Who Brings Forth the Wind (Kensington Chronicles) by Lori Wick

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    what she'd done wrong. When the dance ended, it was a relief
    to be led off the floor.
    "I can't believe you didn't go out there," Lucinda said to
    Roddy before Stacy returned to their side.
    Roddy sighed. "I never dreamed he would go that far. The
    damage was done the moment he took her in his arms. It
    would have brought nothing but humiliation to stalk out there
    and demand her return."
    Lucinda nodded unhappily and watched anxiously as Tanner
    returned Stacy to their side. She glared at Tanner upon
    seeing Stacy's pale features, but the young duke seemed
    totally unaware of anyone's presence.
    Without a word, Stacy's confused face caused Roddy to
    suggest an early evening. Stacy looked so relieved at the
    suggestion that the three of them left immediately.
    Stacy worked very hard over the next two days to put
    Tanner from her mind. She and Lucinda had talked, calmly this
    time, and Lucinda had told Stacy that considering all the
    circumstances, she had done well. Lucinda surprised her
    speechless by apologizing for underestimating Tanner's boldness
    and for taking her out and not staying with her.
    "I've decided that we need to slow down a bit. It's always
    been more my desire than yours to attend a different ball
    every week, and now I think that for your sake, Stacy, we'll stay
    in for a time."
    "I'm sorry, Aunt Lucinda."
    "No, child, it is I who am sorry. You've gone along to please
    me and been hurt because of it... and after I told Andrew I
    would take such good care of you."
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    Lucinda did nothing this time to disguise the tears in her
    eyes. Stacy rose and went to put her arms around her aunt.
    "I've had a wonderful time, Aunt Lucinda. Please don't
    think I'm disappointed or unhappy. It's too bad that I'm not
    more experienced in social settings or with men, but--"
    "No, dear," Lucinda cut her off. "Never be sorry for your
    innocence. Your trusting nature is a precious gift. Someday
    someone very special will come along and treasure you and
    that gift for all of his life."
    Tanner's face immediately popped into Stacy's mind, but
    she did her best to push it away, smile at her aunt, and give her
    one final hug.
    Three weeks later Roddy, Lucinda, and Stacy went shopping.
    Stacy thought Lucinda amazing as she careered her way
    through the day, never seeming to tire or grow too warm. At
    the last shop, Stacy had to beg off.
    "If I'm going to have any energy left for the Royal Gardens,
    I'm going to have to rest."
    "I quite agree. Cinda, you're on your own for this one."
    Lucinda regarded her companions with a raised brow and
    condescending look before sweeping out of the open carriage
    and into the shop. Roddy chuckled at her departure and
    then looked up to see Stacy studying him.
    "That's certainly a serious face," he said with a smile.
    Stacy didn't smile. In fact she looked so hesitant that
    Roddy sobered.
    "What is it, Stacy?"
    "It's something that's none of my business."
    "Concerning me?"
    "Yes," Stacy answered and studied him some more. His
    look was so open that she felt emboldened. "Why have you
    and Lucinda never married?"
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    Roddy nodded and regarded her seriously. When he
    spoke, Stacy could tell he'd given the matter great thought.
    "I value Lucinda's friendship above all else in the world
    Were I to introduce romance between us when she did not
    share my feelings, I would ruin everything we have. I simply
    can't take that chance."
    "But you must know she loves you," Stacy reasoned
    "Yes, she does love me, but she isn't in love with me. There
    is a difference, you know. I'm her best friend, just as she is
    mine. I can go on living with the knowledge that she will
    continue to be."
    "She is in love with you, Roddy," Stacy told him softly.
    Roddy didn't go so far as to shake his head, but his look was
    more than a little dubious.
    "She's loved you for years. She told me herself."
    Roddy stared at Stacy. The intensity in his eyes frightened
    her a little. She had started something here, and as