Free Love by Deception (Age of Innocence) by Debra Elizabeth

evening.”
    “Yes,
of course. It will be my pleasure, Lord Hawkes ,”
Colby said. He turned and headed toward the edge of the dance floor with Dalton
in tow.
    “Dalton,
be courteous and engaging, but do not let a young lady corral your attention
for too long,” Colby instructed.
    Dalton
furrowed his brow. “Why is that? What if I’m enjoying her company?”
    Colby’s
eyes swept the room. Lord Hawkes was right. There
were decidedly fewer gentlemen in attendance this evening. “There are a few
things you should know. Let me explain. Young ladies are here for one thing:
that is to find a husband. It is their top priority, as well as their mother’s
top priority. If you dally too long with any one lady, you give the impression
that you are interested in her. That would be most unfair to the lady in question
to give her such false hope, especially if you are not serious in your
intentions toward her.”
    “Oh,
I see what you mean. I shall heed your advice. I certainly don’t want to step
wrong in my first Season.”
    “It’s
better if you try to dance and chat with as many young ladies as the evening
allows. You’ll have plenty of time to make up your mind about any particular
young woman before the Season is over.”
    “Thanks,
Colby. I appreciate your advice in this.”
    “Nonsense,
it’s my pleasure. Now let’s go and sign some dance cards and make a few young
ladies happy this evening.”
    Before
Colby had taken three steps, he felt a slight pressure on his arm. He turned to
see who commanded his attention.

 
    ***

 
    Nineteen-year-old
Kathryn Larkinson spied Colby Tisbury chatting with Lord Hawkes .
She’d been waiting along with half the ton to see if he would attend the dance tonight. She had her mind set on the
young man with the curly brown hair and the most intense blue eyes she’d ever
seen, and vowed this Season, she’d win a marriage proposal from him. She could
think of no one else more suited for her. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Colby
was the sole heir of the Tisbury fortune. No, that didn’t hurt at all. Her family
had a comfortable per annum, but nothing compared to the wealth Colby would
command one day. Yes, capturing Colby’s heart and being Lady Tisbury was her
sole purpose this Season.
    She’d
been thwarted in her plan last year when Colby suddenly dropped out of sight
during the height of the Season. It wasn’t until winter when she had learned
the reason why. It was shocking to think that he’d been shot over money,
especially since he came from such a wealthy family. A few well placed coins
here and there, and Kathryn learned the sordid details of Colby’s gambling
problem and what had led to the duel that nearly killed him. It didn’t matter
to her what anyone said about him. She still wanted him. The sooner he was
married, the easier it would be for him to stay away from the tables, and she
was just the woman to keep him occupied. A shiver of delight went through her
body as she thought of his strong arms around her waist and his full sensual
lips kissing her.
    Yes, I will have him this Season!
    She
took meticulous care in dressing this evening and had finally chosen a lavender
silk that complimented her complexion and brown eyes. Her rich auburn hair was
piled high on her head, with a cascade of curls flowing down her neck. A string
of pearls graced her slender neck and brought attention to her ample bosom.
    She’d
been presented to society last season and had been told by many a gentleman
that she was strikingly beautiful, but she longed to hear those words from
Colby. So far, he’d kept her at a safe distance, never fully engaging her for
an evening, but not ignoring her either. She didn’t want to be merely one of
his admirers, she wanted him all to herself. Above
all, she wanted to be his wife. Tonight’s dress should draw him to her where
she could work to entice him further. She would stop at nothing to make him
hers this Season.
    Colby
turned at her