Taming a Savage Gentleman: Taming the Heart Series Read online

  TAMING A SAVAGE GENTLEMAN

  TAMMY ANDRESEN

  CONTENTS

  More about Tammy

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Epilogue

  Taming a Rogue Earl

  Prologue

  21. Chapter 1

  About the Author

  Also by Tammy Andresen

  Copyright © 2017 by Tammy Andresen

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  MORE ABOUT TAMMY

  To get all the latest updates on Tammy’s books and hot new releases, subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.tammyandresen.com

  1

  London, England 1860

  * * *

  TOM MADDOX STOOD at the bow of The White Lady and gazed longingly at the open sea. His agitation grew with every second that passed in the London harbor. It was a necessary stop. They were unloading goods from Scotland, mainly Scotch whisky, and reloading goods for delivery to their northern neighbors, but this stop had been particularly unpleasant and Tom was anxious to see it done.

  His father, Lord Maddox, had made the trip from Northern England to London for some business transactions. The elder Maddox had made sure to time his trip so that he would be there when Tom was in the city. Usually it was a joyous occasion to see family but Tom was certain his father only wanted to see him so that he could harangue his second son about his future.

  “When will you stop this sailing foolery and settle into the family business?” his father had asked, never one to mince words.

  Tom bristled. He was, after all, his father’s son. The Maddox men rarely took advice from anyone. “It isn’t foolery and you don’t need me. Will is more than capable of running the shipyard, while Gavin and Isla provide the lumber.”

  His family built some of England’s finest ships at their shipyard in northern England. It had made his father one of the richest men in the country, despite being the second son, and an honorary member of the peerage. Tom’s sister had married a Scottish laird who supplied their lumber. The business was a well-oiled machine. One that had little use for him.

  “Your brother could use help. I’m not what I used to be, you know.” His father crossed his arms, giving him a forbidding look.

  “Really, you look stronger than ever to me.” Tom matched the gesture.

  “Which is why you should learn the business now. When I lose my health, you’ll be able to step in.”

  “As Will’s spare?” His lip curled. He didn’t want to be in his brother’s shadow. Not that he was the boss here. He was outranked by both the captain and his cousin, Barrett Maddox, The Duke of Manchester. But he was given responsibility. After starting a family, Barrett needed more and more help and with his business partner running their American shipping branch, Tom was useful here. Treated like a capable man. Not just a child who didn’t know anything.

  And he loved the sea. More than anything, it sang in his blood.

  “You’d be your brother’s partner.” His father’s fingers splayed on the desk before him.

  “He doesn’t need a partner, and I don’t want to build ships. I want to sail them.”

  His father harrumphed. “You should be getting married, settling down, having children…”

  “Isla and Gavin are producing children with record speed. You’ve plenty of grandchildren. Leave me be.” He stood then, having had enough of the conversation.

  “Just tell me you will consider it.” There was a pleading note in his father’s voice he’d not heard before. Surprised, he turned to meet his father’s gaze. He could see that his father’s features were pinched with concern. Was he worried about his second son?

  Tom was a grown man and didn’t need looking after, but it was still touching in the most annoying way possible. He’d always thought it didn’t matter what he did. Will was the heir and Isla brimming with talent. He’d assumed his parents didn’t much care what he did, provided he didn’t end up in London’s Tower.

  * * *

  MUCH AS HE appreciated his father’s concern, he didn’t want it or need it. He was happy being on his own, out at sea. It was the life he had dreamed of. He needed the solitude of the open water to clear his mind.

  His mouth pinched down again. Unfortunately, this trip might include less of the peace he craved than usual.

  Barrett had agreed to transport three passengers along with the cargo they normally carried to Scotland. The widow, Dowager Baroness Segrave, along with her daughter, Lady Flora Ellington, Baroness Segrave. He scrunched up his face. Flora. What a ridiculous name. They were also travelling with the Earl of Loudoun. He’d met the man on a few occasions when at Barrett’s home. Never one to miss a party, Loudoun accepted any invitation offered. A heavy drinker, he never failed to grow more obnoxious with each glass he imbibed. Rude and violent, the last time Tom had seen the man at the Maddox residence, he’d yelled at a maid in front of the entire party when she’d failed to bring his drink.

  Tom would take great pleasure in punching that man directly in the face.

  Fortunately, Barret had removed him from his home before Tom had the chance.

  He’d invite him to a pugilist club but Loudoun would never accept. He wouldn’t participate in any activity that might make him sweaty, or muss his hair, or mar his charming smile. And yes, he’d actually told Tom that his smile was charming.

  As far as Tom could tell, the only pastime Loudoun did engage in was gambling. Unfortunately for him, he was terrible at it and had dug himself into quite the hole.

  Was he courting Lady Flora to refill the coffers? Every eligible bachelor knew of the baroness. One of the few women to inherit her father’s title, she held a nice fortune that she had grown with her investment prowess. He had to admit, it was an impressive accomplishment.

