The Ring and the Crown (The Ring and the Crown 1)

She was pleased to have been selected, and excited too, to see the real palace where the royal family lived. St. James was the center of the world. In the past few days she had been visited by the Boring Baron more times than she could count. He had sent many lovely bouquets and had been very close to proposing, she could tell. He just needed a little nudge from her, a little indication that his proposal would be accepted. It was the same with Marcus, who was soldiering on with his courtship like a lad getting through his finals, checking all the boxes with a dogged determination. Yet Ronan could not do it; could not bring herself to accept either of them. She had simply smiled and thanked them both for their company and sent them away.

Her visit to St. James the other day still made her burn to think about. The way Wolf had sent her away—as if she were a mere scullery maid! Well, she would show him. She had been invited to the palace this time. And if she saw him, she would ignore him until he felt as hurt as she did.

Ronan arrived at the party in a beautiful turquoise gown. Her maid had draped her hair with a string of lustrous pearls. Archie and Perry were dressed in “penguin suits”—practically casual wear—black jackets and bow ties. She saw the baron approaching from the left, and winced. “Quick, hide me, it’s the Boring Baron,” she said. “He aims to propose and I can’t let him—otherwise I’ll face his mother’s wrath, I’m sure.” She had finally made peace with Lady Julia over tea, who pretended not to know what Ronan was talking about, and insisted that Marcus had mo

st likely been joking.

“Never fear, my lady,” Perry smiled, pushing her behind a tent flap while the baron, Lord Audley, looked confused.

“Did I just see Miss Astor?”

“Nope, sorry—try that-a-way,” Archie said, pointing him to the opposite end of the party.

She exhaled a sigh of relief. Then, out of the corner of her eye she saw him. Him. It was as if she had a sixth sense when it came to Wolf—as if she could close her eyes and divine his presence when he was near. But outwardly she gave no indication that she was vibrating with anticipation, and continued to chat gaily with her friends.

“Oh, there’s the Lupine One,” Perry said, motioning to Wolf, who was talking to three very pretty girls. “With those Montrose girls. I wonder who he’ll choose? Or perhaps he’ll take all of them,” he said, looking pleased at the naughty idea.

“He asked about you at the vernissage,” Archie said, elbowing Ronan.

“Did he, now?” she said, keeping her face serene.

“Mmm-hmm,” Perry said.

Ronan shrugged. “He can ask about me all he wants. Questions are free, aren’t they?” She decided she knew exactly how to play his game.

After dinner, which was truly lovely—outdoors under the tents, with the candles flickering and the moon so pale and white—the evening started with a few dances. Ronan made sure that every time she saw Wolf approaching in her direction, she was able to cajole a nearby gentleman to dance with her. In a few minutes, her dance card was full.

She could feel his eyes on her the entire evening, but she paid him no attention. Even when they were practically next to each other and he said, “Excuse me, Miss Astor.”

She just shrugged and danced away with Marcus, who was determined to win her over, it seemed, with a variety of whining, mooning, and annoyance. “What is wrong with you? Aren’t you here to find a husband?” he said testily. She had just told him she was unsure of her schedule for the next few weeks.

“Can’t one simply enjoy the season?” she said lightly. “Oh, come now, Lord Deveraux, let’s be friends.”

“Friends,” he said mournfully. “I have enough friends.”

Finally it was the end of the evening, and Ronan had danced with almost every eligible young man in the place. She stood to the side, fanning herself. She was glistening with sweat, the night was beautiful, and she had quite enjoyed herself. The band played the most marvelous music, and there were many fun and handsome boys to choose from. Not that she really noticed, as she was only interested in one handsome gentleman in particular.

She saw Wolf nursing a drink on the other side of the room. He caught her eye and walked purposefully toward her. She ignored him, remembering again how insulted she had felt the other day when she had come to call. Truly, these fatheaded Europeans should join the twentieth century. In New York, no one would think twice.

“Ronan,” he said.

She turned away. “Did you hear something, Archie?” she said. “I don’t see anyone, do you?”

Archie raised his eyebrows. “We don’t?”

“Ronan, please,” he said. “Please hear me out.”

She rolled her eyes. “I guess he won’t leave me alone.” She nodded to the boys to indicate they could leave her with him. She turned to Wolf coldly. “Enjoying the evening, my lord?” she asked.

“Not so much, no,” Wolf admitted.

“Why is that?”

“I was hoping I would get a chance to speak to you and explain, and apologize about the other day, yet I find I can barely get a word in before you are whisked off by another ridiculous boy. It’s become quite tiresome, really.”

Ronan shrugged. “Next time, try to get your name in early.”

“Ronan—I am sorry for the way I acted. I should not have turned you away. You surprised me, and court etiquette is very strict about these things. You don’t understand.”