ter

nuous tactics had invariably overridden Arvinia's habitual common sense so that she had in the end allowed herself to be embroiled in

he stated steadfastly. "Any more than I can take your place

ation" snapped Lavinia with uncharacteristic sha

t is only that I am at my wit's end. I have even contemplated eloping in the hopes that Uncle George will not find me befo

ally I shall not do anything quite so desperate. Not while you are here

r home inorder to show off her youngest daughter, nothing more, but I'm afraid I dare not miss it. Wait for me, deare

edly that a dress had been laid out for her to try o

tified herself with a hot bath, after which she allowed Lavinia's maid Abigail to brush out her short curls and help her into the terra-cotta merino round gown

of the gown accentuated her flawless ivory complexion, while the soft fabric flowing from a high wai

. On the other hand, she could not but think it a little strange that Lavinia had chosen a dress bett

ndow overlooking Grosvenor Square. She looked out, expecting to see her cousin had returned

sly a gentleman of fashion. Then he turned, and, to her horror, she saw his left leg appear to buckle beneath him. Her breath stopped as he clutched at the carriage door and caught himself. She little doubted that he uttered a curse as, angrily, he shook off the a

of how galling such an affliction must be to the male sense of pride. Who was he? she wondered. One of Lavinia's bevy of admirers? The image of him as he flung off

m door, followed by the flurried entrance of a matronly lady

on to our difficulties. But I have just been awakened from my nap by Hawkins, who, even for a butler, is most infuriatingly taciturn,and what must he do but inform me of our guest's arrival and give me this letter from Lavinia, which is most uncommonly distressing. Indeed, I cannot think what Beverly will say to it. No doubt they will see t

ia," interjected Arvinia, who could make little s

chief of which were her cousin's repeated glances at the mantel clock, the odd choice of the terra-cotta merino dress for

t Lucia, (A

nconscionable to play such a trick on the Duke of Archibald, who has done nothing to deserve such treatment at my hands. I pray you will tender His Grace my apologies along with my sealed letter informing

ays Your lo

vin