LITMIR.BIZ

      Nine

      “Olivia, where are you? Come quickly! I’ve met him. I’ve met the man who will be my lover,” Claire announced the minute she reached the estate and stepped into the foyer.

      “Already?” Olivia, in robe and gown, promptly came out of her room leaning on her hickory cane. “How can you be sure? We just arrived today. You’ve only met a handful of the—”

      “Does it matter?” Claire interrupted, her violet eyes aglow. “I have found him and need look no further. He was at the dinner party and every female present envied me because I was seated next to him.”

      Claire’s exhilaration was infectious. Olivia felt suddenly giddy with excitement. “Come to my room and tell me all about him.”

      Arm in arm the two women went down the wide center hallway and into Olivia’s bedroom. They sat down on a sofa before the cold fireplace and Claire sighed happily.

      “His name is Hank Cassidy,” she began. “A big, suntanned Westerner from Nevada. He’s handsome and charming and intelligent and eligible.” Claire breathlessly described Hank, concluding by declaring that there was a natural arrogance about him; an easy assurance of male power that was tremendously appealing. “I tell you the man is utterly irresistible.”

      “I don’t doubt it,” said Olivia, then asked, “What does he do? What is his profession?”

      “I have no idea,” Claire said flippantly. “I never asked and he never said, but some of the guests called him the Silver King. Why should I care what he does? What difference does it make? I am not looking for a life mate. I only want a lover for a few thrilling nights.” She sighed.

      “True enough. But tell me, is this irresistible Hank Cassidy the kind of man with whom you can have an affair and then end it with no regrets?”

      “I don’t see why not,” Claire said with a smile. “Perhaps the repressed, unsophisticated Claire Orwell couldn’t. But no doubt the daring Duchess of Beaumont could.” Claire shrugged slender shoulders. “I will behave as she would. Love him and leave him.”

      “And never look back, you naughty girl, you?”

      “Never,” Claire was quick to answer. She stood up. “Now unhook me, please. I must get some rest so I’ll look my best in the morning.”

      Olivia rose, stepped around behind Claire and made short work of the tiny hooks and eyes going down her back. “What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?”

      “Out to Congress Park early in the morning to drink of the mineral waters,” Claire said. “Then breakfast with a Mr. Parker Lawson from New York City. Not that I’m romantically interested in Lawson. No, no, not at all. But I’m hoping Hank Cassidy will hear that I’ve been seen with him.” She smiled playfully, then continued, “Later I’m to have luncheon at the Grand Union with a half-dozen of the ladies I met this evening. Then back here in the afternoon to rest before attending a concert on the veranda of the United States Hotel at twilight.”

      “Sounds like your dance card is sufficiently full.”

      “You wouldn’t believe how these wealthy Americans fawned over me. I’m confident not a soul in attendance doubted that I’m the Duchess of Beaumont. I received so many invitations to parties and soirees, I can’t possibly attend all of them.”

      “What a lovely dilemma,” said Olivia. “And I suppose this handsome Hank Cassidy will be at many of the gatherings?”

      When Claire’s dress was parted, Olivia unlaced the tight-fitting corset and Claire gave a great sigh of relief. She turned about to find Olivia looking stern.