THE DEFIANT LADY Read Free Page A

along with hefty interest for such a lengthy delay in remittance.
    Only a select few knew of the debt or how it had been incurred, and Nathan Crosby was one of them. The late Earl had borrowed money from the late Duke of Cavehill. The man had a weakness for gambling and cards, but no good fortune. Mortgaged and indebted up to his ears, and with the family estate nearly on the auction block, Cy’s father borrowed money to save the family estate for his only son. The Duke of Cavehill died only four years later, and the Earl of Stanton died two years following.
    At the age of six and twenty, Cy inherited his title, along with an enormous debt between two men who were no longer living.
    Cy vowed to repay the debt, restore the family fortune and marry a woman of quality. These things alone would restore the family title to respect and honor and enable him to finally live the life of a true gentleman.
    Possessing a strong desire to right his situation, Cy believed himself completely capable of doing so. Thinking that if he had inherited wealth instead of debt, he would have already tripled his family fortune, but because he was financially crippled by such a colossal debt, Cy could only invest small amounts at certain times, and the returns never came close to matching the interest that was owed. His existing land, estate and investments made him appear to be a wealthy man, but in actuality, he was barely solvent.
    It angered him to no end. He pledged that no future generation of his family would suffer from his father’s reckless choices. The debt would end with him, even if that meant selling his title on the marriage mart to snag himself a wealthy wife.
    Cy’s morning had been rotten. First, his favorite stallion slipped a shoe. Then, his perfectly fitted brown jacket sleeve ripped. And now he was forced to discuss marriage plans to prevent imminent financial ruin, almost as if he were discussing the weather with a passerby.
    “You could mortgage some of your smaller properties,” Nathan suggested. “Or sell your investments in the shipping companies.”
    Cy shook his head. “Both options are out of the question. I will not do as my father and mortgage my lands, leaving me penniless. If I marry a woman who has a large enough dowry, I can wipe the debt clean, start turning a profit from my existing investments, and build back my rightful wealth. I want this debt cleared without leaving me destitute, landless and with no hope for the future. Besides, it is past time I marry and produce an heir,” he stated sardonically.
    “Is it to be Miss Emily Fitzgerald then?” Nathan asked, knowing his employer had been spending a great deal of time with the young woman’s father.
    Cy thought of the attractive blonde. Though she was beautiful and the daughter of a baron, she inspired no deep emotion in him. She would be perfect, but more specifically her dowry would cover his inherited debt in full, including interest. They both would lead separate lives; he had no qualms about shackling himself to a well-bred woman who would act as his hostess and provide him with an heir.
    Sitting back in his chair, Cy pressed his fingertips together in thought. “I will send correspondence to Miss Fitzgerald’s father. Have the marriage contract drawn up.”
    “As you wish.” Nathan took off his glasses and polished them for a moment in silence. After he put them back on, he looked at Cy and with complete sincerity said, “Congratulations.”
    Cy smiled ironically. “Thank you, Nathan. You always know just what to say.”

    ***

    London, England

    Lord Brandon Caldwell stepped off the cobblestone street, adjusted his cravat and straightened his brown overcoat. Walking down Bond Street for a few minutes, he then turned down a narrow alleyway littered with scattered garbage and other refuse. A dirty orphan boy, who was inadequately clad for the English winter, darted out in front of Caldwell. His big, brown eyes pleaded for a handout. Lord