The Courtship

The Courtship
Lynna Banning

Temporarily displaced Southern belle Jane Charlotte Davis was desperate to make enough money to return home. So when town banker Rydell Wilder, a Northerner through and through, offered her a loan to start her own business, she jumped at the chance. Even though the man was too handsome–and too interested in her–for her peace of mind.…Once, Rydell Wilder had been the new, poor boy in town. Now he had the wealth and the means to get whatever he wanted. And what he wanted more than anything was Jane. But did he have a prayer of turning their business deal into a marriage contract?

“This does not make sense, Mr. Wilder.

“It is to your advantage that I fail in this venture. Why in the world would you offer help?” asked Jane.

Rydell took a single step toward her and reached out. “Been askin’ myself that question all morning.”

“And what is your answer to that question?” Jane’s voice had steadied, but it dropped to a whisper.

“Damn—darned if I know,” he admitted. And before he knew what he was doing, he closed his fingers around her upper arm. She didn’t move, just looked at him. Unable to help himself, he pulled her toward him. And his mouth found hers.

Her lips were warm. He’d never known such excruciating sweetness. Instinctively he broke free. He didn’t think he could stop if he didn’t call a halt now.

“You’re right, this doesn’t make sense,” he breathed against her temple. “No sense at all.”

The Courtship

Harlequin Historical #613

Praise for Lynna Banning’s previous titles

The Law and Miss Hardisson

“…fresh and charming…a sweet and funny yet poignant story.”

—Romantic Times

Plum Creek Bride

“…pathos and humor blend in a plot that glows with perception and dignity.”

—Affaire de Coeur

Wildwood

“5

.”

—Heartland Critiques

Western Rose

“…warm, wonderful and witty—a winning combination from a bright new talent.”

—Award-winning author Theresa Michaels

#611 MY LADY’S PLEASURE

Julia Justiss

#612 THE DARK KNIGHT

Tori Phillips

#614 THE PERFECT WIFE

Mary Burton

The Courtship

Lynna Banning

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Available from Harlequin Historicals and

Lynna Banning

Western Rose #310

Wildwood #374

Lost Acres Bride #437

Plum Creek Bride #474

The Law and Miss Hardisson #537

The Courtship #613

Dedication

For my mother, Mary Elizabeth Banning Yarnes

Acknowledgments

With grateful appreciation to Jean Louise Banning, Suzanne Barrett, David Woolston and my agent, Pattie Steele-Perkins

Contents

Chapter One (#u549b12bd-04f8-5c78-8fd2-7a9b0957c0f2)

Chapter Two (#u2af1b593-2be6-5ddf-a675-3d96c10b190e)

Chapter Three (#u9b56da0d-0e3c-5cbb-834e-05c18acb379a)