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burned-­out fire. Meeting his gaze, she was instantly struck by the look of pleasure shining in his eyes. She forced a smile, even as her stomach contracted at the thought of what was in store for her.
    â€œI must say I am delighted to finally meet you,” Mr. Denison said as she stepped toward the vacant spot on the sofa.
    â€œLikewise,” she said as he bowed toward her. She cast a hesitant look in her father’s direction. Noting the beaming smile upon his face, she knew it would not go well for her if she complained about this match. Reluctantly, she took her seat, with Mr. Denison beside her.
    â€œI understand from your father that your journey to Thorncliff went well?” Mr. Denison inquired.
    Of course her father would not have mentioned the strained atmosphere that had prevailed inside the carriage. “It did.”
    There was a brief silence, broken by her father’s cough. Sarah glanced toward him. He nodded in Mr. Denison’s direction. “And you, sir?” Sarah asked Mr. Denison, taking the cue her father had given. “Did your journey pass without incident?” Lord, this was mundane conversation! If only she could be quarreling with Lord Spencer instead.
    â€œMy daughters found it rather tedious, but I didn’t mind it so much. In fact, I could gaze upon the English countryside all day without tiring of it.”
    â€œYou . . . you have daughters?” Of course he was bound to have children at his age if he had been married before, which meant he must be a widower.
    â€œVictoria is two and twenty, and Diana will be three and twenty next month. It is my hope that they will be able to make good matches for themselves during our stay here. Since it is my wish—­my fondest wish, I might add—­that you and I will . . . become better acquainted over the next few weeks, I was hoping you might be willing to help them. They’re wonderful girls, both of them. I’m sure you’ll find . . .”
    Mr. Denison’s voice faded into the background until Sarah was oblivious to what he was saying. She could scarcely breathe, her stomach bottoming out as reality hit her: marriage to an aging man she did not know and being stepmother to women who were older than she was. It was unthinkable, yet it seemed that this would be her lot—­the price she must pay for her transgression.
    â€œ . . . and you are far more beautiful than I had ever imagined,” Mr. Denison continued. “To think that I have been given the chance to court you is indeed an honor. Your father had so many positive things to say about you in his letter, and I’ve already discovered that we have something in common—­a fondness for the outdoors!”
    Didn’t most ­people enjoy a bit of fresh air and sunshine? It was hardly enough basis for marriage. Sarah’s hand curled around the fabric of her gown. Perhaps . . . She glanced at her father, aware that she was about to risk his wrath. “Mr. Denison, has Papa also told you of my scandalous behavior?”
    Mr. Denison coughed. “Well . . . he . . . er—­”
    â€œI have informed Mr. Denison that you are no longer chaste. He has kindly agreed to accept. Is that not so, sir?”
    â€œOh, indeed it is, my lord.” Mr. Denison’s mouth drew into a wide smile. “In fact, I suspect I’ll find Lady Sarah’s willful nature most agreeable.”
    For once, Sarah’s father looked just as disgusted as Sarah felt. Unlike her, however, he quickly recovered. “Two weeks, Mr. Denison. Will that be enough time for your courtship?”
    Sarah stared. It was as if she wasn’t even in the room.
    â€œCertainly, my lord. It’s more than sufficient,” Mr. Denison said. His laughing eyes looked Sarah up and down.
    â€œGood,” Lord Andover clipped. “The sooner we plan this wedding, the better.”
    â€œI