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bed; they leapt into it eagerly. Immediately, a heady blond actress and a redheaded former scullery maid came to mind as quite literal examples. He wanted to say as much but realized he couldn’t possibly, not to her.
    He simply said, teeth clenched, “I assure you that I have not and would not accept a woman’s company without her complete and express desire. The very idea of coercing a woman’s attentions is abhorrent. I shall not even comment on the evil of physically forcing a woman.”
    “That’s good to hear. I think you’ll understand then when I say it’s time for you to leave.”
    He scowled but responded, “Of course. I expect you will contact me when the books are restored.”
    “Lord Devin, no apology?”
    What the devil? Apologies were not part of his vocabulary.
    “For what?”
    “Why, for taking liberties, sir. You wouldn’t treat a woman of your station so cavalierly.” She didn’t look offended but simply expectant.
    “My dear, I am sorry if you feel offended by my actions. I can assure you they shall not be repeated if they are considered unwanted. But that was far from cavalier. And I would not have you delude yourself into thinking it was a casual salute. I meant it, and I would do it again if you were willing.”
    “I am not your dear, Lord Devin. That is a disingenuous apology, and what you describe will never happen. Nothing you could offer would convince me to stoop to whoredom.”
    Well. Definitely an unusually serious conversation.
    “As you wish, madam.”
    “Wait! You were here for two purposes. Am I to understand both are now completed? Were you so sure of my low morals that you came here intent on seducing me?”
    “No.” He turned slowly toward her. “No. This moment may not demonstrate it, but even upon our brief acquaintance, I hold you in high regard, Mrs. Duchamp. What an unfortunately timed reminder of my second task, which must now be rather unwelcome. My second task today was to convey a message from my mother. She was deeply disappointed when she received your news of a prior appointment. She keenly wishes for your attendance at dinner.”
    He saw the suspicion in her eyes and continued. “Here is a letter from her. I had nothing to do with this, but I assure you she is extremely eager to introduce you to her circle of writers. She is a devoted patron to these authors. It would mean a great deal to her and to the other guests if you could at least make an appearance.”
    She took the envelope he held out and considered his statement. Shaking her head, she said, “As I explained to your mother, I have other commitments that evening.”
    He didn’t believe a word.
    “Well, if it would make a difference to your commitments, my dear, I can certainly find myself otherwise occupied. My mother’s invitations to these events are highly selective, and rather famously unorthodox. She would value your presence highly.”
    “But she doesn’t even know me.”
    “But I know her, and I think I know a bit about you. She is deeply invested in the success of her associates. And you will enjoy their company.”
    She faltered. It would indeed be a great opportunity to build the shop’s clientele and perhaps develop acquaintances with renowned authors. “As I said . . . I am otherwise engaged.”
    “If your plans change, please do consider my mother’s invitation.”
    As she stared up at him, she felt herself nod slowly. This would not end well.

Chapter Four
    Evans Principle 2 Redux: EVERY interaction is an opportunity. Do not leave any opportunities unexplored.
     
     
    H ow she ended up here, in a finely appointed guest bedroom in Devin House, laced into a gray silk ball gown that surely cost more than six months’ revenue, seemed impossible. She’d said no to the invitation, to begin with, but there was no real prior engagement. Lady Devin’s special request, conveyed more heavily in the note her son delivered, seemed so reasonable, so accommodating. Thus, despite some