Waiting was torture. Anna paced the little parlor on the first floor of her father’s London home, nerves jumping at every sound. The panic she’d experienced at Miss Goldwell’s murder had been eclipsed by even greater fears—what if Lord Sorenson did not come at all? What if he did?

She covered her face, glad that her father had gone to his study to read the newssheet and couldn’t see her in this wretched, uncertain state. She’d barely been able to eat anything at breakfast, but somehow she’d hidden that fact from her father. His only comment that morning was that she was unusually pale and tired looking.

That was no surprise. She hadn’t slept well in days.

The murder and now a suitor expected to call had both put her thoroughly on edge.

The knocker sounded on the front door, and she yelped out loud. Footsteps rushed down the hall and Anna strained to hear what was spoken. The next thing she heard was a woman’s voice, and then the butler appeared in the doorway. “Are you at home to Miss Hayes this morning, Miss Beasley?”

Anna let out a shaky breath. “Yes, of course I am. Always.”

He nodded and went away. A few minutes later, Portia Hayes swept into the room. “I simply couldn’t sleep a wink last night,” she announced as she grasped Anna’s hands tightly. “Could you?”

Anna gulped, wondering what Portia had already heard about her but too terrified to ask. “I was up very early,” she admitted. “Do sit down.”

“Thank you. It is all so distressing.”

She looked at Portia sharply. She must know. “What is?”

“Not being able to call on friends.”

Anna released the breath she discovered she’d been holding in. No one knew what she had been caught doing with Lord Sorenson. Her reputation was safe still. For the time being at least. “What other friends did you want to call on?”

“Well, you and I both know Angela Berry has disappeared from society. Her family has gone to the country without leaving a word if they were even coming back.”

“Have they?”

“So it seems.”

Portia tossed her head from side to side. “And now I find Miss Goldwell has fled the capital as well.”

At the mention of Miss Goldwell, cold clamminess swept over Anna. She had promised Lord Sorenson she would say nothing about it to anyone. “I haven’t seen her, either.”

Portia scrunched up her face. “Well, it is a nuisance to have friends and acquaintances that keep disappearing without a word of goodbye. We may have no choice but to make new friends if this decline continues.”

“Or be content with each other’s company and not need anyone else,” Anna added with a forced laugh.

Portia reached for her hand. “Don’t you dare disappear on me.”

“I won’t.” She smiled. “You will probably never be rid of my company.”

Portia smiled. “If you don’t find a suitable husband, you know you can come and live with me when I do.”

Anna laughed softly. “And the reverse applies. You can come and live with me, should the worst happen.”

“Oh, I would, too, but I must warn you, I do intend to bring one of my suitors up to scratch before the season is out.”

Anna leaned forward. Portia was a determined young lady, and she felt a twinge of pity for the poor fellow she singled out. “Who is the lucky fellow?”

Her smile grew sly. “It is a secret. For now.”

“Ah, so only you have decided. Does he know he’s in the running yet?”

“He will soon. He most definitely will.” She laughed heartily.

Anna wished she had half of Portia’s confidence when it came to men. But as the clock struck twelve, she feared she’d been foolishly hopeful. Lord Sorenson had promised to call in the morning but the morning was now gone. All that was left was a slow afternoon of knowing he’d deceived her.

Rather than think of her disappointment, she smiled at Portia. “How is your mother today?”

“She says she has a megrim.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Miss Hayes shrugged. “It’s her way of avoiding my father, I suspect. It’s either that or she returns to Soho Square to sort through Uncle Oliver’s cluttered townhouse.”

Anna laughed. “I thought the house would be cleared out by now.”

“Goodness, I should say not. It will take us years to sort through the rubble to find the house beneath. You must come with me next time I spend an afternoon there. My uncle’s collection is diverse and quite unusual.”

“I’d love to go with you,” Anna promised. Running away for an hour or two seemed a very good idea. “When and what time?”

Portia paused, peering around her shoulders. “It’s a bit of a secret that I go there, actually. Don’t tell your father, or anyone else for that matter. It’s become my escape. We’ll say we’re going shopping, take our maids, and go there instead if you’re willing to be a little naughty with me.”

Anna hesitated a moment before nodding. How bad could it be if there was no one else with them but their maids? “All right. We’ll say nothing more for now.”

Portia beamed. “Good. What are your engagements for the coming week?”

While they discussed the week ahead, Anna comforted herself that even if Lord Sorenson didn’t keep his word, she still had Miss Hayes’ company.

Portia agreed to stay for luncheon and they settled into the morning room to a small feast. Portia glanced at the other two empty chairs. “You know, this is almost exactly what happened to us last year. Do you remember us all sitting here together? You, me and Miss Berry, with her other friend, Miss Newell.”

Anna did indeed remember Miss Newell. The girl had made fun of her blushes. For a time, Anna had felt very uncomfortable, but forgave her when word reached them that she had died suddenly. “Yes.”

