As an Earl Desires by Lorraine Heath

smiling softly. “I
believe you will keep any woman from straying.”
    â€œYou surprised me by offering a kindness to
Lady Jane Myerson after her scandalous lack of gloves.”
    She lifted a delicate shoulder. “Just because
she isn’t right for you doesn’t mean she isn’t
perfect for someone else.” Her smile blossomed into one of
genuine joy. “And here is Lady Alice.”
    Arch remembered her now, being introduced toher as he’d signed her dance card. She was
indeed pretty. Her blond hair was so pale as almost to match the
shade of the pearls dotting her white gown, which made the deep
green of her eyes more noticeable. Her features were flawless, her
smile genuine and one of warmth.
    â€œLord Sachse.”
    Her voice was that of a nightingale.
    â€œLady Alice.”
    â€œI must admit I’ve been looking forward
to our dance. The countess speaks so highly of you.”
    â€œShe can speak no more highly of me than I do
of her.” He thought he was presenting himself as an absolute
buffoon. He’d attended several balls and never crossed paths
with the elegant and poised lady before him.
    â€œI daresay that this is fortunate timing
indeed, as I was about to go searching for my next dance
partner.”
    The voice was gruff but kind, and when Arch looked
at the man whom he was certain was the Duke of Kingsbridge, he knew
he shouldn’t have taken an immediate dislike to him, because
there was nothing about him deserving of that attitude. But he
couldn’t seem to help himself. He disliked everything about
him.
    He had thick side whiskers and a heavy mustache,
both white to such an extent that Arch couldn’t determine
what the original color mighthave been. Not
that it was important. His eyes matched his daughter’s, as
did his smile and his warmth. Perhaps what Arch didn’t like
was that the duke seemed unaware that anyone other than he and
Camilla was in the room, and when he extended his arm and Camilla
placed her hand on it, it seemed she was of the same opinion.
    â€œMy lord?”
    He snapped his attention to Lady Alice, who was
waiting expectantly for him to give attention to her. He offered
her his arm. “Shall we?”
    As he escorted her to the dance area, he realized
that she was extremely comfortable with her surroundings, at ease.
Her smile as he took her into his arms encompassed her entire face.
She seemed forthright, and he thought she’d never have
secrets, would never be a mystery to unravel. She provided the
openness and honesty he sought, and he wondered why he didn’t
find the notion more alluring.
    As they twirled around the dance floor, she was as
feathery as a cloud on a summer day, her eyes sparkling, her smile
sublime. He thought that of all the ladies he’d danced with
this evening, save one, she held the most promise.
    â€œI’m rather pleased to see my father
take such an interest in Lady Sachse,” she said.
“He’s been widowed for nearly two years now, and he
does get lonely.”
    â€œI understand he has an heir.”
    She laughed lightly. “Three as a matter of
fact. My brothers are off on amazing adventures, while I’m
left here to search for a husband. It seems rather unfair to me, as
I should like very much to be on an adventure.”
    â€œWhere would you like to go?” he
asked.
    â€œI’m not sure. Africa perhaps. Or
Egypt. Or America. But my father is old-fashioned and believes that
a woman shouldn’t be interested in much beyond hearth and
home.”
    â€œI suppose then that will be his attitude
toward his next wife.”
    â€œIf he does indeed take a wife. I certainly
shan’t push him toward that resolution, although a companion
would be nice. And I rather like Lady Sachse.”
    â€œIt seems a good many people do.”
    â€œShe can be most discreet if a lady finds
herself in trouble. I value that sort of loyalty.”
    Well, now,