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words before she answered. “Not so much, truthfully. Or it didn’t.”
    “Until Lady Penelope predicted yer future lack of marital status…”
    Lady Caroline shrugged and then gave a curt nod.
    To be sure, he didn’t know what went on in the minds of women, but the fact that she was the daughter of an apparently wealthy earl and not at all displeasing to the eye should have garnered her some interest. Oddly, the thought did not rest well with him, but which was more unsettling? The notion of her sitting alone, unnoticed? Or that a man would find her interesting for her family connection?
    “Do you find me attractive?” she asked, shifting to face him.
    Hugh tried to swallow, but his throat felt like it was clogged by sand. Even if he knew how to respond, his voice would have come out little more than a weak croak.
    “Th-that is to say… if you s-saw me and didn’t know who I was… would you look twice?”
    “Aye,” he whispered. He cleared his throat and met her stare. “Yes, I’d look at ye — more than twice.”
    “Then why does the one man I want to look at me apparently not even see me?” she cried. Exasperation etched itself across her features, and she pushed to her feet. The green carriage blanket slid to the ground, her ivory silk gloves fluttering like falling autumn leaves to land on top. “Can you tell me that?”
    After a fashion, her words sank in and began to make sense. Hugh frowned. “Is this about no one noticing you? Or about one man who looks through you?”
    Lady Caroline seemed to sag a little and some of the intensity left her eyes. “In truth, ‘tis always been one man I wish would notice me.” She sighed. “But on the one occasion he spoke to me, it was with the indulgence one might offer a child.”
    Hugh’s belly tightened. “So, you have caught the eye of… other men…”
    “One or two,” she admitted, turning her head toward the reflecting pool. “Boys, really, scarcely out of their nursery skeleton suits.”
    The fist clenching his gut eased. He’d analyze his reaction later. And he’d find out more about the particular gentleman she fancied. What had she said his name was? Stanton? Stratton? He’d not paid much heed when she’d gone on about the whole business the day before, but he’d work on that later also. In the meantime…
    “I’m not convinced merely learning how to kiss will achieve yer goal.” Hugh stepped closer. “I mean, have ye considered how ye’ll get his attention so he does kiss ye?”
    She tilted her head as she turned to regard him. An impish smile widened her lips. “I plan to catch him under the kissing bough at the winter ball in two weeks. And I want to give him a kiss he’ll remember.”
    Hugh spread his hands, confused as to what exactly she was asking of him. “I’m certain any man would remember sharing a kiss with you under the mistletoe.” He definitely would were they to meet under such circumstances. He couldn’t get that momentary brush of their lips the previous day out of his mind.
    “Many women will attend my parents’ ball.” She frowned. “And he prefers female companionship from ladies who are… well closer to his age.”
    “Closer to his age?” Hugh stared, striving to form a picture of the man. “How old is he?”
    “Lady Penelope thinks he’s not yet had his thirtieth birthday.” A knowing smile curved Lady Caroline’s pink lips. “He’s very dashing, and he’s traveled all over the world. I heard he’s been to America.”
    The squeezing in Hugh’s middle returned. “Are there no young men of yer own age?”
    An impatient sigh left her lips. “Have you not heard a word I’ve told you? They’re boys. Very immature. I want — I want a man .”
    Hugh stared across the reflecting pond. He should decline, return to the stable. Just let his feet carry him back along the path. What did he know of the type of man she sought? Did she not realize he was about as far removed from being a gentleman