“We included her then she vanished without a trace, and then we discovered that she had been murdered, of all things. I mean, who would ever want to harm Miss Newell?”

“I thought she died of influenza?”

“No, no. That is simply not true. Carmichael told me all about it some time ago. She ran afoul of a villain on her way home from a ball, or at the ball. I forget the specifics now.”

“I thought she died in the country.”

Portia shrugged. “Well, anyway, she died and I feel very put out. We made room for her and Angela Berry in our circle, gave them the advantage of our companionship and advice, and ended up with nothing to show for it. I thought Miss Goldwell might grow our numbers, but if she isn’t at home when I call or doesn’t send a note to one of us that she’s going away too, I don’t know what to think of her.”

Another knock boomed through the house, and Portia clapped silently, glancing toward the door expectantly.

Anna heard a male voice and shivered. Lord Sorenson. Since the door to the morning room had closed behind Portia, she could not see him but she imagined him standing in her hall, and her pulse raced.

Portia leaned close. “Who do you think that is?”

Anna did not really want Portia to be disappointed with her about last night and what she felt she must do today. Portia might not be at all understanding that she had stumbled upon Lord Sorenson alone last night. She might conclude her fast, or worse for having kissed him back.

“I suppose it is Carmichael come to call on my father again,” she said quickly, deciding misdirection her best course of action for now.

If it was Lord Sorenson coming to ask for her hand, she already had her speech prepared.

“Well, then. I suppose I should be on my way. Observing you two glaring at each other and squabbling over nothing became tedious last year.”

“We do not squabble.”

“You’ve never agreed on even a single topic. If you mention a chill, he will curse the heat. If you claim to be comfortably seated, he’ll suggest going out.”

“He is very childish sometimes.”

Portia nodded quickly. “Yes, and he’s not the only one afflicted with that ailment. Well, I will see you for our shopping excursion, or Friday night if our schedules don’t allow us to meet.”

Anna walked Portia to the entrance hall. “I’m sure we will see each other sooner than Friday. Besides, there’s always Almack’s on Wednesday, too.”

“True, but who can really talk there?” With a wave of her fingers, Portia swept out to the street and darted into her waiting carriage.

Anna watched her departure from the window then turned. Her father and Lord Sorenson stood behind her. Lord Sorenson was smiling, but her father appeared confused.

She did like Lord Sorenson’s smile and returned it. There was no reason to end today as enemies.

“Good afternoon, Miss Beasley,” he said, coming forward.

“My lord,” Anna murmured as she dipped a curtsy to him.

“Might I have a moment or two of conversation?”

“Yes, of course.” She gestured him into the room, deciding where she’d sit. She chose a single straight-backed chair for herself, and Lord Sorenson took a place on the settee.

He beamed after the door shut. “You look lovely today,” he told her.

Anna blushed at the compliment and turned to her father. However, Father wasn’t beside her anymore. Her heart began to race.

“Your father will return after we have spoken,” Lord Sorenson confided. “I asked if we might speak privately and he agreed.”

Anna sank into her chair again and slowly lifted her gaze to the earl’s.

Oh dear. Alone with the handsome devil yet again.

“You know why I have come,” he murmured.

“Yes,” she admitted. He’d come because she’d been very foolish. She’d compromised herself in his arms.

“Miss Beasley, I think you will agree with me that our encounter last night was serious enough to warrant this immediate course of action.”

He had to ask. He had to say the words so that she had a chance to let him down gently and then they might never need speak of it again. Her heart began to race, and she fell back on empty pleasantries to buy time. “Did you enjoy the ball last night?”

“Indeed. I found the evening very exciting.”

“Lady Windermere will be very pleased with the attendance at her first ball as Lord Windermere’s wife.”

His expression grew puzzled. “I wasn’t speaking of the ball.”

Anna pasted an innocent expression to her face. “I was.”

His lips twitched. He rose from his seat, only to sink to one knee on the carpet before her. He caught her eye as he reached for her hand. “Miss Beasley, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

For a moment, Anna’s determination to reject him faltered. For a brief, glorious moment, Anna believed he really meant his offer. His haste in offering matrimony could be a sign of the most ardent affection.

And yet…as soon as his tongue darted out to wet his lips, she remembered last night all too clearly. He’d stolen a kiss (or two) and that was all there was between them. It was hardly enough to build a happy life upon.

She had no choice but to decline. “Lord Sorenson, your actions do you credit today but I am afraid I must refuse your kind offer.”

She expected him to hear her words, mutter his acceptance of her refusal, and then excuse himself.

Lord Sorenson did not. He shifted till he was fully kneeling and shuffled closer. “Why must you refuse me?”

His words were low, intimate, and she felt each one as if his lips were against her skin.

“Last night was an aberration. We hardly know each other.”

