Ten

The weather on the last day of September was fairly heady with the intoxicating smell of autumn wafting on the gentle breezes. With the sun's radiance in evidence, it had proven to be an especially fine morning for a wedding. During the ceremony, the chapel had been filled nigh to overflowing with guests, but as family members and friends collected outside to await the appearance of the bride and groom, they were wont to meander about and exchange pleasantries with relatives and acquaintances. Adriana found herself surrounded by a fairly sizable group of young men eagerly vying for her attention. Among them were members of the best families in England, including Lord Harcourt who had managed to gain an advantageous spot immediately upon her left. Stuart Burke stood on her right and seemed delighted that Colton had deigned to keep company with Perceval rather than the lady. The younger man couldn't help but hope that something had drastically changed in the relationship between the couple that would allow him an occasion to press his own suit.

Adriana was immensely thankful that Roger hadn't taken it upon himself to come to the wedding. Although that would have been at the very height of audacity even for him, since hehadn't been invited, he had not been above making unexpected appearances when it met his mood. If he had been upset after she had collided with Colton at Randwulf Manor, then he'd certainly have been riled at the attention she was presently receiving. Her admirers stood in a wide circle round about her and did indeed prove themselves a jovial group copiously inclined to rag each other about their limited chances with the lady.

"My lords, your pardon," the young knight, Guy Dalton, begged with a broad grin, claiming the consideration of both Riordan Kendrick and Stuart Burke. "I've heard it said that the man who stands nearest to Lady Adriana is usually the first to fall from her favor. If I were either one of you, I'd allow someone else to stand there in your stead."

Stuart hooted at the younger man's ploy. "You, I suppose?"

Lord Harcourt lifted a well-defined brow as his mouth curved in a lazy, self-assured grin. "If it's all the same to you, Sir Guy, I'll take my chances here at the lady's side. But, please, continue salivating in hopeful expectation of that event. One of us may yet change his mind … in my case when the netherworld freezes over."

An exaggerated sigh of lament came from Sir Guy. "Well, as a friend I've done my best to advise you both. Go ahead and ignore my warning. Little do I care if the lady tosses you both aside for one perchance as wise and handsome as myself."

Not the least bit remorseful, Riordan chuckled at the other's attempt. "You're a friend indeed, Sir Guy, but I suspect there is that tendency in any man to search out opportunities to benefit himself, even if it means usurping a better man's advantage."

"Please, please," Adriana begged through her laughter. "Desist with this bickering or I shall have to send the lot of you out of my sight."

She swept her gaze around to encompass the entire circle of admirers in her threat, but, upon coming to a breach in their ranks, was shocked to meet through that narrow space the unwavering stare of Colton Wyndham, who stood a short distance away with a hand braced against the stout trunk of a tree.

Garbed in dapper attire that would've come close to putting the bridegroom to shame, the Marquess of Randwulf was the very quintessence of a wealthy aristocrat. Percy had joined him underneath the spreading canopy of limbs and newly reddening leaves, but was chattering incessantly on, glancing hither and yon at this guest or that, completely oblivious to the fact that his companion's gaze was focused entirely upon her. Beneath the brim of an elegant, gray silk top hat, the shadowed gray eyes seemed to glow with a radiance of their own as they fed upon her every word, gesture, or smile.

The intensity of her observer's stare held Adriana's gaze firmly ensnared until his eyes lowered in a leisurely feast that consumed nearly every hollow and curve she possessed. Of a sudden, her robin's-egg-blue woolen frock seemed meager defense indeed from those burning, ravaging eyes that seemed to set her very nipples aflame. At no time before, while fully clothed, had she felt so completely naked beneath a man's stare. The fact that he knew exactly what she looked like underneath her garments only seemed to solidify the evocative sensations. She had never experienced the like of such delicious heat pulsating within her secret parts or felt the exact degree of warmth infusing her cheeks, her throat, her brow, her very being. If it were possible for a maid to be ravished from a distance, then Adriana was sure she had just been stripped, fondled, and deflowered all within the mind of the man who stared at her so intently.

Good heavens!The words, though unspoken, seemed to blare with deafening volume through her mind.

Shaken to the core of her being by the desire smoldering in those dark gray eyes, she turned aside to beg leave of Stuart Burke and then faced Riordan Kendrick, making some incoherent excuse about feeling a bit chilled (as if that could've been even remotely possible) and wanting to go to her father's carriage. Gallantly the handsome marquess presented his arm and tossed a victorious smirk over his shoulder at the other gentlemen who voiced protests copiously punctuated with jocular threats upon her escort. After handing her into the conveyance,

it was Riordan's wont to stand at the open door of the landau and chat with her, which, of course, encouraged the other gentlemen to flock around. Adriana hardly expected Colton to move to another vantage point, but that's exactly what he did, strolling to the front of the church where he could view her without restriction through the throng. There was nowhere else she could go to escape his vigil, and until the bride and groom came out, it remained as constant as the sun in the sky.

The wedding breakfast was an achievement worthy of praise, or so Melora reiterated before being assisted by her groom into a chair at the head table. Adriana, however, had cause to wonder who had switched the place cards in the seating of family and guests, for she soon found herself shoulder to shoulder with Colton Wyndham. It didn't help her composure one whit to realize he splintered her poise as efficiently as he had earlier that morning. A wan smile was the best she could manage beneath the confident grin he bestowed on her.

"Your pardon, my lord, but I do believe that place is reserved for my aunt," she informed him, willing to send him anywhere in the world rather than submit herself to his close scrutiny.

"On the contrary, Adriana, I think you're the one mistaken." Reaching across the table, Colton flicked the card from its silver holder and handed it to her. "I should be able to recognize my own name after all this time." Challenging her with gleaming eyes, he questioned, "Were you not expecting me?"

"Well, no, I wasn't," she admitted, wanting to pin the blame for his proximity on Melora. It would be just like her sister to do such a thing, especially after Adriana had made certain that Colton would be seated with his uncle and mother.

