“When have I ever stood in the way of young love?” she said. “Especially when it seems that I am destined to become an aged spinster who keeps cats and does good works.”

“What is she talking about?” Darcy looked amused.

“My dears, I was turned down by a man. Rejected. Spurned. I was naked and ready and so very willing and he wasn’t interested. Let’s face it—I’ve lost my sex appeal.”

“Belinda,” I said, trying not to grin, “I shouldn’t tell you this, since you tried to steal him away from me.”

“You? Craig Hart really was interested in you?”

“Strange though it may seem, yes he was.”

“But you’ve got Darcy.”

“I know that, but Craig didn’t. He was very attentive to me until you arrived. I must admit I was flattered. I mean, Craig Hart. Who wouldn’t be flattered?”

“I caught them kissing,” Darcy said.

“You see. I knew it. You have more sex appeal than I do.” Belinda’s voice echoed through the fog.

“But it was the most uninspiring kiss I’ve ever had,” I said, “and now I know why.” I lowered my voice, searching for the right words. “He’s one of them, Belinda. You know.”

“You mean Craig Hart is a queer?” She started to laugh. “Are you serious?”

I nodded.

“And you knew that and let me go on thinking . . .” Darcy said.

“I only found out at dinner tonight,” I said. “Ronnie told me. He said that Mr. Goldman had been pushing Craig to marry someone suitable and thus quell any rumors that could spoil his career. I suppose that’s why he went after me. Marriage to a British aristocrat would make good publicity, wouldn’t it?”

“Oh God,” Belinda said. “And to think if I hadn’t found out—I might have said yes to him and rushed off to Reno and found myself in a sexless marriage.”

“Ah, but think of the alimony when you divorced. You’d be set up for life,” Darcy quipped. “They’d have paid you handsomely to stay mum.”

“True.” Belinda paused, then shook her head vehemently. “Darlings—no amount of money is worth giving up sex for any length of time.” She released my arm and strode out ahead of us to where the fairy-tale shape of the cottage loomed out of the fog, a light glowing from a window. Darcy slipped an arm around my waist. “And in case you think I have any intentions tonight, the answer is no. Not with Belinda and your maid in the next rooms,” he whispered. “I’m only here to protect you.”

“That’s good,” I said, feeling half relieved and half disappointed.

AS WE ENTERED the cottage we were greeted by a worried-looking Queenie.