Irritably dismissing mysterious Angelique from his mind, he tossed the cover aside and stood up, flexing his strong frame. He reached for a monogrammed robe in a rich wine shade and pulled it over his naked physique which rippled with each agile movement. He cast a nonchalant glance over his shoulder at the sultry beauty who was fast asleep in his massive bed. Not since his strange encounter with that bewitching girl by the pond had he been able to totally dispel Angelique from mind. To his annoyance and dismay, he seemed to be comparing every female to her, finding them all lacking in one way or another. He cursed her for her unforgettable image and matchless passion. Spencer quietly opened the door to speak with the ruddy-faced Thomas Canter, his loyal servant of many years. The seemingly ageless man with salt and pepper hair grinned affectionately as he handed Spencer the sealed letter from President Madison. “I didn’t want to disturb you, sir, but you’re abed mighty late. I didn’t think you’d want me to delay this particular letter.”
