Chapter Four

Twisted between his bed linens, Landon groaned as the image of the three piles of casework sitting atop Bronwyn's desk reappeared—haunting him as he attempted to sleep. Rolling out of bed, Landon hastily donned his shirt and breeches without the assistance of a valet, as he had done many a time before he inherited the earldom.

Landon grinned as he tiptoed through the hall and down the stairs of his townhouse. It was like he was twenty-two again, leaving his bachelor lodgings in the middle of the night to get a head start on the day's work to prove to his papa that he would be capable of running the firm one day. A surge of excitement at the prospect of utilizing his legal training had his feet pounding against the pavement.

Out of breath, Landon stood frozen at the front door of the Neale it was later in the morning than he had realized. He chuckled as Christopher's cheery greetings to the staff became louder and louder. He missed working alongside his brother every day.

The door swung open, and Christopher popped his head in. "What the devil are you doing here?" Christopher sauntered into Bronwyn's office and slid into the client chair across the desk.

Landon ran a hand over his jaw covered in stubble. "I merely sought to help prepare a few summaries."

"Don't you have more pressing issues to deal with?"

"Not at this time." He rolled his head from side to side. His neck and shoulder muscles were no longer accustomed to being strained for extended periods. In recent months, the only burden Landon had carried was the pressure of selecting a wife. Bronwyn's sweet features flashed before his mind's eye.

"Really?" Christopher sat back in his chair and crossed his legs. "Have you practiced your closing arguments?"

Whether it was from a lack of sleep or his distracted thoughts, Landon stumbled over his brother's logic. "Beg pardon?"

"Perhaps you should run them by me before she arrives."

She? Christopher gave him a wide grin. His brother must have heard of his failed proposal. Likely he'd overheard the staff at the townhouse discussing it this morning. Landon had made the mistake of visiting Theo after his meeting with Bronwyn. The walls of her townhouse were paper thin. Theo was the only woman whose discretion and judgment he trusted. He desperately needed her insight into why Bronwyn had not immediately accepted his offer of marriage, and he sought her advice on to how to rectify the situation. Instead of providing the guidance he wished for, Theo had simply told him not to act like an ignoramus and then applauded his choice of wife. Landon realized the error of his visit as he walked through the foyer to leave and received full, approving smiles from the household staff. The Network was abuzz with his decision to wed.

Landon steepled his fingers. "Very well. Let's practice. I thought to start with: ‘I apologize for not having adequately addressed your concerns...'" He paused at the thump of Christopher's hand landed on the desk.

"By Jove, no wonder Bronwyn requested a reprieve. You have absolutely no…"

Landon abruptly stood. "Since when did the two of you drop all pretense of formality?" Christopher's casual use of Bronwyn's Christian name inflamed Landon's guilt at his prolonged absence and neglect of Bronwyn and the firm.

Christopher rose to his full height, a mere inch shorter than Landon. "Are you daft? How else do you expect me to refer to my sister-to-be?"

"How presumptuous of you, since she has yet to agree to marry me."

His brother mumbled, "And they say he's the smart one." Christopher's smile faded. "Bronwyn has been infatuated with you from her very first day here at the office. I've wondered how long it would take you to come to your senses and make her an offer."

"Since day one?" Landon glared at his brother. "The woman has never batted her eyes at me, nor has she ever giggled at one of my jests."

Christopher rolled his eyes.

Landon wanted to slap himself on the head. He was a buffoon. "Do you think I've made a huge error?"

"In delaying your decision to wed? No. You inherited a mountain of debt and responsibilities along with a title that most would have turned and run from." Christopher tapped the desk. "Your biggest blunder yesterday was failing to express your true feelings for her. I suggest you rectify the situation today."

"That is my intention. If I succeed, I anticipate I'll be out of town for a spell. In my absence, you will have to escort Mama to balls, soirees, and such."

Christopher's shoulders sagged. "You know how much I detest being thrust amongst the ton."

"Our mother gains a wealth of information from these gatherings." Landon softened at his younger brother's obvious discomfort. "Name your price."

"What did Mama extract from you?"

"A promise to wed and beget an heir as soon as possible."

Laughter lit up Christopher's eyes. "A crate of brandy will be sufficient for me."

With a chuckle, Landon nodded, but his focus was on the door, which had swung open.

