Lord Dearborn's Destiny

by Brenda Hiatt

  Despite the fact that she was a year younger, Frederica had tended to mother Thomas ever since their own mother’s death nearly ten years before. In vain she reminded herself that he was one and twenty now, a man grown. Of late he had begun to resent her ordering of their lives, she knew. In fact, when he had left for Town a few weeks before, she had feared that he might do something foolish merely to prove his independence.

  “You haven’t gotten into some sort of trouble, have you, dear?” she asked with ready concern, forcibly reminded of the scapegrace lad she used to sooth, shield and advise.

  Thomas, however, immediately donned a charming smile and came forward to embrace her. “Wrong? Of course not, Freddie. Quite the opposite, in fact. I’ve come to offer you my heartiest congratulations.” Frederica stiffened in her brother’s clasp, drawing back to regard him warily. “Congratulations? Congratulations for what, Thomas?”

  “Why, on your betrothal to the Earl of Seabrooke. Quite a respectable match, considering you’ve not been to Town, eh? Imagine, my little sister a Countess!”

  “Have you taken leave of your senses?” she demanded, pulling free of him. “How can I possibly be betrothed to a man I have never met?” Examining Thomas through narrowed eyes, she wondered whether he might be foxed, early in the day though it was.

  “No, Frederica, I have finally come to my senses,” declared Thomas stoutly, though he refused to meet his sister’s gaze. “I have come to realize that I’ve been shirking many of my responsibilities—to the estate and, especially, to you.”

  Frederica stared at her brother open-mouthed. She had never seen him in this mood before and found herself, uncharacteristically, at a loss for words.

  “I’m a man now, and it is time I had a care for your future,” Thomas went on, in what was beginning to sound suspiciously like a rehearsed speech. “You cannot spend your life running my household, you know. You are far too capable—and pretty—to settle for that. No, it is time you had a household of your own, one worthy of your merit.

  “I shall require you to go over the accounts with me, so that I may familiarize myself with the workings of the estate. Then I’ll have a conference with our steward—what’s his name?” He faltered briefly, looking to her for assistance.

  “Bridges,” replied Frederica dazedly, undecided whether to be outraged or amused at Thomas’s sudden decision to grow up.

  “Bridges. Of course.” He clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace the room. “He can continue to oversee all the day-to-day details, but he will now answer to me instead of you. I can’t imagine what Father was thinking of to suggest that you manage the estate in the first place. It’s hardly fitting for a woman.”

  Frederica knew very well what their father had been thinking when he stipulated in his will that she have the handling of Maple Hill and the surrounding lands. During the five years before his death, from the time she was barely in her teens, it had been Frederica rather than Thomas who had taken a keen interest in all that went into running a large household and its adjacent farms. She had set herself to learn every aspect of management, from consulting with Cook to visiting the tenant families, and had gradually taken on all the responsibilities that would have been her mother’s, had she lived, as well as many of her father’s. Thomas, meanwhile, had eluded all his parent’s efforts to educate him as befitted an heir, often spending even his holidays at Eton, and then Oxford, with his friends.

  “It is all very well you are finally taking an interest in Maple Hill,” Frederica said, finding her tongue at last. “But what has that to do with my marrying? I cannot believe you would make such a decision for my future without consulting me. Come, tell me this is one of your hoaxes, Thomas.”

  “No, Freddie, it is not. I am persuaded that Seabrooke will make you a splendid husband. You will doubtless thank me when you grow accustomed to the idea.” His tone was lofty, but he still avoided her eye.

  Frederica’s slow temper finally reached its boiling point. “Thank you? For flippantly arranging the rest of my life without so much as a by-your-leave? I think not! I would never have encouraged you to go to London had I known you would do something so shatterbrained. Now I suppose it will be up to me to write to this Lord Seabrooke to cry off, as if I had nothing better with which to occupy my time.”

  “It is too late for that,” Thomas informed her bluntly. “The contracts have already been drawn up. To cry off now would cause no end of scandal and be exceedingly awkward for all concerned.”

