Chapter 1
One
Julian, the Marquess of Weston, stared across the lawn of his country estate, Pax Hall.
Lords and ladies laughed and frolicked. His guests had arrived over the last two days.
They were all here for a week-long party he was hosting.
The invitation sent out had announced it was an escape from the London heat, but everyone knew the truth.
The Marquess of Weston was on the hunt for a bride.
Truthfully, he was somewhat surprised at how many ladies were in attendance.
They ranged from women in their first Season to widows.
He’d been unsure that anyone would attend with his rakish reputation, but he supposed the allure of becoming or making your daughter a marchioness outweighed all of that.
His mouth twisted into a sardonic smirk, hating that his title reigned supreme for why a lady should marry him. Still, he’d done himself no favors over the last eight years while residing in London. Of course, he’d taken his duties seriously, but also wholeheartedly enjoyed the vice of the city.
“Why are you scowling?” Diana asked, frowning.
Julian rolled his eyes at his sister. “I’m just looking over the lawn of people.”
She patted him on the chest. “You will not win over any ladies with such a sour expression on your face.”
“We both know that they and their families are here because of the opportunity for them or a family member to become the Marchioness of Weston.”
She sighed. “When did you become so jaded? It isn’t the brother I remember from my childhood. I can’t believe it has been eight years since we’ve stayed at Pax Hall. I’m glad Mother continued to visit. Still, we should have as well.”
Julian grinned at his sister. “You love the city too much.”
Diana, a self-declared spinster, spent most of her time involved in various charitable endeavors. Long ago, he’d provided her with enough money to live her life as she saw fit. Julian even gifted her a small manor house not far from Pax Hall.
“Still, you always loved this place,” his sister pointed out.
He had. His gaze moved to the road, beyond the massive lawn, that led to the village of Paxton. Julian had once thought he would spend most of his days at Pax Hall, raising his children and only visiting London when duty called. Back then, he’d na?vely thought he would marry Sophia, a local girl.
He studied the tops of the buildings in the small village, wondering if, during his visit, they would run into each other.
She was the girl he’d once loved and lost—Sophia Little, who became Mrs. Sophia Benson.
Why was he thinking about any of that? He’d purged her from his heart, or he wouldn’t have returned here.
Julian could still remember his father’s words and laughter when he discovered she’d married all those years ago.
That village chit, you hoped to wed, picked a local boy over you. I suppose you were only a bit of fun for her.
That day, Julian had learned what heartbreak was.
His father had gloated for almost a year, delighting in his anguish.
The man passed a few years after that. Julian wished he could say he missed him, but he didn’t and suspected neither did his mother nor sister.
No, the former Marquess of Weston had been a miserable and selfish man.
“Julian?”
He’d become distracted. Julian forced a smile. “I still love it here, and that is why I wanted to host this party. I want my future marchioness to enjoy it here too.”
“It is good then that you’ve returned. Do you think we will see Sophia? Mother said she is a widow now. She is so young to lose her husband.”
He and Diana had grown up with Sophia and her brother. Now, he and Theo were thirty-one, and Sophia and his sister were both three years younger. Diana had never caught on about his and Sophia’s brief affair. No, she just thought of Sophia as an old friend they’d lost touch with.
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, I hope we go into the village later today or tomorrow. Mother said she runs the Fox Hill Inn. I heard her father and mother passed as well, but her brother is still about. He is a solicitor,” Diana said.
Julian reminded himself that he’d moved on from Sophia. She was a young man’s infatuation, nothing more. “For a place you haven’t visited in forever, you know a lot about the locals.”
She giggled. “Mother loves it here. She keeps me informed. I do hope she arrives soon. But be prepared; she is worried about you. She doesn’t understand why you’ve suddenly decided to find a bride.”
Their mother was visiting their aunt who lived a few days' ride away, but she should arrive at Pax Hall soon. “I know. She asked that I wait to have the party.”
“Yet, you sent out the invites anyway?”
“It is time to marry,” Julian said firmly.
“I hope you have a love match,” his sister said. “You deserve it.”
Julian wasn’t sure he believed in the emotion. His parents’ marriage had been bleak, and he suspected both he and Diana were affected by it.
“This dreamy love statement is surprising coming from you.”
His sister grinned. “I never said I wouldn’t marry; I just won’t unless I’m in love. There is a difference. Mother is so much happier now without father. Maybe she will find love.”
They both said nothing, reflecting on their upbringing—memories filled with both happy times, especially at Pax Hall, and other moments involving their father who made sure everyone was always on edge and unhappy.
Diana shook her head as if forcing the thoughts away. “Come play lawn bowl with me. I’m sure all these ladies would love to see your skills.”
He smiled at her, holding out his arm. “Lead the way, sister.”
“And this afternoon, we will go into the village.”
He almost said no but reminded himself that he’d moved on from Sophia; there was no reason to avoid her.
Sophia smiled at the man who took the last room at the inn. Apparently, there was a big event going on at Pax Hall. One of the estate servants had stopped by and explained the marquess was hosting a grand week-long party.
She couldn’t believe Julian was back after so many years.
The last time Sophia had seen him was eight years ago.
He’d told her he loved her and then never returned from London.
Her cheeks turned red as she remembered trying to reach him when he’d first left.
Sophia had thought she was pregnant with his child.
His father had spoken with her, and his words still horrified her to this day.
As a young woman, you should have known better than to expect more than a tupping from a lord’s son. I suggest you find someone to marry you soon.
Thomas Benson, a local boy who adored her, had stepped in to protect her reputation. They’d married quickly and found out shortly afterward that there was no baby. Still, she didn’t regret marrying Thomas. No, they had two beautiful children and grew to love each other.
