“Is something wrong, Joan?” Alice asked, waving her fan in her direction as if to cool her off. “Your face is as red as a beet.” And no doubt getting redder. Joan cursed her cousin and shook her head stiffly, not daring to look in Alex’s direction. “It’s a bit warm, that’s all.” With as much dignity as she could muster, she forced herself to meet Alex’s gaze. “If you’ll excuse us, my lord, my cousins and I were just about to get some refreshment.”
