The Virtuous Ward - By Karla Darcy Page 0,47

she had thought only occasionally of Max. Because she did not know him, she made of him a hero. Now that she knew him he was no less a hero and if he were gone from her life she would miss him more than she expected. If he married Honoria she knew that she would see little of Max. His bride would take care of that.

Amity's eyes filled at the very thought and she dropped down on the end of the chaise, her hand reaching out to take comfort from Muffin's nearness. She closed her eyes and placed her head on the dog's back, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

Muffin snuffled in his sleep and Amity stroked his soft hair until he quieted. Then she pushed herself upright, dried her eyes and considered what she should do. If she were a little more sophisticated, things might work out more easily. She had seen the growing attraction between Betta and Jason Conway. It was apparent to her that they were falling in love and she wished that she felt the strong pull of emotions to guide her in her decision. All she could do was to listen to Bancroft's declaration and see if her heart spoke to her. If she felt she could grow fond of him then she would accept him.

Her glance flicked to the clock and she sighed at how fast the time had passed. If she did not hurry she would miss lunch and that would disappoint Lady Grassmere. She was nervous over the coming interview and had little enthusiasm for conversation. Lady Grassmere was concerned over her silence and kept asking her if she were well. It was almost a relief when Bancroft Paige was announced. Lady Grassmere was well aware of the import of the man's visit, having been primed by Max, so after some general conversation, she excused herself to search for more thread for her needlework. Amity clasped her hands in her lap and waited for Bancroft to speak.

"If I may be permitted to say so, Miss Fraser, you look in the bloom of good health today. Blue becomes you."

Bancroft spoke from the side of the fireplace near where he had been sitting when Lady Grassmere had made her graceful exit. A smile tugged at Amity's mouth and she wondered if he were going to shout his declaration from such a distance.

"Thank you for your kind words. And may I return the compliment, milord. You are well turned out today."

It was true, Amity thought. Bancroft was not as tall as Max and his body was not as muscular but he wore his clothes with a similar air of sophistication. He knew he was handsome and held himself with arrogance. He was wearing a dark brown jacket and biscuit colored trousers above polished top boots. His shirt was the softest of lawn and his cravat was tied simply but elegantly. His blond curls were brushed into the popular Windswept that on him complimented the beauty of his features. Amity thought he looked rather like a cupid with his bow-shaped mouth.

"Have you spoken to your guardian, Miss Fraser?" Bancroft moved several feet closer and leaned against the back of a high-backed chair.

"Yes. This morning." She lowered her eyes so he might not see her amusement at his maneuvering. She felt rather like a dove being stalked by a hawk. "He told me to expect your call."

"I wish to tell you, Miss Fraser, that I admire you a great deal." Bancroft's voice came from the far side of the round table in front of the settee on which Amity sat.

"Thank you," she mumbled, knowing her words were inadequate to the occasion but she could think of nothing intelligent to reply.

"Your manners show excellent background and breeding, Miss Fraser."

"Oh!" The nearness of his voice startled her and when she raised her eyes she was amazed at how closse he had moved for he now stood directly beside her.

"Oh, Miss Fraser, will you do me the kind honor of accepting my regard for you by saying you will be my wife?"

At this ardent declaration, Bancroft threw himself down on one knee in front of her. Although Amity had been expecting this eventuality, she was surprised that she felt an overwhelming urge to giggle. For the moment her heart seemed to be indicating little that was useful.

"Come, your lordship, have done with this drama," she said. At his look of affronted dignity, she lowered her voice to a