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Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three

"You insufferable girl! I will not have you in this house one more minute!" exclaimed Lady Wilcox, stamping her slippered foot. She fluttered her fan and restrained herself from swatting the girl with it only through an extreme act of will.

She was trembling with anger, and her maid rushed forward with smelling salts, which her ladyship sniffed gratefully. She was not normally the fainting type, but social disaster had a tendency to distress her a great deal.

"Aunty, surely you cannot mean that?" cried Juliet Moresby, appalled. In truth, she had done everything possible to get herself dismissed from her aunt's home and the insipid boredom of the London Season.

Perhaps boredom was the wrong term for the vast number of balls and parties and afternoons spent driving. Aside from her brother Geoff, Juliet found the company at these numerous routs extremely tiresome. She especially disliked the dandified lords who expected not only her complete ignorance of every interesting topic of conversation, but also her simpering adoration of their own pompous selves. She had shocked a number of them by speaking plainly in her acerbic way. And finally, she had insulted a certain Mr. Brumhest during the quadrille.

"My dear girl, you cannot speak to Mr. Brumhest in such a manner. I..."

"But, Aunty, he kept saying that Miss Iverson ought not to have been invited, as she is horrible to look at. You know and I know that she had the smallpox, and that she is as kind a person as we've ever met. I merely informed Mr. Brumhest that he had no right to criticize other people's guest lists."

"And I'm sure you used delicacy and tact to explain yourself and defend Miss Inversion." Lady Wilcox eyed her niece doubtfully. Her suspicions were confirmed when Juliet hung her head.

"I must confess that I lost my temper. He did so provoke me! Such conceit and ill will."

"Indeed. Well, he cut your acquaintance and recommended to his peers that they not receive you. This is a serious matter that cannot be repaired this Season, I wouldn't think. I cannot chaperon you now, when I cannot even bring you to see my friends. You had best go home for the rest of the Season and take your brothers as an escort. I do so tire of Octavian, though Geoff is pleasant enough."

That was precisely what Juliet wished. Lady Wilcox, however, sighed with regret.

"Oh, Juliet, I know you mean well, but I have never been so mortified. I had to escort you home in shame in front of all my friends, and that wretched Lady Chamblington dared to smile at me! She will have that awkward, cow-faced daughter married before you will be, and she hasn't a feather to fly with! All this, after I have been so kind as to sponsor you since your own dear mama died. She will be turning in her grave now!" Lady Wilcox uttered this last bit tragically, and she punctuated her sentences with shakes of her fan.

Her cheeks were quite pink in spite of their thick layer of maquillage, and Juliet determined that perhaps it was best to tease her aunt no longer. Her Aunt Georgiana was a Great Lady and not easily overset.

"Dearest Aunty, I am terribly sorry for mortifying you. I shall go home to the country now, and you may bring out my cousin Caroline next year who will be just the sort of young lady the Ton would admire exceedingly. As for me, I shall retire a spinster, and that will be your revenge. Can you forgive me?"

Juliet favoured her aunt with a contrite smile, though one of her saucy dimples danced on her cheek. Lady Wilcox, however, did not choose to see the rebellion in her niece, and she drew in a deep breath, satisfied with the apology.

"Your mama's heart would be broken if she knew that you were so determined to remain on the shelf. But go back to the country you like so much. Leave with your brothers tomorrow; I imagine your poor father will not be surprised to see you on his doorstep so soon."

Juliet's smile widened, and she kissed her aunt on her wrinkled cheek. "You have been an angel for keeping me so long, Aunty. I had wagered that we would be returned home this month since."

Lady Wilcox sighed heavily. "The Good Lord may agree with you. Now off with you to gather your things. Society was never meant for one as you, Juliet." The girl was dismissed with a wave of her ladyship's hand and Juliet rushed up the wide staircase of her aunt's fashionable house with unladylike energy. Once in her bedroom, she rang for her abigail so that she could prepare for the next day's journey.

A few minutes into packing, Juliet's brother Geoff appeared at her door. At eighteen, he was one year younger than his sister, though he was at least a foot taller. He had the same dark hair, but his eyes were deep blue rather than Juliet's coffee colour.

Through the grace of a departed uncle, Geoff was made wealthy at a young age, and he was handsome and charming besides. He was quite popular with the mamas and their daughters in spite of the fact that he was not due to inherit his father's title, Earl of Cantonshire. That honour would be bestowed on Geoff's older brother Octavian, who at twenty-one, was showing a considerable lack of promise.

Octavian did not have half the intelligence or the charm of his younger siblings, and his brilliance for spending money far outshone his ability to save it. Fortunately, the family was wealthy enough to handle Octavian's habits for quite a few years yet, but Lord Cantonshire despaired that his oldest son would ever learn responsibility.

Geoff, on the other hand, had marvelous luck both in gambling and investment. He was a master judge of horseflesh and had complete control over his own stables at Cantonshire Abbey. In spite of his youth, other gentlemen frequently looked to him for advice when they were purchasing cattle necessary on their hunts. Geoff was also dangerous with both pistol and sword, and he was well on his way to becoming a Corinthian of the first order. Some mamas sighed that he had to be burdened with such an odd sister.

The girl was well-looking, to be sure, but she had a disturbing tendency to demonstrate undesirable intelligence and affection for vigorous exercise and hunting, which were best left to men. Lady Juliet Moresby was quite likely to remain on the shelf despite her beauty and considerable dowry of sixty thousand pounds.

Now Geoff was standing at his sister's doorway, and when he saw her exuberant expression he laughed aloud, not caring that his aunt might hear him. "You've finally worn out our welcome, have you, Jules?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Much to the dismay of her abigail, Juliet was busy carelessly shoving her undergarments into a valise, and grinned mischievously. "I shall have another summer of play at Cantonshire Abbey rather than the dreary restriction of town life. I know that you are glad to escort me home, Geoff. You dislike the simpering misses here as much as I do."

"Juliet, you cannot be a child forever," said a third voice. Octavian had just returned home from his club, and judging from his expression, his luck had gone its usual route. He was shorter and stockier than his younger brother and his taste in fashion was not so excellent. He had his admirers nevertheless, and along with them came an inflated idea of his own consequence and a preachy air which Juliet did not appreciate.

"Lost another thousand at the tables, I see," she returned promptly. "I can be a child as long as I like, dear brother. I'm rich enough not to need a husband."

"Now, Jules, supposing you find a man that you love?" teased Geoff, entering the room with his brother. "After all, it's highly improper to fall in love, so I imagined that you would embrace the sentiment with all haste."

The two young men seated themselves on Juliet's bed in spite of the furious looks directed them by Juliet's abigail. She did not think it proper for any sort of gentleman to be in her mistress' bedchamber, even if they were her brothers.

Juliet gave up packing, to her abigail Maggie's sigh of relief, and sat down between her brothers. She leaned her head on Geoff's shoulder and poked Octavian teasingly in the ribs. "I shan't find anyone half so wonderful as you two," she said, but she was grinning so wickedly that Geoff pinched her on the cheek.

"Saucy minx! No man in England deserves you!"

"Do you wish to leave the burden of a spinster sister on your brothers, Juliet?" Octavian declared with his insufferable air.

"How insulting you are! I've enough income to live comfortably for the rest of my life without burdening either of you in the least." Juliet jumped up and shook her finger at each of her brothers in turn. "Now leave me and see to your own packing. Maggie is about to expire in a fit of propriety and I have sorely provoked her this evening."

Maggie smiled as the brothers obeyed, though Geoff couldn't resist pulling the long plait of Juliet's hair as he left the room. She ignored him with much self- restraint and began to pack again with such disregard for her gowns that Maggie finally threw her hands up and begged Juliet to go to bed. Somewhat chastised, she went to sleep with a small smile curling the corners of her mouth.

A full day's journey took the threesome and their entourage of luggage, footmen and grooms home again. Octavian was not pleased to be with his disgraced sister when he had been enjoying himself so much, but both Geoff and Juliet were glad to leave London behind them. Geoff had wanted to return to his precious horses for some time and Juliet wanted to spend days blissfully exploring the estate in summer.

