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hand out to indicate the expanse of the ballroom. "No, this is why my father makes me stay, else he would drag me back to Ireland and forcibly marry me off to some toothless farmer who does nothing but scratch and spit He is hoping that my dowry will catch me an English tide, though I would rather see Bedlam than marry some thin-blooded, knock-kneed English coronet Do not mistake me; I like men well enough—they have their charms and purposes—but not to wed."
    "Then why do you stay?"
    "I stay because of a band of like-minded women who work for the freedom of other women." There was a glint of hard determination in Eveleen's glistening eyes.
    "What do you mean 'like-minded women'? And freedom from what?"
    "Like-minded women—women who believe that others of our sex have more reason to exist than merely as men's chattel. And the freedom we seek is freedom from—" She stopped and chuckled. "Well, now, I think your uncouth admirer is watching you again."
    For the first time since he had come to her attention, Arabella had actually forgotten the stranger's whereabouts, and she looked up in shock to find his laughing eyes upon her He was standing with Lady Parkhurst once more, and they were talking about her. He pointed, actually pointed! The height of ill manners.

    Lady Parkhurst appeared to ask him a question and he nodded. They started toward Eveleen and Arabella. She looked away, feeling the color flood her face, as her friend watched in amusement. Infuriating man! He was likely taunting her again and would pass her by on some pretext or another. She would ignore him. She would—
    "Miss Swinley, may I present Mr. Marcus Westhaven?"

    Four
    He bowed over her hand. "I have seen this enchanting young lady before, Lady Parkhurst, which is why I inveigled you to introduce me."
    Arabella swallowed, tipped her head up, and said, "We have met? I must admit, I have no memory of such a meeting."
    Lady Parkhurst was watching avidly, and Eveleen was barely stifling her laughter.
    "Oh, but you must, for Lord and Lady Snowdale have retailed my blunder throughout the company. I am now known for rescuing maidens definitely not in distress."
    His gray eyes danced with merriment and Arabella felt her lips curving up, responding to his liveliness. He was impossible to resist.
    "Since you clearly have no partner for this set," he said, with a mocking grin, "may I ask you to sit this one out with me? I am not yet familiar with the latest dances, having been out of the country for some time."
    He was laughing at her for having no partner! Arabella felt a swift burst of anger. She could not give him the set-down he deserved in front of Lady Parkhurst, but she longed to; oh, how she longed to!
    "I would be delighted," she said, through gritted teeth. To refuse would be uncouth, and above all she could not risk her reputation this Season. She must be seen as the epitome of culture and manners, a lady through and through, if she was to catch a husband, even so elderly and decrepit a one as Lord Pelimore.
    "If you ladies would excuse us? Lady Parkhurst, Miss O'Clannahan, your servant." He bowed gracefully and took Arabella's arm, leading her out to the refreshment room. He obtained a glass of champagne for her and a stronger drink for himself. "Shall we stroll in the conservatory? I believe it is open for that purpose."
    Silently, Arabella nodded. Why had he approached her, she wondered.
    They walked in silence through the large glass doors and into the moist warmth of the conservatory. Lord Parkhurst had traveled extensively, spending some time in India, and was known for his collection of exotic plants. All were labelled and named, with a card relating the plant's history and culture. They strolled the walkways, toward a tall palm that dominated the end of the room.
    "What a fascinating plant," Arabella said, desperate at last for innocuous conversation. She was finding that her pulse would not return to its normal sedate pace, with him so close