This chapter is dedicated to Miss_Caris & kitilark for all the support! Thank you

Revised, Published Version

William Anson, the Earl of Lichfield, woke drenched in sweat and cursed the object of his discontent. Plagued by vivid dreams of an enchanting redhead, the little minx consumed his slumber every night. He longed to see Jade's face again and feel her warm, full lips upon his, but remained far away. To avoid running into Miss Fulton, he started living like a hermit and turned down invitations to events where she might be present. William endeavored to fill the emptiness she left in his once idyllic life by overindulging in brandy and gambling the night away at White's and Boodle's.

The temptation and need to see her felt intense, and such unsettling emotions baffled William. He was not well-versed in matters of the heart, yet his chest throbbed for her. "Lord, I am losing my mind!" he cursed aloud and rolled over, punching the pillows before turning onto his back.

William tried to clear his mind, but she was always there. "Tis, no wonder I cannot sleep." He wiped a hand over his sweaty face. "Could I be in love with her? No! There is no way I've fallen in love. Miss Fulton is but a stranger. Yet, I want no other. Lord knows, I sound like a lunatic or a lovesick fool, who now talks to himself! 'Tis official. I have taken leave of my senses," he whispered to himself and the ceiling he was tired of staring at.

After giving up on sleep, he sat up and wondered how this slip of a girl had such a significant impact on him. One glance at her stole his breath, leaving William bewitched. How could this happen, and why is she so different? He was a scoundrel, a rogue of the worst sort, and immune to all beautiful women.

Or so I thought!

His musings were torture, but the duke's disapproval and command to stay away from his niece were still fresh in his mind. William never refrained from pursuing his desires for the fairer sex. However, the two families shared an unspoken understanding, and he had to yield to his fate.

What he discussed with the duke weighed on his mind like a heavy burden and he cursed his obligations to the earldom. Jade's uncle forbade him from pursuing his niece and reminded William of Miriam's growing attachment to him.

Thoughts of having to marry Miriam had never bothered him much, but after meeting Miss Jade Fulton, everything changed. William accepted he must marry, produce an heir, and once, thought Miriam, an excellent choice. Yet an arrogance in her character overshadowed her beauty and breeding. Miriam was too pretentious for William's liking, but he once surmised those qualities as assets. Not anymore.

William envisioned producing an heir—and spare—before returning to his rakish ways, leaving his frosty, impersonal wife to live how she saw fit. He perceived Miriam would relish in her role as a countess. If he showered her with enough baubles, he figured she wouldn't give one whit how he spent his time or with whom. William knew her type well, but his thinking had since changed, and he could no longer fathom the idea of being leg-shackled to such an insensitive, haughty creature. A knock on the door brought William back to reality, and Jeffries entered the darkened room. "Are you well, milord?" The valet's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"I am fine, Jeffries, just fatigued from insomnia." Lord Anson stretched his tired limbs and prepared himself as Jeffries pulled the dark curtains open, allowing the light to assault his vision.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but 'tis noon, milord. There's a guest waiting for you," Jeffries announced with a sympathetic smile.

"A guest?" A confused look marred William's haggard face.

"Yes, milord, yet have no fear 'tis only the Marquess of Winchester. Milton assured me he is quite comfortable waiting in your study."

"What does that rascal want? He has already bled me dry in cards last night." William chuckled at the hazy memory and stood to stretch before allowing Jeffries to take charge. He hoped the man could make him somewhat presentable.

Dressed and ready for the day, he made his way to the beveled looking glass and groaned. Dark circles stood out under his bloodshot eyes, and he grumbled, glancing toward his bed before quitting the room.

"Freeman?" Lord Anson said with curiosity as he entered his study.

"Good afternoon, Anson." Lord Freeman's wide smile irritated William. "Did I disturb your beauty sleep, ole chap?" Richard slapped his knee, laughing, but after seeing William's unamused frown, the marquees reigned in his mirth. "My apologies, mate. You look quite dreadful, so I shall state my business and be on my way." Richard held up his palms.

"This better be important, my friend." William took a seat behind his desk, glaring at Richard.

