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P ortia laid awake most of the night planning, then replanning what she was going to say to Titus.

She’d decided that Lady Swan’s garden party would be the ideal event to search him out.

She’d met Lady Swan at the first ball of the Season and enjoyed hearing about her lovely garden and statue collection, and since then, at every event they’d both attended, they’d continued their discussion.

One of the elements of her garden that Lady Swan was particularly proud of was the recently completed grotto.

Although it overlooked a large pond, from her descriptions, Portia knew that the grotto itself was concealed by stone and statuary, and would provide the most privacy for her meeting with Titus.

The day was absolutely glorious. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue with not a cloud drifting, and there was a cool breeze caressing the land. She hoped this was a good omen.

As she waited with her relatives in the receiving line, she gazed across the lawn, admiring the lovely array of fanciful hats.

It appeared as if every member of the ton had turned out for this event.

From what her half-sister had divulged, if one was invited to an event hosted by Lady Swan, one went or risked ruin.

“Good afternoon, Lady Oaks, Miss Oaks, Miss Lamont,” Lady Swan greeted. She then leaned toward Portia and added, “After our conversation about hot house roses, I encourage you to visit the orangery. I had Perkins create a special display just for this afternoon.”

“I have been looking forward to seeing the grounds ever since you described them, especially the grotto.” Portia had laid the groundwork for part of her plan.

Hopefully, if someone did spy her heading off in that direction alone, at the very least Lady Swan could defend her honor.

Even though her two relatives were standing right next to her, Portia knew they would not stand up for her if any scandal arose.

Quite the contrary. She suspected they would throw her to the wolves at the first opportunity.

Sadness weighed down her insides. She’d thought being in London, experiencing something other than the Oaks residence and the nearby small village, would provide less restrictions.

But now that she was actually here in Town, there seemed to be more.

And worse, despite being amongst all these people, she felt so alone, even more so since her new friend had announced her engagement.

She was so happy for Miss Roseland, but missed the companionship of a fellow wallflower.

“It is such a beautiful day. I do hope you enjoy the festivities, Miss Lamont,” Lady Swan said, then as an afterthought, added, “And I hope you enjoy the day as well, Lady Oaks, Miss Oaks.” And then proceeded to greet the next set of waiting guests.

Once clear of earshot, Judith scolded under her breath, “You were being rather forward with Lady Swan. Remember why you’re here.” Her tone shifted to a firm, almost demanding tone. “To entice Lord Webber.”

How could Portia forget? That was precisely why it was crucial for her to speak with Titus.

She did not want to marry Lord Webber, or any other gentleman on her half-sister’s list. She had hoped to fall in love, or at the very least, like the gentleman she was to spend the rest of her life with, but those options were quickly fading.

She followed her relatives at a polite distance.

She did not want to spend the beautiful afternoon in her half-sibling’s presence, and she was certain that Judith did not want it either.

She suspected if it weren’t for the possibility of ruining Hilarie’s chances of a match, Judith would be most pleased if Portia became embroiled in some scandal and was forced to marry posthaste.

Only once they emerged onto the lawn did Portia retreat back, hoping to get lost in the sea of people. It would be an easy task, for no one ever seemed to notice her.

She maneuvered through the crowd, watching on the edge of the festivities. Only this time, she wasn’t trying to avoid any one, quite the contrary. She was intent on speaking with Titus today.

However, in her efforts to find him, she didn’t notice Lord Webber until it was too late.

“Good afternoon, Miss Lamont. You look lovely today.”

“Good afternoon, Lord Webber,” Portia reciprocated in what she hoped was a neutral tone. She didn’t want to be rude, but also didn’t want to encourage him. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Judith watching their encounter intently.

Had she been watching Portia this entire time? Portia needed to get away before her relative intervened. “Please excuse me, but I’m looking for… a friend.” It was the truth. Titus was a friend.

Lord Webber’s dark brown eyes held a gleam of interest that sent warning shivers down her spine. “Then allow me to accompany you.”

She swallowed hard, then forced the words from her mouth. “Thank you.”

