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been said, but he recalled with sharp clarity how inadequate he’d felt. Even now, years later, he felt his heart squeeze in his chest. Things were different now, however. He’d witnessed the horrors of war and suffered the loss of his brother. Nothing could have opened his eyes more to the fleeting fragility of life. No, he would not waste another moment wondering about “what if’s.” Instead, he would do everything in his power to win Katherine, but in order for him to do so, she would have to develop an awareness of him . . . to realize that he was not some nonsexual being but a man capable of fulfilling her every desire.
    Christ . It would not be easy, and if he failed, he would in all likelihood lose the most important friendship he’d ever had. The risk was great, to be sure, and in the event that it all went pear-shaped, he would no longer be able to flee the country as he had before—not with the responsibility of earl resting upon his shoulders. But his brother’s dying words still echoed through his mind. Make her yours . Lucien tightened his hold on his glass. No matter the heartache he’d suffered, he’d been offered a second chance, and he was determined more than ever before to risk everything if there was but a speck of hope that Katherine might one day return his affections.
    Gritting his teeth, he watched as Katherine’s dance partner leaned a bit closer to her—too close—and whispered something in her ear. She blushed and looked away.
    Damnation!
    “It’s good to see you again,” a deep voice spoke.
    Lucien blinked. He’d been so lost in thought that he hadn’t noticed anyone coming up beside him. He turned his head to find Lord Winston, the Duke of Kingsborough’s brother, at his left shoulder. “You too,” he said as he shook Winston’s hand. He’d always liked both him and his brother, even though Winston was quite a bit younger than Lucien.
    Winston plucked a champagne glass from the tray of a passing footman. He took a quick sip before saying, “I’d like to offer my condolences. Not only for your father but for your brother as well. They were good men, both of them, and they shall be dearly missed.”
    Lucien nodded. He knew that Winston and his siblings had recently suffered a similar blow when their father had taken ill and died a little over a year earlier. Lucien’s mother had written to Lucien, informing him of the news in the same straightforward manner with which she addressed all the events that ought to be known by a future heir to an earldom. He returned the sentiment to Winston, and they stood for a moment in companionable silence until Winston broke it by saying, “You must have seen some marvelous places while you were away.”
    Lucien nodded. “I can’t deny enjoying the opportunity to travel the Continent after the war. The countries differ dramatically from north to south and east to west in both culture and climate.”
    “I’ve been thinking of taking Lady Winston and the twins to see Paris and Rome.”
    “Ah, yes . . . I attended the premiere of Rossini’s opera, The Barber of Seville, in Rome back in February. It was indeed a spectacular affair.”
    “I’ll have to invite you for dinner one day so you can tell us more about it—advise us on the best places to visit, where to stay and where to dine.”
    Lucien chuckled. “I’d be happy to.” Looking toward Katherine, who was still twirling around on the dance floor, he wondered if he’d ever have the opportunity to share these places with her.
    “It would be a lovely way for Lady Winston and me to celebrate our next anniversary.” Lord Winston paused for a moment before saying, “Speaking of which, I suppose you’re planning to get yourself settled soon. Will you be attending the marriage mart this coming Season?”
    “I must confess that the notion nauseates me,” Lucien said.
    Lord Winston nodded. “I daresay my brother shares your sentiment, though I suppose he will have to suffer