To Teach A Gentleman

by Langston, Jenn

  “Now I’m impolite? Keep going, this is just getting better and better.”

  “Never mind. As a matter fact, you can just forget I even came in here. I just thought it would be pleasant for the two of us to spend a marginal amount of time in each other’s company. Clearly, I was wrong.”

  She was frustrated with him and herself. She spun on her heel and marched from the room, slamming the door behind her. That man was horrible, and she never should have lowered herself to resort to speaking to him. Embarrassment stung the back of her eyes as she stomped through the halls with no particular destination in mind.

  “I don’t recall you having such a temper.”

  At the sound of his voice, she jumped. How had he moved so fast? The dimly lit hallway didn’t give her much aid in trying to discern his thoughts. However, the fact he followed her meant he felt something. Remorse, perhaps?

  “With the infrequency and limited visits, I must reiterate that you know almost nothing of me.”

  He tilted his head back as if to study her better. “In recent years, I have to agree, but I thought we got along fairly well, perhaps, eleven years ago.”

  Blinking, she tried to recall the time when he hadn’t outright hated her. “I’m sorry, my lord, but not only was that a long time ago, and therefore not an adequate portrayal of my current self, but I can’t recall the time you are referring to.”

  His gaze dropped before meeting hers again. “I suppose our interactions were not as memorable as I thought. Besides, I suspect you’ve met a significant amount of people since then.”

  Guilt swamped her. She could remember when her husband had presented her to his nephew soon after they’d wed. At the time, she recalled having known him previously, but she couldn’t remember why. Over the difficult years of her marriage, she had blocked out some of the lighter memories of her childhood as they had seem so far away. It was likely she also had forgotten meeting him as well.

  “It’s not bad, it’s just that I feel as though I’ve always known you.”

  He nodded. “I suppose I’ll accept that. Now, I’ve come because I’m prepared to offer you a compromise.”

  Surprised with such a drastic change from the man who normally held no emotion toward her but contempt, she swallowed. “I would be pleased with a compromise as long as the expectations are reasonable.”

  “Of course. And, this is your opportunity to negotiate your terms. I gather you are wanting to make dinner a more formal affair. I will be amenable to arrange my schedule. Next, you are lacking a companion. I have no objection to visits from your friends or--”

  “I thank you for this. Truly, I’m touched, but I also am a little confused.” She still couldn’t read his expression and that fact irritated her to no end. “Why are you doing this for me? You made it clear you want nothing to do with me and after kicking me from the study you are now offering me anything I want to ensure my happiness?”

  He cleared his throat and shifted his feet, clearly uncomfortable. “I understand your confusion. It’s true, I haven’t exactly welcomed your presence here, and I’m apologizing for my abrupt attitude.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Although I’d like to believe this is all true, after years of your demeanor toward me, I don’t see you’re capable of changing so quickly. From my experience, I would venture to say you want something from me.”

  “I can’t argue with that. As I mentioned, I’m offering a compromise. Traditionally, both parties benefit in some way. However, my apology is sincere. My behavior as of late has been uncalled for due to the circumstances, but I’m hoping you can help with that.”

  Tired of this game, she crossed her arms. “Just tell me what you want from me, and we can sort out the rest afterward.”

  He let out a sigh. “Uncle Herman wasn’t pleased his estate and title would be passed to his brother’s son, not to mention the fact he was quite fond of teaching the lessons. To that end, he decided to keep everything about his finances written in code to make my life as difficult as possible. As his wife, I believe you are the key I’ve been missing. I need you to help me decipher his books.”

  A cold sweat broke out over Hannah’s face. How could she explain that she would never have been used for something so important to her late husband? That he had never loved her? It was humiliating. The thought put fire in her stomach and she refused to allow that horrid excuse for a husband to put her through the torment of admitting such right now. He was dead. She wouldn’t allow him to hurt her again.

  She straightened her back. “Now that I know what you want, we can return to negotiating my terms.”

  Also by Soul Mate Publishing and Jenn Langston:

  THE PERFECT SERIES

  HIS PERFECT BRIDE

  Richard Carrack received the title of Marquis of Stonemede upon his father’s death six months ago. Knowing of the duties associated with the title, he decides to marry and spend the remainder of his days tending to the estate. His requirements for his bride are simple; he wishes her to be obedient and calm-spirited. When circumstances place him in the path of Lady Brianna Denton, whose wild ways make her an unsuitable candidate, he lies about his identity to discourage her from pursuing him for his title.

  Brianna Denton knows what she wants out of life. She wishes to marry an untitled lord and live the remainder of her days in the country with no obligations. Only then can she spend her free time painting. When she meets Mr. Richard, she decides he would make the perfect husband. Little does she know, her boldness puts her in a position where she must decide between what she always thought she wanted and what her heart is telling her.

  Available now on Amazon: HIS PERFECT BRIDE

  HIS PERFECT GAME

  Greyson Thorpe, Viscount Merrick, wants respectability above all else. Knowing the fastest way to achieve that state comes through marriage, he challenges Hammond Everett, the Duke of Donetic, to a card game. After winning the match, the duke agrees to exchange his daughter’s hand in marriage for the forgiveness of his debts.

