Desperate Measures

by Candice Hern

"Oh dear. I suppose it does seem rather foolish." More foolish than he would ever know. "Indeed it does. I cannot imagine you have to work so hard to make some worthless chap take notice of you." "Worthless? You do not even know who he is." "Then tell me. It will make this easier if I know the object of this game." "No, I'd rather not tell who he is." She'd rather die.

"Does the fellow show an interest in some other young woman perhaps?" "No one in particular, as far as I know." "And he pays you no notice whatsoever?" She shrugged. "Very little. Or, at least not in … in that way."

Ah, the dance is about to begin. Pay attention, my girl. Observe my uncanny ability to make everyone here believe I am madly in love with you."

"I have been seen dancing with you. Now I will be seen not dancing with anyone else. I shall linger about making calf's eyes at you while you dance with other men. And I shall not dance at all until the supper dance, when I shall lead you out again. Remember, you must save that dance for me. We'll be cozy over supper and make sure Tennison sees. Does that sound like a good plan to you?"

"Do not overdo it, sir, I beg you. No one would believe it of you." He cast off the moonstruck look and was himself again. "You think not? You think no one would believe I could fall in love?"

"I am no longer a boy. It will be a much more complex experience for me. When I fall in love it will be deeply and completely and forever."

"It's what he will see when we return," he said, and pulled her to sit down beside him. Very close beside him. "What will he see?" "A woman who has been thoroughly kissed."