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into a more subtle, more personal form of attack. And since the Marquess of Brooke had taken his time to examine every inch of her ample curves, she knew he would have made a mental inventory of all her shortcomings. She wondered when the first piglet or ham hock would arrive.
    Millie closed her eyes and the corners of her mouth began to crease. Letting her head fall back, she let out a long and wicked laugh. The conversation with her mother had done her a lot of good. She would accept the flowers and enjoy them, and she would proudly wear the blue ribbon in her hair. Let him spend his father’s money on sending her lavish gifts.
    ‘I am not sure if Mrs Knowles can put half a side of beef to good use, if he sends me one. I don’t suppose he realises that in my part of the world, cows are considered to be sacred. Stupid boy,’ she chuckled.
    Since discussing her lack of ladylike manners with her mother, Millie had promised to curb her use of foul language. Now, after enjoying a good, hearty laugh at Lord Brooke’s expense, she took a deep breath and congratulated herself on her restraint. Not one foul word had passed her lips.
    ‘Thank you, Lord Brooke, the flowers were lovely.’
    She pulled the needle back out of her tapestry and calmly went back to work, pushing all thoughts of Alex Radley from her mind.
    With the third morning came the third beautiful bunch of flowers and as with the two previous deliveries, the card only had Millie’s name on it.
    Later that afternoon, she stood staring at the three arrangements now crowding the mantelpiece and smiled. She could not fault his taste: they were all truly exquisite. This time, the flowers were a mix of little white flowers and lavender in a blue china bowl. Running her finger around the rim, she noted the colour of the flowers.
    ‘You are cheating, Lord Brooke; any fool could tell you lavender is not blue, but purple. I shall have to take you to task if you are going to start changing the rules of battle,’ she observed.
    There was a knock on her door and a moment later Charles appeared. Seeing the flowers, he gave her a smile. ‘So he has not given up yet?’
    She smiled. ‘His father’s pockets must be bottomless. I was just thinking of how I could get him to send me jewellery. Anonymously, of course, which would mean I could only wear them at home, but I am sure I could live with that.’
    ‘Or take them to the pawnbrokers in Exchange Alley; I would be happy to do so for a small fee,’ Charles replied as he leaned back against the doorframe.
    Millie eyed a cushion on a nearby chair and wondered if she could hit him with it from that distance. ‘What is the purpose of your visit, dearest brother? I can’t remember the last time you set foot in my bedroom. Are you just arriving home from somewhere or heading out?’
    He cleared his throat. ‘It’s been three days since the welcome-home party and I think it is time I took you out for a stroll in the park. You can get some fresh air and stretch your legs. You must be going mad being cooped up here at home.’
    She saw his eyes make a sly sideways glance to the clock nestled between the vases of flowers on the mantelpiece.
    ‘It’s nearly five o’clock and the best of society take over Hyde Park this time every day without fail. The only thing that would keep them from setting out would be a storm blowing in from the Atlantic, and since the day is fine, it’s high time the Ashton siblings joined the fray. Put on your coat, Millie, grab your gloves and I shall await you downstairs. Don’t be long, old girl,’ he said.
    Charles stepped away from the door and disappeared.
    Millie sighed. Why did big brothers have to be so bossy? And why did they have to be so right about what little sisters needed, for that matter?
    Of course Charles was right, she had spent three pleasant days at home and now it was time to get out and face London society once more. She could not hide away in her father’s house