  He had no intention of telling her just how awkward. In payment of his gaming debt, he had settled twelve thousand pounds of Frederica’s inheritance on Lord Seabrooke in advance. If the betrothal were cancelled, he would still owe the man that impossible sum. During the journey home, Sir Thomas had managed to convince himself that he truly was acting in his sister’s best interests, never suspecting that Lord Seabrooke himself had done much to plant that satisfactory idea in his head.

  Frederica took three deep breaths, as her old governess had always recommended she do in times of stress. It was being borne in upon her that her brother actually wished her to honor this outrageous commitment. Biting back another angry retort, she determined to discover every particular. Organized to a fault, Frederica preferred to have all the facts at her disposal before dealing with any problem. The approach had served her well in the past, and she saw no reason to deviate from it now.

  “I don’t recall that I’ve heard you mention Lord Seabrooke before, Thomas,” she said with what she felt was laudable calm. “Is he someone you met at Oxford?”

  “No, I met him for the first time during my visit to London. I’m sure you will like him, Freddie. He’s a capital fellow. Fought on the Peninsula against Boney.”

  Frederica was aghast. “You just met him? Thomas, for all you know he might be no more than a fortune-hunter!”

  For the first time, Thomas looked uncomfortable. “Shouldn’t think so,” he said, frowning. “He’s a member at all the clubs, even White’s. It’s deuced hard to get in there. I should know—I had to have two friends put in a word for me to be admitted. They’d never allow a fortune-hunter in.” He spoke more confidently now.

  “Not if he announced the fact,” Frederica returned acidly. She had not missed Thomas’s discomfort and pressed harder. “So you know virtually nothing about the man, for all your fine speeches, other than his title and service record.”

  “It’s not as though I’m forcing you to wed some toothless old roué, you know,” said Thomas defensively. “Seabrooke is well enough looking and can’t be much past thirty—came into his title just a few months ago, I believe. He’s a bang-up Corinthian and vastly in demand. Most girls would jump at the chance to marry him.”

  “I am not ‘most girls,’ Thomas. I’d prefer to know a bit more about a man before tying myself to him for life. Your precious Lord Seabrooke could be a murderer or a highwayman for all you know of him. But I suppose I must wait to discover such things until after I am his wife.” Frederica made no effort to conceal her bitterness, hoping that it would help to dissuade her brother from his mad scheme.

  “Now, Freddie, you know I’d never expect you to marry a scoundrel,” said Thomas soothingly, patting her hand in a manner Frederica found maddeningly condescending. “Seabrooke is quite the gentleman. You must trust me.”

  She thought rapidly. “You are certain you would not force me to marry a scoundrel, Thomas?” she asked carefully.

  “Of course not! You’re my sister, after all.” His tone was indignant.

  “So if it were to transpire that your Lord Seabrooke is a scoundrel, you would allow me to cry off?”

  Thomas paused at that, but then shrugged. “Yes. But he is no scoundrel, I assure you. Oh, he has a bit of a reputation as a rake, I’ll grant you that—what red-blooded blade don’t? Nothing you need worry about, though.”

  Frederica was smiling grimly now. “I’ll be the judge of that, Thomas. I plan to do a bit of investigating abou
t the Earl of Seabrooke. If I can prove that he’s got more than a ‘bit of a reputation,’ that he’s a fortune-hunter or in any way dishonorable, I’ll expect you to hold to your promise.”

  Thomas was taken aback, but only for a moment. After all, what could she possibly discover that he would not have heard about in Town? He had asked his friends about the man before having the papers drawn up—he wasn’t a complete nodcock! Doubtless Frederica simply meant to write a few letters. And even if she went to London herself, which he thought unlikely in the extreme, he was confident that there was nothing really wrong with Seabrooke. He’d stake his own reputation on that, even after such a short acquaintance.

