Because James rarely rose before ten and Aunt Caroline was already packing for London, Gavin felt certain he and Kira would be quite alone. Day one of his plan was about to begin. First, he would change his role from Kira’s enemy to affable friend, coupled with a hint of ardent admirer. That would persuade her to lower her guard so he could woo her trust, learn her weaknesses. And once he discovered them, he could use those vulnerabilities to his advantage and seduce her. Given her history, he doubted it would be very difficult. Then James would be forced to realize that his bride did not deserve his good name. At the entrance to the breakfast room, Gavin paused to spy on his target. Sunlight streamed in, lighting Kira’s dark hair with an ebony sheen. She appeared collected this morning, nothing like the weeping woman in the garden last night. The shimmering gray silk morning dress highlighted her placid profile, while the delicate embroidered muslin half-dress pelerine draping her shoulders lent her the appearance of total femininity.
