“Francis, dear brother, I think Caroline would like to take a turn about the dance floor.She is in dire need of entertainment,” said Eve.

“And what about you, Eve dearest?I thought you promised Lord Towell the next dance.He is on your list, is he not?”replied Caroline.

“Not anymore he isn’t.He is paying particular attention to another young lady this evening and has not even bothered to acknowledge me,” replied Eve.

Francis looked from one sister to the other, and Freddie caught the look of pained resignation on his face.This was obviously not the first, nor probably the last time he would have to deal with headstrong siblings.

“Come,” snapped Francis.

Caroline took his roughly offered hand and allowed her brother to lead her away.As he watched them go, Freddie caught wind of Caroline rebuking her brother for his lack of manners toward her.His sympathies went with Francis.Caroline was a shrew.

Eve turned to Freddie.

“I am so sorry about that.She gets jealous if any gentlemen show an interest in me.She thinks because of her beauty she should be the first of us girls to be married.God forbid I ever beat her to the altar, she would never forgive me.Mama says I am stubborn, but Caroline could give lessons in the art.”

Freddie wasn’t too concerned with Caroline Saunders and her disappointment—his attention was fully captured by her sister.There was a feistiness about Eve that had him quietly imagining what it would be like to have her naked and in his bed.