Chapter 4
Marcus was aware that his abrupt departure verged on rudeness. But he urgently needed to clear his head before he committed some actual folly. The young chit's proximity as they danced had been a form of torture. Exquisite torture, but one that could not be relieved in polite company.
What was it about her that had attracted him so? He had never before felt such a powerful compulsion to take a woman in his arms, which would be a devastatingly inappropriate move in the circumstances.
Seeking the fortification of a strong drink, he made his way across the ballroom where he re-encountered George.
"Good Lord, Southwell, what has come over you?" George was struck by the severity of his friend's expression and the grim set of his jaw.
"Nothing whatsoever has come over me. I merely
