He offered his arm. “May I escort you through the room?”
She hesitated, then accepted.
For science,she told herself.
They walked slowly along the edge of Evelina’s glittering ballroom. Chandeliers sparkled overhead, violins swelled, andguests twirled across the floor in a blur of silk and color. Lord Ebenezer began speaking animatedly.
“I am not one who gives into gossip, but I could not help but overhear the latest news,” he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially.
“Forgive me, Lord Ebenezer. I do not know what you are talking about.”
He looked disappointed as he asked, “You have not heard about the Scarlet Duke?”
Theodora’s stomach flipped but she kept her expression neutral. “I cannot say that I have.”
“Oh, it is all my father and brothers are talking about,” he said. “They simply cannot get over his last fight. You see, he never loses and for some reason, this time, he went down. Tragically too.”
She forced a smile and fought the urge to tell him that she knew what happened, of course, because she had been there.
“How interesting,” she said instead.
She had been the reason he lost. And afterward she was probably the reason why he left?—
Her cheeks warmed as she remembered what they had done after his fight. Every time a carriage creaked, or she opened the cupboard with her cloak in it, she remembered every detail of that night.
Lord Ebenezer continued, oblivious to her dilemma. “I must confess, I was quite pleased. I had placed my bet on the Irishman. I had a hunch that the Scarlet Duke’s winning streak could not last much longer.”
“You did?” Theodora acted interested in him, like Alexander taught her.
“Of course. The odds were excellent. And the Scarlet Duke…well, he is formidable, but even legends fall.”
Theodora’s curiosity sharpened. “Legends? Why is he considered a Legend?”
Lord Ebenezer looked around, making sure no one was listening. Then he leaned closer.
“Forgive me, Miss Dowell, but it is not a matter I can discuss with a lady.”
“I am more open minded than you think Lord Ebenezer,” Theodora said with a sarcastic laugh.
Lord Ebenzer looked at her curiously before he continued, “You truly have not heard of the rumor that made him a legend?”
“No,” she said, pulse quickening.
He grinned. “Well, the man is undefeated. Or was, until last week. His fights are the stuff of myth. Men travel across the city just to watch him. He is said to fight like a demon: fast, brutal, and impossible to predict.”
Theodora swallowed.Yes,she thought.I know.
“But that is not the only reason he is legendary,” Lord Ebenezer added with a wicked smile, lowering his voice even further.
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
He hesitated, then whispered even softer, “He has a reputation with… women.”
Her heart stopped.
“What?” she asked, too sharply.
He chuckled. “Oh, come now. Surely you have heard the rumors.”
