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herself, because she knew him well enough to know he had an abundance of pride.
    “A lovely gift,” she said. “I’ll wear it to Ravenleigh’s ball next week.”
    “Ah, is that the one we’ll attend?”
    “Of course. Ravenleigh and father have been friends for as long as I can remember.”
    They walked along in companionable silence for several moments before he asked, “How was your holiday in Cornwall?”
    She almost tripped over her feet, with the unexpected change in topic. “I was ready to come to London straightaway, but Papa likes to spend a few days getting his land legs back after traveling on the yacht.”
    “After all the adventures you’ve been on, I fear you’ll find life with me exceedingly dull.”
    She smiled warmly at him. “Never.”
    Reaching up, he stroked his gloved thumb across her cheek. “I will make you happy, Kitty, and you’ll never regret marrying me. I swear it.”
    “I’m happy now, Nicky.”
    He kissed her forehead. “I’m the luckiest of men to have such a devoted lady by my side.”
    She averted her gaze, not wanting him to see that she’d not been as devoted as she should have been. She made a silent vow to resist all temptation in the future, to be the loyal, dedicated wife he deserved, so that he might never have regrets. Because she did love him. Her future resided with him, and together they would find happiness.
    From that moment, she would never again think of her gentleman by the sea.
     
    From the credenza in the entry hallway, Richard picked up the silver tray brimming with invitations. Since his mother and Anne had arrived in London, they’d been busy making the rounds, and he was the grateful beneficiary of their concerted efforts.
    He strode into the morning room, where his mother was busily engaged in delicate needlework that required she wear spectacles to do a proper job. She looked up at him with owl-like eyes that made her seem lonely, and he was hit with a pang of guilt. His father should still be with her, offering companionship and love. Although their marriage had been arranged, they’d always doted on each other, and he knew his mother dearly missed his father.
    “Finished with all your business matters so early?” she asked.
    “Hardly, but I thought to take a few moments to attend to another urgent matter.” He set the tray on a table beside her. “I require your assistance.”
    She removed her spectacles and offered her undivided attention. “Of course, dear.”
    He sat in a nearby chair, leaned forward with earnestness, and held her gaze. “Those are various invitations to an assortment of dinners and balls.”
    “Yes, dear. I’m well acquainted with invitations.”
    She wasn’t going to make this easy for him.
    “And I am well acquainted with the gentlemen of London. I am also well aware that it is their wives who yield the real power when it comes to the social scene.”
    His mother smiled. “I always knew you were a smart lad.”
    “Not so smart. I need help in determining which of those I should accept.”
    “Splendid. As you can well imagine, I am only too eager to offer my assistance.” She placed her spectacles back on the bridge of her nose and reached for an invitation. “I shall determine which parties shall be attended by the ladies who will make the best selection of a wife.”
    He wasn’t searching for a wife but revealing that would no doubt dim her enthusiasm. He cleared his throat. “I am only interested in balls and dinners which are hosted by people who are most likely to entertain Americans.”
    She stared at him, her large, round eyes blinking rapidly behind her spectacles. “Pardon?”
    “Which parties would an American lady most likely attend? That is what I do not know, what I need your assistance in ascertaining.”
    Leaning back in her chair, his mother held the invitation with one hand while flicking its corner with fingers from the other hand. “Would you care to explain your reasoning?”
    “Not