The Marquess of Randwulf pulled his chair closer to the table, obviously intent upon staying where he was. "I suppose after being surrounded by a legion of men you must find it boring to have to limit your consideration to merely one, but I shalltry not to belabor that fact overmuch, however slighted I felt at the time for not being permitted to join them."

Her chin sagged in astonishment at his outrageous charge. "I never said you had to keep your distance from me."

The shining gray orbs challenged her above a lazy smile. "Oh? Perhaps I misunderstood. You did say our courtship was to begin after the Autumn Ball, did you not? Was I not to keep my distance until then?"

She sighed heavily, convinced that he was not much changed from that puckish rascal who many times as a youth had teased her unmercifully until she had been tempted to scream, and scream she had, then. However, it would hardly be suitable for her to do so at her sister's wedding. "I was merely talking about the courtship itself, my lord. After granting Roger's request to be allowed to attend the ball, it seemed impolite to retract my permission."

"Have you often been of a mind to yield the lad such favors?"

Considering that Roger would've likely taken it upon himself to intrude into the affair, she had thought it would be less vexing to her family and to herself if she just granted him permission to come. She couldn't count how many times since arriving at that decision that she had wanted to kick herself, especially since Colton's return. Roger wouldn't take her intended suitor's presence in stride.

"You have quite a following of admirers," Colton remonstrated as his eyes skimmed over the bachelors who had been among her audience earlier that morning. They were now eyeing him enviously and with keen attention. Smiling, he nodded a greeting to Stuart and then noted that the man wasn't nearly as cheery as he had seemed outside the church. "Are you sure you haven't extended any of your aficionados comparable invitations?"

"Nooo,"Adriana moaned impatiently. "You're making much ado about nothing."

He cocked a brow dubiously. "Well, I wouldn't necessarily say a score and three men are naught to worry about, especiallywhen every one of them seemed to be drooling in his eagerness to have you. A lone man has to be careful against such odds."

"There didn't seem to be that many," Adriana stated, wondering if he had exaggerated.

"What? You didn't bother to count them for yourself?" Colton laughed. He had to admire her for that; most women would have considered such a number a testament of their appeal and be wont to boast of it. "I can vouch for my ability to count, Adriana. There were indeed that many."

She tossed her head, miffed that he would do such a thing. "Well, you needn't concern yourself about any of them, my lord. I intend to fulfill my part of the agreement whether you do or not."

"Oh, I intend to, Adriana," he averred warmly. "After all, ‘tis my father's wish that I consider you as my future wife."

"Why? You really don't have any interest in adhering to the contract beyond the length of the courtship, do you?" She laughed sharply. "I'd really be surprised if you did."

"Let me just say that I shall enjoy the opportunity to mull over that matter at my leisure while courting you. I have that right, do I not?"

"Yes, you do," Adriana reluctantly acknowledged, certain he would do so only because it suited him. Beyond the moment wherein he'd lose patience with it all, there would be no guarantee.

She glanced around, wondering what had happened to her kin and finally espied Aunt Tilly sitting beside Alistair Dermot. At the moment, the woman was involved in an animated conversation with the man, but it wasn't long before Tilly glanced around, as if sensing her niece's stare. Lifting a small name card from the holder in front of her, Tilly shrugged rather impishly as she smiled at Adriana and began to fan herself with it.

Adriana understood all too clearly then. Her aunt had been the culprit who had revised the seating arrangement in at least one small area. Reluctant though she was to apologize, Adriana leaned toward Colton. "I fear I jumped too quickly to myown conclusions, my lord. For that I must apologize. I believe I now know the one who exchanged the name cards." She swept a slender hand gracefully about to bring his consideration to bear upon the older woman. " ‘Twould seem Aunt Tilly has discovered your uncle. He is a very handsome man, and of course, she is a widow."

Colton glanced around to find the older woman smiling at them rather guiltily. He winked at her and grinned, winning a vivacious laugh. Her light-hearted mirth drew Alistair's notice, and as the man presented an inquiry, Tilly indicated the younger couple. The elder exchanged smiling nods with his nephew and then bestowed his curious attention upon the beauty sitting at Colton's side. He grinned broadly and lifted his wineglass in salute to his kin, silently commending him on his good taste in women.

"Your uncle seems fairly pleased with himself," Adriana commented, missing the whole gist of the exchange. "Of course, he has much to be proud of, considering you became a national hero after he deemed you worthy of his support."

"I believe he was applauding your beauty, my dear," Colton corrected. "He obviously has cause to think you're my intended."

Adriana was clearly astonished. "Oh, but your mother … She wouldn't say anything about the agreement, would she?"

"Perhaps the culprit isn't so much my mother as my sister." Noticing an airy ringlet dangling against Adriana's nape, he stretched forth a hand and rubbed the coiling strand admiringly between his thumb and forefinger. "She's convinced that someday you'll become my wife."

Adriana realized her insides were melting again, as they always did when he touched her in some manner. Sloe eyes lifted from underneath a fringe of jet lashes to meet the softly shining gray orbs, and for what seemed an eternity in the heartbeat of a moment, their gazes gently melded before his own descended to caress her lips yearningly. The unexpected craving to snuggle her cheek within the palm of his hand seemed very strange indeed to Adriana, yet it was no more oddthan sensing his lordship was battling a desire to kiss her. Softly she breathed, "I shall have to talk with your sister about her wagging tongue."

It seemed nothing short of a century since Adriana had sat beside Colton at the wedding breakfast, when in reality it had only been three weeks. The Autumn Ball was in progress, yet she had delayed joining the guests. Instead, feeling as restless as a caged cat, she prowled through the upper halls of her family's Tudor mansion. It certainly didn't elevate her mood knowing that sometime within the next several hours she'd have to tell Roger that he would have to halt his visits to the manor and to stop following her about hither and yon. Aware of how diligently the apprentice had sought to win approval as well as permission to marry her, she dreaded being the bearer of such news. She just hoped he wouldn't create a scene.

