(The Rules of Engagement #2) Victoria Vane –––––––– Only a madman makes a promise in the heat of passion... During a midnight tryst in a moonlit garden, Nicolas Needham fell in love—only to walk away. As a younger son with few connections, his pride demanded that he better his circumstances before paying his suit to Lady Mariah. When Nicolas is finally given the opportunity he needs to advance—by negotiating a contract of matrimony on the British Envoy’s behalf—he is shocked to learn that the intended bride is the same woman to whom he once pledged himself.
And only a fool believes him.... Lady Mariah Morehaven has lived a quiet, almost reclusive life in the country. While she accepts that marriage is her unavoidable destiny, as a baroness in her own right, and heir to one of the oldest and land-rich estates in England, she fears becoming the target of fortune hunters. Entrusting her cousin’s well-connected godmother to help her find a suitable match, Mariah is devastated to discover that the man sent to negotiate for her hand is the very same who broke her heart.
PROLOGUE
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Love is a passion which kindles honor into noble acts.
John Dryden
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My Dearest Mariah, Twelve long and agonizing months have passed since that fateful night I claimed a kiss and a promise from your sweet lips—the kiss meant to seal a pact that I have failed to uphold.
I strongly wish for what I faintly hope; like the daydreams of melancholy men, I think and think in things impossible, yet have now lost my way wandering in that golden maze.
That night was the loveliest dream, but the future we spoke of is naught but a fantasy that can never be. Thus, it is with a heart burdened with the greatest regret that I release you from your vow.
Please know that I will ever remain— Your most faithful, humble, and obedient servant, Nicolas
CHAPTER ONE
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"For they conquer who believe they can."
John Dryden
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Bedford Square, London—One Year Earlier
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"MY DEAR GIRLS, I have quite the surprise for you." Smiling, Lady Russell poured steaming hyson into three delicate cups of the finest Chelsea porcelain. They were seated in the morning room with sun streaming in through the tall windows, spreading its golden fingers of light across the richly patterned Aubusson carpet. "Lord Marcus has just sent us an invitation to a house party at Woburn Abbey."
"Woburn Abbey?" Mariah repeated blankly.
Lady Russell paused with her hand on the sugar bowl. "It's the country seat of the Dukes of Bedford. Do you take sugar, Mariah?"
"No, thank you, my lady," Mariah answered. "Cream will suffice."
"And you, my dear?" she asked her goddaughter, Lydia.
"Yes, please," Lydia answered, "but no cream."
Lady Russell handed the first cup to Mariah and the second to Lydia before continuing. "After spending a king's ransom on renovations to the house and gardens, the duke is most eager to show it all off."
Lydia's brows met in a frown. "But I am not even acquainted with the duke and duchess. I don't understand why we would be invited."
"Because Marcus wishes to make the most favorable impression, of course," Lady Russell replied.
"I still don't understand what that has to do with me," Lydia said. "Has Marcus not told you that I wish to end our betrothal?"
"He has mentioned it, of course," Lady Russell replied dismissively. "But he also assured me that this rift between you will soon be repaired."
Mariah observed the two women while quietly sipping her tea. Philomena, Lady Russell, was a force of nature, and very accustomed to getting her way, but Lydia could be stubborn to a fault. While Mariah admired her cousin's courage in standing up to such a grande dame, it was clear that the lady was not about to give up either her political or matrimonial ambitions for her son, Marcus.
"I am sorry he has misled you, my lady," Lydia replied, "but Marcus is quite mistaken, as I have no intention of becoming his wife."
"But, my dear, you act in such haste!"
"Six years is hardly haste," Lydia remarked wryly.
Mariah's sympathies were wholeheartedly with her cousin. What self-respecting woman would wait six years on a man?
Lady Russell heaved a martyr's sigh. "I suppose I must shoulder some of the blame for not prodding Marcus. He was so single-minded to establish himself with the diplomatic service that I feared pressuring him to marry would only have caused resentment. But I fear breaking with him at this critical juncture would irreparably damage his prospects. Although Marcus is fortunate enough to have the Duke of Bedford as his uncle and chief patron, he cannot presume wholly upon this family connection. At this juncture in his career, my son must forge his own alliances. In this endeavor, a beautiful and charming wife will be an invaluable asset."