They strolled in silence for a few minutes when the older—much older—lord turned to her and stated in a matter-of-fact tone, “Lady Oaks informed me that you’re in need of a husband.

And I am pleased to inform you that I am in need of a wife.

” He puffed out his already rotund chest. “I am prepared to court you, Miss Lamont.”

Oh no! She hadn’t even spoken with Titus yet, and Lord Webber was practically proposing on the spot. Portia grabbed her midsection, her stomach cramping with the thought of being married to this man.

“Are you alright Miss Lamont? I say, you’ve been in the sun too long.

It is always best for ladies not to exert themselves.

” He eyed her up and down. “Such a delicate creature indeed.” It wasn’t so much what he said, but how he delivered the words that sent a tremor of repulsion storming through her body.

She needed to get away… immediately.

“I believe I have been in the sun too much today. I need a moment in the ladies’ retiring room.” With each word she spoke, she could feel panic rising within. She didn’t wait for a response, but took her leave and did not slow her pace until out of his view.

The anxiety only continued upon entering the retiring room.

“Did you happen to see Lord Jagger and Lord Ravensworth? They are two of the most handsome men in attendance,” an unfamiliar voice said, just as Portia entered the crowded room filled with a gaggle of gossiping misses.

A loud gasp escaped her mouth at the mention of Titus’s name.

Several sets of eyes settled on her before soft whispers, followed by giggles, drifted toward her.

Her face and ears instantly heated to a fiery crimson. Before she could retreat, a very elegant lady clad in the most beautiful shade of violet spoke. “I hear he’s in want of a new mistress.”

So, what Judith had said was true. Titus was a rake. Rakes kissed women without regard. He probably hadn’t given their kiss at the masquerade a second thought. She knew it to be true, but deep down, it still stung.

The kiss meant nothing to him . Don’t think about the kiss, just focus on why you need his aid. You can do this. And with those words of encouragement to herself, she left the room and went in search of Titus.

She spent the next hour not only searching for Titus, but trying to avoid Lord Webber. She’d just about given up hope of finding Titus when she saw him across the lawn, laughing and enjoying the company of those around him. Why did it always seem he was surrounded by beautiful, fashionable people?

Despite her best efforts to modify her dresses, once again, she felt rather out-of-place amongst the stylish ton .

Even from this distance, Titus had an air of confidence she’d only come close to once, when she was wearing a mask and her identity was safe.

But she couldn’t very well parade around Town wearing an ornate mask that covered most of her face all the time.

She’d be headed to Bedlam if she conducted herself in such a manner.

Still, it had been quite freeing to not have any one know her identity, and at the same time, be completely herself.

It felt like a lifetime since she’d truly been able to breathe, relax, and be herself.

She’d rehearsed where they could meet without stirring gossip, and what she was going to say once at the grotto, but had forgotten all about how she was going to ask him to meet with her without anyone else hearing or noticing.

Time was running out, and she didn’t know how much longer he’d be in attendance.

Her only option at this moment was to simply walk up to him and present her request.

Tremors multiplied up and down her body as she edged away from the safety of the tree that she’d been hiding behind. Better to get this done before she lost her nerve.

Moving through the various groupings of guests, she kept her head slightly down, but her gaze focused on Titus, hopefully without being too obvious.

The last thing she needed was for Judith to suspect her change of plans, not that the original plan was of her design anyway.

She was certain to get an earful over her encounter with Lord Webber and subsequent escape.

Thankfully, luck was on her side. As she neared Titus, the elegant trio he’d been conversing with walked away, leaving him alone.

He was scanning the vast expanse as if looking for someone, his gaze passing right over her.

Was it intentional? She still could not comprehend why he disliked her so.

They used to be friends, the best of friends.

Her heart sank. That was a lifetime ago, and all she could do now was concentrate on the present.

She only hoped that he would feel able to help her.

She was within a couple of feet of him, but he still had not looked her way. It was a childish tactic, one he’d used when they were children and he hadn’t got his way. She sucked in her breath. It was now or never.