“It has been a pleasure my lady. I would love to stay and chat longer but I have business with your father. Perhaps, I will see you later.” His words were abrupt and he took a step back further into the shadows.
Rose took another step toward him. He turned his head to the right and his profile came into view. Rich chocolate brown hair curled at his neck and around his ear.
“Are you staying for dinner, Mr. Cross?”
“Yes, I believe I am.”
“Well then, I am certain I will see you tonight.” She took one more step in his direction. Despite being close enough to touch him, she was still in the sun while he was in the shade, and his features became even less distinguishable, but Rose caught a hint of his scent. He smelled of pine and horse and leather. It was masculine and rich, making her itch to get closer and investigate his heady aroma further. Had she ever noted a man’s scent before?
“May I ask you one more question my lady?”
Her eyebrows rose again. “I have told you all about myself and you have shared nothing. It hardly seems fair for me to answer another question.”
The corner of his lip that she could see turned up into a smile. “No wonder you have left a string of broken hearts. Smart, charming, and beautiful.”
“You flatter me sir, but it will not grant you anymore answers. If you would like information, you will have to tell me something of yourself.”
“I do not flatter you, I speak the truth. I will most certainly share something of myself but regretfully, I must go. Perhaps, we can continue this conversation another time?” He turned away from her and mounted his horse. While it would have been easier for him to come into the sun and follow the river, he rode his horse into the trees remaining in the shade. She wished desperately to see the rest of his face.
Rose shook her head. He had intrigued her when most bored her to tears. Not even Carl had piqued her interest quite so much and her soldier talked of little else than his bravery on the battlefield. Hopefully, her curiosity would soon be satisfied and she would learn more about the mysterious Mr. Cross.
***
Alexander Cross trotted slowly up to the Earl’s manor. He was in no rush now that he was almost here. His eyes closed for a second as he pictured Lady Rose. She was even more beautiful than he could have imagined.
Blond hair and luminous blue eyes topped full lips and perfect features. Her skin was a flawless shade of cream with pale pink lips. Gentle curves had swayed perfectly as she had approached him. A small smile resting lightly on her lips as she bantered playfully with him. By God, she was stunning.
The real challenge would be keeping her attention. Even the bonds of marriage wouldn’t secure her feelings. If a man was going to make Rose his, he would have to do it in a way that completely captured her heart. Her father had been honest about her past. She fell easily in love and then lost interest after a time.
He had every intention of, not only marrying her, but truly making her his. That much was assured. It was not just her hand that he wanted but a woman he could trust with his heart.
He dismounted from his steed and handed the reins to a stable boy. As he started up the steps to Essex’s country estate, he barely took in the scene. His mind filled with thoughts of Rose.
Her father stepped out onto the steps to greet him. “Your Grace,” he addressed Alex.
“Wonderful to see you again, Lord Essex.” He reached for the other man’s hand.
“Was Rose where I said she would be?”
“Indeed she was.” Alex kept his face neutral. For many reasons, it was best her father not see how enamored Alex already was with his daughter. That mattered little if Rose would not return his affections, and not just for a short time, but forever.
“And?”
“She is all you said she would be.”
“That is like saying nothing at all, Your Grace.” Her father grumbled. “May we continue our negotiations?”
“Indeed.” Alex gave a strained smile. The action still pulled at his scared skin but he paid it no mind. He gave all attention to making the lovely, Lady Rose his own.
ABOUT TAMMY ANDRESEN
Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast. Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics. It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education. She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.
You can learn more about Tammy, or sign up for her newsletter, by visiting her website. www.tammyandresen.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tammyandresen
Facebook: http://facebook.com/authortammyandresen
What the Critics are saying
“The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW
“While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.” http://alysenovak.blogspot.com
”… it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin
Table of Contents
The Golden Rules of Love
Copyright
Titles by Tammy Andresen
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Epilogue
Excerpt of Taming a Duke's Wild Rose
About Tammy Andresen
The Golden Rules of Love: Western Romance Page 15
