Return of the Viscount by Gayle Callen

the desk, sitting opposite her.
    She stiffened. “I am managing the estate just fine, my lord.”
    â€œI don’t mean the estate—with Appertan. Let me get to know him, to guide him. I have a facility for instructing young men. I was often in charge of the new soldiers. And I have a brother, too. When I became the viscount, I, too, needed a guardian, but when I reached my majority, it was Allen, at twenty, who assumed much of the mantle of the Blackthorne estates. I know exactly what Appertan is going through. Although Allen and I are closer in age than your brother and I are, I do understand the competitiveness that can exist between men.”
    Though he made a persuasive argument, she was ready to refuse. But at the last moment, her common sense overruled her feelings of defensiveness, and she remembered her situation. If Lord Blackthorne was busy befriending Oliver, she would have more time to make a decision about the marriage.
    Surely, Oliver could deal with Lord Blackthorne. She remembered her father’s constant praise of the man, his ability to negotiate a compromise with even the most stubborn of enemies. It was almost like a character reference for a new employee.
    â€œI do not know if this is a good idea,” she said slowly. “You are at least ten years older than Oliver.”
    â€œTen years exactly, my lady.”
    â€œI have matchless deductive powers,” she said, forcing her voice to be light.
    He nodded, so focused on whatever task at hand, even if it was just talking to her. When his dark eyes looked into hers, she felt as if she were the center of the world at that moment, very different from when her suitors used to fawn over her. It was too intense, even threatening to her very way of life. This man could wield so much power over her if he chose. She’d given him that power; she’d have to find the best way to take it back.
    â€œIf I allowed you to . . . work with Oliver, what would you do?” she asked.
    â€œSpend time with him in masculine pursuits—hunting, riding, even socializing. I imagine it would help to meet and understand his friends. Then I should be able to see why he so resists the responsibilities of his title.”
    She bit her lip, trying not to smile.
    He tilted his head. “Did I say something amusing?”
    â€œForgive me. I am trying to imagine you with Oliver’s fellow young bucks.”
    His lips curved in the faintest hint of a smile, and he relaxed back in his chair. “I am well aware of the mentality.”
    â€œAre you? Does that mean you went through such a period yourself?”
    â€œNot a very long one. I enlisted at eighteen, and although men off duty often embarrass themselves in drink, that did not appeal to me.”
    â€œI am not surprised,” she murmured, studying him just as intently as he liked to study her. “Are you and your brother close?”
    His eyes seemed to focus inward. “We are. Although it has been twelve years since I’ve been able to spend much time at home, we were always playmates as children, and our letters have deepened our friendship as adults.”
    â€œI find myself envious,” she murmured, her eyes stinging.
    â€œIt is not too late, madam.” He hesitated. “You can have such a relationship with your brother. With your parents gone, you need the closeness of family.”
    Her throat was tight with the emotions she didn’t want to reveal. His kindness had shown through in his letters, and now, seeing it in person, made her feel so very confused.
    â€œSo I have your approval?” he urged.
    â€œAre you asking for it?” She spoke softly, wondering about the kind of husband he’d be.
    â€œHe is your brother.”
    â€œSo if I asked you to leave him alone, you would?”
    He regarded her solemnly. “He is in need of an older male influence, but yes, I would abide by your wishes.”
    She realized she’d