Benjamin tossed and turned in his sleep. He did not wish to dream of her. The fact that she could leave him, walk away without looking back. It drove him to madness. How could she not know what she would do to him? What cataclysmic results such actions would have?

Still sleep overtook him once more and he was at the home of Lady and Lord Devonshire.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

So many times he thought to turn around. He had no right. What could he offer? But each time he thought of Banks and the smug smirk of that beef-witted womanizer, he saw red. Banks was beneath her touch.

She was sweet, kind, brave, adventurous, and when she kissed his lips, she had stolen his heart, his very soul.

They had been announced and made their way to the drawing room where people were mingling before dinner. His eyes searched the room, and there she was, his angel. She looked stunning in a gown of pale blue trimmed in white lace. She reminded him of a beautiful piece of Wedgewood, lovely, delicate, a true masterpiece.

"So you planning on painting a picture or are you going to walk over there?" Brummell asked, causing Benjamin to laugh. He leaned in and whispered, "Wish me luck."

"She has not taken her eyes from you since you entered the room. Who needs luck? Now go!" Brummell said, nudging him forward.

At that moment their eyes had met, he watched as her pale skin flushed to a pleasant pink at having been caught staring at him. He felt his smile widen. He could not stop smiling at her. She whipped out her fan and began to vigorously fan her face only to stop and coyly peer at him over its edge.

"Oh Clara, what you can do to a man with one look," he thought. Then suddenly out of nowhere Banks arrives blocking his view of her. "My dear sweet Lady Bentley. How are you this evening?"

"Damn!" Benjamin detoured to two men he had seen on the way in. Recognizing one of them from his military days. General Rhawnhurst and Lord Devonshire were having a serious discussion about the possibility of George the IV coming into power.

"I pray you are wrong, General as that man would be a menace on the throne. He is not his father that is for certain."

"I could not agree more," the General said, "Jefferson talks of suspending trade."

"With us? Is he mad?" Lord Devonshire asked.

"On the contrary, he has been trying to keep neutral but neutrality runs thin when your people are complaining that their sons are being pressed into service for his Majesty's Navy," Benjamin interjected.

"McAllister, how have you been?" General Rhawnhurst asked, shaking his hand.

"As well as any other," Benjamin offered nonchalantly.

"Lord Devonshire, may I introduce Mr. Benjamin McAllister, one of His Majesty's finest soldiers. We certainly could use more men like you fighting against Napoleon," General Rhawnhurst boasted.

"I have served my time, General. It would seem I am of more value elsewhere."

"Always so cryptic this one," the General says to Lord Devonshire. "I must admit a ball would be the last place I would expect to see the likes of you Mr. McAllister."

"Wonders never cease," Benjamin said, positioning himself in such a way among the group of men that he had a clear visual path to Clara and Banks. She had lowered her fan and Banks had kissed her hand. A rather brazen move in such a public environment.

He keeps making such overtures like that and he will have the woman ruined before she is wed, labeled a trollop to become bachelor fare.

"So, you are of the opinion of impending war with the States?" Lord Devonshire asked.

Benjamin pulled his attention back. "Hard not to surmise. There is only so long the President of the United States will allow for such behavior."

"Dear boy, you may be correct but I do so hope you are wrong as I do not see how we can afford another war. Already being so involved with France," Lord Devonshire said.

"It will be both taxing on the people and the King should it occur," Benjamin agreed.

He kept one eye on Banks waiting for the box to appear. He had no idea what he would do if it did. It was not like he could tackle the man in the middle of a dinner party, knocking the infernal thing out of his hand.

Just then he had seen Brummell saunter up to the couple. He had seen him say something to Banks and greet Clara now that he had obviously been introduced. She smiled warmly at him, and then he had seen both of them glance his way.

With a wave of his hand, Brummell had compelled him forward. "If you will excuse me, gentlemen, I believe I am being summoned elsewhere."

"Well, do not make yourself a stranger. I would love to talk more with you. Should you have the opportunity," Lord Devonshire said.

"Absolutely, my pleasure," Benjamin gave both the General and Lord Devonshire a respectful bow and took his leave of them.

He purposely had to slow his pace as not to come across too eager, but his heart raced and palms felt clammy. He wished he could run to her side.

"Ah, there you are, Mr. McAllister. May I introduce Lady Clara Bentley?"

"Oh, we have met before," Clara interjected.

"You have?" Beau said, feigning innocence.

"Yes, at my Aunt's dinner party. He came as a guest of Mr. Banks."

"Tell me, was he a dreadful conversationalist? I am lucky I can get the man to say more than a few words."

"True enough. He did spend most of his time trying to hold up my Aunt's mantlepiece it would seem," Clara giggled and Beau laughed heartily at her jab at Benjamin.

"Not surprised. He is, however, a rather fascinating fellow once you get to know him," Beau taunted.

