The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,44

was a slow top, Max thought in chagrin. Aloud he said, "As far as I am concerned, you have my permission."

"Good show, sir!" Bancroft cried.

"Before you fall on your knees in gratitude, I should warn you that it will still be up to Amity whether she accepts your proposal," Max warned.

"I understand."

"When she arises this morning, I shall acquaint her with your visit. Perhaps you might care to return this afternoon for her answer."

"Would two be convenient?"

"Excellent."

After several more bursts of enthusiasm from Bancroft, Max ushered the man out and returned to the library. He walked to the window overlooking the garden. Placing his boot on the window seat, he rested his arms on his knee, his face thoughtful. He had already given the word to Putnam to send Amity to see him when she came down. Now he debated the best way to approach the subject.

He should be elated that he had found such an eligible parti for the girl. It was true she was an heiress and fair of face, but that did not always mean success in the marriage mart. Though slightly priggish, Bancroft Paige was an exceptional choice. He was reputed to be quite plump in the pocket and had at least two estates that Max knew of. He would have his man of business check further into his credentials to be certain he was sound. His ward should be delighted that the man had come up to scratch. He assumed the blond curls and lean body would be a considerable advantage in helping Amity make her decision.

As her guardian he had arranged a suitable match. He wondered why he had been so quick to refuse the other offers; with the exception of General Cuthburton most had been respectable suitors. In retrospect, he supposed Paige was the best of the lot. It was a shame that he could not like the man better. Over the years he had seen a fair amount of Paige and he had observed no depth of feeling or love of culture that might have mitigated the overall negative feeling he had for the man. Max found him rather shallow, with a tendency to be self-righteous and pompous. However in the long run it was not his decision to make. As guardian he had found an eligible suitor for the hand of his ward.

"Good morning, Max," Amity chirped from the doorway.

The girl came into the room like a cloud of butterflies, Max thought inanely. Her dress was a cornflower silk that shimmered in the sunlight as she crossed the carpet. There were soft touches of filmy lace at the rounded neck and wrists but aside from that the gown was free of ornamentation. A wide brimmed straw hat trimmed with small blue flowers was dangling by its ribbons from her hand. The other held a sleek parasol which matched her dress.

Placing his boot on the floor, Max turned to greet his ward. She came at him in a rush, stumbling over a wrinkle in the carpet and he caught her in his arms. He was surrounded by the fresh scent of flowers and for a moment held her against his chest as he drew in the fragrance. She moved and he pushed her upright, crossing his hands behind his back, much too aware of the feel of the girl's body.

"Must I always charge you to enter a room with dignity," he snapped.

"I'm sorry, Max," Amity said, puzzled at his sudden anger since he had just been smiling at her with some fondness. "Putnam told me you wanted to see me and I didn't want to keep you waiting."

"Well, I appreciate your promptness," Max responded, moving to stand behind the desk, creating a barrier between himself and his ward. "Please have a seat. I would have a word with you."

Amity sat down on the chair that Paige had so recently vacated. In an unconscious imitation, she too was perched on the edge of the seat, her eyes apprehensive as she stared across the desk. He refused to further duplicate the scene so he came around to the front of the desk and sat on the corner facing her.

"This morning I had an interview with Bancroft Paige." He could tell by the sudden blink of her eyes that she was aware of the purpose of the man's visit. Surely he hadn't spoken prematurely to the girl. "Did you know he had asked to see me?"

"No, sir," she said, eyes lowered to her lap. "I