Lord Cavanaugh’s dark gaze held a gleam of mirth, belying his gruff words. Evangeline leaned her elbow on the bookstore’s counter, licked her finger and turned the page of her book, releasing a satisfied smile at the perfect scene with the perfect hero. “I made myself clear that no sacrifice is too great for you,” he said, pulling her close. Maria’s fan dropped to the floor. Ignoring the shocked looks of the other patrons of Almacks Assembly, Maria threw her arms around Lord Cavanaugh’s neck, sharing a kiss with the only man she knew she could ever love. Evangeline’s long, wavy hair fell across the side of her face as she closed the book with a satisfied sigh and smoothed her hand over the cover, admiring the hero pictured on the front. His hair was artfully tousled; his cutaway coat perfectly emphasized his broad shoulders. He looked cultured and noble and suave and heroic. Someday my own prince will come, she thought.
