He addressed his cousin seriously. “I think Blackstone’s will be vital for my future connections. Thank you for recommending me.”
“You are most welcome.” Percy stretched his back and stood. “All I ask is that you return the favor, should the occasion arise.”
Isaac’s brow twitched, but he nodded anyway. He had been afraid of this. Knowing so much of Percy’s past, Isaac wasn’t entirely certain he could speak highly of his character and keep his own integrity intact. It was a dangerous favor to owe.
With a firm clap on Isaac’s shoulder, Percy strode out of the drawing room, leaving Isaac alone at the table. He settled into his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. He scowled at nothing, working through the events of the day in his mind. Not only had he succeeded at becoming a member of Blackstone’s,but he had obtained an invitation to dine with the viscount and his family.
He hadn’t fared well seeing Sophia at the ball…even when she had been wearing a mask. What would happen when he saw her face again? He would have to trust himself to keep to his convictions.
His heart, on the other hand, could not be trusted at all.
Chapter Six
“Guests?” Prudence met Sophia’s gaze in the mirror as her maid arranged her long dark hair. “How many?”
Sophia approached the back of her sister’s chair. “Does it matter? Stepfather will be sure to serve something strange no matter the number.” She took a brief glance at the pale green gown draped over her reflection, the overlay adding a shimmer to the otherwise dull fabric.
Prudence grimaced. “Why does he think serving detestable foods is impressive?”
Sophia helped the maid place a few pins with an amused smile. “They are not detestable, they areexotic.”
Prudence released a huffed breath, one dark eyebrow lifting. “If Mama were here, she would not allow it.”
Sophia nodded her agreement. “Stepfather will be sure to take advantage of her lack of protest. I suspect he has been awaiting this opportunity for a long time.” Their mother wasn’t arriving in London for another month. She had already missed several parties and events, leaving much of her chaperoning duties to their Aunt Hester. While Sophia was glad Aunt Hesterhad accompanied them to London, she was growing increasingly frustrated with her judgment.
She, much like Prudence—and much like Stepfather—had been fooled by Percy Ellington. Sophia was fairly certain he was one of the guests who would be at dinner that evening. But she didn’t dare guess at who else might attend.
Prudence took one last look in the mirror before standing to face Sophia. Her peach gown was the perfect color for her complexion, bringing out warmth from her green eyes. Sometimes Sophia was surprised at how much her sister had grown. In Sophia’s mind, Prudence was still a child—still dependent on her, willing to listen to her advice, and eager to please. Age had gifted Prudence with beauty, and though she remained humble, she had gained a great deal of confidence.
And a hint of defiance.
At eighteen, Prudence was still learning the ways of society, who she could trust—and who she could not. Sophia had made it her quest to ensure Prudence learned correctly.
“Do you think Percy will be one of the guests?” Prudence asked with a sly smile.
Sophia adjusted her sister’s necklace. “I should hope not.”
She scowled. “Why don’t you like him? He has only ever been kind and gracious toward you.”
“Of course he has.” Sophia tried to pinch Prudence’s cheeks, but she ducked out of the way. “Prue!”
“No.” Prudence crossed her arms. “I shall look pale as a ghost at dinner if you do not explain why you dislike Mr. Ellington.”
His name rang through Sophia’s head, setting off her defenses. Perhaps it had always been his name that unsettled her. When she had been Prudence’s age, a Mr. Ellington had hurt her deeply, after all.
Sophia’s distrust of Percy Ellington was not based simply on his name, though, and not simply on her senses. Her maidhad given her valuable insight into his character, and his rakish behavior that he brushed into the darkest corners of society. He was good at hiding things and keeping secrets. He was good at presenting himself however he pleased. He was well aware of the masking quality of his charm, and he used it shamelessly.
Explaining all of this to Prudence had never been fruitful, though.
“I have already told you many times, Prue, and you won’t listen. I don’t trust his intentions.”
Prudence’s nostrils flared, but she said nothing. Sophia had learned to keep her mouth shut on the matter, since her resistance seemed only to fuel Prudence’s desire for Percy even more. If Sophia continued to make him a forbidden prize, then Prudence would become even more attached to the idea of him. It was a delicate balance of warning and watching. But she would do anything to save Prudence from the same fate she had endured from an Ellington.
“You cannot blame Percy for Isaac’s mistakes.” Prudence touched Sophia’s sleeve gently. “They are not the same man.”
Sophia held her sister’s gaze for a long moment. After the masquerade ball, Prudence had noticed Sophia’s mood and had pried the truth out of her. Over the years, Sophia hadn’t spoken of Isaac, but Prudence still remembered him and all that had occurred between them.
Sophia nodded, her throat dry. “That is true. But Percy could be even worse.”
