Captivating Kisses

“When the marquess was on his deathbed, he admitted everything to witnesses and claimed me as his heir,” Julian explained.

“No wonder everything seems so strange to you, my lord,” Lady Ariadne said. “But why do you want to partake in the Season?”

“For the same reason as you, my lady. I wish to find a wife. The man who sired me had three of them, all of them barren. I do not take my responsibilities lightly. I know I must provide an heir, so I will do so as soon as possible.”

“Will you tell your wife what you have shared with me?”

“I don’t know,” he said honestly. “If I do, I doubt any lady in Polite Society would have me.”

“Yet you told me,” she said softly. She reached and took his hand, squeezing it. “Thank you for sharing your story with me, my lord. Thank you for trusting me.”

Lady Ariadne released it, and Julian felt bereft.

“I will never tell a soul,” she promised him. “You can count on my discretion. And do not underestimate yourself. You are a very handsome man. You speak and carry yourself well. You hold a lofty title, and I assume you have a decent amount of wealth. You will have no trouble finding a bride on the Marriage Mart.”

Julian looked at the young woman before him. She had poise. Charm. Spirit. And she was quite beautiful, especially with her copper hair.

He wasn’t ready to speak openly to her yet, but he had already made up his mind.

Lady Ariadne was the one for him. No other would do as his marchioness.