  But equally well known was her desire to marry a man with a superior title. The men who escorted her were earls or marquesses often in need of the fortune she could provide.

  She and Loudoun were likely perfect for one another.

  Not that he cared one wit about their courtship. Let the peerage of England make all the miserable matches it wanted. But the man’s presence on the ship—that was an annoyance he could do without.

  The unmistakable sound of rustling skirts sounded behind him followed by a female titter. Neither was common on a ship such as this and dread made his insides clench.

  He turned in time to see a graceful older woman being escorted by Lord Loudoun. Her dark blond hair was pulled artfully back with only the slightest crinkling around her blue eyes. Still thin, she retained much of her beauty.

  His eyes swung to Loudoun. The man was flawlessly handsome and his smug smile was firmly in place. His fist itched to make that ridiculous look disappear. Though Tom did note there was a puffiness about his cheeks and stomach and his eyes looked worn and drawn.

  From just behind Loudoun, Tom caught s
ight of rose petal pink skirts. A dustier color that looked like sunset over the ocean on a clear evening. It was one of his favorite shades and he would stop nearly any activity to watch the sky lit with such colors until they faded into darkness.

  Loudoun stopped and looked behind him, gesturing to the pink dress to come forward. She stepped around to Loudoun’s other side and Tom actually caught his breath.

  Her hair was a dark, rich blonde with hints of red and her eyes a sapphire blue. Her full lips and cheeks matched the pink of her dress. Her duskier shades of pink and yellow should have been found in a painting of the sunset rather than on a flesh and blood woman.

  Her pert little nose wrinkled adorably as her hand rested on Loudoun’s arm. That man should never be allowed to touch something so exquisite.

  “What is that smell?” Her nose wrinkled further as she spoke.

  “Fish, darling. It’s the harbor.” Loudoun gave her a winning smile.

  “Can we do anything about it? Will the ship smell this badly the entire time?” Her gloved hand came to cover her mouth and nose.

  It was an odd sensation for Tom because the gesture plumped her breasts in the most interesting way but her words irritated his sensibilities. It stood to reason that a woman hunting a title was most probably spoiled and vain yet he’d hoped for more considering her other accomplishments. His sister and sister-in-law could both be found mucking around the stables. Women like the baroness, who were so much work, irritated him.

  “Ask Maddox over there. I’m sure he’d swab the deck for you. But I doubt it would help.” Loudoun rolled his eyes.

  Tom grit his teeth. He’d take a dead fish and smash it in his pretty face.

  “Mr. Maddox?” The older woman gave him a glowing smile. “A pleasure.” She approached him holding out her hand.

  “The pleasure is mine, Lady Segrave.” He gave a bow and accepted her gloved fingers in his own.

  “I was acquainted with your father ages ago. He was a man I always admired.” Her eyes grew wistful as she stared over the water.

  “I’m sure he’d be pleased to hear it.”

  Her gaze snapped back to him and she gave him a perfunctory nod. There was a sadness about her. He could see it in the set of her eyes. “His Grace apologizes for not being here himself. He made mention of meeting you in Scotland. But he did ask me to deliver a letter.” She reached into her reticule and withdrew a letter that was closed with Barrett’s seal.

  “Thank you.” He tucked the letter into his breast pocket. He’d read it later.

  “I believe you’ve met Lord Loudoun.” There was a slight turn down of her lips as his name left them. “But may I introduce you to my daughter, Baroness Segrave.”

  “My lady.” He gave a short bow and she inclined her head, giving him an assessing look. For a moment he thought she might actually ask him to swab the deck. If she did, he swore he’d turn her over his knee after he ruined Loudoun’s perfectly straight nose.

  FLORA ASSESSED the man in front of her. Mr. Maddox. A commoner, the second son of a lord by courtesy, he should not interest her. Not that his lack of title meant she should dismiss him. She was barely of the peerage, a lowly baroness, but her father had done well in his management and investments. Now it fell to her. Her mother was fond of telling her she needed to marry well. Protect the family assets. Loudoun was an earl and would better their line. He wasn’t particularly good with money, but she was.

  She wasn’t even sure Mr. Maddox was as handsome as the man beside her. Loudoun had classic good looks, when he wasn’t deep in his cups anyway. But there was something about Mr. Maddox. Dark hair and piercing eyes, his thickly muscled body spoke of work and strength and some emotion she couldn’t define but stirred deep within.

  She took a breath. Who knew what he might actually be like? He could be crass or vulgar, mean or vindictive. She saw his glare, the slight downturn of his lips that spoke of his disapproval but it only bristled her ire.

  Perhaps it was her comment about the fish. She hadn’t intended to sound that way, but the rocking of the boat was already making her stomach turn and the smell had her head spinning.

  Moving forward, she tried to keep herself steady. Between the motion and the smell and the force of his gaze, her knees were weak.

  “A pleasure, Mr. Maddox.” She straightened her shoulders, trying to calm the quaking.

