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P ortia was enjoying the quiet afternoon, curled up on the sofa with a book.

It wasn’t too often that Hilarie was indisposed with a real illness.

She didn’t wish harm on Hilarie, but it was pleasant to not have to listen to her commentary and constant complaints.

Even Judith’s countenance was much more subdued this afternoon, which was her wont when her favorite child had taken ill.

During the course of the season, Judith had used the excuse of “Hilarie is feeling under the weather” nearly half a dozen times to either leave an event early or not attend one.

Portia could not help but wonder if it would have an adverse effect, and that rumors would spread indicating Hilarie had a weak constitution.

That certainly would not bode well for her marital prospects, since a woman’s main role in life was to produce healthy heirs.

Unfortunately, the peace was not to last.

“Put yourself to rights,” Judith barked as she rushed about the room, straightening a couple of cushions before smoothing back several strands of hair.

Portia was about to ask what all the fuss was about when Russell announced they had a guest. “Lady Whitby and Miss Beaumont have arrived.”

She could practically feel the glee vibrating off her relative at the announcement of their prestigious guests. It was no surprise to anyone really that Judith hoped for an extremely advantageous match for Hilarie, despite her daughter’s inability to compete with this Season’s crème de la crème.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been hoping for,” Judith exclaimed with excitement.

A few moments later, their guests entered. Portia could not remember the last time when her half-sister had been this pleasant and happy. It was a sad commentary on her life.

“What an unexpected surprise, Lady Whitby, Miss Beaumont,” Judith gushed. “Please have a seat while I ring for refreshments.”

“That is too kind of you, but no need for refreshments. We only have a moment,” the elegant countess said as she took a seat, her niece following suit.

“I’ve just come from visiting Lady Swan.

She’s decided to host a last-minute dinner party this evening for those in her close circle, and I told her she simply must invite you, Lady Oaks, Miss Oaks, and Miss Lamont. ”

Judith’s features sagged. “We appreciate the invitation, but my daughter has taken ill and I fear that I cannot leave her.”

“I hope it is nothing too serious,” Lady Whitby said with concern, as she placed a delicate hand to her chest.

“The doctor doesn’t believe so, just a couple of days’ rest will put her right.

” At the first sign of a sniffle, Judith—without fail—sent for medical assistance.

And more often than not, Hilarie made a miraculous recovery when she got whatever it was she was after.

This time, however, Hilarie’s ailment appeared to be legitimate, complete with a stuffy nose and a slight megrim.

“Perhaps you would allow me to chaperone Miss Lamont?” Lady Whitby said to the surprise of Portia and clear dismay of Judith.

It was clear that Judith was trapped. If she declined Lady Whitby’s offer, it would be rude and probably have a negative effect on Hilarie’s prospects.

But if she accepted, it would allow Portia to interact with those she herself was most desperate to be connected to.

Portia waited as her half-sister mentally sorted through her options.

It was quite amusing to watch her features shift as emotions played on her face.

A deline was pleased with the turn of events. Although she did not wish ill upon Miss Oaks, it did make her mission much simpler. “Will you allow me to chaperone Miss Lamont?” she repeated.

Adeline watched Lady Oaks’s face contort with a multitude of feelings, but in the end her desire to be connected with those of more esteem won. “It would be an honor to have you chaperone my dearest little sister.”

If Adeline did not like the woman before, she certainly didn’t care for her now with her condescending tone.

She brushed off the woman’s darkening mood and focused on the positive.

Portia would be under her eye tonight, and she fully intended neglecting her duties as chaperone in order to allow her nephew and the woman she suspected that he’d fallen in love with to have some time alone together.

“I am so pleased that Miss Lamont will be joining us this evening,” Adeline said.

“And perhaps, Lady Swan will consider Hilarie and me for her next event?” Lady Oaks’s words poured from her lips with desperation.

Adeline was prepared to play along with the charade if it meant great success for her nephew.

“I will relay your sentiments to Lady Swan.” She turned to address Portia, who had been painfully silent through the whole visit.

“We shall come at eight this evening.” She only hoped Lady Oaks would not be too terrible towards Portia in the meantime.

A short time later, Adeline and Flora were ensconced in their carriage, preparing to enact the next phase of their scheme.