"Is that so?" Clara said and her fan reappeared but it was evident by the look in her eyes that she was hiding a secret smile.

"Oh, yes. I can be quite glib when I wish to be," Benjamin said with a slight grin to his lips.

"I guess I will have to take your word, Mr. McAllister. Do you dance?" she asked from behind her fan.

"Only when forced," Benjamin offered, he really was not proficient on a dance floor. He avoided such things as balls and dinner parties that may result in dancing afterward.

"What a pity?" Clara said sadly. "As my card is currently empty and would have hoped to have found myself a partner."

"But Lady Bentley you must be aware it was my intention to add my name to that list. In fact, I had hoped to claim several dances," Banks interjected a bit moodily, not liking the fact that he was being ignored this entire time.

"With certainty, Mr. Banks but surely you can not expect me to save every dance for you. What would people think? You would not wish me into a scandal?" Lady Bentley asked pulling her fan from her face.

Benjamin found it difficult to breathe around her. Those eyes, those lips.

"Then allow me to save you from such rumors," Benjamin said, taking her hand in his. Clara had trembled slightly at his touch. Gently he slid the fan from her wrist. As he suspected, it was her dance card for he had noted upon entering the room that every woman had one. He placed his name down for the first and last dance of the evening.

She smiled brightly at him. "Thank you, sir. You are my saving grace."

"May I?" Beau asked, and Clara nodded. Benjamin handed it to him and he wrote his name down for the dance right after Benjamin's and one where he was pretty certain there would be an intermission afterward.

"You are too kind, sir," Clara said looking at their names once she had her fan in hand.

Banks could take it no longer. He did not know what was afoot with Brummell and McAllister but he would not have them spoiling this evening for him. He had plans damn it and he will not have them interrupted.

"Give it here," he said to Clara a little gruffly, holding his hand out to her to surrender the fan. Clara looked for a moment that she might refuse but catching the look from her Aunt who was watching her avidly from across the room thought better.

She gave him the fan and Banks wrote himself in for three dances. Wanting to one-up the other men. He handed it back to her and she placed it back on her wrist. He was expecting something more but she made no comment about his claim to three dances.

Just then a bell was rung and a servant had announced that dinner would be served. People immediately began pairing up.

"Would you do me the honor?" Benjamin asked holding out his arm.

Clara looked hesitantly at all three men. She knew she would be expected to accompany Banks. Her Aunt certainly would have, but it was an opportunity she was not about to let pass.

"Thank you, Mr. McAllister," and she rested her hand ever so gently upon his arm.

Beau found himself another companion easily it seemed. Leaving Banks to accompany Clara's aunt. It was evident that Banks was practically seething but Clara and Benjamin seemed in a world of their own, chatting away as if they were old friends.

Falling into an easy stride they walked into the dining area. The tables were set with decadence and delicious fare to tempt the senses of both the eyes and nose. Benjamin pulled out her chair for her and made certain she was properly seated before taking the seat across from her. There was not much time for conversation as with the number of people involved, it made any serious attempts at talking difficult as you could only properly hear those next to you.

He realized his error as it would have made more sense to be seated after her. Clara and Banks had been seated together and he would now be sitting were Banks is and have her undivided attention. He may have won a battle, but if he were not more careful he will lose the war.

"So, tell me. Mr. McAllister, is it not?" Lady Cantrell looked at him with sharp eyes.

"Yes, Lady Cantrell. We had the pleasure of meeting at your dinner party. I was a guest of Mr. Banks."

"Ah, yes now I remember. I see you remembered my niece," Lady Cantrell said and Benjamin's eyes met Clara's from across the table. "Your niece is a woman who would be difficult to forget by anyone, I imagine."

Lady Cantrell smiled a shrewd smile. "I see. Well, Mr. McAllister, it behooves me to point out that I expect my niece to very soon to be engaged."

"Is that so?" Benjamin said, giving none of his emotions away to this woman. He knew her game.

"Yes. I would hate to see anything happen that may ruin her chances."

"She is quite blessed to have such a concerned and caring Aunt to look after her," Benjamin supplied taking a sip of wine. He had caught Clara's small smile before she turned her attention to Bank's who refused to give a moment's lapse in silence.

"Perhaps you misunderstand me?" Lady Cantrell said, not wanting to be put off.

"Oh, I sincerely doubt that, Lady Cantrell. Your niece will never have anything to fear from me," Benjamin told her and Lady Cantrell seemed satisfied with his answer.

"It is Banks she needs to take care around," Benjamin added just as Lady Cantrell was beginning to look comfortable.

"How dare you?" Lady Cantrell mumbled under her breath not knowing what prying ears were perked to listening in.

"I dare because it is true. You and I wish the same for Lady Bentley. Neither of us wishes her ruined. Men talk, Lady Cantrell. Take care there."