“You shouldn’t be so cynical. Lady Royston was happy to invite you.”
Her mouth quirked to one side. She knew better. “Has anyone dared to refuse you?”
“Never. And that is because they are happywith whatever small service I perform for them. It is all about fairness.”
She hummed her opinion.
“You are starting to hurt my feelings,” Beck mock-complained.
“I’ve known rock walls who have more tender emotions than you have, sir.”
“You are a difficult woman, Miss Lanscarr. I shall work hard to convince you that I do have a better nature.” They had reached the dance floor. The set had already started.
“Oh, this is unfortunate,” she said, already starting to turn away from him. “We are late for the dancing.”
Beck caught her hand. “The next set will start soon. We can watch the dancers.”
She hesitated, reminding him of a fawn ready to take flight.
“Please,” he pressed.
Uncertain eyes met his, and then her shoulders relaxed. She faced the dancers.
“Thank you,” he said.
“I’m being polite.”
“I appreciate it.”
They fell into silence, supposedly watching the dancing. He found he liked having her stand next to him.
She spoke. “How did you find us?”
He smiled. “I said I was very good at what I did.”
“Hunting people?”
“Sometimes other tasks. I earn a living.”
She faced him. “Have you noticed how many people are staring at us, and trying not to?”
“You are a newcomer, a lovely one. They stare because they are curious. And interested.”
She shook her head with a frown. “It is you. They stare because of you. Whoareyou?”
“Exactly who I said I was. Beckett Steele.”
“You must be more than what you say you are. You convinced Lady Royston to treat us as honored guests. How?”
“Are you asking because you admire my way with people?”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I wish to understand how to coerce the powerful to do as I wish.”
“It is a good talent to have.”
She closed her eyes as if annoyed with him and then repeated, “Who are you?”
He could tell her some of the truth. “My father is the Marquis of Middlebury. But I rarely go out into Society. It bores me.”
