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leaning forward in a slight whisper.
    He was not so far gone that he couldn’t guess the answer—telling all her friends about the romantic lunch she shared with the rakish, rogue, Lord Landis. No doubt embellished with tales of soft words of love and gentle caresses.
    He didn’t answer, in part because he was valiantly trying to look anywhere but at the enticing bosom still straining toward him.
    Fortunately, she did not notice and continued. “The best part will be riding up to my house and seeing the total disbelief on my family’s face when they see me on a horse.”
    “What?” he gasped, choking down his food. “Why would that matter?”
    “Well, I have never quite fit in with my family and their passion for horses. When my father sees me arriving astride a beautiful mare, like a queen on procession, he will likely burst with pride.”
    “Surely, you don’t believe you can gain your father’s admiration through such a simple act.”
    “Oh, it is no small thing. He loves me for who I am, but he has never understood me. He will crow about this for days.”
    “Do not get your hopes up. A father’s affection is not so easily won…if there is any at all.”
    Nivea brushed off his warning and continued weaving her fantasy. “Of course I have his affection. We are family. We are loved despite our differences.”
    This time, Dare did not suppress the snort of contempt. He knew better than anyone the lack of constancy in any relationship, especially within a family. “Please do not bore me with such drivel.”
    “Adair Landis, you have been a constant guest of our family for years. How can you even question it?”
    “If his love depends on your ability to ride a horse, how can you even consider it?”
    She paused a moment, her fingers twisting a stray lock of hair, before she replied, “I am sure you are aware, I am the only one in the family not immersed in equine pursuits. I have never shown any interest or inclination to the subject. I have no doubt, if I had trifled with our footman and foisted a house load of bastards upon him, my father would be more understanding than my lack of interest in horses.”
    With that, Dare barked out a laugh. “I’m certain that is not the case.”
    She smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. “Perhaps not, but I know my lack of interest has been a disappointment. William and Caroline are much more similar to him. They love to ride horses and play games, while I prefer to sit and observe. Still, while he understands them better, I know he loves me just as much.”
    Dare could only shrug in response. She was obviously delusional regarding familial love. True, her family was more accommodating than most, but he’d always thought it was a bit of an act.
    He had just raised the cider to his lips when she made the most absurd statement of all.
    “Once you have children of your own, you will understand.”
    Dare almost choked on his drink, “What!”
    Her brows shot up in surprise. “I am certain there is no greater experience than having children. Watching them grow, helping them learn, supporting their interests. I hope someday I am fortunate enough to have a family.”
    Remembering his own upbringing, he could not begin to fathom her logic. The thought of having a family be supportive or even desirable was ludicrous. Painful and humiliating, certainly, but supportive? Never.
    Determined to set her straight, he wiped the cider from his lips. “Trust me. You are in the ideal position right now. No responsibilities, no worries, and at your age, few expectations.”
    “I’m in an ideal position?”
    He couldn’t understand why she looked so shocked. “Yes. Society will accept you whether you wed or not. I, of course, must get married and have children. As a peer with a title, it appears to be my sole duty in life. I can win or lose a fortune, commit virtually any crime without repercussions, and spout out as much nonsense as I deem necessary in the House of Lords. But