“I think you’ve had quite enough wine.”

“Not nearly enough, if you’re going to a ball to see a girl about a horse. A horse.” He chortled. “Of course you are. Nothing to do with a bright-eyed girl who just happened to set you on your ear the other night.”

“She did not set me on my ear,” Hart lied. He hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind.

“No? I could feel the undercurrent between you. Positively crackling, it was.”

“You are imagining things,” Hart said coldly. “There was no undercurrent. I am only interested in her horse.” He folded the note, addressed and sealed it.

“Yes, yes,” Sinc said in a soothing tone. “Of course, her horse is the attraction.” He paused a moment, then added, “So why not simply make her an offer? To buy the horse, I mean. Not make her any other kind of offer.”

Sinc had definitely drunk too much, Hart decided. “I did make her an offer for the animal. She refused.”

“Told you she would.”

“It was an opening gambit. She’ll sell. That stallion is far too strong for a lady.”

Sinc pulled a doubtful face. “You didn’t think it too strong for her the other day when you thought she was a youth.”

Hart stood abruptly. “It’s time we left.”

Sinc drained his glass and set it on the side table. “I always knew it took wild horses to drag you to a society ball, but this is a new one on me. Going to a ball to buy a horse indeed. Most of us just toddle down to Tattersall’s and make a bid . . .”

*   *   *

George stepped out into the garden for a little fresh air. It was a warm night and Lady Peplowe’s ball was “a frightful squeeze” which meant it was a tremendous success. Why people didn’t just say that was beyond her.

It wasn’t just fresh air she was seeking, though. She’d spotted Lord Towsett weaving his way toward her with that look on his face—again. Would the man never listen?

She’d immediately headed toward the conservatory—it had been locked but she knew where the key was—resolving to have it out with him once and for all. She had a plan.

She’d refused him three times so far, and from the determined expression on his face tonight, he was planning to make it four. She already knew his long-winded declaration speech by heart—it didn’t vary much. Of all the charming young ladies in the ton this season, she was, according to Lord Towsett, the fortunate one who met all his requirements.

Requirements indeed!