Her horse Romeo was waiting in his stall for her return and she ran from the travel coach to greet him even before setting foot in the long entryway of Cantonshire Abbey. He nickered softly when he saw her and she stroked his head and velvety neck before reluctantly leaving him. They would be better reacquainted the next morning.

The Earl of Cantonshire was waiting impatiently when Juliet came running into the house. He had already scolded her brothers and now, he turned to face his daughter, his features schooled into sternness.

"Octavian has told me the whole shameful story, Juliet. Now I know that you have not had a mama to keep you ladylike, but I expected more from you than to play the hoyden for the benefit of all Society." He straightened his jacket, which was somewhat strained over a belly that had grown larger in the past years.

Not intimidated by such severity, Juliet only smiled at her father. "Papa, dear, you know that I did not wish to have another Season. I thought perhaps that the failure of last year would prevent you from sending me away again, but you have been persistent. I know that you would dearly love to see me married and happy, but I want to assure you that I am happiest here with my family. Please be resigned to the fact that I will be an old maid. If I don't mind, perhaps neither should you."

The earl sighed and took his daughter's gloved hand in his own. "I do not want you to grow old with no one beside you, Juliet. I promised your mother that I would see to your happiness and I will." The words rang with ominous finality. "Now, retire to your room and rest. Any proper girl would be exhausted after a day of traveling."

Juliet kissed her father on his cheek. "Bless you, Papa, for not raising a proper girl," she said and scampered away before he could say another word.

In actuality the earl had spoiled his daughter shamefully and he felt the full weight of blame for allowing her to turn out as she'd had. She was so spirited and energetic that he did not have the heart to forbid her to hunt or run about, or to read books which she enjoyed so much.

He knew that she was growing up a hoyden, but she was such delightful company, so clever and funny, that the earl had assumed she would easily find a husband in spite of her love of unladylike pursuits. After all, he had made sure that she could do needlework and sing and dance gracefully and know all the things a young lady needed to be successful in the London marriage mart.

But Juliet had decided to follow her own will and Society was not a place for such a creature. She even shied from country society, preferring long solitary walks in the distant haunts of Cantonshire Abbey to neighborhood dinners.

As much as the earl blamed himself for Juliet's peculiar ways, he did not wonder that she should prefer her brothers, even Octavian, to the sporting lords of town. They were selfish and generally boorish -- not at all a match for his clever child. Unfortunately, her position as an earl's daughter left her above the touch of some of the more sensible young gentlemen in the county.

For her own sake the earl would not allow his daughter to remain a spinster. She was nineteen and could not know what it meant to be alone. If she never married, then she would never have children to see to her comfort in her aging years. If Juliet would not cooperate, then the earl would have to find her a husband himself. He went to sit in his study where he could think in peace about what he must do.

Robert Driscoll, Viscount Ravinstock, left his nuncheon with his mother, his face tight by anger. Her nagging had been particularly intense today. She wanted dearly for her eldest son to marry and for darling little Driscolls to run about in the nursery again. Hadn't she waited long enough? Robert was thirty-one and had yet to do his duty to the succession, though he'd been Viscount Ravinstock a full two years.

He was irritated by the fact that his mother was entirely correct. He did need to get himself heirs. If he should die the title would fall to his idiot brother Claude. Besides, he was deeply in the suds due to a particular clause in his father's will. He had been horrified when he learned that the terms included a provision that he must marry in order to inherit the full funds included in his father's estate. Though the property was self-sustaining, his two brothers' gambling debts were draining the available money much faster than Robert had depended upon. Putting off necessary repairs to the stables and grounds had not saved enough to offset the expenses incurred by his sister and brothers during their Season in London.

These thoughts in mind, Robert walked rather more quickly than usual to the stables and had his groom saddle his favourite horse. Long rides over his family estate had always succeeded in calming him when he was in a foul mood. His normally even temperament had suffered these past two years and the Dowager Lady Ravinstock had added to her list of grievances that her oldest son had become rather grim.

He smoothly mounted his horse and set off to explore the edges of the fifteen thousand acres of Ravincourt. After riding for an hour, he reached the nearest boundary of his lands. He dismounted to walk the area more carefully. Past the trees he could see the wide lawn and gardens that were a part of Cantonshire Abbey, the neighboring estate.

He had only seen the Moresbys who lived there a few times, for he had been away at school and travels when the Moresby children were growing up. His younger brothers and sister knew them well. But there was a bit of a feud between the two families that had begun when his younger siblings were children. His brothers and the Moresby sons had taken to playing practical jokes on each other, and his sister Catherine Driscoll had often insulted Juliet Moresby.

Catherine's most serious insult to Juliet occurred just before Christmas, when Catherine denounced Juliet as being unladylike and ill-bred in the company of Juliet's brothers and some neighboring gentry. Juliet dismissed the whole incident as petty jealousy on Catherine's part, but Geoff and Octavian bristled at this attack on Juliet and resolved to make Claude and Luc apologize for their sister's remarks.

This year before the Season began, Geoff Moresby had released the Driscoll dogs from their kennel and Claude Driscoll had spent three days looking with his whipper-in before he had recaptured the last of them. Claude and Luc Driscoll had been forced to leave for London with this latest stunt unavenged, though later they derived some pleasure when Catherine became engaged to a baron while Juliet remained unwed.

Now that Catherine was betrothed, their mama no longer cared if they attended their sister in London, and they could come home to exact their revenge on the Moresbys. Apparently Juliet and her brothers had left London just a week before in the wake of a small scandal and Claude and Luc had returned to Ravincourt soon after. Robert welcomed them, knowing that while they were at Ravincourt, they could not rack up more 'debts of honour'.

For Robert the feud was just another worry and he berated his brothers often for taking the stunts of the Moresbys so seriously. Such rivalries among hot- blooded young men, untempered by friendship, could easily result in violence. In spite of Robert's warnings, Claude and Luc were determined to give the Moresbys a proper set-down.

These thoughts were not at all calming. Leading his horse, he turned away from Cantonshire Abbey and started back the way he came. He needed to find a wife and soon, even if he had to resort to marrying one of the vapid females he had often encountered in London. Spending time paying extravagant compliments to vacant-headed young ladies was not his favourite pastime, and he certainly did not want to be condemned to selecting a wife from among them.

However, he needed a proper young bride, preferably with an inheritance, who could ensure him sons. But to choose one of those simpering misses who might expect to be admired for their empty heads and Society titters...

Robert thought unfavourably of his last serious female companion. She had finally tired of waiting for him to declare himself and had chosen another man. This fellow had no sooner married her than he had set sail for the West Indies and died of fever. In the years since, Valencia had written Robert many times and out of politeness, he had responded.

He wondered suddenly, whether or not his situation would be most easily resolved by marrying her. The thought was not appealing. Valencia was a very beautiful woman, but he could not imagine spending the rest of his life in her company. They were not suited, for she was too interested in gossip and travel, and he was too interested in his estate.

If only his father had not been so pigheaded about his will, Robert could have taken his time to find a wife, and the succession be hanged! As matters stood, he needed to wed within the year, or he might have to move his family to a lesser house and rent the estate to pay his brothers' debts. Every Ravinstock for the past four generations had lived at Ravincourt and Robert was not about to give up his home.

He cursed under his breath, mounted his horse and returned home, feeling no more settled than when he had left.

The next morning, Geoff Moresby walked into his stables for his usual dawn ride. There, he discovered that someone had trespassed overnight. Nothing was missing, but the mane of his prized stallion was sadly shorn.

Bristling with anger, Geoff went to ask Octavian to go hunting with him on Ravinstock land. If one of the insufferable Driscolls could sneak into his stable and torment his horses, then he could surely trespass and snare a few prized Ravinstock pheasants.

Geoff and Octavian managed to bring down a few birds before Luc and Claude, who were also hunting that morning, came upon the poachers. The Driscolls immediately recognized their neighbors and Claude raised his gun.

"Off with you, Moresby!" he shouted, intending to fire a warning shot. Unfortunately, Luc attempted to intervene and tried to yank Claude's gun away just as the older boy pulled the trigger. Instead of flying harmlessly into the trees, the bullet grazed Geoff in the leg.

