Chapter 1

The Distinguished Academy of Governesses London, 1849

Miss Caroline Ritter squeezed a handful of her damp, shabby skirt. "I need to procure some method of providing sustenance for myself."

Adorna, Lady Bucknell, the proprietress of the Distinguished Academy of Governesses, folded her hands on her desk and gazed at the young lady seated before her. Outside, the March rains lashed at the windows, the occasional splatter of sleet a reminder that winter hadn't yet loosened its hold on London.

Rather more forcefully, Miss Ritter said, "In other words, I need a job."

Pinning her with a direct gaze, Adorna asked, "What are your accomplishments?"

Miss Ritter hesitated a telling moment.

Adorna tried to make it easier for her. "What do you do best?"

"Flirt," she said promptly.

Adorna believed her. She had seen many a young lady come through her study at the Distinguished Academy of Governesses, all of them in need of assistance, but she had never felt such a kinship as she felt now for Miss Caroline Ritter.

This young lady was beautiful. Her smooth, tan complexion reminded Adorna of the tale repeated about the Ritters—that four hundred years ago Mr. Ritter brought home a bride from some exotic locale, and since then the women of the family had been temptresses who led all men astray. Miss Ritter certainly fit the role.

She was tall, almost gangly, with long arms and slender fingers, yet she moved with a grace that pleasured the eye. Her high bosom and narrow waist would naturally rivet any man's attention, and her voice, low and warm, gave the impression of interest and kindness. She had gathered her straight brown hair into a severe chignon at the base of her neck, yet fine strands had escaped their confinement, and the auburn highlights encased her striking face like a summer sunset. Her wide chin gave the inference of defiance, and the dark lashes and brows that decorated her slumberous aquamarine eyes strengthened the impression of unusual and delicate beauty.

Never had Adorna seen so exquisite a visage since the day, thirty years ago, when she had gazed into a mirror and realized that she herself was a diamond of the first water.

Yet time had wrought changes on her own face, so that now Miss Caroline Ritter could accurately be described as the loveliest woman in England.

Leaning back in her chair, Adorna said aloud what she had been thinking. "I remember you. Three years ago you were all the rage."

"And I've heard of you." Caroline met Adorna's gaze directly. "You were the most famous debutante of your time."

At the tribute, Adorna allowed a small smile to cross her lips. "I was."

"Some say you were the most famous debutante of all time."

"So my husband says, but I tell him that is simply flattery. It works, of course. He is very good at getting his way." Adorna allowed her mind to drift back thirty years to her debut. "Do you know, I had fourteen offers of marriage in my first Season?"

"That is extraordinary." Miss Ritter modestly lowered her eyes. "I had fifteen."

Ah. A rivalry. How delicious. "Four abduction attempts, two by the same man."

"Only three abduction attempts, but all by different men."

"And fifty-three stolen kisses." This game amused Adorna. "I kept a tally."

"I kept a tally, too, and I assure you, you're far ahead of me in that contest." Miss Ritter's mouth drooped in disappointment. "My chaperone was far too watchful until…until she wasn't."

"Mine was having her own scandalous evening." Adorna chuckled warmly. "She is my aunt, Jane Higgenbothem, now Lady Blackburn. Perhaps you know of her?"

Copyright © 2005 by Christina Dodd