by Lori Wick
room, but Roddy found Lucinda in a fury. Now he was in the
parlor with his hostess and friend, making an attempt to calm
her.
"Cinda," his voice was gentle, "wait to send for her. If she
comes in now you'll terrify her."
"I don't care," Lucinda told him, although she did. "I've
already sent Craig for her. I intend to have some answers now!"
Roddy sat down. When Lucinda was in high dudgeon there
was simply no reasoning with her. If only she would settle
down before Stacy arrived. But it was not to be. The moment
she stepped into the room, Lucinda attacked
"Where did you meet him?"
"Meet who?" Stacy asked. Her expression had gone from
open friendliness to guarded fear upon seeing her aunt's ire.
"The Duke of Cambridge."
"I--" Stacy began to say that she hadn't met him, but
Lucinda cut her off and began to pace.
46
47
"I warned you last night when I found you staring at him,
but I can see my wishes mean little to you." She continued to
rant and rave, but Stacy couldn't get beyond the fact that she
didn't remember meeting a single duke the night before.
"I'm waiting for an answer, Stacy Daniels," Lucinda suddenly
stopped and demanded. "When did you meet Lord
Richardson?"
"Lord Richardson? You mean Tanner Richardson? He's the
Duke of Cambridge?"
"Do not playgames with me." Lucinda moved toward her,
having completely lost her head.
"Lucinda!" Roddy's voice, sounding unlike Lucinda had
ever heard it, checked her stride. She turned to find angry fire
in his eyes, his face flushed. She was so startled by the change
in him that she calmed slightly before turning back to Stacy.
What she saw washed her in shame. All color had drained
from Stacy's face, and she was staring at her aunt in stark fear.
"Sit down, Cinda." Roddy's voice had returned to normal,
and Lucinda did as he commanded. She watched as Roddy
approached Stacy and led her gently to a chair. Stacy kept her
eyes on Roddy once he had seated himself, her eyes begging
him to tell her what she had done. He did not disappoint her.
"The flowers on the table are for you," Roddy told her
gently. He waited until Stacy noticed the huge bouquet of red
roses before going on. "They are from Lord Richardson and
came with a note telling you how much he enjoyed meeting
you last night."
"Which is just ridiculous," Lucinda cut in angrily. "All you
did was see him across the room. Isn't that right, Stacy? He's
got more cheek than any ten men I know."
A short silence ensued before Roddy asked, "Did you see
more of him, Stacy?"
Stacy nodded in misery, her eyes on her aunt, who suddenly
looked crestfallen.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Lucinda. It was so warm in the ballroom,
and I needed some air. I didn't know he was on the balcony. I
-F
*^
didn't know he was the man from inside, and he never said he
vas a duke. I'm so sorry, Aunt Lucinda."
Stacy's face was so full of anguish that the last vestiges of
anger drained completely out of Lucinda. The room had been
like a furnace last night, and it was all so innocent on Stacy's
part.
On the other hand, Lucinda was convinced that Tanner
Richardson didn't have an innocent or honorable bone in his
body. She was going to have to keep her head about this or lose
control of the entire situation.
"Don't be upset anymore, my dear," Lucinda finally told
her. "It wasn't your fault, and it's going to be fine. Did Tanner
touch you in any way?"
"No," Stacy told her, and then her eyes grew huge. "I
almost forgot. He did touch my nose with his finger."
Lucinda's eyes slid shut momentarily. When she regained
control she asked, "Did he say anything improper?"
"No."
"You're certain?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Lucinda nodded. "Stacy, Tanner is not for you. He's young
and titled, but he's also very cynical, and that is not the type of
man for you." Lucinda looked at Roddy and gained his approving
nod
By unspoken agreement, however, neither Roddy nor
Stacy's aunt went on to tell her that Lord Richardson's interest
in her would not lead to marriage. Stacy was upset enough as
it was, and they now knew how closely she would need
chaperoning. Her trusting and innocent nature made her a
possible prey to any and all disreputable men of title.
The three of them talked for a while longer before Lucinda
suggested that Stacy check on preparations for lunch. Roddy
and Lucinda continued to talk after she'd left.
"You can control Stacy's actions, Cinda, but you have little
to say over Lord Richardson's."
"True," Lucinda said regretfully. "But if he tries anything
with Stacy, he'll have to go through me."
48
"Well, you're certainly his match, Cinda, but have you
considered the possibility of Stacy falling for him?"
The eyes Lucinda turned to him were dim with pain.
Roddy moved close enough to slip an arm around her. Lucinda
let her head fall against his shoulder, her heart silently contemplating
how many years she'd begged Andrew to allow
Stacy to come to London. Lucinda wondered that she could
have been so unsuspecting of all that would entail.
tanner swept into the ballroom, completely unconscious
of the picture he presented The black pants and coat
hung on his muscular frame without wrinkle or gap, and the
white cravat at his throat only heightened the deep tan of his
face.
