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But there was something more to her—something that attracted him in a way he'd not felt before. Judith Stanford had a heart for the very things he did. She cared about those around her who were suffering and in need, and she put others first.

His mother and sister were always after him to find a wife and settle down, but until this moment, he'd never met a woman with whom he could imagine himself married. Judith Stanford, however, was easily a match for the bride he had imagined. She was soft-spoken, yet firm in her opinions and confident in doing the right thing. Just the fact that she was here spending her free time listening to lectures on helping the destitute spoke volumes about her character.

But even as he thought these things, Roman chided himself. He didn't really know anything about Judith Stanford other than the information Mrs. Silverman had shared in their brief conversation earlier. Certainly not enough to think favorably toward a lifetime together. No doubt it was just the heat.

Sweat trickled down the side of his neck. The temperatures were almost unbearable, and Roman felt he'd had more than enough of crowds and lectures. He made his way toward the back of the room where the exit doors would lead him outside into the hopefully night air. As he drew near to where Judith stood listening to Mrs. Silverman, he sensed there might be a problem. Judith seemed strangely silent, almost distracted.

As he came abreast of her and the others, Judith turned. The look on her face was one he'd seen on the battlefield just before men lost consciousness. Reaching out, he caught her as she fainted.

"Oh dear! Oh my!" Mrs. Silverman waved her gloved hands in exclamation. "What has happened!"

"I believe the heat has overcome the poor woman," one of the men declared.

Roman lifted Judith into his arms. "Let's get her outside. The open air will be better. Mrs. Silverman, please find us a way through the crowd."

Outside the air was cooler, but heavy with humidity. Roman stood holding Judith in his arms and wondering what he should do next.

"I believe there is a marble bench to the side, just over there." Mrs. Silverman pointed.

Roman caught sight of the bench and nodded. He crossed the portico and wondered whether to seat Judith on the bench or continue holding her. She was light enough he could have held her forever, or so he told himself, but propriety was important. He gently lowered her to the bench and, while still holding on to her, grabbed the fan attached to her waistband. He didn't see how it was fastened and gave a hard yank. The button holding it danced across the stone floor.

Roman opened the fan while balancing Judith and began to use it quite vigorously. "If someone could get her a glass of water, that would help," he said, not even bothering to look up.

She started to rally as he continued to fan her face. When she opened her eyes and met his gaze, she smiled. Roman was certain she had no idea of where she was. He smiled back.

Then at once, his nearness seemed to alarm her. She jerked and sat up straight, pulling herself out of Roman's arms with surprising strength.

"Oh goodness. What happened?"

"You fainted, my dear," Mrs. Silverman announced. "The heat was positively abominable. Thank God for Dr. Turner. He just happened to be passing by and caught you as you fell."

Judith looked into Roman's eyes. For a moment, he lost the ability to reason. He had never met a woman who so completely captured his thoughts. He'd long prayed for a wife, but could it really be this easy? Could she be the one?

"Thank you for helping me, Dr. Turner." She reached over and took the fan.

"I'm afraid I pulled rather hard and sent a button flying across the way." He motioned with his head but refused to look away from the glance that kept him spellbound.

She smiled. "It's of no concern, given the service you rendered me." She fanned herself a few times. "It's usually not so hot in the evening, but the room seemed quite confining."

"Yes, there were simply too many people in one small space," Mrs. Silverman agreed. "I will call for my carriage and see you safely home."

Roman thought to offer that himself but knew it would be inappropriate. However, accompanying them would be completely fitting.

"I could go with you," he offered.

"Nonsense. I have my driver and two footmen. We'll be just fine, Dr. Turner. Please return to the fund raiser. I know it is important for you to meet with several of our larger donors."

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