“That is what I thought you’d say, and you are correct. We have spent barely six hours at most under the same roof after we were introduced. Barely any time at all to know each other well enough for marriage.”

“We danced but once.”

“A lovely dance,” he murmured.

“I cannot agree to marry a stranger based on so little information.”

He grinned ruefully. “I imagine being counted as one of Lord Carmichael’s oldest friends isn’t any recommendation of my character, is it?”

“I’m sure you are a better man than he is, but…”

“But you still couldn’t consider marrying me under the circumstances,” he finished for her.

“No.” She tried to smile. “I am sorry.”

He smiled though. “I thought I would have to convince you.”

Anna waved away the effect of his smile and bravely pressed on, determined to convince him she was right. “I know Lord Wade and Lady Windermere expect news of an engagement, but all you really did promise was to call upon my father today. You have done that. If I refuse you, surely they will be satisfied.”

“If only that were the case.” He caressed her fingers, which she had utterly forgotten he held. “I think you should be allowed a chance to reconsider my offer.”

Her eyebrows rose high. “My lord, you are not listening.”

“I’m listening, but I fear you misunderstand my motivation for proposing.”

She smiled sadly. “It is all very clear. You came to keep your word. To prevent my reputation from being ruined.”

“I came to arrange to marry you. Your father was just as incredulous as you appear to be, but I must stress I am in earnest.”

“But why?”

“Because of this.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers. It was a soft kiss, tender and full of gentle exploration.

Kissing him was what had gotten her into trouble in the first place. She pushed him back. “My lord!”

“My future bride,” he said huskily, and then cleared his throat. “The memory of our kisses will keep me awake again tonight.”

She drew back to look at his face, discovering her hand rested against his cheek now. She snatched her hand back. “You didn’t sleep, either?”

He caught her hand and returned it to his face. Then he pushed his cheek against her palm. “I found myself reliving every moment of having you in my arms.”

Anna blushed. “I shouldn’t have allowed it.”

“It will be our secret.”

“Except for two witnesses.”

“Who will say nothing because I kept my promise.”

“You are honorable.”

He ginned impishly. “What if we decide upon a secret understanding between us to appease Lord Wade and Lady Windermere while I woo you properly? We can set a date to marry when we know each other better.”

That seemed fair to her, and yet—

Lord Sorenson kissed her again without warning. Anna grasped his shoulders as he swept her into a kiss unlike the others. She felt the tip of his tongue tickling her lips and when she parted them to protest, he deepened the kiss, and she forgot she meant to be good.

Anna wound her arms about his neck as he ate at her mouth like he was starving for her kisses. His arms closed around her firmly, and then he began to explore the curve of her waist and the length of her back. When his fingers caressed the back of her neck, she moaned a little against his lips.

She perhaps got a little too swept up in the kiss, because she didn’t remember Lord Sorenson saying her father would return until she heard Father outside the door, clearing his throat very loudly before he rattled the handle.

“Well,” Lord Sorenson whispered the moment he drew back. His face was flushed, and his eyes were wide and hot on hers. “Can you at least promise me you’ll consider marrying me for the right reason after that kiss?”

He sat back on his heels, eyes fixed on Anna with one brow raised, but then he returned to his chair as the door creaked open to admit her father.

Anna feared she was blushing as bright as the sun or her suitor’s red hair, and glanced down at her hands while she decided what to do and say. That was a kiss she’d not soon forget. It was a kiss she would remember forever.

He was correct about one thing too, she wouldn’t think of anything but him and his proposal now. It was a huge decision to make.

“Is everything all right, daughter?”

“It is, Papa. Lord Sorenson has asked me to marry him.” Anna glanced up finally, looking toward her suitor with a new appreciation. She didn’t want to refuse him but she also didn’t want to be rushed. There was so much about him she couldn’t know on so short an acquaintance.

Lord Sorenson’s impressively wide shoulders sagged, and then he nodded. “She has—”

“Decided to consider his offer of marriage,” she finished for him. “In my own time.”

Lord Sorenson threw her a delighted grin.

Her father gaped. “Consider it? What is there to consider?”

“I am happy with her answer, sir. In her own good time, she will decide one way or the other,” Lord Sorenson said, still smiling at her as if her hesitation was right and proper. “There’s no reason for us to rush her until we know each other much better.”

Anna was sure her father was about to curse but he pressed his lips together tightly and didn’t argue with the earl. Anna had been on the marriage mart for two years and this was her very first offer. She’d known Lord Sorenson barely two weeks. She wanted time to become better acquainted with him…and his kisses.

When he continued to smile at her, Anna heart began to beat faster than ever. The Earl of Sorenson was actually a devil in disguise. And right now, he appeared to be a very pleased devil indeed, judging by the appreciative glances he kept throwing her way as he reassured her father yet again that he was more than happy with the delay.

She could love him for his understanding alone.

But could she marry a stranger? She wasn’t sure she knew the answer to that.