He nodded to several greetings of "Good evening, your
Grace," but beyond that he was left alone. His eyes scanned
the crowded dance floor for a sign of Stacy. This was the third
dance he'd attended this week in order to speak with her, and
she hadn't been present at the first two. Tanner told himself
if she wasn't here tonight, he would go directly to Lucinda
Warbrook's and demand to see her.
The incongruity of the situation began to dawn on Tanner.
He hadn't been involved with a woman since Leslie died. So
why now? Tanner had no answer. He had met Leslie the same
way, spotted her at a ball and then sought her out. Of course at
the time he didn't know how self-seeking she was or how
desirable the title of duke was to her, the title that his brother
had held at the time.
Suddenly Stacy came into view. Just the sight of her caused
Tanner's doubts to fly. He didn't know much about her, didn't
know if his being a duke would matter to her or not> but he
knew this--he found her unforgettable. For the moment Tanner
believed this to be enough.
50
51
In order to be more discreet, Tanner moved from the edge
of the dance floor and began to patiently watch her and wait
for his chance to approach.
As unkind as it seemed, Aubrey Warbrook's death had
come a
s a relief to Lucinda. He had killed the love she had for
him while she was still a bride. Lucinda wanted so much more
for Stacy.
f
"He's danced with you twice, Stacy," the younger girl said
with wide eyes. "I hope you're ready for a proposal."
"Oh, Liz," Stacy shook her head at a friend she'd come to
know through her weeks in London. "I think he's only being
kind"
Liz exchanged a glance with the two other girls of the
group, Barbara and Annemarie, and all three giggled. Stacy
laughed at their teasing and shook her head again. They all
wanted to be married so badly, and now a man at the ball, one
who seemed to be two feet shorter than Stacy, had danced
with her twice and given them all reason to think they would
be bridesmaids.
"I need to go to the retiring room," Barbara said in a
sudden whisper, and Stacy, with a swift glance at Lucinda who
was standing nearby, moved off with the other three.
Lucinda held her place and watched them go, finally feeling
at ease over letting Stacy out of her sight. The flowers had
arrived over a week ago, and Lucinda had been ready for a
battle that never materialized She mentally shook her head
over her own reaction. She should have known young Richardson
would never follow through. He was the type of man
who wouldn't commit himself to anything.
Lucinda frowned at her own uncharitable thoughts. Why
was she so adamant against the man? She knew him to be a
skeptic. She also knew he'd had a terrible childhood and first
marriage, but that didn't make him a brute. It was just that his
looks so reminded her of her husband, dead many years now.
He had not been an easy man. Never faithful for more than a
month, he had been two-faced about his infidelity to boot.
"I know I'll end up right back in here," Liz was saying as
the four young ladies exited the retiring room, "but I must
have something to drink."
"Good evening, Stacy." Tanner's low-pitched voice brought
all four of them about, but his eyes were for Stacy alone.
"Hello," Stacy returned softly, forgetting for the moment
who he was and thinking he was even more good-looking
than she remembered. She glanced at her companions and
found them staring at her with eyes like saucers. Their looks
reminded her of Lucinda's reaction to her speaking with this
man.
Stacy curtsied suddenly and turned to go back to the
dance. The other girls had already done the same, so when
Tanner moved to fall in step beside her, they ended up a little
behind the rest. Not that the girls missed anything; they
turned constantly to look at their companion and the duke.
As they neared the dance floor, Stacy began to panic. If
Lucinda saw her with Lord Richardson, she would be very
upset. With a move born of desperation, Stacy stopped, thinking
she could bid this man goodbye and go back with the
others. To her horror they did not stop, and she found herself
alone with Tanner.
She glanced at the floor in misery, not wanting to offend
him but knowing Lucinda would be outraged. When she
looked up it was to find herself under Tanner's close scrutiny,
a small smile playing around his firm mouth.
"You look lovely this evening, Stacy."
"Thank you, Lord Richardson," she answered, finally
allowing herself to meet his eyes.
52
"So it's Lord Richardson now. On the balcony it was Tanner."
Stacy's hand came to her mouth in humiliation. "I'm so
sorry, your Grace. I had no idea. It won't happen again."
His low chuckle sent a chill down Stacy's spine.
"On the contrary, Anastasia, I hope I hear it often." There
it was again--the soft, warm sound of her name. Stacy felt lost
and breathless. She stood looking at him as though she'd
taken leave of her senses. Not until he repeated the action of
touching her nose, ever so tenderly did she realize where she
was and to whom she was speaking.
