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She started. “How do you know about Mr. Blythe and Mr. Henry?”

“It suits me to know these sorts of things.”

There was something about his dismissive tone that got her back up. “Do their attentions threaten you?”

“Hardly.”

“You are arrogant, sir.”

He put his lips close to her ear. “Have you ever asked yourself why a man like myself, whom every mama in this room would consider eligible, has managed to stay away from the altar? It isn’t as though I haven’t had the opportunity to marry any of the daughters in this room.”

“Then why don’t you marry one of them?” she challenged.

He shook his head. “Because, Miss Pearce, none of them have the sort of spirit I have always admired in a woman. I want a wife who understands that her role in marrying me isn’t just to do her duty by having my children and looking pretty across the dining room table. She will be a partner in my ambition, an advisor to me. She will be called upon to host my partners in business and to charm politicians. She will have to be extraordinary because she will be so much more than just my wife.”

Was this meant to be her new purpose? An offer to become not just a wife but a partner in her husband’s ambition? To carve out a position in society by becoming prominent herself?

Mr. Whitley would never have the title Mama had once dreamed Adele might assume, but maybe he could offer her more.

“What would convince you that I find you singular, Miss Pearce?” he asked, leaning in to whisper in her ear. “Flowers and chocolates and walks in a garden with an appropriate chaperone trailing behind us? Name the task and I shall perform it better than those dolts who trail around after you.”

How do I win? he seemed to ask. How do I better the competition?

A slow smile began to creep across Adele’s lips. “You have always struck me as an intelligent man, Mr. Whitley. I’m certain you will come up with something.”

November 21, 1903

Andalusian Hotel, Pasadena

Dear Miss Pearce,

I greatly enjoyed the pleasure of your company at supper and Mr. and Mrs. Gill’s ball.

Please accept these flowers as a token of my appreciation and allow me the great honor of accompanying you on your morning ride on Monday before the Thanksgiving holiday. I shall wait for you at the Hotel Green stables.

Yours respectfully,

Guy Whitley

November 23, 1903

Andalusian Hotel, Pasadena

Dear Miss Pearce,

I could not countenance the thought of you having to ride without a good pair of gloves after yours tore at the stables this morning. Please accept this pair as a gift and a token of my friendship.

As I mentioned, I am detained tomorrow, but I would be very happy if you would allow me to accompany you again on Wednesday.

Yours respectfully,

Guy Whitley

November 29, 1903

Andalusian Hotel, Pasadena

Dear Mrs. Pearce,