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Gazing down into Lenora’s upturned face, her brilliant blue-green eyes alive with intelligence and bewilderment, Jason couldn’t resist stepping nearer. This was foolhardy, given Keyworth’s warning. He shouldn’t have come at all, but when Grandmother had requested that he escort her, he’d seized the opportunity.

“You are exquisite today, Lenora. That shade suits you.”

The merest hint of color fused Lenora’s high cheeks, a contrast to their porcelain smoothness. She slid a glance toward the drawing room, then bit her lip. Several shades darker than her gingery-bronze hair, gold tips accented her thick eyelashes.

Desire throttled through Jason, so powerful it stunned him. He didn’t lust after virgins. He had strict standards, and seducing innocents topped the list of prohibited activities. Particularly those who had influential relatives who could easily have him hogtied and stowed aboard a ship sailing to Australia or Timbuktu.

“Why aren’t you welcome?” Lenora persisted, her gaze far too perceptive.

He liked that about her—her mettle and cheekiness. She was no faint-hearted miss hiding behind immaculate manners and constrained by Society’s strictures. Neither was she a flibbertigibbet or rattlepate.

Brushing his curved finger down her jawline, Jason gave her a closed-mouth smile. How he wished his hands were bare and he could touch what looked to be velvety smooth, ivory skin.

“I asked your brother if I might call upon you.”

Her eyes flew wide, and her Cupid’s bow, berry red mouth formed an “o” of incredulity.

“You did?”

Was that anticipation or perhaps excitement making her voice slightly breathless?

Jason gave a stiff nod. “I did, but Keyworth said no. Unequivocally. That is also why you didn’t receive any flowers from me. I thought it best not to prick the lion, as it were.”

Her winged auburn eyebrows drew together over the bridge of her pert nose. A saucy, adorable nose sprinkled with cinnamon-colored freckles.

Did those tantalizing spots cover other places on her body?

None were visible above her modest neckline.

He’d like to press his lips to each and every one as he counted the sun kisses.

Jason didn’t deceive himself into believing his only motivation for coming today when he’d been expressly asked not to was to protect Grandmother.

True, that was partially his reason.

Mostly, however, he wanted an opportunity to see Lenora again. He’d been unable to get her out of his mind, her orange blossom-honeysuckle scent from his nostrils, or forget the feeling of her softly rounded body cradled in his arms and pressed to his chest.

Perhaps Jason was beef-witted, but he’d gambled that Keyworth would be away from home this afternoon meeting with his stodgy constituents about Parliamentary matters. On the other hand, if the earl was present, he held a small hope that Keyworth would understand Jason’s reluctance to permit Lady Darlington-Pope to venture out and about alone just yet.

“He might’ve asked me.” Lenora pressed her lush strawberry-painted mouth into a stern line. She flicked a glance up at him from beneath lush lashes, partly coy but also partially sincere. “Unless, Captain Steele, there’s something about you that he knows, which I do not.”

Jason grinned and stepped nearer still—until his trousers brushed the hem of her gown.

If ever there was an unspoken invitation to tell her about himself, this was it. Lenora regarded him with that startlingly clear and unpretentious turquoise gaze. A rarity for women in England but also remarkable for American women.

He liked that about her too. If the truth were known, there was a great deal he esteemed about Lenora Audsley.

Jason dashed a swift glance down the corridor. Luck had been on their side thus far, but with the number of servants and guests circulating this floor, it was only a matter of time before someone came along.

“As much as I would sincerely like to tell you about myself, I fear this may not be the most opportune time. I’d rather your brother not find us here.”

He glanced overhead at the ornate curved staircase above their heads.

Lenora followed his gaze and nodded, causing the artfully arranged curls framing her oval face to sway.

“True. Landry is most protective. I shall speak to him.” She slid her hand into the curve of Jason’s elbow. “I enjoy a brisk walk in Hyde Park every morning at half of eight.”

“Indeed.” The little minx was providing Jason an opportunity for a rendezvous that wouldn’t send Keyworth into apoplexy.