Tempting a Proper Lady by Debra Mullins

began.

Chapter 5
    S amuel found solace in the garden. He stood on the path, staring up at the night sky. The stars looked smaller here in the city than they had on the island, but focusing on them allowing him to get a firm rein on his temper. This should have been easier. Annabelle should have believed him.
    But what had he expected? Women had a different sense of loyalty than men. They always allied themselves with males who were wealthy or powerful, men who would give them things. And when the generosity dried up, the woman would move on to another man. His mother had taught him that lesson.
    He had known the nature of women going into his engagement with Annabelle. At the time, she was the most beautiful girl in the county, even though her father was only a poor farmer. Her beauty was the only asset she possessed to attract a decent husband, and he could not fault her for using it. After all, hadn’t he selected her for her looks and sweet nature? Her life as a farmer’s daughter meant that she understood the rewards of hard work and would make a goodmother for his children. Not to mention there was a strong possibility those children would inherit their mother’s handsomeness.
    He remembered the day he had asked her to marry him, how she had tearfully accepted. She had gone on about love and happiness, and he allowed her that. Love was how women justified their manipulation of men. For him, marriage was a contract. He wanted a wife and family; she wanted a man who would provide for her. It was an excellent arrangement all around. Logical. Sound business.
    But now things were different. Samuel blew out a long breath. He could handle losing Annabelle. He could even understand her wanting to marry another man. After all, it was painfully clear to him that they weren’t suited anymore. But not this man, who would as soon slit her throat as bed her. He cared too much for Annabelle and her parents to allow that to happen.
    â€œCaptain Breedlove?”
    He glanced over at the woman standing on the steps leading down into the garden, silhouetted by the lights of the ballroom behind her. He would recognize that straight spine and lushly curved figure anywhere. “Mrs. Burke, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
    She descended the remaining steps, then paused. “I hope I am not disturbing you.”
    â€œNot at all.” He turned to face her. “What happened to your escort?”
    â€œI asked him to fetch me some punch.” She approached him with the caution of a virgin to a dragon.
    For some reason her hesitance only heightened his simmering temper. “I thought you would have been comforting Annabelle after what just happened.”
    â€œShe is with His Lordship.”
    â€œRaventhorpe?” He gave a bark of laughter. “Hardly a comfort.”
    â€œEven if he is the villain you claim, he will hardly do her harm in front of half of London society.” As Mrs. Burke approached him, the flickering light from the torches along the path emphasized the dark pools of her eyes and the inviting cleft between her breasts. He allowed himself to enjoy the pleasant hum of lust for a moment. The lovely widow might very well possess the most magnificent breasts he had ever seen.
    It had been a long time since he had enjoyed such a sight.
    â€œAt Annabelle’s engagement party, you asked me to listen to you,” said the owner of the distracting bosom. “And I tried, but you left rather abruptly. I even inquired at the inn the next day, but you had already departed.”
    â€œI thought it best to exact a strategic retreat.” An excellent idea for this moment as well. Up close, the lady’s skin looked even more delectable.
    â€œIt left many questions.” She paused. “The Baileys think the worst.”
    His laugh sounded more like a snarl. “And you, Mrs. Burke? What do you think?”
    â€œThere was some speculation that you had abandoned Annabelle and