“I did,” Fanny admitted reluctantly.
“Perhaps you should reconsider.” Her father folded his hands over his midsection and glanced at her steadily. “You do know thetruereason behind this farce, do you not?”
Fanny nodded. “A shipment is due to arrive at Talland Bay that night.”
“Indeed,” her father concurred. “So you see, if you do not attend this ball, then the chances we could be discovered are heightened. We need this distraction.” His face softened even further. “You know that the revenue officers are causing more trouble on the coast, especially that blasted lieutenant, Robert Linneman.” He practically spat the name. “Rest assured, once this delivery is made, I promise that my smuggling days are at an end. Times are changing. England is increasing their patrol every day. The risks are too great to be in such a dangerous trade any longer.”
Just the thought of her father being arrested caused Fanny’s chest to ache, but still she hesitated. “What will we do to make ends meet?”
“I shall find a way,” he reassured her. “I always have. Agnes just might not get as many new ribbons as she would like.”
He winked at her, but Fanny wasn’t reassured. “But what about the market? If I don’t take the cart every day, that will surely injure our coffers.”
“Your mother has already sent word to Devonshire to your aunt and uncle. Your sister, Lilah, should be returning in a couple days to fill in.” He patted her hand. “All you have to do now is accept Lord Castleford’s generous offer.”
Fanny wavered. While she knew it would be the perfect distraction for Lord Castleford, she was more worried aboutherdistraction withhim.“I’m not sure he’s entirely honorable,” she hedged.
“I trust you,” her father returned. “You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders, and it’s not as if you won’t be properly chaperoned at Killigarth Manor. Besides, it’s only temporary, a fortnight at most. It’s not as if you will be forming an attachment in such a short time.”
Fanny wasn’t so sure about that, although she replied like any other obedient daughter should. “Very well, Papa.”
Chapter Four
JONATHAN PACED THEfront parlor of Killigarth Manor. He stopped only long enough to look out the window when he thought he heard something before continuing his trek back and forth across the carpet.
“You’re going to wear a path in the middle of the room if you keep this up,” Elliot drawled from where he lounged on the settee.
Jonathan shot him a glare. “You don’t have to remain.”
His friend lifted a brow. “Now what kind of host would I be if I didn’t properly greet Miss Grouseman when she arrives?”
“The kind of host that wants to stay and see me squirm in discomfort,” Jonathan nearly growled.
“Well, thatisa bonus, I must agree,” Elliot’s mouth was curved upward at the corners. He shook his head. “I still don’t see why you’re so anxious. I thought you were just giving her a few dance lessons. That shouldn’t be too difficult, even for you. It’s not as if you are in danger of forming any sort of lasting attachment.”
Jonathan barely refrained from snorting. Elliot had no idea that whenever he thought of holding Fanny in his arms, he felt as if his cravat was tied a bit too tight.
