:The Rake and the Nun:
Viscount Cooper disentangled his Cyprian's arms from his neck and rose from the bed. She stretched and purred with satisfaction and he briefly thought about rejoining her. He dressed quickly, his fingers fumbling with the buttons of his waistcoat. He had a long ride ahead of him if he was to make it to the estate in time for his brother's wedding.
This was his brothers third marriage. His first wife died when her horse threw her during a hunt. His second wife died from consumption. His third fiancée was ruined by the neighbor's younger son and the marriage was canceled. Now he was marrying the Earl of Grangeville's niece. Thank heavens his family was wealthy and had a stellar reputation. Money and status could make even the unluckiest man desirable.
His soon-to-be sister-in-law was a mousy little washed out thing. Sheldon wasn't even sure what color her eyes were because she was always staring at the floor. Lady Heather, or Hannah, or something, he thought to himself. He should probably make an effort to learn his latest sister-in-laws name, but to be honest, he didn't think this one would last very long either. She looked like a stiff breeze would break her.
Sheldon let himself out of the townhouse and headed down the sidewalk toward his carriage. He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time, and inadvertently bumped into someone. A pained gasp drew his eyes. He looked at the woman he had knocked over with alarm.
"My lady, I apologize most sincerely!" he said quickly reaching down to help her up. His lungs seized up as he looked at her carefully. A golden curl fell from under her bonnet across her forehead, framing her jade eyes. Pale pink lips were parted in surprise. He felt an almost overwhelming urge to kiss them to see if they were as soft as they looked.
The woman quickly pulled her hands free of his and she blushed prettily. "No harm, sir. I should have been looking where I was going."
He took a tiny step closer, drawing in her clean soapy scent. No cloying perfumes or powders to detract from her fresh scent. No rouge or kohl to entice the eye. He looked down at her gown and frowned. The habit she wore was stark and shapeless. It hid everything but her face. Sheldon stepped back, doubling the space between them.
"Again," he said uncomfortably, "I apologize. Good day."
She smiled and his heart fluttered ominously. "Good day to you as well, my lord. God bless."
She moved around him and continued down the sidewalk. He watched her until she was out of sight. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He continued to his carriage, his driver standing by the open door. He climbed into the back and settled in. He hoped there would be a decent brandy at the wedding. He definitely needed a stiff drink.
A/N: A little something I couldn't get out of my head. The weird thing is, I don't read any romance novels, much less ones with Lords and Ladies.