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particular about who you associate with now that I’m home. And that is especially true for men such as Mr. Throckmorten.”
    A contemptuous expression settled across Gretchen’s pretty face. “Don’t worry, Danny. I don’t ever want to see him again.”
    He wanted that whole debacle over and done with.
    “I need a promise that you’ll stay away from Miss Winslowe as well.”
    “But I so enjoy our reading group. Please don’t take that away from me,” she pleaded.
    “I must. I can’t trust you in her care. Now I want your word.”
    Gretchen continued to hesitate for a moment but finally said, “I promise.”
    “Good. Now, do you feel like getting out of this bed and dressing for the parties?”
    Her eyes brightened. “Yes, if I didn’t kill Mr. Throckmorten, there’s no reason why I can’t go and enjoy the parties.”
    “No reason at all. Now up and get dressed for the evening. A dance or two with the right gentleman is just what you need.”
    Gretchen gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Danny.”
    Daniel rose from the bed and looked down at his sister. “And I’ll take care of Miss Winslowe.”

Five
    He couldn’t keep his eyes off her. It was insane, really. Miss Winslowe was the last woman he wanted to claim his attention, but for some strange reason he found himself looking for her among the gorgeously gowned women and faultlessly dressed gentlemen.
    It was easy to tell himself that his only interest in her was to watch her and to make sure she stayed away from Gretchen. It was much harder to convince himself that was true.
    The party had been a crush all evening with far too many people invited for Lord Gleningwold’s house. Every time Daniel thought he’d move on to another party in search of Boswell Throckmorten, he’d spot Miss Winslowe again and thoughts of leaving fled. He’d gone to the man’s house earlier, but he wasn’t home. Daniel wanted to make sure the man stayed away from Gretchen.
    Isabella was especially captivating tonight in her low-cut gown adorned with pearls, lace, and a cascade of golden-colored ribbons flowing from the high waist. When he’d met her earlier, she had looked very prim and proper in her afternoon dress, bonnet, and cloak.
    Tonight she looked stunning with her honey-colored hair swept up in curls. And all the other gentlemen in attendance knew it, too. She was not without plenty of beaux at her side.
    Daniel had been introduced to a bevy of lovely young ladies throughout the evening. He’d even danced with three or four of them before he stopped signing dance cards. Halfway into his second dance Daniel hung his head over the prospect of spending the next five weeks going from party to party searching for a young lady who would make a suitable match.
    When it came to a wife, Daniel didn’t even know what kind of lady he was looking for. How could he just consider appearance when they were all at least pretty if not downright lovely? Most of them seemed eager enough to secure his admiration and obtain his fancy, and some of them were pleasant to converse with.
    How could he have known it would be so difficult to pick out a wife? No doubt an arranged marriage would have suited him fine. Not a one of the ladies he’d met so far tonight intrigued him like Miss Winslowe had.
    She had captivated him. She was lovely with her blond hair threaded with ivory- and gold-colored ribbons and arranged neatly on top of her head. Her skin was a beautiful, tempting shade that made him think of lighted alabaster and it looked kissably soft.
    He’d kept his distance from her all evening, but that hadn’t kept him from seeing that her green eyes sparkled with laughter and confidence whenever she talked. She was poised and charming with everyone she talked to. After their chaotic encounter this afternoon, he was certain he never wanted to see her again, but his eyes kept searching the crowd for her.
    Miss Winslowe was obviously intelligent and challenging. She was