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outside of what society considers to be proper.”
    Heat flooded her cheeks at the reminder of the shameful way she had thrown herself at him at the masquerade.
    He continued, “In that case, perhaps we can go for a drive.”
    Of course, he wanted to make sure they weren’t alone. Dearbourne must be used to women throwing themselves at him all the time. Until that moment it hadn’t occurred to her to wonder if he thought she’d been trying to trap him into compromising her. She knew others who’d boasted of securing engagements after using such stratagems, and it annoyed her that he might think she’d resort to such methods herself.
    The rational part of her mind told her she should refuse his invitation. Heaven knew it certainly wouldn’t be good for her reputation. The other part of her, however, the part that seemed to be getting stronger every day, was growing increasingly intrigued with Dearbourne. What finally made her mind up was the suspicion that he was paying her this visit to let her know he didn’t approve of Henry’s courtship of her.
    She accepted his invitation and soon found herself sitting next to Lord Dearbourne in his curricle, on the way to Hyde Park. It didn’t take her long to realise that being so near to him was disturbing to her peace of mind, and she began to doubt the wisdom of agreeing to accompany him. When she found herself watching his hands as he deftly handled the reins, and remembering how those hands had felt on her body, she had to force herself to look away to regain her composure.
    They were nearing Hyde Park before she could trust herself to look at him again. She knew their presence would cause a stir and didn’t relish the attention they were about to attract. She winced inwardly when she thought of the lecture her aunt would deliver when the gossip made its way back to her. Stiffening her spine, she pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She was there now and if she was going to learn the real reason for Dearbourne’s visit she would have to ask him.
    “To what do I owe the honour of your company this afternoon?”
    He aimed a smile at her that warmed her insides.
    “It is a lovely day and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than in the presence of a beautiful woman.”
    It shouldn’t have, but the compliment surprised her. She could see why women lost all sense with the Earl of Dearbourne. She was in danger of finding herself in the same position and had to remind herself to think about Henry.
    When the curricle turned into Hyde Park she saw first one, then two heads turn in their direction. The inevitable followed—whispers and more turned heads.
    “This wasn’t a good idea,” she said.
    “Why ever not?”
    Sophie sighed. “Does Henry know you planned to visit me today?”
    Dearbourne’s tone held an edge of annoyance when he replied, “I am not in the habit of asking my younger brother for permission before I do something.”
    That answered her question. What would Henry think when he learnt about this outing? Would he be annoyed? Or, worse, what if he didn’t care?
    “Tell me about yourself,” Dearbourne said.
    Sophie realised they were now at the heart of the matter. She was being interviewed for a position within the exalted Hearst family and expected he would forbid his brother from marrying her if she didn’t measure up to his standards. Her first instinct was to throw Dearbourne’s question back in his face, but she swiftly discarded the notion. He had chosen his avenue of interrogation well. She began to suspect he’d known her aunt was away from home when he’d paid his visit that afternoon. And by taking her to the park, where all of society could watch them, he had ensured she would not be able to argue with him.
    “What would you like to know?”
    Her voice dripped with all the false sincerity she could manage, earning her a quelling glance from her companion.
    “Are you going to parry everything I say?”
    She smiled