Had she given serious thought to the consequences of yielding to his first unannounced visit to Wakefield Manor months ago, she'd have turned him away right then and there, refusing his gifts of flowers and a second book of sonnets. Yet she had been reluctant to be so harsh, for it had been painfully obvious at the time that the young man was lonely and feeling out of kilter with the small populace of Bradford on Avon. But then, she'd have probably done him an enormous favor by doing so, for he would've then been forced to make friends among the citizens of that small town. And she would've certainly saved herself the anguish she was now suffering, for his first visit had led to another … and then another … and soon he was popping in unannounced on a regular basis, not only at Wakefield Manor, but at Randwulf, too.

She wished now that she would've allowed her father to tell Roger that he could no longer call upon her. Her parent, in his own efficient way, would've dealt with the matter and suffered no qualms while doing so, but she had been of the belief that if the news came from her, the apprentice could deal with it better. Now, here she was, coping with an incongruous feeling that she'd be kicking a poor, stray dog that had been starvingall his life for a few crumbs of kindness and affection. Yet, as arduous as the task promised to be, she saw no help for it. She was committed by contract to another, and as much as Roger was aware of that fact, he seemed reluctant to leave her alone.

Adriana straightened her spine and rolled her shoulders to ease the prickling that in the last hour had intensified in her nape. No matter how difficult the deed looming ahead of her, there was no escaping it. Procrastinating wouldn't help; it would still be confronting her until she spoke her peace. Perhaps her tensions would even ease some slight degree once she put the task behind her. She could only hope so, for she felt terribly beleaguered now.

Lightly skimming a slender hand over the darkly ornate balustrade, Adriana made her descent of the stairs as her eyes followed the undulating rhythm of her bejeweled gown that flowed in shimmering, glistening waves about her long legs. Nothing of what she saw penetrated her thoughts, for her mind moved like a disembodied wraith through everything but the quandaries she faced. Would this present anguish she was suffering be remembered beyond the onset of Colton Wyndham's courtship? Or would the self-willed man give her cause to regret she had ever gone to such onerous lengths for him?

Once again, her mind ranged through the evocative memories left over from the wedding day of her sister. Outside the church the translucent gray eyes had all but consumed her. Then, later that morning, when she had been sitting beside Colton at the breakfast feast, she had felt like dissolving beneath the warmth of his gaze.

It certainly didn't help her composure now to feel a resurgence of the various sensations that had swept over her that day. Though sorely lacking experience in the realm of desire, instinct assured her the wanton yearnings gnawing at the pit of her being were nothing less than cravings that Colton Wyndham had elicited with his slow, lustful perusal. The fact that those feelings were just as potent today completely frustrated her efforts to thrust him from her mind.

Oh, why is he the one I yearn for?her mind railed in anguish.

Shaken by the onslaught of unquenchable desires, Adriana sought to devote her thoughts entirely to how she should go about dismissing Roger from her life. That quandary was as effective as being doused with a bucket of icy water. It chilled her to the bone.

Upon facing the arched, doubled doors leading into the ballroom, Adriana took a deep breath to fortify herself for the challenge ahead as she moved toward the opening, but she was immediately halted by a guest emerging in some haste. Indeed, his alacrity gave her cause to wonder if his coattails were ablaze. The anxious glance he cast over his shoulder made her wonder who or what followed close behind. If his costly garments perhaps denoted the source of his concern, then she'd be inclined to think his tailors were scurrying after him in an attempt to collect his fee. It was certainly not to the benefit of the wastrel that similarly disparaging musings often came to her the very instant she recognized Lord Latham Harrell.

Although Latham's looks were nothing beyond tolerable, his tall, lean form did lend credit to his fashionable attire, but that hardly endeared the pompous man to those who really knew him. Still, the high-minded arrogance he once exhibited at Sedgwick's funeral had apparently flagged, and she could understand why, considering Colton had dashed the man's hopes by coming home and making his intentions clear to all. No longer optimistic about gaining wealth and the marquessate, Latham now seemed as nervous as a rabbit with a fox on its trail.

Upon espying her, the man seemed to forget his reasons for hurrying. Collecting his composure, he swept an arm before him in a gallant bow. "My dear Lady Adriana, you are the very one I've been hoping to see. Indeed, it has been my ongoing desire ever since I saw you at your sister's wedding several weeks ago."

"Really?" Adriana was curious to know what the man could possibly want of her, but the answer came readily enough to her mind. Her dowry! Now that he had no expectations ofgaining the marquessate, he would no doubt be required to marry for wealth to support his extravagance.

Latham all but leered at her as he whisked a pale knuckle beneath the curled ends of his thin mustache. An unusual warmth ignited his hazel eyes as they ranged the length of her, causing her to wonder if he imagined her without undergarments under the numerous layers of gossamer silk that had gone into the making of her gown. Had that truly been the case, only a diviner of the thoroughly hidden would have been able to discern evidence of her pale body beneath the uppermost shift of diaphanous silk, for tiny, dangling crystals thoroughly encrusted it. The shimmering adornments, of the same midnight turquoise hue as the fragile cloth upon which they were attached, served as a dazzling armor of defense, yet in a most delicate way.

Latham's gaze reversed itself and seemed inclined to pause overlong on the enticing fullness above her décolletage. From there, it seemed to take a colossal effort for him to drag his gaze higher still. Finally, he glanced aside, as if to reclaim his composure, and loudly cleared his throat before bestowing an ingratiating smile upon her. "I was beginning to fear I'd never find you without your consort of suitors, Lady Adriana. I finally despaired of getting close to you at your sister's wedding, for they surrounded you like an impenetrable rampart. Every eligible bachelor from London to Bath must have been there, except, of course, my cousin. Don't know what he was looking at, but after spending so many years in the military, Colton probably got too comfortable with camp-followers to know what real beauty is. You know how those officers are wont to dally here and there in their leisure…."

