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drive. They had scarcely arrived when the pounding of hooves could
be heard coming up the graveled road to the manor.

    "Well, there they come, the 'Lords of
Oxford.' I had wondered if Jonas would invite his brothers-in-arms
from university. That explains why he was willing to host this
house party instead of foisting it off on Mama. That thundering
quintet rides hard, drinks hard, and plays hard. Their attendance
at this party could actually provide some additional
entertainment."

    Ladies Miranda and Juliet watched the
approaching riders and the ensuing dust cloud from the terrace off
the second floor ballroom. Each twisted the ribbons of her bonnets
as they stared down from their perch.

    "Mayhap you will find a husband from this
band of peers,” Juliet remarked as she carefully looked over the
approaching riders. “I do not see my brother. I suppose he rides
accompanying my parents' carriage." She studied the horsemen again
then spun to look at her friend, her face alive with the thrill of
a new idea. "Oh, Randa! What of causing your brother to think you
interested in a marital candidate from the LOO? How delicious! He
would be beside himself to prevent you from pursuing one of his
schoolmates, or letting them pursue you. That would turn the tables
on him, no doubt, or at least make him feel dyspeptic as he
watches."

    Miranda's mouth slowly began to curl up in a
devilish smile. "How better to turn the marriage mart stakes back
in my favor than only having eyes for a member of the LOO." She
grabbed Juliet's arm and squeezed tightly. "My dearest, have I told
you lately how much I like the way you think? Your idea shall be my
backup should our hoaxes fail to deter Jonas' plans. I would rather
not spend more time than needed with any of those hounds unless
absolutely necessary for my cause." The ladies began to laugh, the
light sound flowing down to the drive to the ears of the
now-stopped horsemen, drawing their attention to the terrace. Heavy
booted footfalls behind them caused the ladies to notice Jonas
joining them to glare down at his arriving friends.

    "Ho there, Jonas, what have we here? Some of
those pleasant diversions for the week?" Roman de Courtenay,
Marquis of Stafford, cast an appreciative leer upward, his
statement bringing smiles to the faces of his friends.

    "Hardly, Stafford. We are all acquainted by
virtue of university tales and ballroom soirees.” The Duke extended
his arm to the ladies to his left. “Allow me to present once again
my sister, Lady Miranda. She is joined by her best friend, Lady
Juliet Quinn, daughter of our neighbor, the Marquis of Lansdowne,
sister to our own dear Bristol.”

    “Oh bother, Jonas! We all are acquainted and
need not this ceremonial flummery,” Miranda scolded.

    “The formality sets the tone I wish to
convey to these louts.” The Duke paused here for effect. “In other
words, do not tamper nor toy with, and certainly do not touch these
ladies," he called down to his friends. "Consider this your only
warning," he informed them with teeth gritted. Miranda scowled but
remained silent.

    "Now that is a pity," remarked the Earl of
Aylesford, trying to deliberately raise his friend's ire. “And
while I am too much the gentleman to remark on the beauty of your
sister, at least in your presence Dorset, as Bristol has not joined
us yet and cannot draw my cork for any comments, I will observe
that you, Lady Juliet, are most stunning." Aylesford gave a half
bow and a full smirk.

    Having just thought this himself more times
within the past twenty-four hours than he would care to admit,
Jonas could not disagree, but he also could not let the challenging
comment go unanswered. “As her brother will soon join our party I
suggest you school your thoughts. In addition to Bristol, Lady
Juliet will also be chaperoned by her parents. I do not think the
Marquis would be so understanding of your appreciation.” Jonas cast
a disparaging glance at the Earl but was prevented