  And if there were something—something that actually merited the label of "scoundrel”—well, he’d just have to find another way to raise twelve thousand pounds. He owed his sister too much to do otherwise.

  Thomas looked at her with affection, realizing for the first time what a prize she might be considered, with her cascading copper curls, wide green eyes and flawless complexion—and a fortune, to boot.

  "Very well, Freddie,” he finally said, "investigate away. You’ll see Seabrooke is a right ’un. And then I’ll expect you to do your part. I’m sure you have no more desire to end up an ape leader—er, a spinster—than I have to see you one. You are twenty already and you still resist making your come-out in Town. I can’t imagine how you ever expect to catch a husband holed up here at Maple Hill. Why, you don’t even go to the local assemblies since Father died.”

  “I’d rather remain unwed to my dying day than be bound to a man I can’t love or respect,” his sister retorted, her eyes glinting. “And despite what you say, Thomas, no man who would betroth himself to a lady sight unseen can be all that he should be. If he were as sought after as you say, why should he do so? I’ll discover something to his discredit, never fear! And I shall hold you to your promise when I do.” Her face set, Frederica strode from the room.

  Sir Thomas watched her go, a slight frown creasing his handsome brow. All in all, the interview had gone better than he had expected. At least she had not refused outright, as he had feared. If she had, he doubted he could have forced her to the match. Still, he could not recall Frederica ever failing at a task she set her mind to, and she had looked uncommonly determined this time. Could he possibly have misjudged Lord Seabrooke?

  His brow cleared and he shrugged. If he had, no doubt Frederica would discover it for him. He had decided years ago that there was never any point in worrying about things one could not change, particularly if they were unpleasant. Accordingly, Sir Thomas put the entire matter from his mind and sat down to consume the remainder of Frederica’s abandoned tea and cakes.

  A NOTE FROM BRENDA HIATT

  THANK YOU so much for purchasing and reading Lord Dearborn’s Destiny! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review wherever you buy or talk about books to let other like-minded readers know they might enjoy it, too.

  Lord Dearborn's Destiny was my third published novel, after Gabriella and The Cygnet (originally "The Ugly Duckling). It is set in the same "world" as all of my Regency-set books, both my traditional Regencies (like this one) and my single title Regency historicals, with a few of the same (fictional) peripheral characters. Each of my books stands alone, complete in itself, though some readers prefer to read them in order (see book list, below). While preparing my traditional Regencies for e-book release, I chose to keep the British spellings and more omniscient viewpoint of the originals, to preserve the classic feel of those books. For all of these reissues, I have taken the opportunity to clean up a few small errors of fact and proofing, and am delighted to again share my stories with you in this new format.

  For the latest information on these and upcoming books, as well as two exclusive FREE short stories, please subscribe to my newsletter. You can also find info on me and my books at brendahiatt.com or connect with me on Facebook or Twitter.

  Books by Brenda Hiatt

  Traditional Regency Romance

  (Hiatt Regency Classics)

  Gabriella - A lost wager obliges a Duke to bring a pretty nobody into fashion for the London Season. Irksome duty turns into something quite different as he falls under the spell of his protege's innocent charm. Gabriella would rather help run her father's veterinary practice than fit into fashionable society but the more time she spends with the dashing Duke, the more conflicted she is. Could this be love?

  The Cygnet - A young lady would rather write poetry than make her London debut until she meets a handsome marquis and Cupid's arrow strikes. She transforms herself to attract him, only to learn he apparently has an aversion to her first love, poetry! Is all lost? (Originally published as The Ugly Duckling.)

  Lord Dearborn's Destiny - After a fortuneteller prophesies a statuesque blonde as his perfect match, a skeptical Lord Dearborn meets just such a woman. Blinded by her beauty, he barely notices her cousin, a lively, witty brunette. Though he has more in common with the petite and impoverished Ellie than the divine Miss Rosalind, she is not in his style at all. Will his eyes be opened in time to his true Destiny?