Geoff cried out and fell, and Octavian ran to his brother, grabbing him by his shoulders. "Are you badly hurt?"

"No, not so terribly," said Geoff bravely, though he grit his teeth in pain.

The two Driscolls, who had been staring in shock at their two hated neighbors, backed away when Octavian helped Geoff to his feet.

"Claude, let's leave here right away! He seems able to stand," Luc said with more than his usual cowardice.

Claude gulped as Octavian started towards him with fists raised, and the young man turned and fled as quickly as he could, with Luc following. Octavian longed to chase them, but he had to help his brother limp home and in his heart festered violent anger against all Driscolls.

At the house, Juliet surprised her abigail by spending some time at needlework. Petit point was by far her weakest skill, which was the very reason she was practicing it now. The best light in the house was the sunny morning room, whose tall windows faced the front lawns of the house. She had just stabbed the needle into her thumb, putting the abused finger in her mouth, when she looked out the window and saw Octavian aiding Geoff to the door.

Geoff's leg was covered with blood and his face was a frightening shade of gray. Her thumb forgotten, Juliet dropped her petit point, jumped to her feet and ran from the room and out the front door. The servants had seen the pair as well and a footman came running to help Geoff the final few steps to the house.

Juliet hovered about her two brothers distractedly, realized that she wasn't helping matters in the least and returned inside to order the servants to make up a pallet and hot tea for Geoff. She sent a groom for the nearest doctor and ordered the housekeeper to bring out some bandages. The earl emerged from his study to investigate the noise.

Lord Cantonshire blinked behind his spectacles when he saw his younger son being carried by a pair of footmen to a sofa in the front room. Geoff's face was pale and a thin sheen of sweat covered his skin in spite of the morning chill. Octavian, on the other hand, was red and shaking with anger.

"What the devil has happened?" the earl demanded and Juliet went to stand beside him as Geoff was laid out.

"Claude Driscoll in attempting to shoot me caught Geoff in the leg," Octavian answered, his hands clenched into fists.

"Why would he do such a thing?" Juliet asked, going to her brother on the couch and knelt beside his head. She took one of his clammy hands in her own and smoothed his dark hair from his forehead.

"We were poaching, but it didn't happen as Octavian said. I don't think Claude really meant to shoot us," Geoff said weakly. Juliet hushed him and ordered a maid to bring a pair of scissors. She looked closely at Geoff's wound above his knee and realized that the bullet had only slightly grazed her brother's leg. She smiled with relief and addressed Geoff reassuringly.

"You had me frightened, but now I see that you were teasing me. You are going to be fine."

"Not if the wound gets septic," Octavian snapped, scowling at his sister.

"Why were you poaching on Ravincourt?" the earl asked Octavian in a foreboding tone.

"Someone cut the mane off Geoff's best stallion last night. It must have been the Driscolls. We were going to bring down a few of their prized birds, which we did, but they found us and started shooting. They did not even remain to help me carry Geoff home, but fled in their cowardice. Such behaviour is not to be borne and I am going to ask Claude to name his seconds."

"You will not call him out, Octavian!" the earl thundered. "That is idiocy. This was an accident and should be resolved with a sincere apology."

Octavian shook his head mutinously. "Father, I must do so."

The earl shook his fist at his eldest son. "You haven't a chance of winning a duel with either pistols or swords. Do you want to die over the mane of your brother's horse?"

"It is a matter of honour, Father. Claude Driscoll fired upon us. I will fight him, no matter what you command!" Octavian straightened his shoulders angrily before leaving the room, ignoring his father when the earl called him back.

Lord Cantonshire rubbed his chin between two fingers, thinking for a moment before he pointed at Juliet, who swallowed nervously. She had never seen her father so determined before.

"Juliet, see that your brother is well-tended to. I assume a doctor has been sent for?"

"Yes, Papa," answered Juliet meekly.

The old earl actually laughed at her contrite expression, so different from her usual abstinence. He motioned to one of the footmen and asked him to accompany him to his study. A message needed to be sent immediately.

Before leaving the front room his eyes settled for a moment on Juliet, who was busy teasing her brother and ruffling his hair. She was waiting for the maid to return with the scissors so that the housekeeper could begin to clean Geoff's wound.

Octavian, in his bumbling foolish way, had solved all of the earl's problems, if only his neighbor the Viscount Ravinstock would agree. But then the earl knew about the clause in the old viscount's will, and he had a feeling that Robert Driscoll would be pleased to know that his estates would soon be fully funded.

The next day Juliet was in Geoff's bedchamber reading him a story. The doctor had come and fixed Geoff straight away, saying there was nothing to worry about. He left Geoff with a warning against being shot again and a small dose of laudanum for the pain.

Occupied as she was, Juliet was blissfully unaware that Robert Driscoll was downstairs discussing the prospect of her marriage in her father's study.

"You are certain such an arrangement would be legal?" Robert asked, pacing the length of the earl's chamber. The earl himself was seated, drumming his fingers on his desk.

"I'm certain. If you have read these documents then all you need to do is have your solicitor look through them, sign them yourself and the engagement will be binding and legal," answered the earl. He smiled at his words, for finally his daughter would be betrothed.

"Is she a pleasant girl?" Robert asked almost distractedly. His brother Claude's foolish action had made his betrothal and marriage alarmingly imminent, and a hasty surrender of his bachelorhood seemed the only solution to the dilemma.

The earl's offer was a blessing that would keep his brother from fighting a duel and also allow Robert to inherit badly needed funds. His mother would stop her endless harangues on the sad state of the succession. The earl too, would benefit by keeping his own son safe and by marrying off his only daughter to a respectable man. Robert stopped pacing, smoothed the collar of his superfine jacket, and watched the earl as the old man answered.

The earl leaned back in his chair and considered Robert's question carefully. He could not exactly claim that Juliet was a comfortable companion, but he did not wish to frighten the viscount. Finally he said, "She is pleasant, of course, and very spirited. Not at all like the misses you might find in London."

He noted the relief on Robert's face at his last words. He had been observing all the eligible bachelors in the neighboring estates, particularly Robert, and he knew that the viscount went to London as little as possible. "She'll charm you, I expect."

Robert sincerely doubted the earl, for it had been many years since a young lady had captured his heart, and even then he had come to his senses soon enough. Yet he could see the advantages of an arranged marriage. In such a union his wife would not expect so much of him. If they disliked each other, they could live separately with no regret for lost love or confusion on her part.

"Is she pretty?" he asked finally, scarcely hoping that a girl who had passed two Seasons in London without being taken could be lovely.

In response the earl drew out a portrait miniature of his daughter from his desk. Robert took the picture carefully. He liked it exceedingly, for the girl shown there had twinkling brown eyes and a faint smile that she couldn't quite suppress for the portrait sitting. Perhaps saving his brother from a duel, securing his line and gaining the money to run his estates, would not be so unpleasant a duty after all.

Hr returned the miniature to the earl and assured him that he would have the engagement finalized as soon as possible.

The earl clapped Robert on the shoulder. "I'm glad that you are willing to help both our families in this matter. On hearing this, Octavian will not have a chance to call out your brother. Once he is your brother-in-law a duel would be out of the question."

Robert nodded. "I will take those papers to my solicitor at once then, it is useless to wait until tomorrow. As soon as everything is in order and the engagement is finalized, I will obtain a special license for the ceremony and collect my bride. Is that acceptable?"

The earl was smiling broadly now. "Of course. I will make arrangements for the wedding itself. You have my gratitude," he said.

"And you mine," Robert answered graciously, and the two continued talking all the way to the front door.

The earl watched the viscount leave, well pleased with the settlement he had made. Juliet would be taken care of by a man of honour and fortune, one not likely to treat her poorly or expect her to change too much. He could see that with some maturity his daughter would make a fine wife for a vast landholder and an inventive mama for a brood of noble children.

He imagined that Juliet herself would thank her father eventually for his intervention. Even so, he would not inform his daughter that she was engaged until absolutely necessary -- the Earl of Cantonshire was no fool.

