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Dansbury approached. He is completely disreputable, and I wanted nothing to do with him! That is what I told him. And you should do the same, before he drags you down with him, William. My goodness, why do you think he suddenly became acquainted with you? Because he wants revenge against me, for embarrassing him! And—”
    William stood as well. “You’re all about in the head, Lil. You have nothing to do with us taking up together.”
    “Taking up with whom, William?”
    Lilith and William started as their father strode into the room. Despite the question, from Viscount Hamble’s tight-jawed appearance, he had heard at least the last part of their conversation. Except for the lines across their father’s forehead and the light hair whitening at his temples, Stephen and William Benton looked very much alike. In temperament, though, they stood as far apart as the earth’s two poles. William was lighthearted and easygoing, while the viscount was sober and even more reserved than Lilith. It bothered her that she had so seldom seen him smile since his wife’s adulterous flight six years earlier, and she could only hope that her success in society and in marriage would lighten his grave heart.
    “Just some new cronies, Father,” William mumbled. He stretched and yawned ferociously. “Well, I’d best get some sleep if we’re to attend the ball at the Feltons’ this evening.”
    “William, I’ll say it but once.” The viscount took a seat at the head of the breakfast table. “Your comportment in London reflects on all of us. I trust you will use what intelligence you have to avoid disgracing this family any further. Is that clear?”
    Stiffly William nodded. “Yes, Father. Clear as glass.”
    “Good.”
    Lilith frowned at her brother’s back as he left the breakfast room. She’d received a sounder scolding than that from Aunt Eugenia simply for glaring at Dansbury. William had spent two evenings carousing with the man, and was only reminded to behave himself! And her brother was so thrilled with his new cronies that he refused to see the real reason someone like the infamous Marquis of Dansbury would want to have a stripling like him about.
    “Lilith, be certain tonight that you save a waltz for both Nance and Jeremy Giggins. Only a quadrille for that idiot Henning, and I think a country dance for Peter Varrick, unless they offer four waltzes for the evening.” The viscount rang for a fresh pot of tea.
    “But you’ve accounted for only three waltzes,” Lilith pointed out.
    “One must be kept free for the next most likely gentleman in attendance,” her father answered, and glanced at the footman. “Bring me the morning paper.”
    “Yes, my lord.”
    Lilith looked down into her tea. “Have you decided about Lionel’s proposal yet, Papa? It is the second time in a fortnight that he’s asked your permission to marry me.
    Her father nodded as the freshly ironed morning paper materialized at his elbow. “I could hope his holdings were a bit more noteworthy, but I’ve heard no ill spoken of him. I think he might do, though I intend to wait until at least the end of the week before I give my answer.”
    Though Lilith had hoped to be more excited about her impending marriage, at least her father seemed to have given up on the Duke of Wenford’s suit. And she did like Lionel, for if he was a bit…solid, he was always kind and pleasant. “It will be a relief to have a decision made.” She sighed and looked teasingly at her father. “Though I do wish Lionel was a more proficient dancer.”
    The viscount looked at her. “I don’t believe that to be a requirement for a good match,” he stated flatly. “He has an impeccable reputation. I don’t give a damn whether he can dance or not.”
    “Yes, Papa,” Lilith said, with a pained grimace. “I was only teasing, you know. Though I do like to dance.”
    Unexpectedly her father chuckled. “I wouldn’t worry too much about that, my dear. As the Countess