A Study in Desire

A Study in Desire Jane Maguire Contents Also by Jane Maguire Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Epilogue Bonus Content About the Author A Study in Desire Copyright © 2023 Jane Maguire All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and places are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental. Cover design by Holly Perret Edited by Nevvie Gane ISBN: 978-17778926-7-8 www.janemaguireauthor.com Also by Jane Maguire The Inconveniently Wed series Book 1: Secrets and a Scandal Book 2: Rumors and a Rake Book 3: Longing for a Lady The Rockliffe Dynasty series Book 1: A Study in Desire To my third grade teacher, for encouraging me to keep writing. Thanks, Mr. B. Prologue February, 1805 Beatrice Prescott, the Dowager Marchioness of Rockliffe, would have thought she’d made enough peculiar requests over time to no longer cause her man of business to bat an eye. Yet no sooner had she explained what she needed done than Mr. Adolphus Clare’s eyes widened, and his mouth began quivering at the corners. “But, my lady, that’s …” The dowager sat stiffly in the chair behind the vast oak desk that technically belonged to her son, resisting the urge to drum her fingers against its surface as she waited for Clare to select the appropriate adjective. Uncharitable? Wicked? Illegal? Perhaps what she’d asked of him was all those things. But oh, did she have her reasons. Reasons that Clare, or anyone for that matter, could likely discern if he only took time to stop and think. If he was too shortsighted to recognize the implications of the situation that unfurled before his eyes, though, she certainly had no intention of voicing them aloud. “Spare me the lecture on morality.” She gave a dismissive flick of her hand, ignoring the painful jolt that came from what had to be the onset of rheumatism. “While it may not appear so, I do, in fact, have everyone’s best interests at heart. I regret that we couldn’t have come to a resolution using less drastic measures, but sometimes, these things cannot be helped. In the end, Theodora and the boys will be happier for it. As for you, Clare, I’m sure it goes without saying that your cooperation in this matter will not go unnoticed. In fact, I’ll consider myself quite in your debt.” Clare’s forehead wrinkled, and he reached up to swipe away beads of perspiration that had accumulated near his receding hairline. He shifted uncomfortably in his leather chair on the other side of the desk, making a great show of indecision. However, was there really any question as to whether he would comply? He’d been her—well, the former and then current marquess’s—man of business for more than three decades, and old habits died hard. Especially when one received handsome compensation for these habits. For a moment longer, he looked at her with a face etched with tension, his boots making irritating scuffing noises against the floor. But then, his feet stilled, and he made a quiet sound, one that had the air of a poorly repressed sigh. “If you’re certain that’s the best course of action, my lady.” “Good.” The dowager made a weak attempt at feigning relief for the concession she’d already known he would make, although whether it showed through her satisfied smirk was doubtful. Not that it mattered. She had already turned her attention elsewhere, to the many preparations she had to make for what was to come. “The sooner you can see this done, the better. In the meantime, though, I suppose I’ll have plenty to occupy me. I should arrange for Theodora to acquire a new wardrobe, so that when she’s ready to cast aside her mourning attire, she can go about without looking like a strumpet. Then, there’s the matter of a tutor for the boys, for Lord only knows what sort of education, or lack thereof, they have received thus far—” She broke off, cognizant that her man of business had resumed his infernal fidgeting and made another low sound. A chortle? “Is something the matter, Clare?” She didn’t bother concealing her irritation. He pulled himself upright in his chair and cleared his throat, this time with purpose. “Regarding the debt you feel I’m rightfully owed …” “So soon?” She arched an eyebrow but then stilled, restraining herself before her expression turned to one that had been known to make grown men cower. After all, assuming Clare saw to the successful completion of the task she’d requested—and he would, because Clare always did—she would, indeed, owe him a favor. Best see to it at once before he had the opportunity to develop any further misgivings. “Very well. What can I do to make this an even exchange?” “You said you’re in need of a tutor for your grandsons, and I’d like to propose a candidate.” He paused a moment, eyeing her evenly. “My son, Jeremy.” She peered at him in return, processing the request. Of all the things he could have demanded of her, that was the last she would have imagined. Had she even known that Clare had a son? The topic must have come up a time or two, although they usually eschewed personal matters in favor of business. Which presently, happened to be family business. “He’s more than qualified for the position,” he rushed to say before she could make a comment one way or another. “A scholar. Until