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Could he make a quick escape without anyone noticing?

The rooms were dimly lit, creating intimate shadows that added to the allure of the evening, but even so—and despite his costume, which didn’t entirely conceal his identity—there were those in attendance who made it their business to know the comings and goings of everyone, and who would most likely report back to their hostess.

Lady Adams was one of the premier hostesses in Town this Season, so he knew he must endure for Flora’s sake.

“Oh, Lord Ravensworth!” A high-pitched voice belonging to Lady Baldwin rippled across the colorful feathered headdresses, striking a nerve in his neck.

He didn’t need to look her way to know that she had her daughter in tow.

For five years, Lady Baldwin had been trying to secure a marriage proposal for her awkwardly awkward daughter, Hortensia, who wore a permanent scowl on her face and never had a pleasant comment about anything or anyone.

His aversion was to both daughter and mother.

A shudder ran down his spine at just the thought of becoming related to Lady Baldwin.

He wouldn’t put it past the desperate mama to scheme a scandal with him at the center, just to marry her daughter off.

For Flora’s sake or not, he would not endure Lady Baldwin’s attempt at wrapping the parson’s noose about his neck.

He turned and, with haste, maneuvered through the crush in the opposite direction, and that’s when he saw her .

Who was the goddess in a blue silk dress that accentuated her curves and shimmered against the dullness of those around her?

He gently pushed through the crowd, scarcely noticing those around him. Although the goddess’s face was covered by an ornate mask, her eyes pulled him, begging him to drink in their blue depths. Much to his delight, she did not move, but continued to hold his gaze.

As he reached her, the first chords of a waltz began to play.

He offered his hand and was rewarded with a beautifully seductive smile.

No words were spoken as he guided her through the steps across the ballroom.

Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony as lavender and lemon enveloped his senses, reminding him of a distant summer day.

Who was she?

He desperately wanted time alone with her, to discover her identity, to know if she felt the same intense attraction.

Propriety dictated that he return her to her chaperone after the dance, but then again, he’d never been one for propriety.

He wouldn’t do anything to ruin her, he just wanted a moment… alone.

As the music came to a soft end, he guided her toward the open door that led onto a small balcony. It wasn’t the quiet location he desired, but at least they were mostly by themselves. Only once they were outside did he attempt to speak.

However, for the first time in his life, words escaped him. All he could do was stare into her eyes that looked so familiar, and yet he was certain he did not know her. How could this be?

Music and loud chatter spilled onto the balcony, making it difficult for him to hear his mystery goddess’s soft voice. “Thank you for the dance.” She worried her bottom lip as she started to move away. “I should return to my relative.”

“Please don’t go.” He closed the distance, and then without thought for consequence, brushed a kiss across her lips.

He rarely kissed women, believing it was too personal.

And yet, he hadn’t thought twice about kissing this woman.

When she didn’t pull away, he deepened the kiss, savoring the essence of this vision who’d entranced him the moment he’d laid eyes on her.

Her lips were as silky as rose petals, and just as sweet.

Her fingertips caressed the back of his neck in gentle circles, sending a wave of want down his spine.

Their breath mingled as tongues intertwined in a seductive dance that had him begging for more.

Never in his life had he felt such a connection to a woman.

Never in his life had he thrown all caution to the wind and indulged in such a kiss.

This was personal, passionate, intimate, and he wanted more.

As the kiss slowed, a lovely soft sigh escaped her lips. “That was…”

“Heavenly.” His cheek brushed across her mask, reminding him that he’d yet to discover her identity. “What’s your name?”

She jumped back, startling them both. Her eyes were wide with shock. “You… you don’t know who I am, Lord Ravensworth?”

His mind searched through the numerous women of the ton , and yet, he could not place the goddess before him. But he knew her. He knew he knew her.

“Of course, I do.” He stepped in closer, a breath away, wanting to feel the warmth, the desire emanating from her. “You are the siren of my dreams, the angel of my heart, the temptress of my soul.” Never in his life had he been so intoxicated by a woman, so enthralled.

That’s not true . The thought tickled his remembrances.

A bout of laughter rolled out onto the balcony, interrupting their interlude.

“I must return to my chaperone.” Although her words were quiet, they were laced with panic. Panic and sadness. Why should she be sad?

He reached for her hand, but she practically jumped out of reach as if just burned by fire. “Please don’t leave. Just?—”

“I must.” And with that, she turned and rushed back into the noisy ballroom.

Titus followed, but no sooner had he reentered than he was waylaid once more by Lady Baldwin. Damn . The moment was ruined, but he vowed to discover the mysterious goddess’s identity. He would find her again.

“Lord Ravensworth, you naughty boy, you mustn’t keep running off. Many a lady wishes to dance with you, including my lovely daughter.” No sooner had the words left the unpleasant woman’s mouth than she pushed her offspring forward, practically colliding with Titus.

