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Allison was embarrassed to be given such an honor. Her first thought was that the countess knew of her conversation with Percy this afternoon and was making every effort to smooth the way between them.
    “I insist,” the countess added.
    David’s expression changed. His eyes brightened with a glimmer of hopefulness, followed by a look she often saw when he was pleased. A flash of panic rose inside her.
    Of course David would approve. Why shouldn’t he?
    “I am honored, Lady Archbite. Perhaps something from Saint-Saen’s Samson and Delilah . It is new, and causing quit the stir. For the rest, I acquiesce to Mademoiselle Bochaut’s discretion.”
    Lady Archbite nodded to a footman standing close by and he scooted off, presumably to relay the request to Mademoiselle Bochaut. Allison looked to Percy for some sort of answer, but found him gazing at her with undiluted adoration in his eyes.
    He reached for her hand and held it to his lips far longer that usual. “Lady Allison. It would be my pleasure if you would allow me to escort you into the music room when it is time for the performance. I am sure you would enjoy seats closest to the front when Mademoiselle Bochaut sings your selection.”
    “How considerate.” She smiled at Percy and was reminded of how attentive he was, how devoted. If she had to marry, weren’t those the qualities she looked for in the man she would take as her husband?
    She curtsied again, then walked with David and Lynette through the spacious rooms where a growing crowd gathered.
    David didn’t say anything as they wound their way through the guests but he seemed smugly content. She knew he hadn’t wanted to come tonight, but was doing so to aid her in her search for a husband. The pleased look on his face indicated he’d decided his effort was worth it.
    They entered the large ballroom and Allison looked around. Huge potted plants dotted the room against the outside walls, giving it a warmth not usually found in ballrooms. A dozen glistening chandeliers hung from the ceiling, each glowing with hundreds of candles. And in the center of the room there was a trickling fountain that splashed gently into a round pool. Several lighted marble pathways angled from the pool like the spokes of a wheel.
    An occasional palm tree or flowering bush made the pathways seem like a walk through a real garden.
    Toward the back, a small chamber orchestra played music. In the front, long banquet tables angled in the corners, laden with foods and drink of every kind. She made her excuses to David and Lynette, then walked to one of the tables.
    It was daunting to realize that some day this house could be hers. Her mouth turned dry as cotton and she reached for a glass of punch sitting at the end of the table.
    “Allow me,” a low, darkly-rich voice said from behind her.
    The breath left her body. She slowly turned to glare at the Marquess of Montfort. “What are you doing here?”
    “I assume the same as you, my lady. Waiting to hear the beautiful Mademoiselle Miranda Bochaut sing.”
    “You don’t even like music,” she said, then turned hot from head to toe when the marquess released a full, booming laugh.
    “See how little you know me? Actually, I’m quite fond of music. Especially the opera. You could say I am a patron. Mademoiselle Bochaut and I have been friends for years.” He paused. “Close friends.”
    She caught his meaning immediately and the rakish gleam in his eyes set her teeth on edge. “You are—“
    He held up his hand to stop her. “I know. You’ve mentioned this before. I do wish you’d alter your opinion of me. Your low regard pains me.” He placed one hand over his heart.
    “I doubt that’s possible.” She looked around the room, then glared at him like a soldier facing his enemy. “How did you get in?”
    “I was invited.”
    He handed her a glass of champagne then reached behind her and lifted another glass from the table. His shoulder brushed against her, the heat