Sadness flared in her chest because she’d lost him three years ago and still missed him. He’d passed after coming down with a high fever. In the end, Thomas had clutched her hand, insisting she find happiness. Sophia had cried, telling him she didn’t want him to go.
Thomas had always worried that their love wasn’t enough, but it was.
She would never regret her time with him.
Never. Yet, when she dreamed wanton thoughts, it wasn’t Thomas who appeared, but the man who’d suddenly returned to the area.
Julian had been a wild, overwhelming love that in the end had burned her.
She would never allow herself to be so consumed again.
The door opened, and her brother entered. His face was stern and serious, but before he could say anything, her son Jeremiah and daughter Lily rushed into the room.
“Uncle Theo! Will you take us to Mrs. Smith’s shop to get sweets?” Jeremiah asked.
Her seven-year-old son’s eyes danced with excitement. Theo took a deep breath. He seemed frazzled. She frowned at him. Lily added, “I want sweets too!”
Her four-year-old daughter wouldn’t allow her brother to be the only one to receive a gift. Sophia sighed. “I had the cook set out two bowls of stew for you both. Go eat, and then we will discuss candy.”
They rushed away, excited for the chance of sweets. She laughed and turned back to Theo, who was frowning again. “What is it?”
“Weston is in the village.”
Her heart hammered, but she commanded her voice to stay calm. “It is fine, Theo.”
“He betrayed you,” her brother snapped.
“Don’t get upset. Life has gone on. My heart has moved on.”
“I know you loved Thomas, but I remember your devastation. I still can’t believe he deserted you.”
“Don’t fret. We probably won’t see them.”
Just then the door to the tavern opened, and the room went silent.
She and Theo glanced at each other. The only people who could quiet the usually rowdy tavern were a lord or lady.
She walked toward the dining space. The doors connecting it to the inn foyer were open.
And there stood the Marquess of Weston; the man who’d been her first love and heartbreak.
Her stomach clenched. He was still handsome with black hair and broad shoulders.
Yet, he was different from the boy she once knew.
This man was hard and chiseled. She almost stumbled away, seeking somewhere to disappear to, but then decided she wouldn’t retreat.
Sophia wouldn’t hide from him. He’d been the one to abandon her.
She glanced at the petite woman next to him; it was Diana, her childhood friend.
She’d written from London a few times, but Sophia never responded.
Did she know about her and Julian? Diana looked around until she spotted Sophia.
“Hello! It is so good to see you. I told Julian we had to stop in for a drink.”
She smiled, suspecting Diana had no idea about how things ended between her and her brother. “Please come in. We will fetch you all something. Would you like tea or a pint?”
More people came in—they were the types clearly not used to being in a tavern. Julian said, “How about both?”
His voice caused a shiver to race down her body. Their eyes connected and she was taken aback to see anger in his. What did he have to be upset about? She tilted her chin up. Emotions of devastation and anger flared in her.
“Mother, I’m finished!” Jeremiah yelled.
Everyone turned to her excited son. She glanced at Theo, who openly glared at Julian. She needed to get her brother to leave. He would do something rash. She just knew it. “Wonderful. Your uncle may take you for sweets now.”
Her brother shook his head, and she stepped closer to him. “You don’t want to disappoint them. I will be fine.”
Theo, displeased, nodded. He walked past Julian, glowering at him. The marquess, who’d once been their friend, shot him a sardonic smirk. “Theo.”
Her brother ignored him and left with Jeremiah and Lily. She breathed a sigh of relief and summoned two of the servers. “Please take orders.”
Diana waved at her. “Sophia, please come sit with us. Let’s catch up.”
Her old friend was seated with Julian and two ladies who seemed somewhat appalled to be in a tavern.
Sophia, having no reason to politely decline, joined them.
Julian had barely said anything since entering the tavern, but he openly perused her.
She could feel his stare. Her body heated, but not with embarrassment, but something else. Stop it, she told herself.
Sophia's gaze connected with his, and a hum of something swirled between them.
He sat back in his chair, and she glanced down his form.
He was bulkier and harder than she remembered.
Sophia swallowed and yanked her gaze back up.
He smirked at her as if he could read her mind.
She returned her attention to Diana. “How have you been, my lady?”
“I love London but have thought of you often. Why didn’t you ever write?”
Because your brother broke my heart she wanted to scream but didn’t. “Married life kept me busy.”
Diana squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry about the loss of your husband.”
“Thank you. I loved Thomas very much.”
She saw Julian’s jaw clench out of the corner of her eye. Sophia wouldn’t be ashamed that she’d found happiness after the disaster with him.
A server appeared, and one of the ladies fluttered her eyelashes at Julian. “My lord, shall I order a tea or a pint? A pint would be so adventurous.”
“I say a pint,” the other woman said, beaming at Julian.
An older lady seated at a table next to them leaned over. “You will both have tea.”
Diana shifted closer to Sophia and murmured. “They are in their first Season. Julian is hosting this week’s party to find a bride.”
Her stomach clenched at her words. The thought of Julian settling back at Pax Hall with his future wife disconcerted her.
Sophia would have to see them all the time.
She glanced at the two very proper ladies who looked out of place at the village tavern.
Of course, it would be a lady like one of these.
Sophia couldn’t sit here any longer. “I must go. I have work to do.”
Diana frowned. “I would love to meet again.”
Sophia didn’t know what to say and only nodded.
Julian didn’t bother to glance her way. He was intently engaged with the two hopeful ladies sitting at the table.
She hurried from the room and back to her office.
Sophia sat down and took deep breaths but refused to cry.
Julian had taken enough tears from her. She wouldn’t allow any more.