Juliet was well occupied the next few days berating her brothers for their foolishness and tending to Geoff. Her hands were gentle and she prided herself on being a skillful nurse, but as Geoff explained as tactfully as he could, sometimes her bedside manner was not so relaxing to an invalid.

As a result, on the third day of Geoff's convalescence, Juliet left his room and was walking downstairs with the intention of exercising her horse. She did very well to navigate the stairs, as she was simultaneously munching on a chocolate bonbon and reading an entertaining selection of Norse mythology.

Passing by the library, she heard the voices of her father and Octavian, and she raised her eyes from the adventures of Sigfreid and stopped eating mid- bite.

"...today or any other day," the earl was heard to say, though his words were muffled by the thick door. Intrigued, Juliet put her ear to the panels in order to hear better.

"Why, Father? Surely you can understand the insult..." Octavian stammered.

"Better to be slightly insulted than dead," Juliet muttered, though she regretted her aside because she missed the first part of her father's next words.

"...is soon to be your brother."

"What? That is not possible! What have you done?" Octavian's voice pierced the oak panels.

"Robert Driscoll is betrothed to your sister, Octavian. You had best make your peace with Claude."

Juliet dropped her book in shock and the tome made a loud thud as it hit the polished wooden floor. The gentlemen must have heard the noise, for they stopped their talking. Juliet picked up her book and fled upstairs in timely fashion, for a moment after she disappeared the earl opened the door to the library and peeked outside. Seeing no one, he receded into the room and continued his conversation with Octavian, who was at a loss for words indeed.

Juliet ran pell-mell into Geoff's room and slammed the door, waking him in the process. She had her back to the door and her face was white above the collar of her apple green riding habit.

"What are you doing?" Geoff asked grumpily, wiping his eyes and yawning.

"Geoff," asked Juliet very slowly. "Could Papa have me betrothed to someone without my knowledge or participation?"

Geoff considered this question for a moment. "I believe so. You have not yet come of age. Such arrangements are not uncommon, though usually the participants involved are much younger, as in a marriage arranged from birth. Why? Has he mentioned something to you?" His face showed some alarm and Juliet sat down on the foot of his bed and buried her face in her hands.

"I overheard him talking to Octavian and he said that I am to be married to Robert Driscoll!"

"Bloody hell!" Geoff sat up in his bed. "I'm terribly sorry, Jules. He must have been truly angry when you returned from London with no hope of ever having a husband and he set about finding you one himself."

Juliet raised her eyes to his. "I will not marry against my will, especially not a Driscoll. Their mother is French! They are stupid and snobbish and...oh Geoff, a Driscoll!" Her tragic tone foreshadowed her certain fate.

"Perhaps it won't be so terrible, Jules. I hear that Robert is the best of the lot, though that isn't saying a great deal."

Juliet struck the bed perilously near his uninjured leg "Don't laugh at me!" She stood up and began to pace the room. "You must help untangle me from this mess!"

Geoff smiled at her determination. "I cannot see a way. If you are already pledged, then that is done and Father won't possibly stand for the disgrace if you refuse to go through with the marriage."

Juliet stopped for a moment. "No doubt the viscount could still refuse the engagement if he finds me displeasing."

Geoff shook his head. "Father knows you too well, Jules. He would make such an arrangement very difficult to undo."

Juliet smiled. "Then I shall have to be very difficult."

"No, that won't work. In all probability it will be easier for the viscount to leave you in the country alone as his wife than to put a stop to the marriage. Besides, you have a dowry of sixty thousand pounds and a lord with so many responsibilities would be foolish to give up that much for personal dislike."

Juliet knotted her hands into fists and continued pacing. She chewed her lip and thought for several minutes before turning to her brother with a wicked grin. "No engagement is ever final until Society knows of its existence. If I leave for London immediately and convince Aunty to take me in again, and if I appear in Society engaged to another man, then my father and the viscount will have a pretty scandal on their hands if they announce that I am actually betrothed to Robert Driscoll."

Geoff still appeared confused, and Juliet proceeded to explain everything to him.

"If I manage to catch some man better than a viscount, then Papa would reconsider the arrangement and perhaps revoke the engagement. Papa would do anything for my happiness, you know that. If he thought that I was in love with another man, then he would never force me to marry an insufferable Driscoll." Juliet's eyes sparkled with the brilliance of her plan.

"But Jules, eligible men are not so easily caught and you would have to marry someone you might not like to move so quickly. Why not just accept Viscount Ravinstock and live at Ravincourt, close to home?"

"No! As soon as I knew that Papa had released Lord Ravinstock, I could jilt my unpleasant suitor and be done with it. Surely then the viscount would not consent to marrying me again and Papa will have learned his lesson." Juliet smiled triumphantly and her eyes dared Geoff to find a fault with her plan.

Her brother laughed aloud. "You've a head on your shoulders, Jules! If you can manage to get into Lady Wilcox's good graces, erase the last scandal and jilt a new suitor, then you may well succeed in becoming a hopeless spinster." He shook his head at the number of obstacles, but Juliet was not set back in the least.

"Do not forget that I have a fortune. The Ton is very forgiving of young ladies with sixty thousand pounds. As for Aunty, she is won over easily enough. And finally, to supply the part of the poor ill-used suitor, I know of one or two marquesses who are desperate to marry any girl with money. If not they, then I hear that the Duke of Tremston is rather light in the pocket."

"Only you would have the audacity to catch a duke for the purpose of jilting him, Jules. I wish you all success," Geoff teased. He was quite weary and leaned his head back. But Juliet had other plans and shook him awake.

"Up with you, Geoff. You have to help me. You're coming with me to London today."

Geoff opened his eyes to see Juliet standing over him with an earnest expression on her pretty face.

"Blast it, Juliet, I'm injured. I can't go to London today! Perhaps next week we can go."

"Are you mad? If I am already engaged the viscount could come with a special license to wed me any time, and then we would be in a fix. Besides, I know that you are shamming. You are simply lying in bed to receive extra attention and sweets from the cook. I've seen your wound and I've had worse scratches falling from Romeo. Now get up and pack a few things, we shall have to purchase everything else in London."

Geoff groaned. "With whose money?"

"Yours, of course. I'll pay you when I come into my majority. Hurry!" she bid him and then she left, feeling well satisfied with her solution.

They made their preparations quickly with Maggie's help, who had been sworn to secrecy. Within an hour Juliet and Geoff were descending the stairs, valises in hand.

Lord Cantonshire and Octavian were nowhere to be seen and the two escaped from the house to the stables without incident. Once there they ordered Geoff's carriage brought around, informing the groom that their father had ordered them to London to facilitate Geoff's recovery with the help of a London doctor. Soon Juliet, Geoff, and a groom were on their way to town.

They proceeded with all possible haste, hoping to make the city before nightfall. Juliet reassured her brother that the moon would be close to full that night and the road would be clear. Geoff replied sharply that there had better be no accident, for he certainly couldn't walk far in his condition. In truth, his slight wound was all but healed, of which Juliet promptly informed him.

"I ought to be given a medal for the service I'm doing Viscount Ravinstock today," Geoff said irritably.

"You are a terrible bore, brother."

Geoff only leaned back and stretched out his legs in the cramped carriage, forcing Juliet to scrunch herself into the corner. "Tell that to Maggie," he said. "I believe the poor girl's in love with me. Did you see her eyes as we were leaving the house?"

"She was more likely worried about what will happen when they discover me gone. In any event, she's better than you deserve and more sensible than all those widgeons that make up the eligible ladies in London," Juliet snapped, pushing his legs out of the way to make room for her skirts.

Geoff eyed his sister speculatively. "I shall enjoy watching you pretend to be a 'widgeon'."

Juliet scowled. "'Tis bad enough having to play the part without having you tease me."

"That is why I do it," responded Geoff readily. Juliet wrinkled her nose at him and refused to say anything more for quite a few hours, no matter how much he provoked her.

"Robert, you cannot marry Juliet Moresby!" Catherine Driscoll exclaimed at the dinner table. He had made his announcement as soon as he'd come back from London with the signed agreement in hand. Everyone at the table was shocked, and only his mother, Lady Margaret, was pleased.