  “What brings you on this trip to Scotland?” His arms crossed his chest and she saw them flex. Her insides twitched in response.

  “Lord Loudoun has family there.” Her hand pressed to her stomach to stop the rolling.

  “More Loudouns?” he asked. “How… delightful.”

  She saw her mother suppress a grin and her response was to take affront. Unexpectedly, as her anger rose, her nausea receded.

  She grasped at the anger, allowing it to build. It wasn’t that she needed to defend Loudoun. Despite the fact she was considering him for a husband, her feelings about him were tepid at best. But her mother’s response irritated her. She had done everything her mother had asked in searching for husband to secure their future. Her mother had told her over and over it was necessary to make an advantageous match to keep them strong and yet the other woman seemed to dislike her choice. What more could she do?

  But she couldn’t battle with her mother now, it would make them both look horrid. So instead she turned her gaze to Mr. Maddox. “And the Maddox family. They are known for being… delightful?” It was an obvious barb. They were regarded as pigheaded and seen to thumb their nose at society’s rules. More than one lord among the ton lamented their success.

  He gave her a level stare but his eyes danced with some small measure of amusement. “And you, my lady? How does society view you?” He leaned back against the rail, his arms crossing over his chest, one foot hooking in front of the other. It was a casual and somehow powerful gesture, his leg muscles flexing idly.

  “Me?” She quirked an eyebrow as annoyance flitted along her skin, her nausea almost gone completely. She took a breath to answer when a voice called from behind her.

  “She’s known as the loveliest debutante in all of England.” Loudoun stepped up next to her, giving her a wink and his most practiced smile.

  Her own lips turned down. He was defending and complimenting her. It should have pleased her, but somehow it did not. He was saying what was expected, what he thought would make her happy. She almost preferred Mr. Maddox’s insults. At least those were honest.

  “Yes, right.” Mr. Maddox stood up straight again. “Shall I show you to your bunks?” He gestured towards the hatch.

  The ship gave a pitch just as he spoke, and the churning in her stomach returned with a vengeance. Her hands pressed tighter to her midsection and she was sure her face turned green.

  “Are you all right, Flora?” Her mother stepped up to her side.

  “I do apologize, the movement of the ship is just making me a little--”

  “Let’s get you tucked in bed.” Loudoun took her elbow, propelling her toward the hatch. Not only did she not want to go below deck, but she didn’t like the way he was ordering her about. If she weren’t so sick, she’d tell him so.

  One of the reasons she had picked him was that she thought she would be able to continue to manage the estate. She’d assumed he would take an allowance and return to London, leaving her free to do as she saw fit. It wasn’t polite to discuss it, of course. But he’d never taken on responsibility of any kind, really.

  Their progress halted abruptly as the solid mass of Mr. Maddox blocked their path. “Come here,” he rumbled gruffly.

  She reached out a hand and he took it, pulling her away from Loudoun and pointing her towards the horizon. “Stare at the point where the sky meets the sea.” His other arm wrapped around her waist.

  She focused on it, and amazingly her stomach eased. She stood a little straighter.

  “She should go down…”

  “Be quiet.” Mr. Maddox moved her away from Loudoun. “
If you lose your breakfast it will take days for you to recover. You should stay on the deck and move, keep your eyes on the horizon.”

  She nodded. “Thank you.” She didn’t dare look away but she wished to see his face when she asked, “Is it possible for you to stay with me for a few minutes?”

  He hesitated. It was almost as though she could feel the stilling of his body. “For a few minutes. I have a great deal to--”

  “I understand.” She nibbled at her lip, not wanting to let him go. In a moment, it had become clear why Loudoun was a poor choice of bridegroom. The man she was considering as a suitor had been left behind and she was grasping a stranger as though her life depended upon it. But he exuded confidence and strength and it was so comforting with her stomach rolling as it was.

  “You’ll be alright,” his deep soothing voice washed over her. “The horizon trick is a sure cure.”

  She nodded, looking at the horizon but her stomach still rolled wildly. Her hands tightened on his arms as he made to pull away. She needed him to stay. “Something else helped, actually.”

  “What’s that?” he asked.

  “You. You irritated me and I forgot all about…” Her voice trailed off but he chuckled low.

  “Are you asking me to intentionally anger you?”

  “Perhaps.” She grinned as she spoke.

  “I must admit, you are the first woman who has requested insults.” His chuckle deepened. “But I am never a man to disappoint a lady.”

  A little thrill passed through her at those words. She had to admit, little about him was disappointing. “I’m ready.”

  “That dress is the most ridiculous shade of pink I’ve ever encountered.” He whispered so no one else could hear.

  “That was a terrible attempt.” Her smile widened and her stomach eased further. “When I saw it in the shop it made me think of a sunset I once saw while on holiday in Bristol.”

  “Bloody bullocks,” he mumbled. “I thought that too.”

  She nearly told him not to curse in front of a lady but secretly she liked it. It was raw and untamed like the rest of him. Exciting.