"You look as if you could stand to fill your stomach and return to your bedchamber." Richard's expression showed genuine concern for his friend.

"Thank you, Freeman." Lord Anson raked a hand down his face. "I'm plagued with insomnia and it's taking a toll." William grimaced, shaking his head, and rang for tea. "So, what type of business brings you this morn—I mean, afternoon?" William stared at Richard, drumming his fingers on his desk.

"I will get straight to the point. Listen, we have been friends since before Eton, so I know something is amiss." Richard stood and peered down at William. "I am here for two reasons, and I shan't beat around the bush." He folded his arms across his broad chest.

William looked up at Lord Freeman and rested his elbows on his desk, with his fingers steepled together. He had a gut feeling he would not like what the marquess had to say.

"First, I want to know what the deuce is going on with you! Do not deny me. I know you too well, and I have never seen you like this!" Richard leaned down, placing his palms on William's desk. "This leads me to believe there's a certain female involved." A slow smile spread across Richard's face, replacing the seriousness he tried to convey.

He's enjoying my discomfort, William thought.

Lord Anson gave up his pretense and grunted, knowing he couldn't fool his oldest friend. "Am I that transparent?" He reclined in his chair. "You have known me too long, not to notice that I am perhaps out of sorts. Yes, there is a chit involved, but I fear it is all very dull," he said, hoping Lord Freeman would cease his prying.

William's hopes were dashed when Richard questioned him. "Why don't you start by telling me who is this vixen keeping you awake at night? Any woman who causes you such discontent could never be dull." William frowned at Richard's sarcasm and the laugh that followed.

Richard's questions made William uneasy, prompting him to stand and move toward the window. It seemed more comfortable talking about such sensitive matters with his back to his friend. "Nothing... Mayhap a tiny kiss, but that is all there is to tell."

"So, you expect me to believe that a tiny kiss has you torn up to the point of distraction? It must have been some kiss, to have you tormented, and losing sleep!"

Richard remained silent as William turned from the window and became animated. "It was no ordinary kiss! No, it was like being struck by lightning!" William waved his arms in the air. "One kiss from this goddess, and I am under her spell! I cannot describe it, but this beauty has bewitched me." William raked a hand through his hair while making his way back to his desk. "I fear I may never be able to enjoy another woman again!" The earl, spent from his outburst, collapsed into the chair.

"Come now, you jest!" Lord Freeman replied and took a seat.

Before William could respond, Milton entered. "Lucy has brought tea and some nourishment for you to break your fast, milord."

Lucy prepared the tea service, poured for both gentlemen, and laid out the food. "Would you care for anything else, milord?" Lucy asked with downcast eyes.

"No, this is perfect, Lucy. Thank you," the earl said with kindness, staring at the food, and with a deep curtsy, she took her leave.

The butler remained like a statue, holding a silver tray containing the earl's mail. "Thank you, Milton. You may leave it all on the desk."

"Yes, milord." Milton bowed his head. "Yet with all due respect, you have neglected to open a single letter in the last sennight." Milton's eyes traveled to the stack of unopened invitations and letters piled high on the desk. "And a footman has just hand-delivered an urgent invitation from the Duke and Duchess of Lancaster."

Lord Anson choked on the sausage he was swallowing at the mention of the duke and duchess. Richard rushed to his side and gave him a few thumps on his back. William raised his hand, assuring them he was fine. He coughed and cleared his throat. "Thank you, Milton. I will open the invitation and pay heed to the rest." Satisfied, the old butler bowed and took his leave.

Richard cleared his throat and narrowed his eyes at him, stopping William from further thoughts of being in the same room with Jade. "I think I have my answer to my second question and the identity of your enchantress." Lord Freeman smirked.

"Just exactly what was your second question?" William asked. He was not ready to share Jade's identity with anyone just yet. However, William feared Richard had it figured out.

"My second question was, have you heard Miriam returned home early? Never mind, the look on your face is all the answer I need." Richard's smirk vanished, replaced by sympathy.

William's face turned pale, and he felt like someone had punched him in the gut. "Miriam is back?" He tore open the parchment and scanned its contents. "Christ, this is worse than I thought!"

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Lady Lisa

September 2023 revised published version