"The Moresbys are of fine blood, my dear," said Lady Margaret, smiling at her son. He nodded to her respectfully, bestowing a handsome smile that lightened his normally grim face, before addressing his sister's comment.

"Catherine, do not speak so about my future wife."

The blond girl frowned mutinously. Her fiancé, seated next to her, patted her hand in reassurance. He added his voice to support her. "Lady Juliet's conduct is not quite proper, my lord. She was forced to leave London this Season in disgrace."

Robert raised his eyebrows. "I heard that, of course, but the behaviour in question was no more serious than inciting Mr. Brumhest, who is quite the most pompous man I have ever had the misfortune to meet. Such candour can be dismissed, in my opinion, as mere inexperience. In any event, Catherine's objections are highly extraordinary since she is in part responsible for this entire affair."

"What can you mean?" Catherine demanded, fluttering her fan anxiously as her fiancé tried to calm her.

"Of course, you three have been fighting with the Driscolls for years, but last Season, Catherine, you insulted Lady Juliet. I believe you called her 'unladylike and ill-bred' in front of her brothers. Since then the Moresbys have been constantly provoking our brothers, and Claude and Luc have returned the favour. Now a duel is threatened. The end result is that I am forced to marry Lady Juliet Moresby in order to preserve the peace. The blame, dear sister, lies at your feet." Robert did not mince words and watched impassively when Catherine, greatly insulted, abruptly stood up and left the room. Her fiancé followed, babbling endearments and vainly trying to persuade her not to lose her temper.

There was a short silence in the dining room before Luc said, "Robert, you know that Juliet Moresby is a queer fish. It's said that she hunts and knows Latin and Greek. Can't be approved of."

Robert had resumed eating, but now he put down his fork. "Lord Cantonshire has assured me that she is a pleasant companion and from her picture I have seen, that she is beautiful. As for any rumors or opinions of her behaviour the subject is now closed. She is to be Lady Ravinstock and there will be no further discussion."

Robert's mother made a small, triumphant sound and nodded to her eldest son. Even Claude, who had not dared open his mouth, shook his head. He knew better than to speak any more after the harsh words his brother had given him about leaving Geoff Moresby wounded in the woods and not offering his help.

Luc, who was not even so wise as Claude, merely said, "Your burial, then," before tasting a bit of chicken on his plate. He was resentful because Robert had cut his allowance in punishment for their act, and now he would be forced to go to the moneylenders in order to play at his club in London.

He could imagine Robert's reaction if he discovered that Luc had lost another three hundred and that Claude had lost seven more. The promissory notes were piling up, and sooner or later, Robert would have to cover them. The rest of the meal was conducted in silence, and only Lady Margaret wore a smile.

Robert was not without his doubts about Lady Juliet. He had been out of the country last year when Juliet had made her debut in London and then proceeded to remain a spinster in spite of her fortune, her looks and her birth. Robert was absent from London for this year's Season, preferring to tend to the business of his estate personally, but he had heard of Lady Juliet's continuing lack of suitors. He knew, mostly from his brothers, that Society counted her a bluestocking and hopelessly on the shelf.

If she was truly an 'odd fish', then what was in store for him? He assumed that she must have wanted marriage badly in order to consent to an arranged marriage with someone she had hardly seen. Perhaps then she would be agreeable, as the earl had promised.

His own memories of Juliet Moresby were very few. He had left for his first year at Eton before she was even born, but he remembered his mother writing him of the darling new Moresby child. He cared very little, of course, but a few years later, Lady Cantonshire had brought her daughter on a visit while Robert was home on holiday.

The tiny girl, having taken one look at Robert, approached him with a baby smile and took his adolescent hand within her own grasp. He couldn't help but grin at her as she squeezed his tan fingers and he used his free hand to muss her wavy brown hair. She laughed then, very engagingly, and proceeded to lead him with tottering steps to her mother.

Lady Cantonshire retrieved her child with a warm, beautiful smile. She complimented Robert on his fine looks and his gentlemanly manner. Though from his own mother such compliments would have drawn from him a scowl of rebellion, he grinned sheepishly and squirmed like a little boy under the lovely smile of Lady Cantonshire. He remembered being very distressed when his mother wrote him a few months later saying that Lady Cantonshire had died suddenly of fever.

Years later, he had been riding the edges of his property when he heard an unearthly howling. Dismounting from his horse, he ran towards the noise and discovered three children playing. Imagining some grave injury, he ran into their midst to see their surprised faces glaring at him for interrupting their play.

The girl, he realized, was Juliet Moresby, and she had a red streak coloring each cheek and a yellow one running from her chin to her forehead. A goose feather was stuck in her disheveled hair and her dress was much the worse for wear. The two boys were similarly costumed, though of course, they wore nankeen pants rather than a dress.

"Look," Juliet cried, pointing a sharpened stick at the intruder. "Here is a settler! Quick, tie him up, and we shall burn him at the stake."

"No, no, that's the witch hunts. You've got everything confused," the older boy said as the younger one swiftly grabbed Robert and held him with a surprisingly strong grip

"I most certainly have not!" Juliet exclaimed, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at the older boy. The goose feather had worked itself partly free and drooped to her face. She blew it away and Robert had to laugh at her comical appearance.

Juliet turned and scowled when he laughed. With one look, she bullied the older boy into helping the younger hold Robert, and then she approached her prisoner.

"The Indians burn people at the stake, I know! I read a book that said so. You have the appearance of one who ought to know," she said, addressing Robert. "What say you?" Her hands remained on her hips and she managed to carry the air of a small queen in spite of her ragged dress and painted face.

Robert laughed again. "Now, if I disagree with you, I will no doubt face retribution for my impertinence. If I agree, then I shall be burnt at the stake. What would you have me say, Juliet?" he asked her.

The younger boy chuckled, but he did not release his grip. "He's in the right of it, Jules."

Juliet ignored her companions and scrutinized Robert carefully. "How do you know my name, prisoner? I am an Indian brave."

"You are Lady Juliet Moresby and these must be your brothers, Geoffrey and Octavian. I am Robert Driscoll and I live at Ravincourt."

Juliet poked Robert with her stick. "You're not playing properly!" she said imperiously. "I am an Indian brave and you are my prisoner."

Robert, who did not appreciate a stick in his ribs, decided that he had enough of this play. He freed himself from the two boys and then caught hold of Juliet's arm. She struggled furiously and though Robert found himself beset by two Indian braves, he managed to keep his grip on their leader with some difficulty.

"Stop at once!" he ordered in a deafening tone and the three were shocked into silence. He smiled and let Juliet free. She stumbled, but recovered herself and ran to stand between her brothers. "Now, we settlers are an ornery bunch. You had best leave us be," directed Robert, straightening his jacket.

Juliet rose to her full height, which was not very great. Her face paint had been smudged in the struggle, but she managed to appear haughty nevertheless. "We will gather reinforcements and burn your town tomorrow. Just you wait!" She lifted her small nose. Then, in the very style of a British commander, she ordered her brothers to march, and they followed her away without looking back. Robert had laughed and laughed until he had to lean against a tree to keep from falling down.

Robert could not see himself minding so much to be married to the woman such a girl would become. He smiled and excused himself from tea to go to his study and finish some unattended business. Tomorrow, he would wed Juliet Moresby and bring her back to live at Ravincourt. He imagined that his brothers and Catherine as well, would take themselves to London with all expediency, and he and Juliet could learn to know each other in peace.

"What are you going to say to her, Jules?" Geoff asked as they approached their aunt's house in Grosvenor Square.

Juliet's brow furrowed in thought. "I do not yet know. Aunty can be dealt with if I appeal to her pride. She'll have to keep us here for the night at least, and that gives me several hours to work on her. Come now, we're here."

The coach came to a halt and the two runaways were almost unable to wait for the groom to open the door for them, such was their haste to go inside. When they asked for their aunt, the butler Miles, dutifully informed them that her ladyship was out for the evening, but that their rooms were, of course, ready for them at any time.

