A Bachelor's Lessons in Love (Bachelors of Blackstone's)

by Sally Britton

In all honesty, with thirty-odd titles, it’s difficult to know who to dedicate things to anymore! So this one is for you. Write your name on the line or mentally insert it. This book is dedicated to __________________, because without a reader, what would even be the point? -SB-

He barely looked up at her when she asked her indignant question. She had learned long ago how little her protests meant when a man had already made up his mind. Once, she might’ve believed herself capable of persuading someone to wait, to stay, to choose her. But that had been a long-ago foolishness.

She knew what it was to be given the bare minimum of care, just enough to suggest she was remembered, but not enough to feel wanted.

This was Society; a place where youth mattered more than intelligence, and breeding mattered more than good sense. Where marriageable young ladies were seen, and spinsters were merely tolerated.

It had been years since anyone expected Felicity Price to indulge in anything simply for the pleasure of it. That was a privilege for young women with futures ahead of them. Her days of acquiring pretty things for herself had ended when she realized there was no one left in the world who cared whether she wore pink roses or daisies in her hair.

“Is that skepticism I hear?” “I haven’t the slightest idea how your ears interpret sound, Colonel.”

“This is your club, my lord. You need not ask my permission for anything.” “When one wishes for polite company, one must be mostly polite rather than mostly tyrannical.”

Now I am responsible for a young woman as her guardian, and her companion—her aunt—by extension. I find myself lost. There are no maps or guides for a man in my position.” “Indeed, not. Even if there were, I imagine they would be almost useless since most such things are written by men.”

Edward exhaled, shaking his head slightly. “You have spent so long deciding what is wrong with you.” He bent closer. “Have you never considered all that is perfect and lovely?”

Of course, he might have said she spent too much time looking after everyone, and perhaps she did. But she did not begrudge the people she loved a single moment of her time.

Felicity had thought the woman as efficient as a brigadier general, but had only dared say such a thing once. Mrs. Lane had immediately objected to being likened to a military man. “They are terribly inept at running households,” she had said, most indignant.

Felicity knelt beside him, gently prying his fingers open. A single red mark bloomed on his thumb. It was nothing serious, but quite enough to bring a small tragedy into his young world. Oh, that the days when soothing hurts so easily could remain forever.