You checked our appearance before we left the house. Pray, you haven’t found anything amiss after so short a ride?

Yes! Elizabeth laughed. We aren’t too daring or salacious, are we?

What? No, you’re both fine. He gave them each a nod. Don’t think I don’t know you’re merely humoring me.

The girls wore innocent expressions, their identical eyes opened wide. Then both Talbot girls fell into laughter Chester shared and Paul ignored.

He glanced over at Michelle again. Lord almighty. Once more that bolt of electricity shot through him as it had earlier. His hungry gaze ran over her gorgeous form. The daring gown pleased him and his blood warmed as he imagined running his hands over the flawless skin it revealed.

Paul, Lord Chester, Catherine began. Please escort us into the dance?

What? Paul faced his sisters, finding their brows furrowed. Of course. God knew he could use the diversion. He held out his arm to Catherine and Chester escorted Elizabeth.

As Paul and Catherine neared the dance floor, couples worked their way through the complicated steps of a country dance. Only two couples were in motion at one time, giving the other participants time for reflection and conversation. With nearly ten couples participating, the dance could be expected to last a while. Paul could well imagine Catherine’s chatter during the whole of the number and resigned himself to a slight headache afterward.

Paul held Catherine’s gloved hand, leading her toward the line of dancers.

Oh, it’s Miss Wallace! Catherine squealed. Paul, I simply must ask her for the latest gossip.

With that, Catherine left Paul standing on the fringe of the group.

Michelle suffered the eager attentions of a young man whose sweaty palms she could feel through her satin gloves as he led her out onto the dance floor. She bumped into Lord Leed and froze. He stared down at her, then looked at the man clutching her fingers. The disdain on his face caused her skin to flash hot and cold.

She turned to her young escort. Mr. Shimley, would you be so kind as to fetch me a glass of refreshment?

Y-yes, Lady Michelle. His eyes aglow, he ran off to do her bidding.

She turned to walk away when Lord Leed cleared his throat. Lady Michelle.

He fairly growled her name, and there was no escaping his company now. Lord save me. She slowly brought her gaze up to his face. Yes, Lord Leed?

Lady Michelle, he said again, holding his large hand out to her. Would you do me the honor of a dance?

She couldn’t speak as she lifted her hand to his. No sweaty palms here, just strong fingers grasping her hand as he led her out onto the floor.

The dance went on for a while, allowing time for Michelle’s nerves to steady. Earlier she’d spied him standing with the Earl of Chester, whom Michelle remembered from her visit to Kanewood. They were accompanied by two young ladies, each one prettier than the other. Lord Leed certainly seemed at ease in their company.

His smile, dazzling even from that distance, had caused her heart to seize. He wasn’t smiling now. He’d spotted her then, she knew. He’d turned his head toward her. His blue eyes had glittered as they ran over her, and her skin had flushed hot.

Yes, she’d seen the masculine interest clear in his eyes. He wasn’t so indifferent after all despite his curt nod of dismissal. It was just shy of a cut! Her skin had swiftly cooled then, and was chilled now.

He continued to say nothing to her as he expertly turned her about the room in the predetermined steps.

You are supposed to engage me in some pleasant conversation, Lord Leed. She watched him from beneath lowered lashes. One would think you have nothing to say.

He arched a dark brow at her and looked straight ahead once more. What would you like to discuss, Lady Michelle?

The tuneful music, perhaps? She stepped away and back again. The excellent company in attendance?

Hmm, was the only answer he made.

After a few more attempts to strike up a conversation she fell silent. She must have imagined the heat in his gaze. He was as cold as ice. When would this dance finally end?

At last the music ceased. She curtsied to Lord Leed and all but ran off of the dance floor. Let him wonder why she was in such a hurry. Bothersome man!

Following a light meal in the supper room, Michelle again found herself among young girls enjoying their first season out. Earlier she’d found herself surrounded by other females, each one prattling on about the handsome young men in attendance. Gentlemen had taken the girls away over the last half hour to twirl them about the room but not Michelle. It wasn’t that she was without suitors. She was simply discerning in doling out the favor of a dance and had no trouble rejecting a gentleman’s request. She should have rejected Lord Leed’s as it was obvious neither of them derived a bit of pleasure from the experience.

Now with three men vying for her attention at the moment, she could only