Splendid by Julia Quinn

but I haven’t seen him.”
    â€œI doubt he’s left yet,” Dunford said with a wicked grin. “In fact, I’m certain he plans to stay the entire evening.”
    â€œPlanning to torture me, no doubt,” Emma muttered under her breath.
    â€œDid you say something, my dear?” Caroline inquired.
    â€œNo, no, I was just clearing my throat,” Emma said hastily, clearing her throat.
    â€œWould you like another glass of lemonade for that?” Dunford’s voice was solicitous, but from his expression, Emma suspected he’d heard what she said.
    â€œNo, thank you,” Emma said, holding up the glass in her hand, “I still have some left.” She smiled at Dunford and took a healthy gulp.
    â€œWell,” Lady Summerton declared as if no one had spoken since her last monologue. “I’m sure even Ashbourne wouldn’t dare leave without greeting his hostess, Caroline. I’m positive he’ll be here soon. Absolutely positive.”
    â€œSo am I,” Dunford agreed, watching Emma with a twinkle in his eye. She smiled weakly, acutely uncomfortable.
    â€œOf course,” Lady Summerton continued, “I’m not sure if you should allow him near your niece, Caroline.” She turned to Emma without pausing for breath. “He has a dreadful reputation. If you value yours, you’ll stay away from him.”
    â€œI’ll certainly try,” Emma put in brightly.
    â€œDo you know what I heard?” Lady Summerton asked breathily, to no one in particular.
    â€œI’m sure I can’t imagine,” Ned replied.
    â€œI heard,” Lady Summerton paused for emphasis and leaned forward conspiratorially, “that Ashbourne, er, shall we say, ‘said good-bye’ to his opera singer and has finally decided to look among respectable ladies. I think he’s looking for a wife.”
    Emma choked on her lemonade.
    â€œAre you all right, dear?” Caroline asked. “Is your headache still bothering you?”
    â€œNo, it certainly isn’t my head that’s bothering me.”
    Lady Summerton plodded on. “Clarissa Trent is after him. Her mother told me. And do you know what?”
    Only Caroline was attentive—and polite— enough to murmur, “What?”
    â€œI think she has a chance of getting him.”
    â€œI imagine she’ll be disappointed,” Dunford predicted.
    â€œWell, she did say she was holding out for a duke,” Belle said caustically.
    â€œI would rather not discuss her,” Ned declared.
    â€œEmma, are you feeling well?” asked Caroline. “You look a trifle pale.”
    An awkward silence fell over the small group. Finally, Lady Summerton, never one to enjoy conversational lulls, commented, “Er, I’m sure he’ll show up soon, Caroline. So stop your worrying.”
    Even Caroline, impeccably mannered as she was, could not fail to murmur softly, “I wasn’t aware that I was worrying.”
    â€œWhat was that, dear?” Lady Summerton inquired.
    â€œNothing, nothing at all.” Caroline shot Emma aknowing glance. “I was just clearing my throat.”
    Emma smiled conspiratorially. “Perhaps we should get you some lemonade, dear aunt.”
    â€œI really don’t think that will be necessary, dear niece.”
    â€œWell, I’m sure he’ll show up soon,” Lady Summerton declared.
    Emma estimated that she’d been back in the ballroom for at least fifteen minutes and decided miserably that Lady Summerton was probably right. She wondered how on earth she would be able to go through the motions of polite conversation with the man who had just nearly ravished her in her bedroom. Cowardice finally emerged as the solution and she smiled weakly. “Actually, Aunt Caroline, I am feeling a little tired. Perhaps a little fresh air would help.”
    Dunford jumped in immediately, eager to provoke Alex’s jealousy by