"No, actually I'm afraid I don't," Adriana replied, gritting out a smile. It nettled her sorely that he should seek to besmirch his cousin's character when his own reputation was far from exemplary. Though he seemed entirely in good health, he had begged some dreadful fainting malady to avoid offering his services in defense of his country and then, barely a monthafter Lord Sedgwick had passed on, had borrowed funds against his anticipated marquessate in order to placate an outraged father whose previously innocent daughter he had gotten with child.

Latham seemed momentarily befuddled by her lack of imagination. "Well, never mind, my dear. My observations wouldn't be fit for sweet, innocent ears like yours." His eyes passed over her again, and as if encouraged by her failure to retreat, he took a step toward her. The huskiness of his voice seemed to convey a warming desire. "I say, Lady Adriana, you are truly the most ravishing creature I've ever seen, and you do yourself such good service by dressing to the occasion. Your gown at the wedding was especially charming, but, my dear, let me say you've clearly outdone yourself this evening. Never in all my life have I seen a more stunning gown or a maid more ravishingly beautiful."

"You flatter me, Lord Latham," she accused, boldly using his first name as he had hers. After all, as Colton's cousin, he had visited Randwulf Manor fairly frequently as a lad when she had merely been a toddler clinging to her father's trousers. The man was older than Colton by a trio of years, but as much as he made the pretense, Latham lacked the handsomely refined good looks and polished manners that his younger cousin possessed in abundance.

"You do have quite a following of admirers, my dear, so many I found my head spinning like a whipping top when I saw them gathered around you that day outside the church. Why, even that duke's son … what's his name … was among them."

Adriana retreated as he advanced another step, preferring to yield him the floor rather than to risk contact. "I believe you're referring to his lordship, Riordan Kendrick, the Marquess of Harcourt."

"Quite a handsome fellow, Lord Riordan. Immensely wealthy, from what I understand, and of course, being the only son, he shall inherit the duchy one day, once his father expires, that is. Has he been courting you long?"

Suspicious of Latham's reasons for addressing his attention to any matter, Adriana was somewhat hesitant about answering, yet could not fathom what harm stating the truth would do. "Lord Harcourt hasn't really been courting me. He has merely been visiting Wakefield Manor."

Latham chuckled and dabbed a lace handkerchief to a corner of his mouth, giving Adriana cause to wonder if he were drooling. "Well, my dear girl, it doesn't take much imagination for a body to figure out why he would, what with such sublime perfection housed here. I'm somewhat surprised he hasn't obtained a nuptial agreement from Lord Standish. He has tried, has he not?"

Adriana hoped her face didn't appear as rigid as it felt. "Of late, my father has been extremely busy addressing other matters. Taking into account that I'm the last of his daughters, he'll probably want to relax for a while before lending his attention to my future. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he doesn't get around to pondering those matters for several months." At least until Colton Wyndham makes up his mind!

"Of course! Of course!" Latham chortled. "Delightful news for tardy suitors, eh what?" He raised an eyebrow meaningfully and leaned forward in a confidential manner. His warm, husky whisper clearly conveyed his rising aspirations. "Such news, my dear lady, gives me occasion to hope that I'm not too late in presenting my petition."

Adriana came near to rolling her eyes in disbelief, but she subdued the urge as Latham glanced first to his left and then to his right, as if searching the area for listening ears. She could only wonder what secret he was about to reveal.

Bestowing his attention upon her once again, he smiled cajolingly. "My lady, I do implore you to save a dance for me later on. I'd ask for one now, but barely a moment ago, I was forced to make my excuses to that Carvell fellow, Lord Mansford, who asked me quite boldly to dance with his daughter, a portly young miss who's obviously in a dither to find a husband. Rather than be caught in a lie, I thought to hide out for the duration of the tune. ‘Twill be a wonder indeed if Lady Berenice finds a husband. She's pretty enough, to be sure, but I fear her bulk would simply overpower me." His eyes swept over Adriana and began to glow warmly with avid admiration. "I do so enjoy much daintier forms, which, without a doubt, yours takes precedence."

Had Latham been a man to admire, Adriana would've encouraged him to seriously consider Berenice Carvell, in her opinion a very sweet young woman. Unfortunately, her sire seized upon every opportunity to find her a husband and, by so doing, not only embarrassed his daughter, but forced the bachelors he cornered into awkward positions.

Considering the rumors of indebtedness in which Latham had become mired, Adriana couldn't resist taunting him. "Lady Berenice does indeed have a pretty face, my lord, and although a bit bulky as you say, I'm inclined to disagree with you about her chances of being wed, so much so that I'm willing to predict that she'll be married to a fine, upstanding young gentleman ere long."

Arching a brow with rampant skepticism, Latham peered down his long nose at her as he smirked with amused condescension. "Are you gullible enough to believe in miracles, my lady?"

Adriana's hackles rose at his patronizing question, but she managed a musical laugh. "Well, considering Lady Berenice's dowry would choke the wits of a sultan, I'm sure such miracles are well within the realm of possibility. A man may indeed marry Berenice for her dowry, but in time he'll come to discover that he has gained for himself a jewel far more valuable than her father's wealth. Of that I'm confident."

Latham's brows jutted sharply upward in amazement. "I never dreamt her sire was so affluent."

Adriana could almost envision the greedy workings of the man's mind as she cut her eyes askance at him. "Oh, indeed, and considering his eagerness to see her wed, I suffer little doubt that Lord Mansford will prove extremely generous to her bridegroom."

Latham wandered off in something of a daze, leaving Adriana pondering the odds of seeing him dancing with Berenice ere the evening was out. She'd definitely have to warn her friend to be on her guard against the fortune seeker.

Heaving a forlorn sigh as she addressed herself once again to her own predicament, Adriana slipped into the ballroom and took refuge within the shadows shrouding the entrance as she glanced around. Across the room, Jaclyn and her husband, Sir Thornton Godric, stood chatting with her parents, Philana, and Aunt Tilly. Melora and Harold still seemed totally entranced with each other as they waltzed together. Just beyond them, Perceval swept Samantha around the dance floor in wide, graceful rotations. Though married two years, the couple seemed as smitten with each other as the recently wedded pair. There was no question that Samantha greatly esteemed the choice her sire had made for her. To some degree their love for one another rallied Adriana's prospects for herself. She just hoped Sedgwick Wyndham had been equally insightful matching her to his son.

