Chapter Five

What must I do to protect you from him? Why not confine you to a convent? Adrian was once more wearing a brand-new trail in the magnificent Aubusson carpet that stretched the length of his drawing room. At least he wouldn't be able to step foot on sacred ground. He didn't appear to have slept a wink since taking Portia home, judging by the shadows under his eyes and the fact that he was still sporting his rumpled pants, shirt, and waistcoat from the previous evening.

Caroline suggested, "Perhaps we should see if Cousin Cecil is still in the market for a bride," referring to the toadlike lech who had once offered to knock the spirit out of Portia with his fists.

Portia and Adrian both turned to stare in astonishment at her. Then she added, "Or Aunt Marietta might be in need of a companion," blinking innocently at them, and they understood she was joking. Eloisa was perched on her knee as she sat on the brocaded sofa. The outrageously expensive pearls Adrian had given Caroline for their