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found it a little too flowery for her taste.
    She glanced sideways at Sir Michael, ready to return the compliment with some silly remark about conquering armies, when she realised the expression on his face was far from light-hearted.
    He was gazing at her with a very warm look in his eyes and for an instant or two she remembered that this man was indeed almost a complete stranger.
    â€œIf you continue to make such remarks, I shall have to ask George to take over the reins,” she said. “I cannot blush and drive at the same time, Sir Michael!”
    â€œThen I will keep my compliments until later.”
    Ravina grinned and turned back to her task.
    â€œWe all enjoy compliments, but do tell me more about the Priory,” she asked swiftly, trying to bring the conversation back onto neutral ground.
    â€œI fear my words will not do it justice. It is an extremely old edifice. It was, as its name suggests, once a religious building, but it has been in disrepair for many years. I am pleased with the progress I have made with its restoration and I shall await your verdict with great anticipation.
    â€œIn fact, I have been thinking, Lady Ravina. I intend to hold a house warming ball in the near future for the whole County, and, as I told you yesterday, I will be giving a little dinner party for close neighbours earlier.
    â€œI shall need some female guidance and someone to play the hostess for the evening. What do you say to the idea of coming to stay at the Priory so that you can be on hand to supervise the arrangements? I beg of you to be my guest, even if it is only for two or three nights.”
    Ravina felt a frisson of excitement.
    She had never been in sole charge at a dinner party. Her mother had obviously always been present to oversee everything with her calming presence.
    â€œI would enjoy such a prospect a great deal,” she said, her blue eyes sparkling. “I have lots of ideas on how to make a social occasion go well. And I am extremely keen on seeing what you have done to the Priory and how I might help you.”
    Sir Michael regarded the softness of her cheek and the full but determined curve of her mouth. He had never encountered anyone with such enthusiasm for life.
    Ravina was unlike any other lady he had ever met. There was a boldness to her manner, which many men might find unappealing, but he found it invigorating.
    â€œI shall certainly be interested to hear your views,” he responded. “I was keen to have your father’s advice on my racehorses, but yours will be just as welcome. I want the Priory to be as fine and beautiful a residence as when it was first built.”
    Ravina gave a cry and her fingers tightened on the reins, causing the horses to falter slightly. She grimaced in annoyance with herself, knowing that her emotions had travelled down the reins to their sensitive mouths.
    â€œI am nowhere near as clever as my father. Perhaps you would be better advised to wait until he and Mama return from their travels to the Balkans.”
    â€œI think you will be exactly what my house requires,” Sir Michael intoned gravely and watched as the colour flooded into her cheeks.
    They drove for a long way in silence.
    Ravina was only too aware that his gaze was constantly on her face and although she was flattered by his attention – indeed what girl would not enjoy having the admiration of such a gentleman – she still felt slightly uneasy and was not quite sure why.
    After two hours driving, Sir Michael suggested that they stopped at a hotel in a small country town to rest the horses and stretch their limbs.
    Ravina was only too glad to do so. She enjoyed driving, but her close proximity to Sir Michael was making her feel uncomfortable.
    Although he had behaved like a perfect gentleman, she still wished now that she had told him there was no room in the coach for him.
    Leaving George in charge of the horses, they entered the hotel.
    It was a busy bustling