The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,45

had reason to believe that he might ask for an interview. He hinted of such the last time he called."

"Are you aware of the subject he wished to discuss?"

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible and a flush burning high on her cheekbones. "I have reason to suspect that he has developed a tendre for me."

"Spot on." Max waited but there were no more words forthcoming. "Confound it, Amity. Must you memorize the pattern of your dress? I'll admit it is fetching but I refuse to hold any further conversation with the top of your head."

Amity giggled and she raised her head so that Max had full benefit of her crystal blue eyes. As always he was fascinated by the clarity of color and felt he could drown in their depths. Her complexion was glowing and for a moment he ached to touch her soft cheek. He shook his head, trying to focus on the subject under discussion.

"That's better. Now then. I am happy to tell you that I have already received several offers for your hand besides the one this morning. I have considered them all and as of this moment feel that Bancroft Paige would be an acceptable suitor."

"Do you like him?" Amity asked.

"More to the point, my dear, is whether you like him."

"He is quite handsome," she admitted. She caught her lower lip between her teeth, her eyes focused inward. "I have found his company pleasurable and his manners are impeccable."

"Do you have some feeling for the man?"

"I do not know," she answered. She blinked several times and brought her attention back to her guardian. "What sort of feeling?"

"It varies, my dear." By her very confusion, Max could tell that her heart was not engaged with Paige and for some reason that pleased him. He supposed it was because he wished her to make a thoughtful decision, rather than leap to a conclusion, as she was wont to do. "Sometimes it is a feeling that you miss the person or your heart might jump with excitement when you see a certain someone. Do you feel that with Bancroft?"

Amity's nose wrinkled as she concentrated on her feelings. Moments later she shook her head, looking rather wistful. "Truly, Max, I cannot claim to either of those feelings. All I can say is that I am always pleased to see him. He can be very amusing. I enjoy talking to him and we seem to be friends."

"There is more to marriage than mere friendship," Max said. There was such an aura of innocence that surrounded Amity that he wondered how much awareness she had of the intimacies of married life. "Have any of the gentlemen of your acquaintance made any advances to you? A touch or a stolen kiss?"

"Oh, no, Max. They have treated me with great care," she answered, her eyes wide with sincerity.

That certainly is a sad commentary on modern youth, Max thought in disgust. He could not imagine how any virile young man could be in the company of Amity and not try to press a kiss on that wide, lush mouth. The cherry lips were parted now and the sheen of moisture covering them beckoned. He groaned at his wandering thoughts and jerked away from the desk, walking toward the door.

"Bancroft in particular," Amity continued, "has been most attentive. He treats me very well, as if I were some fragile flower that at times I find rather amusing. Would you like me to marry him?"

"Heaven forfend, Amity!" Max whirled around and glared at the girl.

"I thought you said you found him an acceptable suitor," Amity argued.

"I am not the one who will be marrying the man! You are the one who must make the decision. As your guardian, it is my duty to make sure that any offer made to you would be to your benefit. All I have said is that I find Bancroft Paige acceptable."

"There is little need to shout at me, Max," Amity said, an injured look on her face as she gripped the parasol with both hands. "I am trying to understand what you want me to do."

"My dear, I am sorry for being so contentious," Max said. He did not wish to argue the merits of Bancroft Paige. He wanted Amity to make her decision with haste so that he might get on with his own life, free of her disturbing presence. He drew a deep breath and crossed the room to stand beside her chair. "Please believe me I have