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multitudes of servants, and especially, she didn’t want to be the step-aunt to three men who were all older than her nineteen years.
    On shaky legs she took a step back to flee, but a strong, warm hand grasped her elbow and stopped her from flight. She looked into the stimulating eyes of Nick, and nearly melted. He smiled now only because of their agreement, but somehow it made her strong again. His expression eliminated all of her doubts, his warm eyes gave her the courage she needed to stay.
    “Catherine, my dear?” Grant Fielding spoke loudly. “Come closer and let me look upon your loveliness.”
    Nick kept his grip on her elbow and helped her over to stand in front of his uncle. “Here is Catherine, Uncle Grant,” he said. “Delivered to you safe and sound as promised.”
    Grant smiled, his whole face brightening. “Oh, Catherine, you’re absolutely beautiful. Your very presence brings light to my house.” He took hold of her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. “Did you have a pleasant trip? Was everything to your liking?”
    She smiled. “Yes, thank you very much, Your Grace.”
    “No need to stick with formalities, my darling little one. When it’s just us, please call me Grant.”
    She nodded. “As you wish.”
    Mrs. Berkley hovered behind her like a mother hen and Catherine wished everyone would go away. Grant squinted in the older woman’s direction, then smiled.
    “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Berkley. I assume you have been taking good care of Miss Catherine for me?”
    The lady’s companion nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. I have not let her out of my sight this whole trip.”
    “I commend you on a job well done.” Grant turned and placed Catherine’s hand in the crook of his elbow and led her into the drawing room. Nick and the others followed.
    “Would you like anything to drink, my dear?” Grant asked.
    Catherine swallowed the knot of fear down her dry throat, and although she should accept, the only thing she wanted to do right now was to be shown to her room. “No, thank you.”
    He led her to a sofa where she sat then he settled beside her. He motioned to the servant hovering near. “I would like my usual.” Turning back to Catherine, he took her hands again. “I hope you don’t mind, but I have arranged a ball to introduce you into society.”
    She nodded.
    “Even if it’s tonight?”
    She widened her eyes, but kept her smile even while her heart sank. “Tonight is fine.”
    “We still have several hours before the ball. Would you like to rest a spell and freshen up?”
    It’s about time! “Yes, that would please me very much.”
    Grant looked up at Nick. “Would you be so kind as to escort Catherine and Mrs. Berkley to their chambers?”
    * * * *
    Inwardly Nick cringed. He suspected this would happen. Since his uncle couldn’t see to her needs, Grant left it to Nick.
    “Yes, Uncle Grant,” he replied, his tone clipped. He moved and took Catherine’s hand to help her stand. Grant reached out and stopped them and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
    “It thrills me to have you here,” Grant said.
    “Yes...um, me too,” she mumbled.
    The smile Catherine gave his uncle was forced. Her lips were too tight, and she looked to be gritting her teeth. Once they started up the staircase, Nick released her arm. Mrs. Berkley followed closely.
    He didn’t say a word until he opened the double doors to her bedchamber. “Catherine, this is your room.”
    She walked in, her eyes growing wide. It appeared as if Grant had overspent on her account. Red and gold decor abounded throughout the room, and dashes of green and mauve gave it an elegant appearance. The drapes on the windows were thick, and the carpet plush instead of the wooden floor it used to be. The large bed stood against the far wall, and the sheer drapes around it cascaded to the floor.
    “Are you pleased?” he asked.
    She nodded but didn’t meet his stare. “Your uncle has gone out of his