The Romantic by Madeline Hunter

document on the desk. As he did so, his attention was distracted to another sheet that had been beneath it.
    She inwardly groaned. It was her list of names for her affair of convenience.
    He glanced back at her. “It appears that you did not only occupy yourself with a call to arms to free married women from bondage.”
    “On the chance that I would be staying in England, I began planning a little party.”
    She did not know why she lied, but something in his eyes provoked the impulse.
    “A very interesting party. Male guests only.”
    This was really very embarrassing. “If you must know, I was considering the choice of an affair. I thought I should weigh whether such a thing was possible or even worth contemplating seriously.”
    “So this is your list of likely conspirators.” He carried the paper over to the fire where there was more light to study it. “Colin Burchard will be honored to learn he made the cut.”
    “In truth, I do not really think he would be suitable.”
    He peered at the paper again. “Ewan McLean?”
    “Well, actually—”
    “Ewan McLean?”
    “It was just a—”
    “Naples must have been most congenial if you put McLean on your list.”
    “I do not know why you are so disapproving. You said this was worth consideration.”
    “I said the idea was worth consideration, not that Ewan McLean was. I will lock you away first, Pen. He is definitely not for you.”
    “I think it is for me to decide who is for me and who isn’t.”
    “The hell it is.”
    She had no idea what that was supposed to mean, but his attitude and tone annoyed her. “It is very difficult to compile such a list, I will have you know. Especially since it will be no more than an affair of convenience. I will not want the complications of some man professing great love or, God forbid, wanting to marry after my divorce.”
    “You appear to have planned it through in minute detail.”
    “That part, yes. If I get free of this yoke I do not intend to become chattel again. I would be an idiot to remarry. As for that list, it is astonishing how very few names
    I could muster, without even subjecting them to due testing.”
    “Due testing?”
    It was the closest thing to a yell that Pen had ever heard from Julian. It caused her shoulders to press in retreat against the back of the sofa.
    “Well, not actually testing—”
    “Perhaps you should put an advertisement in the papers. You can have it listed under livestock. Stallion sought, something like that.”
    Now, that was uncalled for, and outright rude. “What a splendid idea,” she responded. “Only why play with metaphors? The direct approach is always best. How does this sound?
Gentleman required for a temporary affair of convenience. Unexceptionable references from previous lovers required. Must be willing to be named in criminal corespondence. Should be presentable, experienced, and have a strong back.”
    His glare said he did not find that humorous in the least.
    “I do not understand why you are reacting like this, Julian. You agreed an affair was a simple solution. You sounded very encouraging yesterday.”
    He studied the list further, looking very critical indeed. Angry, actually.
    “I notice that my name is not here.”
    “You are so honorable, of course, and—”
    “You worry for my reputation? That is generous of you.” He strolled toward her. His dark expression made her heart rise. “However, since I am the only man who hasalready shown a willingness to risk the cost, that seems an odd reason to omit me.”
    He was right in front of her now.
    “In fact, I have proven myself willing to risk the cost even without the prize of pleasure. If you decide to bestow your favors I think I should at least be in the running, out of courtesy if nothing else.”
    He looked down. She could not speak.
    “I am also the only man who would completely understand what you asked and why, Pen. The only one who would know why you needed this affair of convenience, and