d tried to make out his face but the light from behind made her effort fruitless. Somehow, he stood on the spot where she couldn't see him, maybe on purpose. "I can't handle alcohol well

it this particular ball you are

ward and free-spirited Aunt has introduced me to every gentleman in that room." She threw h

he turned to him. "You w

he'd heard before. She looked away. "I was exaggerating." Had she really not bee

t was quiet for a while. Then, "Ladies of the gentry wo

after fanatically. "They are welcome to as many gentlemen as they choose. Besides, most that are excited ar

once." He said as

smiled."I really was glad to be asked to dance at a ba

er and she was unwilling to give. He exhaled and turned to her. "You should learn to enjoy it to a

leared her throat. "You needn't worry. I care nothing about a husband or guests in his

ss. "Still, I've heard it twice today." Carefu

not all it is said to be. I think it is highly overrated." He said nothing further. Beth waited for a m

a hill this morning? Holding

ling. "I walked up a hill this morning and I met someone." She

out into perfect view. "Charles de Norcrosse, Duke of

ance to the man she had met earlier. She was mesmerized. Catching herself, she blunted. "You were the man I met on the way

is the hostess. She outdid herself, didn't she?" His eyes rested once more on

our Grace. I apologize for offending earl

m before." He again leaned on the railing. "I let myself out here because the sy

now his status and the power he held? How was it that she had met the Duke of Car

e was almost as powerful as the King and that he was friends with the same; a man expelling both powerful grace and wealth in large amounts; young and on t

the presence of such power, grace and masculinity. What wouldn't

ce jolted her. "I suddenly re

revelation overwhelmed me. Do forgive me." She bowed again. Silence. To ease the atmosphere, Beth s

ss, she's honouring my intended, in hopes

?" He said nothing. "Oh, forgive my

aid. "Can you please be as free with me

ds and breathed out.

. "Like you, I hate the false

in theory and in practice, if I am to borrow my sister's words." If she was ever going to speak

word." He looked straight at her.

hand to cover her mouth. "I fail

ere one