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thirteen. And then my father died, and…other concerns took precedence.”
    “So you forgot about me.”
    He shook his head. “I just…assumed, I suppose, that that aspect of my life was taken care of.” Maximilian met her gaze again. “It was wrong of me to do so. I’m now attempting to make amends for it.”
    “And you think I’m spoiled and self-centered to make you jump through hoops to prove something to me? I can assure you, Maximilian, that I am not—”
    “Yes, I did think you were spoiled—until ten minutes into our acquaintance. Or reacquaintance, rather.” Grinning, he wiped a smudge of butter from her lower lip with his thumb, because he couldn’t seem to get past the desire, the need, to touch her.
    “And what stupendous thing did I say to alter your opinion of me?”
    “You saw my attire, heard my declarations, and then refused me because you didn’t know my character.”
    To his surprise, she set aside the remainder of her meal and stood. “So I passed your test,” she said, wiping her hands and pulling on her mittens again, “but you haven’t passed mine. And unfortunately, you can’t. Not while Halfurst remains in Yorkshire.”
    Back to that again, were they? Maximilian took a deep breath as he rose. “Keep reminding yourself of that, Anne Elizabeth,” he murmured, tucking her against him as they left the bakery. Whether because of the cold or because she liked being touched by him, she didn’t object. “Make it your battle cry. Whenever you see me, when you taste my mouth on yours, when you feel my hands on your bare skin, Anne, remind yourself that Halfurst remains in Yorkshire, and that so do I.”
    “I will,” she said in an unsteady voice. “And it is argument enough.”
    They reached the front steps of Bishop House, and Lambert opened the door. Anne would have freed her arm from his, but Maximilian caught her, drawing her up against his chest. “I don’t intend to give up the advantage that being engaged to you gives me, Anne,” he said softly, and lowered his mouth to hers.
    As he lifted his head from her, Anne’s eyes were closed, her soft lips parted in warmth and invitation. Good God, what was he getting himself into? An arranged marriage wasn’t supposed to feel so…arousing.
    “We’ll go for a carriage ride tomorrow,” he forced himself to say, readjusting her cloak and barely able to keep himself from pulling her back into his arms.
    “I…I have plans already.”
    “Cancel them. And tomorrow I will kiss you good morning again.”
    The deepening color in her fine cheeks aroused him even further. Thank Lucifer for heavy, caped coats. He pulled his closer around his front.
    “You’re very sure of yourself, Maximilian.”
    “No, my lady, I’m very sure of you.”

Chapter 4
    On Sunday, Lord Halfurst was spied paying a call upon Lady Anne Bishop.
    On Monday, Lord Halfurst was spied paying a call upon Lady Anne Bishop.
    On Tuesday, Lord Halfurst was spied paying a call upon Lady Anne Bishop.
    This Author must deliver this column to the printer prior to Wednesday morning, but truly, does anyone think This Author would be lacking in journalistic integrity if the following were written Tuesday eve:
    On Wednesday, Lord Halfurst was spied paying a call upon Lady Anne Bishop.
    No? This Author thought not.
    L ADY W HISTLEDOWN ’ S S OCIETY P APERS , 2 F EBRUARY 1814
    “T here is no imminent marriage.”
    Lord Daven opened and closed his mouth. “I beg your pardon?”
    “I told him that you would not force me to marry him.” Anne took a deep breath, gazing at her father’s stony expression. Best just to get it over with . “I told you I didn’t want to go to Yorkshire.”
    “Slow down a moment, Annie. If you…refused him—which I can’t believe you did without consulting me—then why has Halfurst continued to call on you?”
    She looked at her toes. “He’s wooing me,” she mumbled.
    “I’m not as young as I used to be, daughter, so for God’s sake