Free The Bewitching Hour by Diana Douglas Page B

certain they still won’t sniff you out.”
      Mirabella was thrilled. She tapped him gently on the wrist with her fan. “You’re quite the attraction,” she whispered in his ear. “There are so many young women vying for your attention. Now I know that you’re bound to be tempted, but you mustn’t forget who you are. You must be particular. The Stratton heirs have always made excellent matches. You don’t have to settle for anyone but the best. You are of impeccable lineage and you must take that into consideration.”
      He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind, Aunt Mirabella.”
      “You remember that as well, Cecelia,” she added. “Don’t go fawning over the first young man who seems interested.”
      “But I thought your goal was to have me betrothed before the end of the season. Have you changed your mind?”
      “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be particular,” Aunt Mirabella said. “It would break your poor mother’s heart if you were to choose someone unsuitable. I did promise her that I would see you well matched.”
      Stratton shushed her. “We’re about to greet our hosts and I’m certain Mrs. Danfield has no desire to hear about our mother’s broken heart.”
      “I’m sure she agrees with me. She’s bound to sympathize as her own son hasn’t shown a bit of interest in finding a wife.”
      “Hush!” Stratton glared at his aunt before turning to his host. He took Mrs. Danfield’s hand. “I’m happy to see you, Mrs. Danfield.” His words were more than a simple pleasantry as he was genuinely glad to see her. Still a handsome woman with dark blonde hair, hazel eyes, and an inviting smile, she seemed to have changed little over the years. It was fortunate, he reflected not for the first time, that Rand had taken after her and not his father who had been given to jowls and excess flesh.
      “It has been far too long,” she chided. “You must come visit me and tell me what you hear from your parents. And bring my errant son with you.” She gave a sidelong glance toward the tall young man standing next to her. “Up until this evening, he has been avoiding me like the plague.”
      “That’s very unfair of you, Mother,” Rand protested. Like Stratton he was attired in black evening clothes, his cravat fashioned in a simple but elegant knot. “I’ve simply been very busy of late.”
      She offered a look of total disbelief and turned to greet Cecelia and Mirabella who was chattering nonstop.
      “Is she here?” Stratton said beneath his breath.
      Rand nodded at him. ”She and her companion arrived about an hour ago. She’s very popular. Hasn’t missed a single dance. I imagine she hasn’t a space left on her dance card.”
      Stratton gave him a sour look. “Just make the introduction. I’ll worry about the rest.”
      “I’ll meet you by the fountain as soon as I can make my escape.” Rand then turned a smile on Cecelia. “It’s been at least two years since I’ve seen you and I have to say it was worth the wait. You look beautiful this evening, Lady Cecelia.”
      To Stratton’s recollection, Rand had never addressed Cecelia by her formal title before. More often than not, he’d called her brat. And he’d certainly never told her she was beautiful. Stratton wasn’t certain if he liked this.
      She returned Rand’s smile. “Thank you.”
      At least, she wasn’t simpering over the bounder’s every word. He had to admit that Cecelia had a fair amount of composure when she chose to use it.
      She placed her hand on his arm. “Eugene, I think you’d better do something. Aunt’s holding up the receiving line.”
      Stratton looked behind him and saw that Mirabella was rambling on with Mrs. Danfield. “Pardon me,” he broke in, effectively diverting her from her host. “But isn’t