Page 69 of Brigand

Ewan had disappeared.

Violet hovered behind a potted palm and scanned the ballroomonce again, barely able to restrain her impatience. Hiding had become necessaryto avoid Lord Dittenham, who had upon meeting her determined she was the womanof his dreams. He had haunted her ever since. And then there were the others.Barkley and Ponce and Sheffield. All handsome men and, from all accounts,eligible partis. She wanted nothing to do with them.

For one thing, their perfume turned her stomach—it wasprobably the scent of their pomade but it hardly mattered. The stench wasrevolting. Their soft white hands made her want to laugh. Their effeteexpressions and oh-so-proper conversations were deadly dull. Not a one of themset her heart to racing with a look, a word, a touch.

They hounded her in veritable herds, forcing countlessglasses of lemonade upon her. If she drank each one, she would explode. Shehoped she hadn’t killed any of the palms Hortense had been so delighted tobring in. They were now all swimming in lemonade.

And still they stalked her, those men bearing glasses ofvile brew.

Hence, her skulking.

“There you are.”

Violet nearly leapt out of her skin. Her heart chattered asshe whirled on Kaitlin. “You scared me half to death.”

“Sorry, darling.” Her gaze narrowed. “I take it you’re nothaving a good time?”

“These men! They’re like hounds with a scent.”

Really. There was no reason for Kaitlin to laugh. “Did youexpect something different? You are rather lovely. And the cousin of a wealthyduke.”

“I’m hardly a tasty rabbit.”

“I beg to differ. You are quite the prize here tonight.”

“But Sophia—”

“Sophia is lovely as well,” Kaitlin said as an oldergentleman spun her by in a reel. She fairly glowed; her gown belled out aroundher. “But we both know your connection with Edward is what these men areafter.”

Violet snorted. “So flattering.”

Kaitlin grinned. “You know what I mean. On your own you’requite a catch, but with a duke behind you…you’re irresistible. Sophia’s brotheris wealthy but not a lord. He doesn’t have a title. She will have to work alittle harder to attract a Dittenham or a Sheffield.”

Violet wrinkled her nose. “I shall advise her to be lazy.”

“Hmm. That bad?”

“Hideous. Although Dittenham assures me, when I am his wifehe will allow me to buy any dress I like, so long as his mother approves.”

“Quite generous.”

“And Sheffield has expressed a keen desire to teach me howto speak like a true English lady.”

“Oh?”

“Without the savage brogue.”

Kaitlin nibbled her lip. “So they’re both top contendersthen?”

Violet tried to swallow her growl but failed. “Have you seeEwan?”

“I was wondering if you’d ask. I saw the two of you head outto the garden.”

“So, apparently, did Ned.” Violet crossed her arms.

“Oh my. Well, he’s in the study with Edward.”

“Coward.”