  Willimena Abigail Everett had no desire to marry after experiencing the violent nature of men at her father’s hand. When Viscount Merrick arrives, she has no choice other than to obey her father and marry him. Will she be able to set aside her previous beliefs about men and judge her husband by his own merits?

  After obtaining good social standing, Greyson sends his bride to the country; however, he finds himself missing her. Following her to the estate, he discovers she had been living a double life. Will he discover her secrets and control his burning desire for her at the same time?

  Available now on Amazon: HIS PERFECT GAME

  HIS PERFECT LADY

  Notorious rake Jonathan Alastair, Viscount Linwood, has spent six years proving he has moved on after being cast off by the only woman he ever cared for. When their paths cross again, his desire for her re-ignites. Intending to pursue her for one night of pleasure, he discovers he wants more from the one woman who got away. But can he overlook her previous rejection in order to forge a new relationship?

  Mrs. Catherine Gates is cursed as evident by the swift deaths of two husbands, both on their wedding nights. Brought to London at the insistence of her uncle to remarry, seeing Jonathan again makes her body ache, however she must maintain her distance to save him from the curse. Unable to fight her building passion, can Catherine find a way to break the curse that threatens his life and her everlasting happiness?

  Available now on Amazon: HIS PERFECT LADY

  CATCHING THE BARON

  Kenneth Rawson, Baron Berwick, needs to marry an heiress, but when he discovers his new stable boy, Sam, is actually a woman, he finds himself intrigued. Knowing his choice of a bride must be based on more than blinding passion, he makes his stance on not marrying her very clear.

  Samantha Jenkins disguises herself as
a boy after the tragic loss of her parents in order to escape a landlord who claimed she owed a debt. After spending time with Baron Berwick, she finds herself falling in love. However, a telling conversation with him makes her realize he only meant to remain with her until he weds.

  Will Kenneth realize he is lost without her and beg for forgiveness? Will Samantha forgive him?

  Available now on Amazon: CATCHING THE BARON

  WINNING THE DUKE

  Grace Denton’s first Season solidifies her decision to never marry. How can she? The London gentlemen are boorish and unappealing. When reunited with the handsome, yet brooding Braiden Everett, his hidden charm captivates her. If she marries him, she could obtain her dream of having a child of her own and a husband she can stand to be around. Despite his contentions to a union, she is confident their connection will help him as well. She has already seen how her proximity begins to heal his pain. Faced with his indifference, will she be able to control her building passion for him?

  Discovering women’s heartless nature, Braiden Everett, Duke of Donetic, has sworn off the foolish idea of love. Upon reentering his life, the sweet and spirited Grace illuminates the only light left in his dark world. He agrees her marriage of convenience proposal has some merit. But is it wise? He’s intrigued by her mind and tempted by her body. However, he refuses to lose his heart again. Besides, she deserves more than he can give. After all, he’s forgotten how to love, hasn’t he?

  Available now on Amazon: WINNING THE DUKE

  REDEEMING THE EARL

  Rebecca Doutree has a secret. A big secret. She is the author of the famous Unscandal Sheet. The anonymity provides her a unique position to discover the legitimacy behind local gossip and to aid the wrongly accused in her publication. When she meets the Earl of Dunmore, the facts hidden underneath the rumors surrounding him beckon her to unveil them. However, as she spends time with him to secretly uncover the truth, she discovers concentrating on her mission to be much harder than she anticipated. What is it about him that affects her so?

  Charles Edwards, the Earl of Dunmore, only wants one thing: an heir. Yet, as a four-time widower, he is surrounded by scandal. Knowing of his duty to the earldom, he ventures to London to clear his name and obtain wife number five. Coming across the husky-voiced Miss Doutree, he turns his attention to her. To his surprise, he finds himself tempted by her like never before. The new feeling is discomforting, and he isn’t sure he likes it. Can he marry her and still remain the same man? Or, more importantly, will she survive the endeavor?

  Available now on Amazon: REDEEMING THE EARL

  TOUCHED BY FIRE SERIES

  EMBRACING THE KNIGHT

  (TOUCHED BY FIRE BOOK 1)

  Miss Claire Ashford knows exactly what she wants out of life — to marry for love. When she finds herself alone in the woods with none other than notorious rake Ian Michael Caldwell, Viscount Knightly, her chances of a proper match are ruined. He is willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of her reputation, but she is determined not to marry anyone out of obligation.

  For years, Ian has wanted nothing more than to, one day, marry Miss Claire Ashford. When fate forces them into a compromising situation, he vows to do just that. In spite of every effort, she refuses his suit. Not one to easily give up, Ian drafts assistance from an unlikely source.

  As her first season continues, Claire finds it increasingly difficult to keep her distance from Ian. His charm, and ability to stir feelings inside of her she didn’t know existed, makes it hard to remember why she refused him in the first place. With his relentless pursuit and her weakening resolve, she desperately wants to give in to him. However, after seeing he hasn’t changed his rakish ways, how can she trust him not to break her heart, again?