***

Bronwyn stepped into the office and paused at the sight of the two strikingly handsome brothers smiling at each other. Her attention, as always, was inexplicably drawn to the taller, older brother. Out of practice at masking her reactions to Landon, the tips of her ears and cheeks burned, and her pulse raced at the sight of his devilish dimple.

She swallowed and found her voice. "Gentlemen, am I interrupting?"

Christopher was the first to react. "No, I was on my way out." He moved to stand before her, then leaned in to whisper, "Take it easy on him. I've always wished for a sister like you."

Her cheeks were aflame. She bowed her head and said, "Didn't your mama tell you to be careful about what you wish for?"

With a chuckle, Christopher left the room, leaving her all alone with the man her entire family had sworn to obey and protect. Lifting her chin, she walked toward her desk, but Lord Hadfield stood in front of her chair. This was her office, no longer his. He should make way for her, but the man showed no inclination to make the gentlemanly gesture. Eyebrows angled down into a frown, she walked right up to Landon. "Excuse me."

She was mere inches away before he relented, bowing, and pulled the chair out further for her. Keeping her back to him, Bronwyn slipped into the chair and scooted it forward. She reached for one of the three pencils neatly arranged on the desktop. His warm breath grazed her neck as she swept up the loose tendrils of hair that had escaped her haphazard bun and stuck the pencil through her locks to hold them in place.

"I took the liberty of preparing the summaries for you."

She grabbed the folder from the top of the pile and opened it. "My thanks, but unnecessary."

Landon leaned in, looking over his work. "I hope they meet your expectations."

Ha! It was he who taught her how to examine the details and sift the minutiae from the facts. Her eyes fluttered closed, mimicking the sensations in her stomach. He was too close. She wouldn't be able to concentrate when her body screamed at her to lean into his. She snapped the file shut. "Everything appears to be in order. Mr. Neale will be pleased."

"Are you pleased?"

"Lord Hadfield…"

"I'd be honored if you would address me by my given name."

"Only in the event I agree to your proposal."

"What is preventing you from saying yes?"

Bronwyn reached into her hidden dress pocket and retrieved a carefully crafted list of queries. His answers wouldn't sway her response, but Landon's reactions would provide her with some insight into what the future might hold.

She held out the parchment for Landon.

His gaze shifted between the note and her eyes. "A list of demands?"

She withdrew the list and clutched it to her chest. "No, not demands. How mercenary."

Landon's dimple appeared. "A list of inquires then?" He tilted his head and placed his palm out.

"Yes." Instead of giving him the parchment, she replaced it in her pocket. "Three simple questions."

Landon straightened, and instead of taking the seat opposite her, he perched on the edge of the desk and placed one booted foot behind his calf. "Very well, let's begin."

"What has prompted your decision to wed?"

"My papa left this earth an early age from a lung condition that I too suffer from. It is imperative I sire an heir before I depart this world." His hazel eyes lacked their usual intensity. "The London air has progressively worsened over recent years, and the poor air quality has accelerated my condition."

In her skirt pocket, her hand balled into a fist as an ache settled in the center of her chest. The pain wasn't from the lack of romanticism; she hadn't expected Landon to profess undying love for her, but she was unprepared for the rawness of his voice as he shared his fears. "Why not remain in the country?"

He dipped his chin to his chest and tilted his head toward her. "You know that is not possible."

Yes, as earl he'd be expected at the House of Lords, and his dealings as Head PORF would need to be coordinated from London. With the right woman as a wife, he'd have another to share those burdens. Emma and her mum both assured her she possessed the skills Landon required of his countess. Bronwyn had never shunned a responsibility in her life, but the magnitude of having other people's lives in her hands weighed heavily on her heart and mind.

She squared her shoulders with false bravado. "Second question: How can you be certain we are suitably matched?"

"To clarify, that's your third inquiry. And the answer is—I can't be sure. You were right yesterday in pointing out that we are not well-acquainted despite having worked together for six years. However, I am acutely aware that I missed you these past two years." Landon leaned closer, resting his forearm over his thigh. "I apologize for being slow and not seeking you out sooner."

Bronwyn's heart stilled at the intensity in Landon's voice. His sincere apology left her short of breath. He hadn't been slow. Christopher had the right of it yesterday. Landon never made decisions in haste. Yet, Bronwyn couldn't fathom why he wanted her to be his wife. "I still have one last item to ask you. Do you know who my dad is?"

