His perfection

PTE

stared at the shadows walking on the wall. He made no pretense at sleep, though he'd screwed his

Sylvester's window was open, for the day had been warm for late Se

en particularly bad, not just in London during the Season, but here at Lloyd Hall. It happened often, particularly when they had visitors. A

at displeased him. He was far more likely to mete out punishment and criticism. Indeed, when Sylvester searched his mind as far ba

deed, he'd tensely awaited the moment it would begin, for his parents had hosted a co

out the sound. Papa raved and bellowed and cursed. Mama railed and argued and shrilled. He couldn't stop

or slammed b

went utter

elf to his study and a bottle of

ld envision his tight-lipped glower, and he did not relish the prospect of the coming day. His

ld be more scathing than usual. The boy sighed. He would have to try to keep his younger brother, Julius

his bed and crossed the floor. Always he checked on his brother and sister on those nights his parents feuded. Why, h

leep-he'd heard snores coming from her room. Once she'd scolded

pportunity for solitude seldom accorded him. His tutors weren't there to badger him. Nurse wasn't

rowning sternly, his lower lip thrust out fiercely. Bad dreams? Sylvester wondered. He brushed back the dark ha

the pillow. Sylvester tucked the lace coverlet more tightly about her form. His baby sister looked like an angel, he decided fondly. Outside, the circle of the moon had already begun its dow

the outstretched branches of a stately elm tree. He stood transfixed, still staring u

nked.

see him standing

the height of style.She wore a plaid pelisse and carried a matchin

e decided, his mama was surely the mos

"Sylvester!" She sounded peeved.

e regarded her. Though his years on this earth numbered eleven

n't slee

r. Instead she app

st beyond the bend in the drive. His eyes narrowed. He g

ing somewhe

breath. "Yes. Ye

e you goi

she said gaily. "Or Venice. Ah, yes, Venice. The weather will be lovely this time of year. And it'

his stomach. Young as he was, that mama should depart

y, Mama. Don't you like

rolling hills that surrounded Lloyd Hall, was difficult for Sylvester to comprehend

d nothing more than to race his pony u

was why he must apply himself diligently to his lessons,why he could not shun re sponsibility. The title of mar

glanced over her shoulder toward the carriage. The door was ope

t stay with your papa anymore. I thought I could be a mother and a wife

. I need more, my love. I need life and gaiety and parties and p

d lovers. Not so long ago, guests from London had visited. Sylvester had seen one man in particular gazing boldly at Mama. He

of it, but Sylves

kiss. One ...two... thr

er shared

certainly not his father, for he was well aware another row would ensue. It was th

ma's l

e'd tucked away d

that tonight was anothe

ois

same man whom he'd seen kiss Mama so ar

, then turned back to Sylvester,

d briskly. "Now come

oaking the hem of his nightshirt and chilling hi

after your brother and sister for me, will you, love?" She gave a tinkling little

ss atop his head, almost as if it were an afterthou

was swept shut, their silhouettes were clearly visible in the moonlight. The man's head swooped down.

st he saw of