"A painting that will garner all the usual praise of both his skills and your beauty. At times, I envy you your freedom. Sidney would never let me be so modern, even though everyone is nominally discreet."

"You're not as insistent as I, darling."

"Nor independently wealthy."

Alex grinned. "I won't argue the advantages of my fortune. I'm well aware I'm allowed liberties that only wealth bestows. And there are advantages as well to being an artist. One's eccentricities are looked upon with a certain tolerance."

"And it pleases you to pose nude."

"On occasion. If I like the artist and the work. I paint nudes as well. What artist wouldn't?" She rose with a smile. "Thank you for letting me talk. I'm feeling quite in control of my feelings once again. And Larry always has all the latest gossip. My evening should be amusing."

Chapter Three

"You're boring the hell out of me," Eddie grumbled, reaching for the brandy bottle at his elbow.

Sam looked up from his putt. "Go to the Marlborough Club yourself."

"I might." Refilling his glass, the earl lifted it in salute. "As soon as I finish this bottle."

"After you finish that bottle, you'll be passed out on my couch," the viscount said, watching the ball roll into the cup on the putting green he'd had installed in his conservatory.

"You don't miss a night out as a rule," Eddie remonstrated. "Did the merry widow's refusal incapacitate you?"

"Au contraire," Ranelagh replied, positioning another ball with his golf club. "I'm feeling first rate. And I expect she's in high mettle as well."

"She turned you down, Sam."

"But she didn't want to." He softly swung his club, striking the ball with exquisite restraint.