"It is just that I had planned an outing for the children today, my lord. I had not told them, so they are spared the disappointment, but I had looked forward to it."

"I dislike seeing you disappointed," Lord Adrian said. "And your time with the children will be considerably lessened once our house guests begin to arrive on the morrow. I have an idea. You shall have your outing."

"In this weather? It is impossible."

children to this room for their luncheon."

"As you wish, my lord," Juliane answered carelessly.

"Come, can you not show more interest than this?" he asked with an injured air. Would his attempts to

win her approval never succeed?

Lady Juliane paused. It was difficult to determine whether his injured expression was sincere or just

more of his usual mockery. "I am sorry to appear ungrateful, my lord," she said tiredly, "but you realize I do not wish to continue this deception."

"Do not tell the children anything," he said, ignoring her words.

"As you wish, my lord." Lady Juliane turned back to the window. There was a long silence and then she

heard the doors close.

Sinking into one of the chairs near the fireplace, Juliane had the uncommon urge to cry. What was wrong with her these days? Why should Lord Adrian have such an unsettling effect on her whenever he came

near? Whenever she thought of him?

Andre bubbled over with questions when Lady Juliane led him and Leora from their rooms to the small

salon in which they were to have their "outing." They waited impatiently for Holdt to open the doors.

"Hurry-come in," called Lord Adrian when the butler did so.

The children rushed toward him. Lady Juliane followed more slowly. The miniature frame scene Lord

Adrian had constructed halted them in their steps.

Green boughs from cedars and pines, and flowers from the estate's greenhouses gave a breath of spring and openness to the room. A small flock of chicks and ducks scurried about the room.

A tiny lamb nuzzled Leora, who responded with a tentative pat. Then babbling happily she sank both

hands and face into the lambs soft wool.

Andre's puppy bounded atop him and they fell into a happy heap upon the floor.

Lady Juliane could only shake her head in wonder. What had put such an idea into the earl's head?

"Do you approve, Juliane?" Lord Adrian asked. He took her hand and led her before a large cloth

spread before the fire. It was laden with all the ingredients necessary for an outdoor feast. Several large pillows had been placed around the cloth.

"May I a.s.sist you?" Lord Adrian asked, nodding at the pillows.

She inclined her head and he took her other hand to a.s.sist Juliane as she sat down on one of the pillows.

Lord Adrian held them longer than was strictly necessary.

Glancing up, Juliane's breath caught at the look in the earl's eyes. Doubts fled as warmth flared to life within her breast. When his lips brushed her inner wrist, her pulse leapt wildly. Adrian raised his gaze to hers. The children, their surroundings, all were forgotten in the silent burst of emotion that enveloped them. Their gazes held with spellbinding force until the children demanded their attention.

Leora insistently pulled at Juliane's gown and Andre yanked harder at Lord Adrian's coat.

Releasing Juliane's hand with a sigh of regret, Lord Adrian picked up Andre and tossed him in the air.

"What is it, mon fin compagnon?" "We are affame. Can we not eat?" demanded Andre. "You will have to wait to eat, Andre," laughed Lady Juliane. "Leora has 'requested' a certain change be made first."

Seeing the puddle beneath Leora's feet, Lord Adrian burst into laughter. "You see to the change, Juliane.I shall see to 'repairs' here. Hurry though-you have two hungry bears waiting." "Oui," echoed Andre, "hurry." Returning a short time later, Lady Juliane and Leora found Lord Adrian and Andre seated upon the cushions. Andre swallowed guiltily and grinned. Leora ran on tiptoes and plopped down on a pillow

beside them.

Lord Adrian rose, bowed exaggeratedly to Lady Juliane, and seated her. Shaking out a napkin, he draped it across her lap.

Laughing at his manner, Juliane said, "No, my lord, you must not. I shall serve myself."

He bowed so low that even Andre laughed. Startled, Leora looked about. Lord Adrian plucked her up and tossed her into the air. Her alarm turned into enthusiastic jabbering.

Andre was up in an instant. He begged for the same. Lowering Leora, Lord Adrian swung Andre up,

then, pretending he was about to drop him, staggered about and collapsed on the cushions. The salon

resounded with their gaiety.

Servants pa.s.sing the salon's closed doors for the next hour smiled at the laughter emanating from within it. It was good, indeed, to have the master home and the house full of the sounds of happiness.

Alva lifted a weary Leora to her shoulder.

"Andre, you must go also," admonished Lord Adrian as the boy backed away from Alva's outstretched hand. "We will have more outings."

"Do you promise?" sniffed Andre.

"I give my promise as a gentleman," he answered taking Andre by the hand and leading him to Alva.

"And you know a gentleman always keeps his word. Now off with you." Giving the boy a pat, he held the door as Alva and the children pa.s.sed through. After they left, he turned and approached Lady Juliane, who had risen.

"There is still some time before we have to dress for dinner. Come with me." Taking her hand, he led her from the salon.

"Holdt," he called, "see to the menagerie in the salon and tell all those who helped that it was an unmitigated success."

"Yes, my lord. I will be most pleased to do so."

"We are going to the library. See that we are NOT interrupted."

"Yes, my lord."

In the library Lady Juliane edged closer to her corner as Lord Adrian sat beside her on the small sofa

before the fire. She had been so completely at ease with him during their "outing" that she had forgotten her fears and plans. Seeing the earl's serious expression as he gazed into the fire, her anxiety returned.

A low sigh escaped Lord Adrian. Leaning back, he placed his arm atop the sofa, half encircling Lady

Juliane. "You enjoyed the afternoon."

It was a statement, not a question, but she felt impelled to reply. "It was delightful, my lord. I must thank you ... for the children." Juliane tried to stifle a troubling thought.

"But, something about it has upset you," he stated quietly.

"No, my lord. It could not have been improved upon. It is just-" She hesitated, then honesty gained the

upper hand. She looked away. "I do wish you had not given your promise to Andre."

"But it is a promise easily kept."

Lady Juliane wrung her hands. It was so disquieting having him so near. Would her heart not be still?

Lord Adrian placed his hand atop hers firmly and Juliane turned to him.

Looking up from his strong slim hand Juliane met his gaze. It made her heart race and, as he leaned

closer, all her fears faded away.

He paused, his eyes searching hers.