Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,29

grandmother’s footsteps receding as she sat on the edge of her bed, staring out the window. Always had she loved the pursuit of science, of exploring the world and furthering her understanding of it. Nevertheless, what had happened to her as well as all the consequences she had not foreseen had shown her that science was not enough. It was her passion, yes, but it could not replace love and family and children.

Unwittingly, Leonora’s thoughts turned to her eldest sister Juliet. For a reason Leonora did not understand, Jules seemed to be content to be their grandmother’s companion. She never spoke of marriage and children, of what she wanted for herself, for her own future. Perhaps she simply did not wish for these things. People, after all, were different. What made one happy meant nothing to another. Still, although Leonora had not been one to daydream about marriage and family since her girlhood days, she now realized that she did want it after all. Now, that it seemed all but impossible. Was it too late for her? Was she now damaged beyond repair? Or was there still a chance for her? Was there any way for her to overcome or even master her fear?

Leonora’s thoughts strayed back to Lord Archibald’s house party, and she remembered Lord Sedgwick and Lord Gillingham seeking her out, signaling their interest in courting her. She had danced with Lord Sedgwick on occasion during the previous Season and always found him to be quite amiable. Lord Gillingham, too, possessed impeccable manners as well as a pleasing countenance. They were both decent men, Leonora was certain of it, and if she had not attended that masquerade, she might already be well on her way to being married soon.

Truth be told, though, when Leonora tried to think of a man who would make her a kind and respectful husband, only one face entered her mind and it belonged neither to Lord Sedgwick nor Lord Gillingham.

Chapter Nine

The Essence of Strength

Drake could not help but be surprised to find Phineas calling on him only a few days after his wedding. For one, Drake would have expected his friend to be otherwise occupied, and for another, he could not help but recall that they had never been the closest of friends. After all, at least a decade had passed since they had last seen one another. Of course, not counting Lord Archibald’s house party.

“Already tired of marriage, Barrington?” Drake asked with a raised brow as he poured his old classmate a drink.

Phineas grinned rather widely as he took the proffered drink and then sat down across from Drake’s desk. “Was that meant to be a joke, old friend?” A bit of a frown came to his face. “I do not recall you making many of those.”

In truth, Drake could not answer that question, and so he chose to simply ignore it. Seating himself, he leaned forward, resting his elbows upon his desk, and met his friend’s eyes. “What brings you here?”

Phineas cast him a knowing look, but then set his glass down, his features becoming serious. “My wife,” he couldn’t help but grin at the word, “is planning to set up a program for those struggling with literacy. Ever since she found the courage to stand up for herself and no longer hide that side of her, she has been most motivated. She has already made the acquaintance of a Lady Agnes, I believe, who confided in her about her own struggles.”

Drake nodded in approval. “I commend her on her plans. I admit I did not believe her one to go to such great lengths in order to offer her assistance to others. I am glad I was mistaken.”

Phineas laughed, affection lighting up his eyes. “Oh, she’s a force to be reckoned with. If my dear Lulu sets her mind on something, more often than not she will see it through no matter what it costs her, and if you’re fool enough to stand in her way…” His voice trailed off; however, the grin upon his face remained while his brows arched up in meaningful innuendo.

“I have no intention of doing so,” Drake assured his old friend as a sneaking suspicion began to form in his mind. “I am certain you did not call on me today simply to inform me of your wife’s plans, did you?”

“I came to request your help,” Phineas replied without another thought, “as I have before.”

Drake shook his head. “As you are aware, I have never