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"A year Two"

"And then? Upon my return, what shall I do with a tattered reputation?"

He sighed There was the rub

"No man will have me," she continued "My family will no doubt disown me What will my future be?" She shook her head "I want a proper life, Tristan With a husband I see every day and children and a ho improperPrincess, I’ve seen the way you s i else entirely"

He shoved his foot into the other boot He would never be happy here, in London, living within Society, with all its blasted rules He’d always known the sea wasn’t a life for everyone He couldn’t bla it But da her

He snatched up his re clothes, bundled theood-bye to her, never see her again Instead he heard hi calls Going to Hyde Park this afternoon"

"Carriage, horse, or stroll?"

"Horse, I should think"

He grinned "I’ve never seen you ride a horse"

She returned his smile "Do you kno to ride one?"

"I’m a lord Of course, I do"

With that, he slipped out theHe’d thought oneto realize that before his feet landed firain

"By God, but I’m famished," Tristan said as he strolled into his brother’s breakfast dining room and headed for the sideboard where an abundance of delicacies awaited his appreciation He’d experienced far too many occasions when food was scarce on a ship All the planning in the world couldn’t guarantee good winds and the absence of delay in reaching a port

"You’re not properly attired," Sebastian chided from his place at the head of the small table

Tristan had dropped his waistcoat and jacket on a chair in the foyer on the way in He gathered up ha else "Do you know that I’ve eaten meals with no shirt on at all?" he asked as he took his seat