"My aunt," Stacy nearly stuttered and took a step back.
"She will wonder where I've gone."
Tanner nodded wisely, knowing that now was not the time
to try to talk with her.
"Go ahead, Stacy. I'll see you later."
Stacy didn't stay to question him about his words, but
turned and nearly ran. Her heart, pounding from her encounter
with the duke, slowed with relief when she spotted Roddy
as soon as she returned to the floor. She stepped to his side,
and he turned to her with a smile which died when he saw her
flushed face.
"Is he here?" he asked after just a moment.
Stacy nodded.
"And you spoke to him?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, Roddy. He just appeared, and I didn't know
what to do."
Roddy took her hand in his and led her onto the dance
floor. As they danced he spoke softly--words to calm her,
words to let her know she hadn't erred
"I don't know how to tell Aunt Lucinda," Stacy admitted.
"Let me handle it, dear." His voice was paternal. "You just
enjoy the remainder of the evening, and I'll be close by."
Stacy nodded gratefully and went from Roddy's arms to
those of an older gentleman whom she'd met earlier. He and
his wife had been friends of her aunt's for years, and Stacy
53
looked forward to a relaxed dance and visit. Tanner, however,
had other ideas.
The music had barely begun when he stepped forward
and cut in. Stacy looked at her partner, but he didn't seem the
least put out. He smiled in a grandfatherly fashion and turned
her over without a backward glance.
Stacy held herself stiffly in Tanner's arms and for a long
time never looked higher than his cravat.
"I'd like to see more of you, Stacy," Tanner said when they
had danced for a time.,
"You would?" Stacy asked, finally looking up at him.
"Yes. In fact, I'd like you to meet me tonight."
Stacy wasn't even aware of her feet as she stared into his
eyes and listened to him. "Meet you where?"
"In your aunt's garden. I'll be there at 1:00."
"I'll have to ask Aunt Lucinda."
Tanner smiled, willing to go along with her innocent act
just to be with her. "Oh, but I want it to be a secret, just
between the two of us."
His voice and eyes made it seem special and wonderful,
but as dreamy as Stacy felt she still answered immediately. "I
couldn't do that. I couldn't leave the house at night without
telling Aunt Lucinda."
The smile left Tanner's face abruptly. She was taking this
too far.
Stacy had no idea what caused the change in him, but she
saw it in his face and felt it in the arm that held her.
"I really hoped you would agree." Tanner's voice was
clipped now. "Maybe one of the other women here would be
interested in a moonlight stroll with me, since you are obviously
not."
"I'm sorry I can't go with you," Stacy told him. Her bubble
had abru
ptly burst, and hurt etched every word "I hope you
have a nice time with...with whoever accompanies you."
Stacy's voice had grown softer with every syllable until the last
word was little more than a whisper.
54
Tanner stared at her in amazement. He couldn't believe
she was actually turning him down. They finished the dance
in silence. Tanner was coldly angry, and Stacy had no idea
what she'd done wrong. When the dance ended, it was a relief
to be led off the floor.
"I can't believe you didn't go out there," Lucinda said to
Roddy before Stacy returned to their side.
Roddy sighed. "I never dreamed he would go that far. The
damage was done the moment he took her in his arms. It
would have brought nothing but humiliation to stalk out there
and demand her return."
Lucinda nodded unhappily and watched anxiously as Tanner
returned Stacy to their side. She glared at Tanner upon
seeing Stacy's pale features, but the young duke seemed
totally unaware of anyone's presence.
Without a word, Stacy's confused face caused Roddy to
suggest an early evening. Stacy looked so relieved at the
suggestion that the three of them left immediately.
Stacy worked very hard over the next two days to put
Tanner from her mind. She and Lucinda had talked, calmly this
time, and Lucinda had told Stacy that considering all the
circumstances, she had done well. Lucinda surprised her
speechless by apologizing for underestimating Tanner's boldness
and for taking her out and not staying with her.
"I've decided that we need to slow down a bit. It's always
been more my desire than yours to attend a different ball
every week, and now I think that for your sake, Stacy, we'll stay
in for a time."
"I'm sorry, Aunt Lucinda."
"No, child, it is I who am sorry. You've gone along to please
me and been hurt because of it... and after I told Andrew I
would take such good care of you."
55
Lucinda did nothing this time to disguise the tears in her
eyes. Stacy rose and went to put her arms around her aunt.
"I've had a wonderful time, Aunt Lucinda. Please don't
think I'm disappointed or unhappy. It's too bad that I'm not
more experienced in social settings or with men, but--"
"No, dear," Lucinda cut her off. "Never be sorry for your
innocence. Your trusting nature is a precious gift. Someday
someone very special will come along and treasure you and
that gift for all of his life."