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features and gown and Sarah wondered what he thought of her.
    “Lord Earnston, this is Miss Sarah Baxter.”
    Sarah curtsied. “Good evening, Lord Earnston. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    “The pleasure is all mine.” Lord Earnston smiled and Sarah felt her insides flutter. So handsome and athletic, his strong broad shoulders would draw the eye of any woman wishing to admire fine masculine art.
    “Allow me to apologize, Miss Baxter, and make amends over my rudeness last evening. But I’m sure you will agree that strangers are not usually invited to one’s entertainments.”
    Sarah refused to blush at this reminder of her mistake. “You have nothing to apologize for, my lord. I would have reacted the same in your situation.”
    The wind picked up, and the cool refreshing breeze became chill. Sarah rubbed her arms and pulled her shawl over her shoulders to ensure her scar remained hidden.
    “Perhaps we ought to return indoors. Miss Baxter, would you do me the honor of the next dance? I believe it is to be a waltz.”
    A waltz. Most of the dances she had learned over the past two months had been easy, but she had not mastered the flowing steps of a waltz. Furthermore, it would make her nervous to dance with this man even were she accomplished. These two facts predicted a disastrous half hour.
    “Of course,” she found herself saying.
    Lady Anita moved toward the French doors and Sarah took Lord Earnston’s arm. He met her gaze, and all the warmth she had read in his manner a moment before was replaced with uncertainty. Mustering a smile, she stepped inside.
    • • •
    Eric looked down at the attractive woman lightly touching the crook of his elbow as they walked into the throng of dancers. She was tall for a woman and yet displayed elegance with every step, no awkwardness with her uncommon height. “I understand you’re recently from Rome. How are you finding London so far, Miss Baxter?”
    “Most interesting, my lord.” She turned toward him and checked her gown.
    “How so?” The silk of her dress and the lush curves beneath sent heat spiraling through him. Eric pulled her closer than was necessary and swept her into the dance.
    “London is very different to where we’re from.”
    Miss Baxter looked over his shoulder and refused to meet his eyes. Eric inwardly frowned and wondered why such a thing troubled him. Many times he’d danced and never bothered to converse with his partner. “Are you always so vague with your replies, Miss Baxter?”
    She did look at him then, and Eric found himself grinning at her discomfort over his question. A rosy hue bloomed on her cheeks and made her more attractive than he cared to admit.
    “No,” she smiled. “I’m normally a very good talker. If you wish me to talk your ear off, I can certainly try.”
    Eric laughed, the sound unfamiliar to his ears. Was this the first time since William’s death he found himself enjoying the moment? “What strange wording you use, Miss Baxter. Talk your ear off — such speech must only be used on the Continent.”
    Sarah nodded, her expression serious. “Of course. Only on the Continent.”
    “I should imagine you have high expectations for your first season in London?” Eric noted her green eyes darkened — but in displeasure or fear he couldn’t tell. He raised an eyebrow and fought not to smile.
    “I’m not interested in marriage, my lord. I’m here to enjoy the delights of the season and that is all. I’m not looking for the season’s delights to include a husband.”
    “You surprise me yet again, Miss Baxter. Not only was that not the answer I was expecting, but it wasn’t vague in the least.” Eric did laugh then and swept Sarah into a turn, which brought forth her own chuckle. The delightful sound doing odd things to his body.
    “Do you ride?” Eric asked, hoping she would say yes. She would look delectable in a riding habit among Richmond’s or Hyde Park’s trees and beautiful grounds.
    “I do. I