With equal starts, the threesome looked up and scanned their surroundings, prompting their admirers to smile, sweep into elaborate bows, and generally make fools of themselves.

Nicola rolled her eyes quite publicly and leaned in to hug Alex. “Ridiculous. Do they really think fawning is going to help their common cause? And hello to you, Lady Alexandra.” She spoke the title exaggeratedly, holding Alex at arm’s length to study her. “This color is incredible on you. The neckline, too. My God—if they were interested in us…they’re quite beside themselves now! I think Waring is in need of smelling salts. Did I see you come in with Blackmoor? He has his work as escort cut out for him this evening!”

Alex laughed at the exaggerated compliments as Vivi spoke. “Good Lord! How did there come to be so many of them? Which one of us do you suppose they’re here for?”

“I’m not certain they’ve crafted much of an opinion on that front, to be honest,” Alex said with a smile. “I should think that if any one of you showed the smallest amount of interest, any one of them would come running.”

“Dear God, don’t do that, then!” Nicola replied with mock alarm.

“What interesting creatures.” Ella spoke with such an undertone of scientific research that the rest of the girls couldn’t help their laughter.

Looking over Alex’s shoulder, Vivi lowered her voice and spoke just loudly enough for the group to hear. “Careful, Alex, here comes someone whom I daresay knows exactly ‘which one’ he’s here for.”

Before Alex could turn to see who Vivi was speaking of, she heard the rich, amused tenor of Freddie Stanhope’s voice. “You four shouldn’t be over here all by yourselves. The sharks are circling.”

With genuine pleasure, Alex smiled up at her friend. “We were just noticing that ourselves, my lord. You are certainly well met.”

“Indeed,” Nicola boldly added, “unless you are circling as well, my lord?”

Freddie put his hand to his chest in mock hurt. “Certainly not, my lady. You wound me to suggest such a thing.” He added a distinctly lewd waggle of his eyebrows, sending the girls into giggles.

In a conspiratorial whisper, he continued, “Shall I escort you beauties elsewhere and away from these young pups?”

Ella replied with amusement, “I’m not certain they wouldn’t follow, but your plan seems as good as any.”

Freddie leaned toward Ella. “I wouldn’t be concerned. Not one of them appears to be committed to proper wooing—if they were worth their salt, I would have had to throw elbows to get so close to the four of you.”

“Intriguing,” spoke Alex. “So now that you have laid claim to us—someone will have to throw elbows to intercede?”

Freddie turned a wickedly handsome smile on her. “Lady Alexandra, I’m not the kind of man to lay claim to four women at once—I’m merely offering my protection to all of you. For now”—he paused, pretending to consider a vital question—“I shall simply fill your dance cards.”

He proceeded to do just that, ending with Alex. As he looked down at the little card dangling from her wrist, he shook his head in mock disappointment. “Why, Alexandra Stafford—it can’t be possible you have the next waltz free. Unless…you were saving it for a dashing suitor?”

“Indeed, my lord, I was.” Alex cocked her head and considered him. “But I suppose you’ll do.”

And, with that, he whisked her into his arms and onto the dance floor. He didn’t waste any time before flirting wickedly. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the room, Alex.”

She smiled up at him. “And you are the greatest bounder in the room, Freddie.”

“True. Yet you can’t help but enjoy my company. Admit it.”

“I never said I didn’t enjoy it…but I’m told it’s risky. Ella and Vivi think you’ve got me in your sights.”

“And if they were right?” His voice was deeper than usual, and she imagined this was exactly the tone he’d practiced to send young women into fits.

She scoffed. “Save it, Stanhope. If you thought even for a minute that I might possibly fall for you, you’d run. Far. And fast.”

“Too true, my brilliant, perceptive friend. Too true.”

“Someday, Freddie…someday, some young lady is going to set you on your ear. And you won’t be able to resist her.”

“Never.”

“And, with such pompous self-confidence, it’s a certainty.”

“I shall shamelessly flirt with you and drive her away.”

“This isn’t shameless flirting already?”

“Not at all! I’m just getting started.” They swirled under the twinkling lights as Alex’s laughter drifted across the dance floor and he continued casually, “But, my lady, you seem to have an altogether different admirer who can’t take his eyes off you. And, at this particular moment, he doesn’t appear at all pleased that you are enjoying yourself in my arms.” She started to look to see to whom he was referring, when he stopped her quickly. “Don’t look, kitten. Then he’ll know we’re discussing him.”

“Who?”

“You mean you don’t know? You haven’t noticed him watching you all evening? All season?”

“Freddie, WHO?”

“Blackmoor, of course.”

“You’re touched.” Alex laughed, shaking her head. “He’s not been watching me all season, and if he has been watching me tonight, it’s only because he feels obligated to. He’s my chaperone for the evening.”