Prologue

She was wearing peach, and it suited her so well.

She was speaking to the same group of girls she’d been talking to at the other ball, the night they’d first met, but as if she could feel his presence, her head turned, and their eyes met. She lowered her lids and turned back to her friends, and he headed toward her. Drawn as if someone was pulling a string straight to her.

“Miss Hillgrave.” He stopped in front of her, and it took everything inside him to not wind his arm around her, to not pull her to him, to not kiss her.

“Lord Fairview.”

“I pray that you saved a dance for me tonight.”

With a saucy grin she examined her dance card and hummed to herself as if she were contemplating granting him a dance. He could see her card. There were three spots open, all waltzes.

“I believe there is one left,” she said. “I will pencil you in.”

He grinned and turned to her friend…Victoria? Blast it, he couldn’t remember the friend’s name, and asked her to dance as well, so as not to call attention to the fact that he’d singled Ellen out.

Damn Society’s machinations!

He didn’t have to wait long, just a few interminable dances before it was his turn. However, watching her dance with three other mates was torture. He experienced a wave of jealousy that set his teeth on edge. He drank far too much wine, in order to keep his hands occupied, as he watched her flit across the dance floor in other men’s arms.

He knew people might notice his preoccupation, but he couldn’t help himself.

And then it was his turn and she was in his arms and all was right with his world.

She smiled up at him.

“All night I’ve looked forward to this dance,” she said.

“I could barely contain myself, seeing you with the other men.”

Her smile widened. “Just know that I was thinking of you the entire time.”

“That gives me some comfort.”

They moved well together. He shouldn’t be surprised. They kissed well together. They conversed well together. Everything they did together, they did well.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispered.

He closed his eyes, and his heart thundered. He had missed her so much in the three days since their kiss.

“I can’t do this anymore, Ellen,” he said softly. The music was loud but still he didn’t want anyone to overhear.

She frowned up at him. “What do you mean?”

He didn’t want to discuss it here, among the swirling bodies and the perked ears. He wanted Ellen all to himself, to speak freely.

“Can you meet me outside?”

“Oliver, you’re frightening me. Tell me what this is about.”

“Nothing to be frightened over. I promise you. It is something good. Wonderful.” He smiled down at her.

“Do you swear?”

“I swear on my honor.”

The dance seemed to be endless and over too soon, all at the same time. He wanted to keep holding Ellen in his arms, but he also urgently needed to speak to her, to finally make all of this formal and permanent.

“Meet me outside. Through there.” He tilted his chin toward a set of doors that he knew led to a terraced patio.

She nodded and turned away from him.

In order not to make things look odd, Oliver wandered through the ballroom and spoke to a few friends, extricating himself before he was caught up in some debate or good-natured ribbing.

Being outside, in the cool air, did nothing to clear his mind. His hands were sweating and his heart was pounding, but he had never been so sure of anything in his whole life.

He made his way to a darkened corner, dodging other couples standing close together or intertwined, and nervously waited for Ellen to appear.

Luckily it didn’t take her long. Unlike him, she didn’t hesitate or make it seem like she was just out for fresh air. She made her way straight to him.

“What is wrong?” she asked anxiously, looking up at him.

He took her hands in his and kissed her. The rigidness in her spine loosened until she melted against him, pliant beneath his hands, her lips molding to his.

He drew away, breathless.

“I want everyone to know about us, Ellen. I’m tired of hiding our relationship, of sneaking around like we’re doing something wrong when we’re not. We’re both adults. I am a viscount, someday to be an earl.” The thought of his father not being around sent a pain through his heart, but that was the reality of being an heir. “You are a lady, daughter of a baron. We are well-matched and well-suited.”

She squeezed his hands, her eyes glistening. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I want to declare my intentions to your father. I want to marry you, Ellen.”

Her eyes widened, and a slow smile broke across her face. “Oh, Oliver.”

“That is, if you will have me as your husband.”

“Of course. Yes! I want nothing more.”

“Then it is settled. I will talk to your father first thing tomorrow. And then we can start planning our future.”

She pressed his hand to her pounding heart. “I can scarcely believe this is true.”

“By the end of the summer we will be married.” The thought made his own heart pound in excitement. “I will take care of you, Ellen. I will always be here for you. You’ll never have anything to worry about.”

Tears leaked from her eyes. Tears of joy and laughter. She leaned against him, pressing her head to his chest. “I love you, Oliver, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”

“I love you too, Ellen.”