Juliet thanked Miles and said that she preferred to wait in the drawing room for her aunt's return. There they waited for some hours in tense silence before the door opened to reveal her ladyship dressed in full ballroom splendor. Her satin gown had gold trim in extraordinary profusion, and her hair, piled high on a pad of lamb's wool, was dressed with one exceedingly tall feather that threatened to brush the top of the doorway as she passed beneath it.

"Well!" she said, eyeing her niece and nephew unfavourably. "What are you doing here when I sent you away not so very long ago?"

Juliet, armed with her sweetest smile and most apologetic demeanour, led her aunt by the arm to a comfortable chair. "Dearest Aunty, Papa asked me to impose upon you once more. He is sadly unhappy that I was so unpopular with the Ton, and he begged that I might have one more chance. Did you not receive his letter?"

Her ladyship raised a skillfully blackened eyebrow. "I did not Juliet, and I beg of you not to fawn on me so."

Geoff cut short a laugh as Juliet jumped back from her aunt. She directed a warning look to her brother before bowing her head and renewing her wheedling.

"How distressing that the post is so unreliable in this modern age. Well, Papa did write that if his sister could not make a young lady of me, then no one could. He has a very high regard for you, Aunt Georgiana," Juliet said innocently.

Lady Wilcox straightened herself in her chair. "You expect me to take you in again when I am just now recovered from the mortification of your departure? I cannot fathom it!"

Juliet knelt beside her aunt and took the woman's wrinkled hand in her own smooth ones. "I know that I have been quite a trial to you, Aunty. I am terribly sorry, as I have said many times before. I realize that the only way I can make it up to you is to make an extraordinary match this Season. You must know that everyone in Society would lay the success at your feet should I catch a marquess or a duke. You would be completely vindicated and that horrible Lady Chamblington would have nothing to say to you. Besides, Geoff is here and you know that he is quite popular, and your parties shall be the more pleasant for his presence. As for me, I shall be on my best behaviour."

Juliet smiled winsomely up at her aunt, who could well see the advantages of the situation should Juliet indeed improve.

Still, she frowned at her niece. "Your conduct thus far has not managed to please the high sticklers, my dear. You will have a long climb to come into their favour again if I allow you to stay."

Juliet suppressed her joyful smile, for her aunt was considering her plea, and she certainly did not wish to offend her when she was on the verge of getting her way. Instead she allowed her eyes to become very large. "I have been told that my looks are not at fault, and as for my birth, it is noble enough. Besides which, my inheritance might make the Ton unusually forgiving. Do you not agree?"

Her ladyship nodded very slightly. "Perhaps, perhaps. Well, if you promise to be a good girl..."

"Oh I will be, Aunty! The Ton will adore me this time!"

Lady Wilcox silenced her with a withering look. "Then I can see no harm coming of the scheme. If you should happen to make an exceptional match, then you would be repaying me for the wrongs you have done. You may stay."

Juliet threw her arms about the much abused lady and kissed her powdered cheek before her ladyship dismissed Juliet and Geoff to bed.

After breakfast the next morning, Juliet dressed in her green-sprigged muslin walking dress and Roman sandals with the help of Betty, an upstairs maid who had been elevated to abigail for the duration of Juliet's stay. Juliet and Betty were just coming down the stairs to begin a day of shopping when Geoff approached them to speak with his sister.

He was dressed in a tight-fitting superfine coat, as finely tailored as any Weston could provide, and black pantaloons that showed an exceptional leg. Juliet complimented his looks, noting especially that he had no limp, but he ignored her.

"Jules, your explanations are fine for today, but your gowns won't be back from the dressmaker before Papa and your viscount come riding in here to take you away. What are you going to say then?"

"Why, that Papa's gone mad, of course. Aunty couldn't fathom that Papa would have me betrothed in such a havey-cavey manner without my consent. Besides, you are her favourite relative, and you will corroborate my story," Juliet answered easily.

Betty was listening to the exchange with wide eyes and Juliet saw that she was going to have to press the girl into silence. She was full with the honour of becoming a lady's maid, and she had already sworn eternal loyalty to Juliet, so the young lady didn't imagine that ensuring Betty's discretion would be very difficult.

Geoff shook his head. "I don't believe you'll get away with such nonsense, much less storming the Ton and running off with a marquess."

"Your faith in me is heart-warming, dear brother. I've learned that with a bit of courage, most anything can be accomplished. Am I wrong, Betty?" asked Juliet.

"Never, milady!" said her staunch maid and the two of them swept past Geoff with no further words.

Juliet had great faith in the success of her venture. Her time in Society before had given her plenty of leisure to observe the accepted conduct of young ladies, even if her life at the Abbey had furnished her with no example. Juliet had every confidence that she could dissemble enough to appear properly witless for the sake of the Ton. She needed only to choose an appropriate fan and slippers enough to replace those ruined by the fumbling feet of a careless dancing partner.

After procuring these items and selecting gowns for every possible outing, Juliet had spent a great many of Geoff's guineas and nearly run Betty off her newly-elevated feet. Shopping for the Season was a serious business and Juliet spared no expense to be certain that her third debut should entirely eclipse her first two, at least until she landed a marquess or duke. Perhaps then the Ton would be talking about Juliet's outrageous scheme for years to come.

Chapter Three

Viscount Ravinstock called at Cantonshire Abbey at the reasonable country hour of ten o'clock. He felt rather anxious, which could only be expected, since he was to meet his bride-to-be for the first time since she was a child. Still, he felt secure in the fact that their wedding would be a businesslike arrangement with no messiness or fuss to make the matter difficult.

By the time the butler answered the door, the viscount was calm and satisfied, but the butler looked upon Robert with much alarm and hastily drew him within doors.

"I'll tell his lordship that you are here," the butler whispered conspiratorially before rushing off to do his duty. Robert, rather surprised at such treatment, remained at the entrance.

Not two minutes later the earl himself came out, wringing his hands and harumphing a bit before speaking. "Well, Lord Ravinstock! Come to marry my Juliet, no doubt," he said nervously, running his hands through his shock of white hair.

"Yes, sir. I believe I was expected," Robert answered evenly. "Is everything ready?" He tried to peer past the earl and up the staircase, but no fiancée appeared.

"Miserable business, this," muttered the earl.

"I beg your pardon?" Robert asked.

"Oh, well. I'm sorry, but it seems that Lady Juliet is no longer here." The earl looked at his feet.

"I don't believe I understand," Robert said as his eyebrows drew together in confusion.

The earl glanced at Robert before continuing. "Flown the coop! I might have foreseen it, of course. Juliet and her brother left yesterday, early afternoon, we believe."

"Flown the coop? Where?" Lord Ravinstock demanded, drawing himself to his full six feet.

The earl squirmed a bit. "Er...we're not quite certain of that as yet. My eldest son is gone to London to check there."

"Why did you not inform me of this yesterday?"

The earl frowned. "Now look here, we thought to have her back and make no mention of this to you. But now you're here and there's no use in not telling you. Fact is, we can't keep it from you. Juliet didn't want to marry. She didn't even know."

"Didn't even know!" Robert was incredulous.

"She gets stubborn about some things, but there's no undoing what's been done. She must have found out and if I know Juliet, she'll be working some scheme to put a stop to our plans."

"I feel myself sadly used in this matter, my lord. I had not expected to marry a girl who did not even wish for the arrangement," Robert said curtly.

The earl drew in a deep breath. "Well, it's all done now, isn't it? And no worries, for I have already decided how everything can be saved. A minister, who believes Juliet to be deathly ill, is waiting nearby at the parish church and so is a proxy for my daughter. We shall have you wed on the spot before Juliet can do anything more outrageous. My dear girl will come around once she gets to know you and see what a fine young gentleman you are."

Robert was appalled by the earl's plan. "You suggest a proxy wedding, without Lady Juliet's consent? I'm afraid I must refuse out of hand." He made a movement to leave, but the earl stopped him.

"If you refuse, then your brother and my son may well end up dead, or at least gravely injured. Don't let my daughter's stubbornness ruin our plans."

Lord Ravinstock was still shaking his head. "But if she does not wish to marry..."

