Valerian couldn’t be more handsome, his thick black hair appeared damp, combed back where it threatened a slight wave near his collar, his eyes twinkled with a gleam she labeled both mischievous and entrancing, and his clothing was impeccably pressed. It was difficult to notice much of her surroundings, never mind the furnishings of the room, when she couldn’t drag her eyes from the incredibly charming man in front of her. Yet what of his meeting with Caroline? Wilhelmina had thought to interrupt their reunion and instead, found Lady Worsley exiting the drive, her impromptu visit only thirty minutes at most. Had Dashwood refused her at the door? Caroline had mentioned the possibility. Or was their agreement arranged and finalized with a few words of conversation? There was no way she could discover the answers at present and she’d be every kind of fool to vie for Valerian’s affection with Caroline as an opponent. The woman was beautiful, wealthy and entrenched in high society, no matter her mention of past scandal.
