Rather than Godric, Ashton waited outside Emily's door to escort her to breakfast. Today the baron looked exceedingly fashionable in a dark blue coat, biscuit-colored breeches and an immaculately tied cravat.

He smiled and took her arm. "Emily."

"Good morning, Ashton." She couldn't resist the urge to smile back.

With Ashton alone she felt like a queen. It was a pity Charles lacked his subtle charm. He'd be truly dangerous to every woman in the ton if he ...