A mistake. She couldn’t help but make them around the man her father had sold her to. He never responded as a civilized person ought, and the best way to avoid such a predator was to remain as invisible as possible. Never attract his notice.
And most definitely never speak one’s mind. She’d learned that one the hard way.
She rubbed the bump in her wrist, sucking down choppy breaths.Smile,she told herself.Smile and lower her gaze like a demure little miss.
She tried. Her limbs shook with the effort. Or was it from fear? No matter, the result was the same. She couldn’t pretend the man was nothing but a new acquaintance. Her legs tensed, prepared to take flight.
She scented him before she saw him. His spicy citrus aroma wrapped around her like a cocoon, a barrier of protection she could trust. John came to her side, gently cupping her elbow, his solid presence releasing the vise on her lungs. She took her first full breath since stumbling into Sudworth’s arms.
“Sudworth.” John gave the barest of nods. “I didn’t know you were here.”
Sudworth tutted. “How easily you discern my identity, Summerset. I will have to speak to my valet about concocting a more mystifying costume.”
“It appears I am likewise easy to distinguish.”
Sudworth flicked his gaze up and down John’s brightly-colored body. “Yes, that proved no difficulty at all. But tell me,” he said. “Who is your charming companion?”
“Miss Courtney.” John banded an arm around Netta’s waist. “She is the daughter of a friend. I’ve agreed to escort her about London, an arrangement for which I am much obliged.” He squeezed her hip. “Her society is most charming.”
Sudworth stared at John’s hand on her gown, pursing his lips. “So I see.” He inclined his head to Netta. “I do hope her charms haven’t distracted you from your other obligations. I’ve been waiting for you to call upon me.”
Netta clenched her hand in her gown. John knew Sudworth. By his manner, it was apparent they weren’t friends, but what was their connection? Surely it was nothing but a casual acquaintance. Surely life could not be so cruel as to have Sudworth be—
“My time has been fully occupied.” John twirled a strand of her fake hair around his finger. “Don’t get your smallclothes in a bunch. I will see to all my obligations in my own time.”
Netta loosed a strangled gasp. What freedom there was to be a man, to be an earl. John could say whatever he wished without fear. By God, he was outrageous. And wonderful.
A smidgeon more of her tension eased.
“As you are at this embassy,” Sudworth said, “I hope the time to fulfill your duty is now.” He smiled. “But let us speak on more pleasant matters. Are you enjoying the masquerade, Miss Courtney?” His gaze hovered on her bosom. The tip of his tongue darted out and he licked his lower lip.
Netta shuddered, her skin crawling. She flicked her fan open and cooled her face, the feathers making up the fan hiding her breasts from his vision.
Sudworth inclined his head. “Pardon me. I can’t help but be impressed by your large…pendant. That’s a beautiful emerald.”
“Of course.” John pressed even closer into her side. “I have good taste. In everything.”
“In your choice of companion that is obviously true.” Sudworth inclined his head again, all politeness.
She wanted to stab him through the eye with her fan.
“So are you enjoying the masquerade, Miss Courtney?”
Netta swallowed, trying to bring moisture back to her mouth. She deepened her voice, slowed her speech. “Indeed. The earl has been most solicitous in showing me the best diversions London has to offer.” She truly was an outstanding actress. She didn’t at all sound as though she wanted to cripple the man.
“And yet this is the first time we have met.” Sudworth stepped aside as another dance began. “Where have you been keeping this lovely creature, Summerset?”
Netta and John followed him to the side of the room. “A couple of calls. A ride through the park” John spread his hands. “My Net—”
“I’m afraid I’m a bit dull for Lord Summerset.” She dug her nails into her palm. She couldn’t let Sudworth hear her nickname. She’d always been called Netta. He might add two plus two and come to the right damned answer. “I enjoy more sedate pursuits, but the earl has been kind enough to indulge me. In fact…” She laid her hand upon his arm and prayed he would follow her lead. “We had discussed leaving after this dance.”
“Yes.” John patted her hand. “The Dutch can provide decent entertainment but their food is abominable. If you will excuse us.” Without waiting for a response, John led her away, saving her the necessity of curtsying to her enemy.
They waited in the spacious entry for the footmen to bring their coats. “You were marvelous,” John whispered in her ear. “Just the right amount of innocence and backbone. And ending the conversation early, leaving him wanting more was inspired. How did you know Sudworth was our man?” He took her coat from the servant and helped her into it. “I must have mentioned his name before, I suppose.”
Netta’s head went light and she swayed. “Yes,” she said, the word sounding distant.
Sudworth was John’s target. She could almost laugh at the horrible coincidence. The person who’d forced her to abandon her family was now threatening John’s. The reach of this one man was almost impressive.