“Did you know Miss Oaks had taken ill?” her niece questioned.

“No, but I was most pleased by the news.” She then quickly added, “Not that I wish her misfortune, but it is definitely to our advantage. Lady Swan was not too keen on adding Lady Oaks or her daughter to the guest list, especially considering her intimate dinner party has been planned for a couple of weeks.”

“But you said?—”

“A little fib for a great cause.”

Flora’s laughter filled the carriage. “I have much to learn from you, Aunt Adeline.”

“And I have much to teach you, my darling.” All in good time .

A unt Adeline had sent word that afternoon, not only reminding Titus to attend Lady Swan’s gathering, but also to be prompt.

Titus did not know what his aunt was up to, but he definitely knew she was concocting some sort of scheme. When he strolled into Lady Swan’s elegantly grand drawing room, nearly half an hour late, his suspicions were proved correct.

He’d barely taken two steps over the threshold when his aunt approached, with Flora following close behind. “So nice of you to join us, and on time, no less,” Aunt Adeline said, her words dripping with sarcasm. “I was beginning to wonder if you were going to disrupt my carefully laid plans.”

“So, you’re not even trying to hide the fact that you—and most likely Flora as well—are trying to waylay me?” He said as he eyed his cousin, who instantly blushed, then lowered her gaze.

He’d wanted to spend the evening searching for his mystery goddess, but his aunt had a way of inciting guilt with the most innocent sentence. Titus was more than frustrated that he’d still not been able to discover her identity. She’d known who he was, so why then hadn’t she…

Perhaps she hadn’t been as affected by the kiss as he?

No. He’d seen the desire in her blue eyes and felt it in her kiss.

But what is your intention once you find her?

That question had been plaguing him for weeks, and the answer still remained the same. He didn’t quite know.

Did she have difficult relatives to contend with?

No. He was an earl. Any father would gladly welcome his title and wealth.

Perhaps she’d heard of his reputation?

No. He’d discontinued his previous lifestyle this Season on account of his cousin.

Aunt Adeline started to scold him under her breath, disrupting his thoughts. “As I have stated previously, no one is trying to waylay you, and I have been quite honest regarding my intentions. I thought a diversion was in order and invited Miss?—”

“Now that all our guests have arrived,” Lady Swan started as she turned her gaze to Titus, putting him on the spot, then continuing, “Dinner will be served.”

Titus supposed he would have to wait to see what his aunt was up to. He had more pressing concerns at the moment, namely whom he was partnered with this evening. He hoped it wasn’t a starry-eyed girl who could only talk of the weather. That would only add to his ill-humor.

Aunt Adeline moved away to join Lord Holland, while Flora was paired with Mr. Lavender. Because of his late arrival, Titus did not know whom he was to be joined with until Portia strolled up to him wearing an orange concoction and an apologetic look.

Why was she always wearing ill-fitting clothes in the most undesirable colors?

“It seems we’re partnered for dinner.” Portia lowered her voice. “I suspect Lady Whitby had something to do with it.”

“My aunt can be quite wily,” Titus said with a chuckle. Still, it was a pleasant change to be paired with a friend instead of a simpering miss. A wave of calm washed over him, as he could think of no better dinner companion than Portia.

“I’ve suspected as much,” she said with a giggle. “Still, I appreciate the reprieve from my relatives.”

“You’re here alone?”

Before she had the chance to respond, the guests were all lined up and preparing to stroll toward the dining hall.

She looked about as if unsure of what to do next.

Titus did not know how many dinner parties she’d attended, but supposed she was not used to this world or its occasionally bizarre customs.

The moment her hand rested on his proffered arm, a sense of comfort enveloped him. And then he looked down into her upturned face and an altogether different emotion coursed through his body. He could not help but wonder if her lips tasted as sweet as they looked.

Where had that thought come from?

Portia was his childhood friend. He’d never thought of her in that way. That’s not true . He was supposed to aid her in finding a more suitable match than Lord Webber. He should not be thinking about her lips or what she would look like in a fashionable evening dress, or the sway of her hips or…

Stop that , he admonished himself.

It had been far too long since he’d been with a woman. Ever since the masquerade, he’d thought of no one but his masked goddess. Frustration stormed through his veins. He needed to discover her identity, and then all would be good.