"She is my only daughter, and like most fathers, I care very much about her happiness. Never think that I would ever do anything that is not in her best interest. I would not allow such a marriage if I did not believe that you two would suit admirably."

"It seems that she has other ideas," replied Robert, not quite convinced, even though the earl was making a good deal of sense. How could he refuse when his brother's life was at stake?

"My little girl is young yet, and I'm afraid, somewhat apt to act without thinking. By the time she comes around to the fact that she ought to marry you, which I am certain she will, it may already be too late. That is why we must take the initiative now and go through with the proxy wedding."

Robert appeared to be considering the plan and the earl prodded him gently, saying, "Think of the advantages this marriage will bring."

The viscount had been thinking of the advantages for the past three days; his brother's life would be spared, he would fulfill his duty to the Ravinstock succession, and he could finally take control of his own money, the feud between the families would be ended, and the earl would have his daughter provided for. Robert knew the earl to be a generous man who would not blithely marry his child to just anyone. If he believed that Juliet would suit Robert, then she most probably would.

At last, Robert nodded his head and followed the earl off to the chapel to be wed. He did not know that the proxy bride was Juliet's abigail Maggie, who the housekeeper suspected had known about Juliet's departure. The poor maid had been threatened with dismissal without references if she did not stand as proxy for her mistress, and she could only hope that the Lady Juliet could find it in her heart to forgive her.

The country rector duly performed the ceremony and the marriage was finalized. The viscount had never imagined that his wedding would be to a woman he had hardly met and who hadn't even bothered to attend. Her stand-in obviously nervous, was barely able to voice the words of the ceremony. Robert was still uneasy about the underhanded nature of the whole affair, but he felt that he had been left with no choice. Arranged marriages were not quite as tidy as he imagined them to be.

After the wedding and the short trip back to the earl's house, Robert motioned for the butler to bring him his greatcoat. "I must go to London to speak with her myself. Where can I find her brother?"

The earl smiled, his eyes crinkling merrily. He had hoped that Robert would take the situation in hand. "I'll be coming with you. I have a trunk packed already."

Robert smiled himself. He had always respected the earl, and Lord Cantonshire's company would make Robert's position more irrefutable to Juliet. How strange that he was off to London to meet his wife.

"This is a queer business indeed!" he said, and the two lords made haste to be on their way to London.

The Marquess of Marchington studied the dinner party with fashionable ennui. The same unexceptional young ladies and their calculating mamas were there as they had been all Season long. None of them had blunt enough to bring him out of Dun, and the marquess was beginning to feel a bit panicked. If some naive little heiress didn't show up soon, he'd have to cut his losses and leave the country, or face the inside of a debtors' prison. That he would be loath to do.

At the moment, he was speaking with Lady Chamblington who was interesting only in that she knew the skeletons in all the family closets. The marquess was considering a blackmailing scheme and Lady Chamblington was innocently pointing out his possible victims.

She had just remarked upon Captain Lovestone's cowardice in the war when Lady Wilcox, wearing a formidable array of flowing skirts, floated into the room followed by a young blade and a beautiful miss dressed in a pale blue dress and spencer with matching plumes in her dark hair.

The marquess raised his quizzing glass and interrupted Lady Chamblington in her venomous discourse.

"Is that young Moresby there and his sister? I thought they'd left weeks ago."

Lady Chamblington drew in a hissing breath. "That girl shows no sense in coming here -- I imagine every person present will cut her!"

The marquess, however, had other ideas. He had arrived in London after Lady Juliet Moresby had left and he had cursed his misfortune. He knew about her spinsterhood, and more importantly, about her sixty thousand pounds. He'd planned to make her his prime candidate for marriage, especially since the other silly chit he'd been wooing had got herself engaged to some drunkard baron.

Now his first choice, as if by some miracle, appeared at this party. If Juliet Moresby were in disgrace, then so much the better, for she would have little choice but to marry him. The marquess left Lady Chamblington babbling to the air and hastened to greet Lady Wilcox and her family.

Juliet fully expected to be cut by the Ton at her first appearance, but she entered the room with a smile and a determination not to care. Her pride hurt a bit, of course, for she knew that she would have to fawn excessively to make up for Mr. Brumhest's blackening of her name, but she reminded herself that she would have the last laugh in the end. Only this thought kept the smile on her face as the room of people fell silent on seeing her.

"This is going to be more difficult than I thought," she whispered to Geoff, whose own face showed signs of cracking, he was smiling so hard. He only nodded.

Juliet shrugged. As she determinedly followed her aunt into the midst of the party, every face she saw turned away. What if no one acknowledged her? Surely her scheme could not fail so soon, or had she entirely misjudged the Ton? The silence in the room frightened her. What if they began to boo and hiss and she was forced to leave? Surely her comments to Mr. Brumhest had not been so appalling to warrant such a response as this? She had only defended a young lady he had maligned.

Juliet's cheeks were spotted with colour and she drew herself up straight next to her brother. Suddenly a rakish-looking man in a yellow coat was kissing her aunt's hand and he broke the silence by begging to be presented to her lovely niece. Juliet recognized him as the Marquess of Marchington and her eyes narrowed. Here was one of her hopefuls coming up to scratch.

She grinned at Geoff triumphantly before turning her attention to the marquess, who immediately informed her that her eyes put the stars to shame.

Blushing prettily at such nonsense, Juliet said, "La, sir, you are too kind to one so undeserving as myself."

"Not at all! How could I ignore one so beautiful?"

Or so rich, thought Juliet as he took her arm and led her to the table of refreshments. Now other people were asking Lady Wilcox to be presented to her niece. One did not cut a girl so obviously favoured by a marquess, even if he was well known to be light in the pocket.

Juliet ate with proper lack of appetite as she sat between the marquess and another young gentleman who was quite amiable. Lady Wilcox, seated across from her niece, was beaming appreciatively. She had not thought that Juliet would be successful so soon, but then the girl had always been full of surprises.

The marquess was on his last legs to be sure, but no one ignored a girl who was accepted by a nobleman of such rank. Lord Cantonshire would likely kiss his sister's feet in gratitude and the odious Lady Chamblington would have a bitter night's sleep. Lady Wilcox was enjoying that woman's frosty stares immensely.

Juliet employed her natural charm and acting ability to play the perfect vacant-headed society miss, and her charade seemed to be working well. The subject of conversation at every table was Lady Juliet Moresby's remarkable improvement in manner. Many were questioning the audacity of Mr. Brumhest, wondering how he could have said such things about a young lady of Quality. More men than Lord Marchington were complimenting her sparkling eyes, but Juliet directed the full radiance of her smile only to the marquess. Marchington visibly preened himself; finally his luck was going to change.

As the evening drew to its close, Lord Marchington bent his head to whisper in Juliet's ear:

"I believe I've fallen in love with you, my dear."

Juliet feigned shivers of excitement. "My lord, I do not deserve such an honour!"

"Prettily said, Lady Juliet, but I would expect nothing less from such a beautiful flower."

Juliet managed one more blush before Geoff came to inform her that their party was leaving.

"Are you going to walk in Hyde Park tomorrow?" asked the marquess hurriedly, catching her arm before she could follow her brother.

"Oh yes! Might you be there also?"

"Of course, if you are to be there," he answered with exaggerated delight. Juliet fluttered her white lace fan and bestowed yet another smile upon the marquess before saying her good-byes and leaving with her brother.

Once safely in the carriage, Juliet sighed deeply and Geoff laughed at her. "I never would have credited it if I had not seen you acting for all the world like a proper young lady. Imagine!"

Juliet, mindful of Lady Wilcox's presence, did not smack her brother smartly but fluttered her fan instead. "I do what is necessary," she said dutifully, causing Geoff to chuckle once more.

"I am quite pleased with you, my dear, quite pleased indeed," Lady Wilcox said.

Juliet grinned. "I shocked you, did I Aunty? Your niece can be charmingly simple-minded if she wishes to be. I do believe I can redeem my scandalous reputation."

