Prologue

PROLOGUE

Miss Maria Garten had one more Season till she was firmly on the shelf.

One. More.

It was her only chance, because while some ladies could pretend or sincerely be at peace with the life of a spinster, she was not among their ranks.

Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself once more to think before she spoke. It shouldn’t be difficult.

Except that it was, for her at least.

“Good evening, Miss Maria.” Mr. Sheppard’s voice broke through her silent scolding.

“Ah, good evening.” She turned and offered a smile to her friend, the notorious Curtis Sheppard.

He bent and kissed her hand. “Lovely as always. So, tell me again why some handsome gentleman hasn’t swept you off to married bliss.”

“Ah, charm. You should save it for someone who will appreciate it,” Maria replied with a smirk, though her heart pinched at his words.

“You wound me!” He shook his head though a grin toyed with his full lips.

Maria glanced away.

Because the only thing more certain than her potential future as a spinster was that Mr. Sheppard was a confirmed bachelor.

A rake of the first order.

Not the kind who would ruin an innocent, but the kind who would charm one, seduce her with his beguiling words, make her fall in love with the legendary smile and easy manner that seemed as easy as breathing.

And then he’d walk away to find a new distraction.

Utterly unaware that he had broken a few hearts in the process.

Maria refused to be counted among them.

She needed a husband, not a distraction.

After all, friendship was far less complicated.

Wasn’t it?

“Have you a partner for the next dance?” he asked, all seduction and magic.

“Yes, I do believe he just volunteered.” She baited and held out her hand as the first strains of a waltz began.

“Delightful! Have I mentioned how lovely you look tonight?” he asked as they walked onto the ballroom. His eyes scanned the crowd — likely looking for his next distraction.

Maria chuckled. “Yes, actually, you have. You must be slipping if you have already forgotten, or perhaps my beauty is so astounding this evening that you felt the need to mention it twice.”

“I most certainly felt the need to mention it twice.”

She fluttered her lashes. “Indeed? How kind.”

“Why do I get the distinct feeling that you are insincere?” His head tipped slightly to the side as he pulled her into the frame of a waltz. His movements were light, smooth, and carefree, much like his personality.

“Because you are smarter than you look,” Maria replied in a saucy manner, enjoying the freedom of speaking with a friend, not feeling the need to impress him.

“You know, that’s what I’ve always said. A pity most don’t ever realize it.” He shook his head, smiling into her eyes and then glancing away, searching.

“So who is the lucky lady this week?” Maria asked, hitching a shoulder as they danced.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” He turned his gaze back to hers, his eyes slightly narrowing in a wry manner.

“And here I just complimented you on your intelligence.”

“No, you said I was smarter than I looked. You didn’t go into a description of the extent of that intelligence.”

“I believe you just insulted yourself.”

“Bloo— er, drat. I do believe I did. Minx. You always were a quick wit.” His lips bent upward in a grin as he turned his attention back to her. “If you must know, I’m quite taken with the late Baron Whittle’s widow. She seems quite depressed. I think that perhaps I am just the gentleman to cheer her up.”

“You mean seduce her.”

“An innocent should never—”

“While I may be an innocent, I am not ignorant,” Maria replied, dryly.

“Such cheek! Very well, but you didn’t ever hear me admit it.”

She sighed, amused. “My lips are sealed.”

“So who is your target this Season? I assume you have one. Most ladies do when the Season begins.” His demeanor shifted, his eyes alight with interest.

“I’m not sure… I’m open to suggestions, if you have any,” Maria replied, trying not to let the desperation leak through her tone.

“Hmm, I shall consider it. You’ll need a good gentleman, an actual gentleman, not those foxes and wolves pretending to be charming.”

“Foxes and wolves? Is that what you call yourself?” she retorted with a grin.

“Er...”

“So you think I need a true gentleman.” She steered the conversation back to the type of man she needed.

“Exactly!”

“Someone with morals, with—”

“Foul! I have morals!” Curtis furrowed his brow, a frown turning his lips downward.

“They simply go into hiding at the first glimpse of opportunity,” Maria replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Be that as it may…” he replied after a moment, his eyes narrowing. “…If you wish to enlist my aid given my soiled reputation and corrupt moral fiber…” He winked.

Maria resisted the urge to roll her eyes, but she smiled. “Yes, yes I’ll take whatever help I can get.”

So much for keeping the desperation out of her tone.

“Give me a few days, and I’ll be sure to call on you, giving you a few candidates.”

“I appreciate your assistance,” Maria accepted with a painful humility.

“Do you appreciate it enough to end the waltz slightly early so that I may, by chance, walk by the recently widowed Patricia Whittle?” He raised his eyebrows in hope.

“It’s the least I can do.” Maria shook her head as she giggled.

The music was just coming to an end as they parted ways, Mr. Sheppard toward the Baron Whittle’s widow and Maria standing alone.

Again.

But at least she had enlisted some help on her quest.

A friend who would come with a list of hopeful prospects.

Friends were indeed a blessing.

Friends, however, were not husbands.

And she didn’t need a friend.

She needed a proposal.