  Daring Deception - The new Earl of Seabrooke needs a fortune—fast! When a young buck cannot pay his losses at the table and offers his sister instead, Seabrooke agrees to wed her sight unseen. Appalled by her brother's bargain, Miss Chesterton infiltrates Lord Seabrooke's household as a servant to prove him a fortune hunter. But even as she gathers evidence, she finds herself losing her heart to the handsome Earl.

  Christmas Bride - Holly was so looking forward to Christmas! Not only is it her birthday, it's her first wedding anniversary. But now her husband Hunt, the Marquess of Vandover, is in jail, and it's all Holly's fault. Her attempt to help him advance his diplomatic career went terribly wrong and now her husband stands accused of treason. Somehow, she must save Hunt—and their marriage—and Christmas!

  Azalea - After an arranged marriage, Azalea's new husband immediately sails back to England, but she is already in love. When he's lost at sea, she's devastated. Six years later, Azalea sails to England herself and learns that her husband is alive but has no memory of her or their marriage. Worse, he is betrothed! Can Azalea force Christian to remember the truth before he breaks her heart again?

  Regency-set Historical Romance

  Scandalous Virtue - An overprotected widow ready to kick up her heels meets a notorious rake trying to reform. Each sees the other as a shortcut to change . . . until the sparks fly!

  Rogue's Honor - (Free!) First book in “The Saint of Seven Dials” series. A duke’s daughter in disguise is thrown into the company of a legendary Regency Robin Hood. Love is the last thing either of them needs just now, but when was love ever wise?

  Noble Deceptions - An American shipping heiress and the new Saint of Seven Dials find themselves trapped into a marriage neither wants. Even as passion turns to love, both hide secret identities that could lead to arrest. If they trust each other with the truth, will it lead to a lifetime of happiness—or to disaster? (Originally published as A Rebellious Bride.)

  Innocent Passions - A former spy takes on the role of the Saint of Seven Dials to hunt down a deadly traitor but finds himself distracted by a studious and opinionated young lady, newly arrived in London. Is she the innocent bluestocking she appears, or the very traitor he’s been seeking? And which is in more danger–his heart or his life?

  Saintly Sins - A penniless beauty assumes the identity of the Saint of Seven Dials to rescue her young brother from the streets. A nobleman with his own demons is both smitten and intrigued by the lovely enigma, but when he digs beneath the surface, he finds a secret that could ruin them both. But perhaps love is worth the risk… (Originally published as Wickedly Yours.)

  (The above four books are also available in a value-priced boxed set, The Saint of Seven Dials Collector's Edition.)

  Gallant Scoundrel - What happened in Harry Thatcher’s past to change him from a celebrated war hero into a dissipated wastrel. Is it already to
o late, or can becoming the next Saint of Seven Dials–and the right woman–transform him back into the man he has the potential to be? The long-anticipated 5th installment in the Saint of Seven Dials series!

  Tessa's Touch - Tessa has a special gift; with word and touch she can tame the most unbroken horse. But when handsome Lord Anthony gallops into her life, she is faced with a far greater challenge. Anthony thinks Tessa is helping her uncle to sell half-broken horses but soon realizes he must free her from her grasping uncle's trap so he can claim her for himself. (Originally published as Taming Tessa.)

  The Runaway Heiress - Dina’s only chance to keep her inheritance from her gamester brother is to marry before her twenty-fifth birthday. When her carefully planned elopement goes awry she travels to Gretna Green alone, trusting to chance. There she rescues a naïve young lady from a fortune hunter, earning the gratitude of the young lady’s handsome brother. When he asks her to name her reward, she has her answer ready.

  Romantic Historical Fiction

  Ship of Dreams - Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Della flees San Francisco aboard an outbound ship. Kent Bradford is shocked when a beautiful redhead introduces herself as his wife to an important investor. Fearing a scene, he plays along...for now. Set amid the real events of the final, ill-fated voyage of the SS Central America, SHIP OF DREAMS takes the reader on an adventure filled with danger and love.