PART 1 of Love's JourneyPart 2, "Fate's Dark Lessons," now available!Lord James McBride takes his work very seriously. A member of the House of Lords, he's charged with much of the governing of the English state.After a devastating defeat at the hands of one of his political enemies, Gerard Smythe, James retires to his lands to figure out his next move.A chance meeting there will change his life, as he meets the lovely Violet, Gerard's young and headstrong sister. James quickly conceives of a plan to get back at Gerard, but may be in for more than he can handle.EXCERPT:When she had left and they had a coffee in front of the fire, James suggested that they should have a tour of the castle by candlelight, and go 'ghost-hunting.' Violet agreed that it would be great fun, but was now starting to feel a little bit out of her depth; James seemed to be a lovely man, but where would this all lead? Although she longed to be grown up and independent, she couldn't help thinking that he could be 'the one.' She knew that there was some bad blood between James and her brother, but wasn't sure exactly what the problem was; she did sense, however, that her brother would not be too happy about her being here.They wandered through rooms that were so inky-black, it was impossible to see a hand in front of your face; they each held a small candle, but with the draughts eddying through the corridors, they soon blew out. James grabbed hold of Violet's hand when she appeared to be frightened, and continued to hold it as they carried on through the castle. James didn't for one moment think that the castle was haunted; he was indulging her to be frank, although he was becoming more and more attracted to her; regardless of his need to get revenge on Gerard, and it was an apt excuse to hold her hand and comfort her fears.When they reached one of the turrets, there was a scurrying noise in the corner and Violet screamed; James was sure that it was just a mouse, but held on to her tightly; he could feel the beat of her heart against his chest and he knew then that he had to have her."Come on sweet girl; I think it's time to back downstairs, don't you?" He could feel the nod of her head against his chest, and then led her down the narrow winding staircase; she was still clinging tightly to him. When they got back to the drawing room, he poured them both a large brandy, "Here, Violet; not only will it warm you up, but it's also good for shock," he explained, although he was now looking at her flushed face and thinking that it wouldn't hurt for her to get just a little bit drunk. By the time she had two large glasses, she looked very flushed and James decided that it was about time to make his move; this would be the perfect revenge on Gerard. Not only had he abducted his sister, but he was about to take her virginity too; although he could never bring himself to force anyone, he was sure that she would be amenable anyway, due to the amount of alcohol she had consumed.She stood up to visit the bathroom, and swayed slightly; "Oh, dear, I do believe I'm a little bit tipsy," she laughed, sitting promptly down again."Would you like some help going to your room?" James gallantly offered."That would be very good, thank you," she said and allowed herself to be led by the arm. When they got to her bedroom, she looked around her as though she had lost something."What's the problem?" James asked, wondering what it was that she needed; "Have you lost something?""My innocence," she laughed, "At least I'm hoping I will have done soon," she looked at James from under her eyelashes.WARNING: This 8000+ word erotic short story contains graphic consensual sex between an older English lord and his enemy's sister, as well as male on male oral sex, in Regency England.