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seemed like a good idea at the time. So I gently suggested to her that she make it known to him she would welcome his attentions.”
    “She not only let him know, but the rest of London as well,” Rose said.
    “Yes, well, the girl evidently has no understanding of subtlety. And poor Viscount Tilton, every time he sees me, he glares at me. And it’s been two years. Do you know she is still following him around? Poor girl tries to hide herself behind trees and lamp posts.”
    Aunt Maureen laughed. “Her mother should keep a closer watch on her.”
    “Yes, well, evidently he had attempted courtship when she’d first been introduced into society, but it had gone very poorly,” Vivian said.
    Aunt Rose smiled. “There was no possible way you could have known they’d had a past. He’d kept that secret for a while.”
    “And for good reasons, it seems,” Vivian said. She was so accustomed to knowing people’s secrets that it always came as a bit of a shock if someone had one with which she was unfamiliar. “Nor could I have known how obsessive she is. Or perhaps I should say possessive. It is no wonder the girl is still unmarried.” Vivian smoothed her skirts.
    “That was only one, though,” Clarissa said. “Have you tried to match other couples?”
    “Should I tell them about the time you tried to match Henrietta and Finley?” her aunt asked with a grin.
    Vivian held up her hand, but could not keep herself from smiling, too. “I maintain that is a perfectly made match. How was I supposed to know they were already a couple? No one knew they had eloped. But clearly I could see how well they went together. That is a success story.”
    Clarissa clapped her hands. “Oh, that is too perfect.”
    “Vivian, love, with all your talents,” Rose said, shaking her head, “perhaps there is an alternative solution here.”
    “No, matchmaking it is. But those previous situations were precisely the reason I have called in reinforcements.” Vivian smiled warmly at Clarissa and Maureen. “Though he has been away for many years, you two lovely ladies know Marcus the best. Not only that, but you both have splendid ties in society, and I have no doubt you’ll have some suggestions.” She withdrew a small notebook from the table beside her, along with a pencil. “Now then, shall we begin making our list?”
    “A list?” Maureen asked. “Of what?”
    “Potential brides for your nephew, of course,” Vivian said.
    “I do not know my brother very well, but I can tell you he will be most reluctant to be married off to some girl,” Clarissa said.
    “Be that as it may,” Vivian said, “you must have some friends or acquaintances, Clarissa, who would be a good match for your brother.”
    “To be honest, Miss March, I’m not so certain I wish to saddle any of my friends with a man whom I can’t guarantee will be here when she might need him.”
    “Clarissa,” Maureen chided. “He’s simply been gone so long.” Maureen opened her mouth as if to say more, but she shook her head.
    “You believe your brother will leave again?” Vivian asked.
    “Well, I do believe he is still exchanging correspondence with his employer. I don’t believe he’s ended his position with them, and he certainly spends enough time studying all the maps that litter his desk.”
    Marcus returning to his post was not something Vivian had considered. Why would she think about that? Surely he hadn’t entertained such thoughts. He was an earl now, he had familial responsibilities he couldn’t walk away from. But regardless of all of that, the man needed a wife. What happened after he married would no longer be her concern.
    “All the more reason to distract him with a lovely young woman who will steal his attention.” Anything that would divert his attention enough to keep him from looking at her with those sultry blue eyes, or pulling her against him in another soul-searing kiss. She couldn’t take much more of it. A woman’s restraint