With curiosity, Adriana scanned the faces of the dancing couples in search of the man who, of late, had become the focal point of her musings. If anyone had told her several months ago that she'd be fantasizing about Colton Wyndham at this juncture in her life, she'd have called him daft. But time had a way of putting one's considerations to naught. Her infatuation with the man had deepened by significant degrees since his return. She could only wonder when he'd actually make his entrance. No doubt his appearance would be favorable. The man's penchant for dapper attire left her wondering what exceptional formal apparel he'd be wearing this evening; but then, on his tall, broad-shouldered form, rags would seem like a king's raiment.

Adriana nearly choked in surprise as she finally espied the tall, handsomely garbed Marquess of Randwulf. It was not so much the sight of him that took her aback, but the fact that he was waltzing Felicity Fairchild around the ballroom.

Cheeks burning with humiliation, Adriana pressed back against a French door, hoping the two hadn't seen her. Her moment of obscurity allowed her to watch the retired colonel at some length. From all appearances, he had made remarkable progress in recovering a graceful stride. She could only imagine the grueling extent of his determination to exercise his limb in his quest to overcome his lingering lameness. She remembered the way his wound had looked the night of his return. The sight of it had caused her to consider the pain he had suffered, which had likely been intensified by its tainted condition. It came to her with a fair bit of surprise that at Melora's wedding three weeks earlier he had been without his cane, and yet he had still been hampered by a limp. Now, however, his smooth strides seemed to bear out the successful degree of progress he had made, for his movements seemed as fluid as rippling water flowing over a submerged stone.

Adriana started suddenly when a distant cousin, calling to her from the dance floor, shattered her anonymity.

"Adriana, why aren't you dancing?"

She groaned within herself, wanting to crawl into the nearest cubby. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Colton glance about, evidently in search of her. When he espied her, he swept Felicity around the ballroom in wide circles, bringing them within close proximity of where she stood.

The blackguard! How could he?Adriana fumed peevishly, still irked that he had all but wheedled a concession from her that had allowed him freedom to direct his manly consideration elsewhere during the ball. His choice of ladies just happened to be Felicity Fairchild, a woman who, since her introduction to the man, had been lauding his praises with bubbling enthusiasm to any and all who would listen.

The almost glowing radiance of the fair-haired beauty gowned in a pale, yellow satin caused Adriana to wonder somewhat morosely how he would rate the miller's granddaughter in contrast to one whose eyes and hair were as dark as ebon. A sharp reminder of the insults he had once heaped upon the thin little girl who had adored him seemed to affirm the probability that she wouldn't measure up very well at all.

"She definitely wants him," Adriana muttered petulantly as she considered the blonde's smiling delight.

"Who?" a voice intruded from nearby.

Surprised at having been caught thinking aloud, Adriana turned promptly about to find Roger standing behind her. Although words seemed momentarily lodged in her throat, they came free as she lashed out at him in vexation. "My goodness, Roger, you nearly startled me to death!"

He chuckled, laying the cause of her annoyance to his own tardiness. Heartened by what seemed an eagerness to see him, he readily apologized. "I'm sorry, my lady, but it seemed as if you were caught in a world of your own making. I really had no idea that I would alarm you." He glanced around as several couples danced past, none of whom was even closely reminiscent of the pair Adriana had been eyeing. "Were you referring to anyone in particular?"

"A distant acquaintance, that is all." Growing more distant by the hour! Adriana mentally jeered as she caught a glimpse of the very winsome Miss Felicity fluttering long lashes at her tall, handsome partner.

Well, there was no help for it, Adriana decided. As much as she had intended to inform Roger at the conclusion of the ball that she could no longer permit him to follow her about, she feared the closer the end came, the more she'd lose her nerve. Better to be done with it, she thought. Besides, the sooner she made her announcement to Roger, the sooner her rival would find herself without the attentions of his lordship … even if it turned out to be nothing more than a three-month interval.

No more delays, Adriana thought, and plunged headlong into the task she had set for herself. "Roger, I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you. Perhaps we should go into the hall where we can talk together privately."

The young man raised a brow skeptically. "Grave importance? You mean more important than dancing with you?" He forced a laugh, though it proved a frail attempt at best. He could imagine what kind of statement she intended to makenow that the marquess was home. Frankly, he didn't want to hear it. In fact, his father's suggestion was beginning to appeal to him as his only chance for claiming the lady for his own. "I think not, my lady, for to be sure, the idea of holding you in my arms has dwelt on my mind almost constantly these past weeks. ‘Twas rare indeed that you allowed me to touch your hand, much less take you in my arms. I don't want to lose the opportunity to do so. I've missed you more in these past weeks than common words can adequately justify. Whenever I'd come to Wakefield Manor and ask to see you, I was informed by your butler that you were either out or indisposed. I was beginning to suspect that you were deliberately avoiding me."

"I'm sorry, Roger, but I've been very busy with other things." It was certainly no lie, merely an exaggeration. But then, after Colton's return, the man should've realized circumstances would change. "Seriously, Roger, I have something important to discuss with you…."

"Later." Claiming her hand, he drew her toward the dance floor. "After we finish dancing."

Adriana pulled back, trying to free herself, but he refused to let her go, and with a mental sigh of resignation, she conceded, not wishing to cause a stir. After tonight, she'd likely never see the man again. She could at least allow him a dance or two. "All right, Roger, but we do have to talk. Delaying it won't make it go away."