Landon chuckled. "I do indeed. Theo aided my memory and informed me he is the miserable old man who saw to it that I received the mark."

Bronwyn giggled. Her dad was a bit of a geezer. "Yes, for generations, it has been our family's honor to bestow the mark upon PORFs. Then you understand that I've sworn an oath and it's impossible for me to say no."

He brushed a finger along the side of her face, and as his finger came to rest under her chin, he tilted her face up. Gazes locked. Landon said, "We will not wed unless it is what you desire."

The way the word desire rolled off his tongue sent sparks up her spine. He leaned back, resting his hand upon his knee. Keenly aware he was giving her space to decide, Bronwyn rubbed the back of her neck where the sparks ended.

Breathless, she concentrated on the point she was attempting to convey. "It matters not what my wishes are. I'll not dishonor my family by denying you."

"Your wishes matter to me." He grinned, displaying his heart-melting dimple. "But before you give me your final answer, I too have a series of queries for you. First, do you find me unattractive?"

Landon was far from ugly. Like Emma, Bronwyn's insides fluttered at the sight of his dimple, and while she might hate to admit it, she did appreciate his fine looks. "Not in the least."

"Do you trust me?"

"Absolutely." Bronwyn shared her dad's philosophy that trust must be earned, and Landon had long ago won her trust.

He focused on her lips. "I want to kiss you. Would you like that?"

She stared into his eyes. The sudden glimmer of mischief made her uneasy. It was almost as if he was teasing her. Bronwyn stood, the back of her knees pushing her chair back. With him perched on the desk, she didn't have to roll onto her tiptoes to place her hands upon his chest. Eyes closed, she lifted her chin, ready for him to kiss her.

Instead of his lips pressing against hers, warm fingers brushed against the side of Bronwyn's neck. Landon's palm cradled her jaw as the pad of his thumb ran along her bottom lip. Bronwyn's breath caught in her throat.

"Tell me you want to marry me first before I kiss you." His thumb glided over her lip a second time.

Blinking her eyes open, she swallowed. "Yes."

Leaning closer, Landon whispered in her ear, "I want to hear you say it."

"I'll marry you."

His lips swept along her exposed neck down to her shoulder. Seeking to stabilize herself, she curled her hands, bunching the material of his waistcoat. She couldn't decide if she wanted to pull him closer or push him away. That dilemma fled her mind as his tongue followed the ridge of her collar bone. Landon peppered light kisses upon the swell of her bosom, causing her breathing to hasten.

Landon was renowned for his self-control and restraint. His leisurely exploration was either a testament to his willpower or his roguish nature attempting to torture her.

No longer willing to wait, Bronwyn cupped Landon's face and brought his mouth to meet her own. Soft but firm lips molded to hers. An urge to taste him had Bronwyn parting her lips, allowing his tongue to seek out hers. A burst of exhilaration roared through her veins. She wanted more. Wrapping her arms about his neck, she threaded her hand through his hair and pressed him closer. Boys had tried to kiss her before, cornering her and crushing their mouths in brutal, crude attacks. This was nothing of the kind. Landon was no boy, and she was apparently skilled in the art of kissing.

Landon pulled back. For a moment, she didn't want the spell to end. Soft kisses upon her eyelids prompted her to open her eyes. His dimple greeted her. She had agreed to marry Landon.

When her pulse returned to normal, she reached into her skirt pocket on the left that held another list.

"What is that?"

"My demands."

Landon laughed. "I knew you'd have a list of demands. Pray tell. What's on it?"

"First, I'll not wed in front of the ton at St. Georges. Second, Emma needs another day to have everything readied before we leave for Scotland. Third, you have to speak to my dad tonight."

"Let me make sure I understand. You don't want to wait the three weeks for the banns to be read, and you want to hie off to Gretna Green and be married over an anvil."

"I know you already procured a special license, so a delay of three weeks was never an option."

"Have you shared your demands with anyone? Has the Network already begun preparations?"

"Of course I've not shared my list with another. No one would think me daft enough to actually make requests of the head PORF."

"Grand. Then there is room for negotiation?"

"Absolutely not."

Landon gathered her up in his arms and whispered, "And that is exactly why you are the one for me."

Bronwyn smiled, but she still believed it implausible that she was really perfect for him.