She knew exactly where to find him. As the son of a duke and a war hero, he was mentioned regularly in the society news. Lord M- K- is in town for the Season as a guest of the Earl and Countess of S-. Lord M- K-- was seen riding in the park with Miss F-. Lord.M- K- escorted the lovely Lady A- to the opera. Catherine had read the notices compulsively.

If Michael was willing to help, she would have to spend considerable time with him, which meant rigidly controlling her feelings. But she had managed that the previous spring in Brussels. She could do it again.

Far worse was the fact that she would have to lie to him. Michael felt that he owed her a great debt. If he learned that she was a widow in dire financial straits, it was possible, even probable, that he would think the best assistance he could offer was marriage. The thought gave her a peculiar fluttering sensation somewhere under her ribs.

But Michael would never accept the kind of marriage she had had with Colin. No normal man would. Nor could she reveal her horrible failing; the mere thought made her stomach knot. It would be simplest, and safest, to let him think Colin was still alive.

It was a long walk to Mayfair. By the time she got there, she would have her lies ready.

After a day full of wretched shocks, Michael Kenyon walked into Strathmore House and was given a card by the butler. "There is a lady waiting to see you, my lord."

Michael's immediate reaction was unprintable. Then he glanced at the card. Mrs. Colin Melbourne.

Good God, Catherine. It only needed that. Yet the thought that she was here, under this roof, made him so impatient that he barely took time to ask where she was waiting. As soon as the butler replied, Michael strode to the small salon and swung the door open. "Catherine?"