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brandy, he sought to clear it by riding in the park. Springing his new gelding, he galloped down Rotten Row several times before dispelling the incipient depression that plagued him. He realized as he trotted home that even after his words with Ruisdell, the only thing that he really wanted was to see Rosalind once more. Really see her. Without the veil.
    Perhaps she was going to some social affair that evening. At home in his rooms was a stack of unopened invitations. Mayhap there was one for tonight. To an affair big enough that there was a chance of meeting the would-be actress.
    Sir Henry and Lady Reynolds requested the pleasure of his company at a musical evening. The Marquis and Marchioness of Somerset begged the honor of his presence at a ball, while the Earl and Countess of Yarborough were holding a rout.
    Buck did not understand what a rout might be in civilian terms. It sounded dreadfully fierce. A musical evening would undoubtedly be smaller than a ball. Less chance of Rosalind being in attendance. By this process of elimination, he chose to attend the Marquis of Somerset’s entertainment.
    After spending an uneventful afternoon playing Faro at White’s, he partook of an early dinner and then repaired to his rooms to ready himself for the evening. Ten o’clock found him, once again, in a ballroom, once again seeking Rosalind.
    To his surprise, his host knew of him. “Naval chap. Captain. Deuced good war,” the marquis greeted him, and at the same time introducing him to his marchioness. “Had it from Ruisdell.” He shook hands heartily and then allowed his tiny marchioness to have her hand kissed. She was quite unremarkable until she smiled and welcomed him. Her smile rendered her almost a beauty.
    “I hope you will have a fine evening, Captain,” she said.
    “Thank you, Lady Somerset.”
    He entered the ballroom, assailed by the scent of many varieties of perfume. Almost at once, he sighted his lieutenant.
    Strolling to his side, Buck clapped him on the back. “Clark! Well met! I didn’t think to see you again so soon.”
    “I didn’t say anything yesterday, but the fact is, my brother stuck his spoon in the wall. Hunting accident. No love lost between us, so don’t bother with condolences. I’m the Viscount now. My mama’s pestering me to marry and set up my nursery.”
    “Ah! At least that is one thing I am spared.”
    “Lost your parents young, didn’t you?”
    “Yes,” Buck said shortly. He had no desire to refine upon the tragedy. “Congratulations, Clark! What must I call you now?”
    “Westringham, if you must. I prefer Clark.”
    “Have you eyes on anyone in particular, Lord Westringham?”
    “That woman in gold dancing with the dashed tall fellow. Reddish hair.”
    To Buck’s discomfiture, the woman proved to be his Rosalind. The events of their meeting yesterday sped through his mind. He and Rosalind must be adroit, or this could end up a tremendous coil!
    “Oh? And have you been introduced?”
    “Not yet. I don’t suppose you know her.”
    “I do, as a matter of fact. She is a Miss Edwards. Her sister is the Duchess of Ruisdell.” He tugged on the wrists of his gloves. “What is it about her that interests you?”
    The viscount laughed. “Isn’t it obvious? She’s an Aphrodite in form and feature.”
    “Hmm,” Buck said. “I would have said she’s a little on the slender side.”
    “I don’t like my women running to fat.”
    Buck persisted. “She’s a bit spoiled, if you must know. May be hard to control.”
    “Trying to put me off?” Westringham asked. “Have an interest there yourself?”
    “Not at all. Just friends. I’ve known Ruisdell since I was in short coats. Our formidable mamas grew up together.” As he had told the duke, Buck wasn’t interested in marriage. So what was this niggling objection to his friend’s choice? Could it be just that he worried Rosalind’s deception in Richmond would be uncovered? When I caught her up by the waist, it