His Obsession by Ann B. Keller

which
offset Kate’s flawless complexion and the color of her hair and
eyes. A high backed collar narrowed over her chest, dipping low
over Kate’s breasts. The edges of the bodice were thankfully edged
in a pale white lace, which effectively disguised any hint of
cleavage revealed above the neckline.
    Lady Faversham’s own maid brushed and
restyled Kate’s hair as well, pulling the heavy copper curls into
an artful knot at the crown and leaving a few strands dangling near
her ears. The style was a trifle more relaxed than Kate usually
wore it and the maid assured her that the style was most
becoming.
    As Kate paused in front of Lady Faversham’s
mirror, she had to agree with the girl’s assessment. She couldn’t
believe that the elegant, polished young lady staring back at her
was Kate Overton. The gown molded itself to Kate’s gentle curves
with loving perfection and Kate’s auburn curls were a vivid
contrast against the pale green material. Her eyes glowed with
excitement and a becoming blush tinged Kate’s cheeks a pale rose.
Lady Faversham came to collect Kate for her ride and cried out in
delight at her transformation.
    “Oh, Kate! You look lovely,” Winifred happily
decreed.
    “Thank you for the dress, my lady,” Kate
softly replied.
    “You are a vision. The man will be completely
speechless,” Lady Faversham told her. “And that is a consequence
that I cannot wait to see. Let’s be off then, shall we?”
    Lady Faversham bustled Kate out of the room
and down the hall. Kate heard voices in the foyer, however, and
paused at the top of the stairs. Richard and Lord Winslow were
conversing at the base of the steps. Suddenly, Winslow looked up,
saw Kate and whistled through his teeth.
    “By all the saints. It looks as though Lady
Overton’s been holding out on us,” Lord Winslow quipped.
    Richard’s dark eyes lifted to the woman
paused at the top of the steps and his gaze swept over her
appreciatively. Dressed in the subdued, dark tones that Kate
usually wore, she was passably pretty, but in brighter colors, she
was radiant. As Richard stared at Kate, a shy smile briefly curved
her lips.
    Richard grinned and nodded his approval. He
started forward to meet her at the base of the stairs.
    Lady Faversham urged Kate to proceed her down
the steps and Kate complied. Kate felt as though all eyes were
focused on her. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she
couldn’t seem to catch her breath. As the Earl of Devonshire
mounted the steps, her anxious anticipation grew, but at least the
man had the kindness to narrow the distance between them.
    “Lady Overton,” Richard murmured, finally
bowing over her pale hand.
    “My lord,” Kate breathed.
    “You look very beautiful.”
    Kate blushed at the earl’s compliment. “Thank
you.”
    “In fact,” Richard chuckled in amusement. “I
may just have to abduct you before young Winslow steals you
away.”
    “There’s little chance of that, I fear,” Kate
acknowledged. “For this afternoon at least – I am yours.”
    Richard’s eyes blazed with an emotion that
Kate could not name. He continued to stare at her, his head nearly
even with her own as she stood on the step above him.
    Did the woman understand the implication of
such a remark, Richard wondered? No. Kate seemed far too innocent
for that. Still, a lesser man might have taken advantage of that
offer.
    “You should be careful to whom you say such
things, Lady Overton,” Richard warned.
    “You sound as though you’re prepared to slay
a few dragons for me, sir knight,” Kate quipped.
    “If need be,” Richard proudly declared.
    Kate chuckled.
    The earl guided her hand onto his arm and
gallantly led her down the remaining steps. Lord Winslow and
several other men immediately rushed forward.
    “Lady Overton, your dress is absolutely
stunning!” Winslow gushed.
    “Thank you, my lord,” Kate politely replied,
pleased to be the momentary center of attention.
    “I hope that you’ll stay for