All around the hall, plumed and beribboned heads came together in a frantic rush as ladies of middling and advancing years craned their flabby, scrawny, or wrinkled necks in an effort to see the miller's son leading Lord Gyles's youngest daughter onto the dance floor. ‘Twas a rare occurrence indeed that a man of low estate was granted such a favor from a nobleman's daughter, and the event sparked what could have easily been likened to a feeding frenzy among the busybodies who devoured every comment eagerly whispered behind fluttering fans. Laying bejeweled fingers aside their ears, they leaned forward to catch every juicy morsel, relishing each enticing tidbit as if they hadn't sampled the like of such sweetmeat for months on end. Then they bustled excitedly about to spread the news further, bumping into each other in their haste, weaving in and out, dispersing and converging in their eagerness to carry the news hither and yon. Had any been observing from a high summit, they'd have probably likened the biddies to a mass of plump melons rolling helter-skelter down a steep ravine.

Past and present suitors noticed the ruckus and, in some curiosity, leaned near to hear the reason for the feverish dither. While the rejected sneered and offered rude comments about the lady's choice for a partner, the hopeful were greatly encouraged by the fact that Lady Adriana had finally joined the festivities.

It didn't take that one long to notice the excited pother erupting around the ballroom. Adriana had been expecting the gossipmongers to size her up now that she was the only unattached female left in the Sutton family. After all, when a man had three daughters and no sons, there was always a fair amount of speculation whether he'd be successful in making good matches for all of them or if any would be left without a husband. Adriana just hadn't considered that she'd stir up such a commotion. Having reached the age of twenty and two years and with no apparent betrothal in the offing, she could well imagine they had already considered her destined for spinsterhood.

A fate worse than death,some would lament. In droning tones, others would offer questionable advice as to what could remedy her plight. At the very least, a few would be inclined to suggest that it was a far better fate to wed a miller's son than marry not at all, as if she were that anxious to wed and had no other choice.

Looking back upon her couturier's last visit prior to Melora's departure, Adriana now wished she hadn't yielded to their suggestion that a special gown be made for her so as to leave no doubt that she was being heralded as the last available daughter in the family. The dressmaker had seemed excited about designing something unique for one whom she had described as tall, slender, and elegant enough to wear a feed sackand make it look divine. Though Adriana had never considered herself as one lacking imagination, she hadn't foreseen the couturier's final version, delivered to her chamber door this very day, as being a garment that would exaggerate her every movement with a glittering array of dancing lights. Beneath the soft glow of the candles that lit scores of sconces and weighty chandeliers, the little crystals made it seem as if fireflies swarmed all around her. Still, remarks concerning its brilliance would probably seem mild compared to what some harpies would say about her décolletage. Although modest in comparison to the apparel of several young ladies, including the lovely Miss Fairchild, who showed more but had somewhat less to flaunt, it was definitely not what Adriana was accustomed to wearing even on formal occasions, for it revealed the upper curves of her rounded bosom rather generously. Truly, had she anticipated the possibility that she'd be at the mercy of malicious biddies, she'd have definitely chosen a less conspicuous gown to wear, perhaps something that would have disguised her altogether. Then everyone would've been wondering who she was rather than her possible fate as a spinster.

Upon facing Roger, Adriana felt as if every eye in the ballroom was now fastened on them. The apprentice enfolded her slender hand within his and seemed to hesitate before laying his other behind her shoulder. Adriana perceived the reason when she noticed the direction of his gaze, for it seemed momentarily fastened on her breasts, giving her additional cause to regret that she had ever yielded to the advice of others.

Much to her relief, Roger's inspection was cut short by the simple fact that he was expected to dance. His head lifted, and his brows gathered as he concentrated on the task of waltzing her around the room. He did so woodenly, as if it were something he had recently learned and wasn't too sure about. A moment later, the metal rim lining his sole scraped across her satin slipper, causing such intense pain that Adriana's mouth flew open in sharp surprise. With a seriously strained facade of poise, she gritted out a smile just as Samantha and Perceval swept near.

Behind them came Lord Harcourt whose gallantry readily displayed itself as he danced past with Berenice. Although tutored by an instructor, the young lady seemed extremely nervous dancing with the handsome gentleman and repeatedly trod upon his shiny black shoes. His dark eyes met Adriana's briefly, and in his pained smile she was wont to find some humor in spite of the empathy she felt for him. She was convinced she was experiencing a similar torment and could imagine her own gritted smile conveyed as much distress as she strove to force the corners of her lips upward.

Roger's face had taken on a hue reminiscent of scarlet. He definitely felt out of his element amid all the elegantly garbed gentlemen who swept their partners around the ballroom with graceful ease. Even the previously lame Lord Colton had far more grace than he had been able to master since the instructor began the task of teaching him just where to place his seemingly oversized feet in a waltz and other dances. "I'm truly sorry, my lady. I was never trained in any of the social graces. It has only been within the last month that I've had the opportunity to learn." He looked rather sheepish. "I guess I need more practice. Would you prefer to sit?"

"If you wouldn't mind," Adriana replied and tried to ease his chagrin. "But you needn't fret about your dancing, Roger. Not everyone can learn when he's young. In time, you'll become more proficient."

His expression brightened. "I'll try very hard not to make another mistake if you'd grant me another dance now. I do need the practice, and dancing with you is definitely preferable to the instructor."

"Later," she said, wondering if her feet would ever be the same. "Right now, I need to talk with you."

Roger let out a muted, agonized groan. "Not now. Come dance with me instead."

"A rest would likely do you good, Roger," she replied forthrightly. "You were dancing on my toes more in the last few moments than you were when you first began. Perhaps some wine would help relax you."

"Would you care to join me in a glass?"

Wine was the last thing she needed to muddle her brain. She had to remain alert to avoid offending the man if at all possible. "Perhaps later."

"I'm reluctant to leave you," he insisted.

Adriana sighed, frustrated by the clinging tenacity of the man. "Then perhaps we can have our discussion now."

His face darkened, and as his eyes moved about the room, he seemed to sulk as he glowered at no one in particular. "I know what you're going to say, and I don't want to hear it."

"Then perhaps I don't need to waste my breath since you've acquired such keenly intuitive powers."

