If Love Were Enough Read Online Free

dissipated rakes in London.”
    “Immediately, my lord.” Rogers bowed. “If you would be so kind as to follow me.” They both turned toward the stairs.
    Panic seized Priscilla. They were coming her way. She whirled around to escape to the sitting room. She would have to wait before she could make her way back to her rooms.
    And she would have to make a plan. She was no longer an unmatched female, so more than likely, she would be invited to dinner and activities. She would be introduced to Lord Brookfield. So, she would have to strategize a seduction. She saw Anne’s interest, and Anne had far greater experience and allure than she.
    What must she do to bring his lordship’s attention her way?

Chapter 4
    From the doorway, Brandon perused the collection of dissipated aristocrats in the drawing room. He wondered again why he obliged his dying father to participate in this folly. It was over a year since he frequented such dissolute activities in town. Could he not be of more use on their estate than fretting over his father’s fate from afar? True, he had been at his father’s bedside for three months. But it was a loving son’s duty to do such things. And at this point, he could not see any personal restoration of energies would occur from an activity such as this.
    He no longer had any interest in bedding another man’s wife. Those days of playing the rake passed when his succession to his father’s title of Viscount and the associated responsibilities became imminent. And none of the ladies flaunting their charms here held enough allure to make him waiver from that path. He was glad he had no wife to bring to such a debauched entertainment. Had he a wife he cared for and respected, this would be the last form of ton association in which he would permit her to participate.
    His betrothed, Estella, would be no less than appalled.
    Brandon took a deep breath, and strolled to the fireplace to keep a deliberate distance while he studied the tableau before him further. He could feel the sexual tension and energy in the air.
    Though he met most of these people before, he had not fraternized with them much. Dimsford’s wife, Sally, had her come out maybe three years before. But she held little attraction for him even then. It seemed she had been more than happy to marry for great wealth and title, than for love.
    Baron Haddon and his wife, Helene, arrived after Brandon was shown to his rooms. No more than three and twenty years old, the young baroness showed little interest in her husband, placing herself as far away from him as the room would allow. When she looked in her husband’s direction, seeing a withered old man with gray hair and an ear trumpet, her lip curled in distaste.
    He could swear Baron Haddon and Squire Tilden were acquaintances of his father. Both outlived their first wives, then revisited the Marriage Market for younger blood. He doubted the matches were successful, especially since both couples were here and their ladies looked as interested in alternate liaisons as did their husbands.
    Blackston and his wife Brandon knew of, but had never met. Not regulars to ton activities, neither had much of a reputation there.
    It was difficult for him to study the scene without making eye contact with any of the women. And it seemed, at the moment at least, each of them set her sights on him, including their hostess, Asher’s wife, Anne.
    This could get difficult.
    But, in truth, it was not too very long ago he would have enjoyed the flirting, teasing and innuendoes that circulated in such a heady gathering. His body tightened even now with the expectation despite his lack of interest.
    Old rakehell habits must die hard. But his mind had changed direction, so his body must learn to follow suit. He would have responsibilities and a nursery he must fill to guarantee the survival of his line.
    Estella remained at home, ready to marry him whenever he gave the word. And, possibly, he should do just that before