  Available now on Amazon: EMBRACING THE KNIGHT

  ENSLAVING THE DAY

  (TOUCHED BY FIRE BOOK 2)

  One night’s mistake finds Lady Annalise Hera in a very compromising situation. Pregnant, unmarried, and on her way to Gretna Green. Although Baron Dailey put her in this position, she belatedly realizes she can’t marry him and will do anything to get him to release her. Even lie. After all, life would be better as a disgraced, unwed mother than the wife of a cocky, irritating man she can barely tolerate.

  Gordon Ashford, Baron Dailey, never thought much about his friend’s younger sister. That was, until she grew into a beautiful woman. Now, after one drunken night when he took her innocence, he can’t seem to get her out of his head. With her constant refusal of him, and perpetual need to argue, he should give her up. But he can’t, even though she’s told him she’s not carrying his child.

  Convincing her to accept him proves to be near impossible, but he’s not one to easily give up.

  Available now on Amazon: ENSLAVING THE DAY

  ENSNARING LORD STARSEN

  (TOUCHED BY FIRE BOOK 3)

  Tethered to a restrictive life on her half-brother’s estate, Lady Isabella Rossland tries her best to find her own happiness. With the dreary gentlemen nearby not appealing to her restless spirit, she’s left with few escape options. Then, a man she’s known for years catches her attention, and she’s intrigued. What could make a man so aloof act so unexpectedly? It seems there is more to Lord Starsen than the person he presents to society.

  Marcus Hera, Earl of Starsen, vows to lead a calm existence, due to a fiery tragedy during his reckless youth where he suffered permanent injuries. As such, he wants a dutiful wife to complement his life. When his path crosses unexpectedly with the impetuous Lady Isabella, he’s shocked to find himself drawn to her. He resists his undeniable attraction to her, choosing duty over the confusing emotions she’s wrought in him.

  Realizing Marcus has a spirit that matches her own, Isabella makes her intentions known, only to discover he has made a promise to another. Not one to easily give up, Isabella must convince him she is the right woman for him. With his impending betrothal approaching, time is running out. Has she pierced his barriers and won his heart, or is she too late?

  Available now on Amazon: ENSNARING LORD STARSEN

  ENCHANTING THE DUKE OF DEMOON

  (TOUCHED BY FIRE BOOK 4)

  Miss Carolyn Ashford wants one thing from marriage: love. After spending one informative season in London, she discovers the rarity of the emotion. Resigning herself to a life of spinsterhood, she leans on her brother’s charity. When she stumbles upon a secret garden on the Duke of Demoon’s property, she sets to restore it. As the garden comes to life, so does her spirit, as though she’s finally found her place.

  Edmund Marsham, Duke of Demoon, for over a decade hasn’t shown his scarred face—the only outward sign of surviving a devastating fire in his youth—to anyone outside of Moonlight Castle. Seeking sanctuary from his callous mother, he rides off to his grandmother’s secret garden. Once there, he is surprised to find a young woman has brought life back into the neglected place. Although he keeps his identity from her, they form an unexpected friendship. Before long, Edmund begins to want impossible things. Things he knows he can’t have.

  Carolyn knows her time with Edmund is limited considering he has no desire for a wife or child. With another man vying for her attention, she knows with him she will have everything that Edmund denies her. She attempts to distance herself from Edmund, but her traitorous body has other plans. Will her heart survive a temporary romance with Edmund, and will those memories be enough to satisfy a lifetime without him?

  Available now on Amazon: ENCHANTING THE DUKE OF DEMOON

  TO LOVE A MARQUIS

  (Reformed Rakes Book 1)

  Miranda Jayne Whittier flees to London, escaping marriage to the Marquis of Melbourne, a man she’s never met who is surrounded in rumors she can’t overlook. With the last of her pin money spent, she accepts employment at Lady Constance’s House of Reform. Assigned to Viscount Har
ken, a handsome but difficult man who doesn’t make their association easy, she is determined to help him and, in the process, solidify her position. She soon discovers he deserves better than he believes.

  Anson Greenleaf, Marquis of Melbourne, thought collecting his betrothed would be a simple matter, but he’d been wrong. Miss Whittier has taken on a position in the city, which presents him with a unique opportunity. Using one of his lesser known titles, he poses as a client. Instead of learning why she ran from him, he finds himself drawn to her and is determined to charm her. Before long, he forms an intense desire for her. One he must fight.

  When Miranda discovers the Marquis of Melbourne followed her to London, she fights against the need to leave the position she loves and the man she’s come to care for. As her life falls apart, she’s forced to give up the viscount. When she learns of the Marquis’s deception, she realizes she can’t marry him. After all, she knows exactly what he wants in a bride. And, she knows it’s not her.

  Available now on Amazon: TO LOVE A MARQUIS

  TO TAME A VISCOUNT

  (Reformed Rakes Book II)

  Kaylee Shepherd knew there was much more to life than marriage when she’d left her stepbrother’s house to begin Lady Constance’s House of Reform three years ago. Now, more than ever, she is determined to experience everything she is able before she is too old to enjoy it. When Simon Highgate, Viscount Washburne, makes his interest in her known, she seizes the opportunity. One night with him is more than she could imagine and one she will never forget.