The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,42

had noticed however that despite her efforts at control, an occasional curl escaped the confinement and dangled against her white cheek.

"How cross you look, Max," Honoria said, interrupting his thoughts. "Have I done something to displease you?"

"My apologies, my dear. I was in a brown study when I arrived but the pleasure of your company has done much to lighten my mood."

"You have seemed preoccupied of late," she said. "I hope taking your delightful ward to all the social affairs has not been too great a burden for you. I know men prefer other pursuits over a round of routs and balls."

"How understanding you are." Max reached across to pat her hand. He wished he were sitting beside her but she hadn't liked having her skirts crushed so he was sitting with his back to the horses. "It has been a dash wearying, but I believe my duties are coming to at an end."

"Have you received an offer for the girl?"

"I have received several offers already," Max answered, unwilling to let Honoria think the girl was a complete antidote. Then waving his hand as if it was of no consequence, he continued, "I turned them all down."

"Turned them down?" Honoria's voice was shrill in surprise. To cover her lapse, she fixed an expression of curiosity on her face. "Were they not good offers?"

"Well, yes. And then again, no." Max shifted on the seat. "Dodsworth is a second son and he had his eye on her dowry. I suspect he liked her well enough but I did not think they would suit."

"I see," Honoria said.

"Lord Haines is run up on tick. He would gamble everything away in a sennight. And of course, General Cuthburton is sixty if he's a day." Max snorted in disgust.

"Perhaps the child would deal well with a man of his age," she purred. "He wears his years well. Very distinguished. The child could do much worse."

"I'll not have it," Max snapped, staring out at the passing scene. The thought of that desiccated old man touching Amity was physically repugnant to him.

"Is that all?" Honoria asked. She closed her fan with a snap, her fingers crushing the lacy accessory.

"Well, Fairchild was expected and even Winfield put in a bid, but I did not see them as serious offers."

"Is there anyone who hasn't offered for the girl?" Honoria found it difficult to keep the acid out of her voice.

"Bancroft Paige. Can't imagine what is taking the man so long. But I assume he will come up to scratch," Max said. "In fact, he has asked for an appointment tomorrow at ten."

"How wonderful," Honoria said. She reached across and tapped Max on the wrist with her fan. "My dear, you can have nothing against the man."

"He has been underfoot now for the last few weeks. Amity seems to enjoy his company and his manners are unexceptionable." Max stroked his jawline as he tried to analyze why he was not more delighted with the young man.

"He is an eligible parti, Max. And so very handsome. Why any girl would be thrilled to have fixed his interest."

"I don't know if Amity is thrilled but at least she does not dismiss the man as she has so many others. Says they have no serious thoughts in their heads. Can you imagine?" Max seemed nonplused by her attitude. "Not that I think Paige has any great depth."

"She is very young, Max," Honoria said, her voice patronizing. "She needs a steadying influence. Bancroft Paige is serious enough despite his handsome looks."

Max nodded his head in agreement, wondering why Honoria kept repeating how handsome the man was. He was well looking but after all a head of blond curls was not the end all. However, the more he thought of it, the more convinced he became that Paige might be an eligible suitor for Amity. He had little humor and was a bit puffed up with his own consequence but there was nothing particularly wrong with the man. Then a thought occurred to Max and he leaned toward Honoria.

"What of his sister?" he asked. "Rather prune-faced woman. A thirty year old spinster might not make the best companion for a young wife."

Honoria's light tinkling laughter echoed inside the carriage and Max relaxed at the charming sound. "Ophelia is a darling," she said. "She is shy in company so she hides behind that brusque manner. She will be a good friend to Amity."

The furrows in Max's forehead smoothed out and he leaned back against the squabs. He