Of a sudden, Adriana felt a presence behind her. Then she saw Roger's eyes flare, indicating trouble ahead. She was about to turn when a request came over her shoulder.

"May I have this dance, my lady?"

Smiling in relief as she recognized Lord Harcourt's deep voice, Adriana faced the handsome gentleman. "Of course, my lord."

She turned back to excuse herself from the apprentice, but his hotly glowering eyes warned her that he was none too pleased by her eagerness to dance with another after she had just refused him. In a low whisper, she chided, "I never promised to spend the entire evening with you, Roger. I only granted you permission to come. Lord Harcourt is not only a guest of ours, but he happens to be a close friend of mine, and I shan't let your ominous scowls keep me from dancing with him … or, for that matter, any other man. Kindly refrain from using such tactics or I shall ask you to leave forthwith."

Roger's lean jowls tensed and flexed as he retreated several steps, then he swept his hand before him and bowed deeply as if doing obeisance before a queen. "My lady."

Fretting that she had been too harsh in chiding him, Adriana watched Roger plow his way through the guests in a most ungentlemanly fashion, causing people to turn and stare after him in astonished wonder after being shouldered roughly aside by the man.

"Never mind the fellow, Lady Adriana," Riordan urged in a low murmur, leaning near her shoulder again. "Obviously he fears his grasp on you is too frail and would hold you prisoner if he could."

Adriana faced the marquess with an uneasy smile. "I didn't realize he'd be so upset. I'm sorry you had to witness that."

" 'Twas the lad's fault for imagining that he could monopolize your time tonight. If he did indeed think you'd devote the entire evening solely to him, then I, for one, resent his audacity. The sad truth is that I'm not alone in desiring as much of your time as you're willing to spare, and though I'd like to dispense with all your smitten admirers so I can have you entirely to myself, I suppose, in lieu of that, I shall have to share your company, at least until a more permanent arrangement comes about."

Smiling at his humor, Adriana yielded her hand to him. "Then lead me out onto the dance floor, gallant lord. Only there will we be safe from intrusions."

"Your wish is my command, my lady," he avowed, drawing her hand to his lips for a kiss.

Riordan Kendrick was as light on his feet as he was easy to look upon, Adriana mentally reaffirmed after several turns about the ballroom. Of all the suitors who had previously been vying for her hand, he had been the only one who had appealed to her. In the past, she had enjoyed dancing with him more than any other. Even now, she found herself relaxing in his arms, but her heart was not the same as it had been even two months ago. If nothing else, she had to be true to herself by admitting that Colton Wyndham had stolen a march on everyone. Yet, Colton really didn't want her; he was merely going through the motions of addressing himself to their courtship for the sake of his mother and the contract his father had proposed.

"You're looking as radiant as the very stars overhead, Adriana," Riordan murmured, his dark eyes warmly devouring her face as he awaited her reaction to his familiar address.

"And you, Riordan, are as kind as always."

The flash of white teeth against his sun-bronzed visage was no less than dazzling as he accepted the lady's response as an invitation to discontinue the formality that had heretofore existed between them. "If I'm always on my best behavior around you, Adriana, ‘tis merely that I'm hoping to convince your father that I'm a worthy prospect for a son-in-law. Lord Gyles said he had to consider other proposals before he could answer my petition for your hand. Should he respond in the affirmative, which is truly my heartfelt desire, I must warn you of my wayward side. I'm a disreputable rogue at heart."

Adriana tossed her head in disbelief as she chuckled. "Aye, I saw how disreputable you were when you danced with Lady Berenice. So much so I'm wont to contradict you and call you a gallant gentleman."

"She has a very pretty face."

"She does indeed," Adriana agreed, having long been of the belief that the only reason Berenice indulged herself with food was out of anxiety. Sadly enough, when she was around her widowed father, who was not only handsome but also fairly persnickety about everything being as close to the state of perfection as possible, she was tense most of the time, fretting that she'd never be able to live up to his expectations. The elder seemed blind to all the exceptional qualities his daughter had; he saw her as flawed merely because she was plump and, for that reason, was wont to malign her. "If the right man came along, he could probably do wonders for her."

Riordan slanted a dubious grin down upon Adriana. "Do you have anyone in particular in mind?"

She smiled, realizing the nobleman had read too much into her casual comment. "You would be the right man in any case, my lord. In spite of your wealth and incredible good looks, you're as chivalrous as anyone I've ever known."

Encouraged by her words, he urged with more fervor, "Then persuade your father to favor my request above all others posthaste and let me commence courting you with all sincerity."

"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Riordan," she replied and knew of a sudden that if she confided in him, her secret would besafe. "A contract committing me to another was signed years ago when I was but a child. Should that agreement be dissolved after a three-month courtship, then I shall certainly ask my father to consider your petition."

"We could be happy together," he cajoled.

Her shining eyes swept his handsome face. "That may well be true, Riordan, but I am honor-bound to the agreement my father signed."

A mischievous gleam lit his dark eyes. "Was this agreement put down on parchment that can be easily torched … or was it set in stone?"

His humor evoked another smile. "Both, I'm afraid, at least until the gentleman makes up his mind."

Riordan looked astounded. "You mean the man isn't sure he wants you? Is he a raving lunatic?"

"I'm afraid he didn't appreciate his father arranging the matter without consulting him."

"Can he not see the precious gem that has been offered him?"

Greatly heartened by the man's praise, Adriana smoothed his lapel. "You make me feel as if I were a queen, Riordan. No woman could do better than to marry you."

"Then come away with me tonight, Adriana, and pledge me your troth in wedding vows. I swear to treat you like a queen for the whole of your life. Your father would forgive us once he realizes how much I adore you."

Adriana feigned a musical chuckle, reluctant to take him seriously though she sensed he was. "I'm afraid I'm bound by the contract my father signed, my lord. I cannot escape it that easily."

The spark of hope that had momentarily lit his eyes dimmed forthwith as he heaved a sigh. "Three months, you say?"