"Yes, indeed. I am certain you can," answered her ladyship. She sat back in the carriage and beamed at her two young relatives. She was quite satisfied by the outcome of this evening and was looking forward to the days ahead. Lady Chamblington was to be paid in full for all the snide remarks she'd made about Lady Wilcox and her family.

Geoff stifled a yawn with the back of his hand and Lady Wilcox nodded sympathetically. "Such excitement lends itself to a good rest. I for one am glad that we are almost home."

As if heralded by her words the coach came to a halt. The two ladies were assisted to the ground, and followed by Geoff, they stepped quickly to the front door of Lady Wilcox's townhouse. Miles, who took the ladies' shawls and the gentleman's jacket and deposited the articles upon a waiting footman, greeted them. He bowed deeply to Lady Wilcox. "You have callers, your ladyship."

"What? At this hour? Who would dare impose..."

"Your brother, my lady, and Lord Ravinstock. Master Octavian as well. They are waiting in the drawing room."

Juliet, after a moment of shock, swiftly took control of the situation. "Aunty, dear, please go up to bed. If Papa wishes to speak with you, I am certain it will wait until morning. If there is an emergency, I shall inform you at once."

Her ladyship's black-painted eyebrows drew together. "Not quite, Juliet. I sense your mischief in this business. Come with me, you two." She proceeded into the drawing room, managing to outpace the footman who was forced to take a running leap in order to open the door before her. Geoff shrugged and followed, and Juliet could only go with them.

Lady Wilcox did not mince words in chastising her brother for disturbing her peace at two o'clock in the morning. Her tirade lasted some minutes before she began to listen to her brother's stammered explanations. This interval gave Juliet plenty of opportunity to observe the room and think of how to save her own tenuous position.

Octavian was standing stiffly beside her father, wearing black as if he were mourning Juliet's sad behaviour. Juliet sniffed, thinking that black had never suited Octavian, though it looked quite dashing on Geoff. Juliet wasted little time on her relatives, she wanted to get a long look at the man who was, and she could scarcely admit it, her betrothed.

Robert stood near the fireplace, absorbed it seemed, in serious thought. He wore a navy superfine jacket over cream pantaloons and shiny black boots. Juliet noted the conservative size of the black tassels and the lack of flashy fobs or dandyish jewels to decorate his waistcoat. His only piece of jewelry was a wide gold signet ring on his right hand and Juliet hated to admit that she approved. Lord Marchington's ostentation had brought an unbidden and uncomplimentary smile to her lips more than once that evening. She did so dislike tulips of the Ton. How very unfortunate that Robert was not one.

Instead of hiding a thickening waist the viscount's attire showed to advantage his lean, muscular figure. His cravat was tied only three-quarters up his neck, which Juliet reckoned a sensible height after seeing those nervous young men at the party who could barely speak with their cravats tied up to their chins. His face was far too handsome, if somewhat grim, and his eyes were wrinkled at the sides, rather like her own father's.

She admitted reluctantly that his appearance could not be faulted, but took some consolation from the fact that his manner was entirely too certain, too self- assured. His gray eyes were watching her disapprovingly, and she lifted her chin in defiance.

Lady Wilcox had stopped speaking and Lord Cantonshire turned to his daughter. "Juliet, what do you plan to do here? Why can't you do as your Papa says and go with your husband?"

Lady Wilcox made a shocked exclamation. Juliet was confused to hear her father refer to the viscount as if they were already married, but her answer was both steady and sure.

"I don't know what you mean, Papa. I came to do as you desired, to catch a husband for myself. Aunty will tell you that I was quite successful tonight." She turned to her aunt, who nodded hastily even as she pressed smelling salts to her nose.

"Don't play the fool, child. I know you overheard my telling Octavian about the engagement and you ran away. Geoff, what have you to say?"

Geoff looked from his sister to his father. 'She came to me and said that she wanted to make you proud and surprise you. I thought it only proper to help her here, for you know she would have come alone if I refused."

Lord Cantonshire stamped his foot. "The two of you are plotting together and don't think I cannot see it!"

Juliet went to her father and took his arm. "Papa, you are overset. Why don't we all go to bed and the matter can be settled in the morning. You have had a long journey today and I myself am quite burnt out. Aunty, are there bedchambers enough?"

Lady Wilcox threw up her hands. "Of course, silly girl. I can make no head or tail of this tonight. Come, let's all say good-night!"

Juliet seemed almost successful in postponing her explanations until the next morning when a deep, warm voice spoke behind her.

"Lady Juliet, before you retire, would you have a word with me?"

Juliet turned slowly to face the viscount, who was still regarding her seriously. Lady Wilcox and Lord Cantonshire left, followed by Octavian, and Geoff bent to Juliet and wished her good luck before he too abandoned her. The footman sighed as neither the viscount nor Juliet moved and closed the door on them with practiced silence.

Not quite daring to meet his eyes again, Juliet said, "What is it, my lord? I must confess that I am very weary."

She could feel the viscount coming closer. "Of course, you have been busy these past days evading me." She glanced at him curiously when she heard the laughter in his voice, but then quickly looked down as he came very close to her indeed. Soon she was staring quite directly at the second button on his navy coat.

"My lord, I beg you to release me from our families' arrangement. I do not wish to marry you." She glanced up then to meet burning gray eyes that caused her to tremble uncertainly. Her heart beat rapidly and she raised one hand to her chest. How silly I'm being, she thought crossly and frowned.

"Juliet, I have no intention of letting you go."

She could feel the breath of his words on her face and stepped back from him.

Her frown was now a scowl. "I will not be forced into marriage, Lord Ravinstock, especially not with a posturing stranger who calls me by my given name!"

Now the viscount smiled fully, angering Juliet still further. "We have met before, though we were both much younger, and you were painted up as an Indian brave. Perhaps you do not remember?"

Juliet's mouth dropped open. "You are the settler in the woods! You silenced us that day and you picked me up by my shoulders!"

"Ah, you do remember. You deserved it, you know, for you were poking me with a sharp stick." He raised one eyebrow and grinned, which Juliet considered a neat trick and wished she had the skill to do herself. In any case the childhood memory had dispelled her immediate irritation with the viscount and she let loose a smile.

"After your ambush, Octavian never wanted to play Indians again. Geoff and I had to hunt wild turkey without him." Her dark eyes gleamed.

"I will not apologize for preserving my skin from the savages," he joked and without warning, his hand caught hers. In spite of her glove, sudden heat passed though her at his touch. She looked at him at a loss for words and his eyes grew serious.

"Come now, Lady Juliet. Can I be so horrible?"

Juliet licked her lips nervously and decided again that he was much too handsome. "Lord Ravinstock, I am perfectly happy as I am and Papa must see it to be true. I will not marry a Driscoll, or anyone, without being asked, and that is the end of the discussion." She tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong.

"Oh no, for you are my wife and I am your husband. It cannot be undone." He was breathlessly close now and Juliet swallowed fearfully.

"I don't understand what you mean. It will be undone. I..."

She was interrupted when his lips closed over hers in a gentle kiss and his arms closed around her. She was startled, but he held her fast and soon the kiss became rather more involved. Her own arms surprised her by coming to rest on his shoulders and without warning, she responded to his kiss as a flush of heat tingled through her that she had never felt before. She felt as if she were drowning and suddenly, fear washed over her and she angrily pushed herself away from his embrace.

"How dare you!" she gasped, wiping her mouth and glaring at him with furious eyes.

The viscount himself seemed startled, but he disguised his emotion quickly. "I beg your pardon, Lady Ravinstock."

Trembling in anger, Juliet said, "I am not Lady Ravinstock and you will not touch me again, your lordship!"

"Please, call me Robert," he replied unmoved.

"Oh, you insufferable, pompous, dandified, spoiled..."

"Really, Juliet! Dandified?" he asked, sweeping his hands at his conservative attire.

Juliet's cheeks were flushed and she longed to slap him. "Don't mock me. I will never succumb to my father or to you. Never!" She deliberately turned her back to his amused eyes and left the room. She was even denied the luxury of slamming the door as the footman did that duty for her.

Once upstairs, she abandoned herself to the tantrum she deserved, and though she didn't break anything, the pillows had a difficult night of it.

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