Those around seemed to take note of the occurrence. He sucked in a breath. He had two options, do his duty, or risk the gossip and Flora’s chances. He did his duty.

“May I have the next dance, Miss Baldwin?” he ground out with impatience. His evening had just gone from heavenly to hellish.

T itus kissed me .

Titus had kissed her.

Titus had kissed her, and he didn’t know who she was.

How could he not know her?

Had she really changed that much? The face that stared back at her in the mirror appeared the same as the girl of fifteen, although she was a full-grown woman now, with curves to match. And when she’d first spied Titus at Lady Saddler’s ball, she’d known him instantly.

Portia pushed her way through the thunderous gaiety all around, practically running through the ballroom, desperate for a quiet spot. She’d just rounded the corner when she bumped right into Miss Roseland.

She tried to form a coherent sentence as she attempted to slide past her friend, but only syllables formed on her lips. “Oh, I…I…”

“Are you alright, Miss Lamont?” Miss Roseland, dressed as a fairy, questioned with concern, halting Portia’s escape.

“Quite alright. I’m just overheated,” she managed to say without crying, thankful she could speak in full sentences.

“The ladies’ retiring room is just down that way,” her new friend pointed out. “Would you like company?”

“That is very kind of you, but I just need a moment.” Without further words, Portia then made her escape, passing the retiring room in search of a spot away from all the chaos and gossip.

How was it possible that Titus did not know her?

Over the past weeks, they’d attended some of the same functions, but had never interacted.

She’d made certain of it. She still hadn’t reconciled herself with the past. But tonight, when she’d spied him from across the room, and their eyes had met, she was certain that he hadn’t forgotten about her, that he knew her, even with the ornate mask in place.

It felt just like it had when they were adolescents, only different.

Hundreds of butterflies had fluttered within as she’d watched him cross the crowded room toward her, taking her in his arms as the waltz began.

She’d never imagined she could experience such a glorious moment, and then when he’d whisked her onto the balcony and kissed her, all the love she’d ever felt for him had bubbled to the surface.

Never had she imagined a kiss such as that!

And then, it was over, and her love for him trampled upon once again.

Tears stung her eyes as she recalled the confusion she’d seen lacing his eyes. Not only had he not remembered her, he’d forgotten her.

“There you are!” Judith’s stern voice broke through the heartache.

Portia sniffed back the tears, masked her features, and gave the same excuse she’d given Miss Roseland. “It was too warm, and… and I became overheated and needed air.”

Much to her surprise, Judith agreed. “It is rather warm this evening. I do not know why Lady Adams invited so many guests. Hilarie is suffering from the same affliction and we must depart at once.”

Too lost in her own sorrows, Portia simply offered a slight half-smile, then followed her relatives to their waiting conveyance, thankful Judith did not press the issue.

By the time she crossed the threshold to her room, she was exhausted and brokenhearted.

The evening had started so promisingly. The nerves that had seemed to consume her since arriving in Town had subsided to gentle butterflies of excitement.

For the first time in a very long time, she’d felt beautiful on the inside and out, wearing a shimmering gown made just for her. But the evening had quickly soured.

How would she ever face Titus the next time she saw him? She wished there was someone she could talk to, who could offer advice.

When she’d lived at Oaks Park, Mrs. Darnel had been her confident and teacher of all things a young woman should know about. Oh, how she wished Mrs. Darnel was here now to explain the tingles colliding with the uncertainty, confusion, and fear that were coursing through her body.

The letter .

She’d very nearly forgotten about the letter that Mrs. Darnel had handed to her the evening before she departed. She’d told Portia not to open it right away, but to wait until she needed reassurance or guidance. This was that moment.

She went to her trunk and pulled out the note, then proceeded to unfold the sheaf and read Mrs. Darnel’s kind words and sage advice.

My dearest Portia,

As you embark on a new journey, remember that although I am not there with you, I am always thinking about you. You have been a great joy not only to me, but to Mr. Darnel and the entire staff.

Your talents are many and the beauty you possess is enhanced by the beauty within. Never lose sight of just how special you are. Never let those around you try to reduce you with their unkind words. But most of all, follow your heart and never lose hope.

~ Mrs. Darnel

Tears stung the corner of her eyes as the words on the page blurred.

Although the letter did not offer the advice she sought, it eased her worries and calmed her soul.

She would not lose hope. She would do as she’d always had done, press on.

Through the years, perseverance had become one of her attributes.

She returned the precious note to her trunk.

She would not think about Titus or the kiss, at least not for now.

It was best that she put her efforts in elsewhere tonight.

She pulled out an unfinished gown in soft peach.

It had been one of Olive’s unwanted garments that she’d been given at the last moment.

It wasn’t the prettiest dress, and still didn’t quite fit around the bust, but there was only so much she could do.

Hopefully, once the modifications were complete, it would be a little more worthy for the Season.