"Aye, three months."

His eyes caressed her face as if he sought to memorize it. "I shall pray fervently that you will be freed from all your obligations after that length of time, if not before. Until then, Adriana, be confident of my unwavering desire to have you for my wife."

"You honor me, my lord."

They halted as the music ended, and though Riordan asked for another dance, Adriana could see Roger pacing impatiently about beyond several guests.

"I'd better not. I have a matter to discuss with Mr. Elston. I'm afraid he isn't quite as understanding as you have been about my need to honor commitments."

"I'll stay with you."

As much as Adriana wished she could accept Riordan's comforting presence, she laid a gentle hand upon his arm and shook her head. "‘Twould only rile Mr. Elston to have you near, Riordan. If you would, go dance with Berenice again. Perhaps her father would treat her more kindly if he thought she had gained the attention of a gentleman like yourself."

She offered him a grateful smile, wondering if Colton would ever be as gallant. Mentally she heaved a dubious sigh and, as Riordan departed, faced the apprentice who rapidly approached with a harsh, angry scowl. She accepted his invitation to dance, and they progressed like wooden sticks around the dance floor until Riordan swept past with the fair-haired Berenice in his arms, evoking a caustic jeer from Roger. "Obviously that dandified jackanapes knows a rich dowry has been laid upon the broad bovine and is merely seeking to pad his purse."

Adriana's temper ignited. "Don't ever speak so disparagingly about my friends again in my presence, Roger. I won't tolerate it! And if you don't mind being the recipient of my criticism, I'd say you have much to surmount before you equal the likes of such an honorable gentleman as Lord Harcourt. As for Lady Berenice's dowry, ‘tis as vast as you say, but in all likelihood, his lordship's fortune would make her father's seem mediocre! If you're not aware of it, Lord Harcourt will become a duke one day, and a very fine one, I might add."

Much humbled by her ire, Roger grudgingly yielded an apology. "I'm sorry, my lady. At times, I fear my jealousy rules my head."

Adriana was not so easily placated. "Then I suggest youkeep a tight rein on your envy lest I come to regret the day we ever met."

When the music finally ended, Adriana's toes once again felt as if they'd been caught in some cruel device of torture. Gritting her teeth in a stiff smile, she had cause to wonder if her attempt resembled a grimace as several acquaintances passed, for they looked at her rather oddly. Barely able to walk for the pain, she tottered gingerly to a settee at the far end of the ballroom near the place where her family stood. After lowering herself rather cautiously to the velvet cushions, she released a sigh of relief and began to work off her slippers beneath the hem of her gown. Her toes had taken the brunt of abuse; even wiggling them seemed to increase the pain. She decided right then and there that Roger would have to be told forthwith that their friendship could not continue. Even if she weren't entering into a courtship with Colton Wyndham, she'd never be able to bear dancing with the apprentice again.

"Perhaps I should go fetch refreshments for you since dancing seems beyond my realm of expertise," Roger suggested.

"I believe I could use a glass of wine right now," Adriana conceded, deciding a small amount would likely relax her and get her through the arduous announcement she had to make. If it proved strong enough to dull her agony, then that, too, would be acceptable.

"I shan't be long, my lady."

"Please, take your time," she urged with all sincerity. She definitely needed time to collect her wits for the ordeal ahead.

Mathilda Maxim approached, and with an exaggerated sigh of her own, plopped herself down on the bench beside her niece. "I don't know about you, child, but my feet have been trod upon more times this evening than there were Frenchmen at Waterloo. I'm beginning to think the dance instructor hereabouts needs to be taken out and shot to relieve us all from future misery."

Giggling at the woman's dry wit, Adriana nodded in full agreement. "I know exactly what you mean, Aunt Tilly. Believe me, if I were able to hide a large bowl of medicinal waterbeneath my skirts, I'd be tempted to soak my feet, stockings and all."

Tilly winced as she doffed her own shoes beneath the covering of her hem. "I think I've been widowed too long."

Adriana's curiosity was sharply tweaked, for it was rare indeed to hear such comments from the feisty woman. "Why is that, Aunt Tilly?"

The older woman responded with a mischievous grin. "I never knew there were so many gorgeous older gentlemen in the world until I came here tonight. Tell me that I'm not dreaming."

Laughing in delight, Adriana nodded. This sounded more like the Aunt Tilly she had always known. Looping an arm through the woman's, she hugged it affectionately. "Oh, I'm in full agreement. I'd be as befuddled as an ol' spinster if I had to make a choice between any of them. Still, I do think Lord Alistair is a cut or two above the rest. He certainly comes from good stock."

"He is quite handsome, isn't he?"

"Oh, indeed," Adriana agreed with an amused chuckle, admiring her aunt's effervescent spirit.

As if making up her mind, Aunt Tilly thrust her slender feet into her shoes and then rose. Patting her niece's shoulder, she announced, "I'm going to make myself available for a dance somewhere within close proximity of the area where I last saw Lord Alistair. If I see any nice young gentlemen while I'm looking around, I'll direct them over here. I've seen several who'd put my own sons to shame."

"If it's all the same to you, Aunt Tilly, I think I'll just sit here and rest my feet for a few moments more before I try dancing again."

"Nonsense, child. You're much younger than I and far too beautiful to be sitting here contemplating your squashed toes. I believe I saw Lord Alistair's nephew without a partner not too long ago. I'll see what I can do for you in that area."

"Please, not just yet, Aunt Tilly," Adriana pleaded desperately, afraid Colton would think she had put her aunt up to asking

him to dance with her. "My feet really do hurt and are in dire need of a rest."

"All right, child, but only for the time being. If I don't see you dancing fairly soon, I'll find some nice handsome gentleman to send over."

Relieved that her aunt had acquiesced to her pleas, Adriana released her breath in a long, grateful sigh. Some moments later, she had to smile at Tilly's engaging ways as she saw the woman being swept about the ballroom by Alistair, for the man seemed no less than delighted to be with the attractive woman.