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not a little girl! Or one of your women either, like Lady Montgomery. If you must prove yourself the man, Captain, I suggest you prove it to her.”
    Even in the dimly lit alcove, Wynter felt his eyes burning, singeing her flesh. “I don’t have to prove my manhood by making love to you, my dear, but I think you have a long way to go before becoming a woman.”
    Before she was aware of it, he was gone. She sat on the sofa and heard the harp music drifting from the drawing room, the clink of fine crystal, the merry voices lifted in conversation. But it was as if none of them existed. All she recalled was the feel of the hateful man’s lips on hers, the way his hand had teased her breast … and the way she had wished him to never stop.
    Remembering his parting words to her, she stood up, straightened her skirt, and smoothed down her hair. Then she parted the alcove curtain. When she was halfway down the corridor, Adam approached with two punch glasses in hand. He grinned sheepishly at her.
    â€œI’m sorry about everything. Forgive me.”
    Not bothering to assuage his feelings, she said with finality, “We announce our engagement tonight.”
    â€œYes, of course,” he said, much pleased that Wynter must have forgiven his crude behavior and that the sooner she married him, the richer he’d be.
    When Wynter stood beside her father and her betrothed as Walter made the announcement not five minutes later, she was determined to show the arrogant Dutch sea captain that she was indeed a woman, a woman who’d sooner be married to the man she loved.
    Her bravado, however, was for nothing. The captain was gone and Estelle with him.

CHAPTER
2
    â€œMother, what am I to do?” Lucy wailed and buried her tear-streaked face on Debra’s breast. “I love Adam so!”
    Why Lucy, or anyone, should love Adam Somerset puzzled Debra. She found him to be a vain, self-centered peacock, cavorting around the countryside in his fine clothes and the dark carriage with the Somerset coat of arms on the side. She didn’t have much use for a man she considered a wastrel, who lived in high style at the court of Charles II and entertained lavishly when in residence at Somerset House. However, Adam had inherited her father’s title and property, and though Debra had heard rumors of financial troubles brought on by Adam’s penchant for the gaming tables, she determined that Lucy would marry the new Earl of Somerset, not Wynter. Besides, once Lucy was Adam’s wife, Debra could connive a way to take over the running of the estate which wouldn’t have been difficult if only Wynter hadn’t botched things so!
    â€œThe announcement of Wynter’s and Somerset’s betrothal did come as a shock to me,” Debra admitted and stroked her daughter’s thin red hair. “I had thought his attentions were directed toward you. However, this situation can be remedied. You shall become his bride yet.”
    Lucy gulped back her tears and drew away from her mother. She stood up, disbelief in her eyes, and clenched her fists. “Look at me, Mother! No wonder the man fancies himself in love with Wynter. She’s beautiful and Papa’s pet. I’m plain and skinny with freckles on my face. No amount of pretty gowns will change that. I’m the proverbial sow’s ear.”
    â€œI do admit you’re no great beauty, daughter, but then neither was I, and I married your father. The same shall happen for you.”
    Lucy marveled at Debra’s calmness. “Mother, I’m not a child to be petted and cajoled like Wynter. Nothing I’ve ever yearned for has come to pass. Wynter is forever favored over me and always will be.” How true this was. Lucy remembered the night in the nursery and her resolve that the child’s prettiness would come to naught if she, herself, wanted something badly enough. But no matter how Lucy connived to have her own way,