“He is of moderate height. You would notice him. He is handsome, and his smile makes my heart beat faster.” Charlotte giggled and patted Jo’s arm. “I feel I can say anything to you, Jo. I am pleased we’re friends. Since Anabel Riley left London, I’ve been lonely. Some of the debs are uppish, and some are just plain silly. Will you attend the Brandworth’s Venetian breakfast?”
“Yes, we are going.”
“I will tell you all about my outing in the park with Mr. Virden when we meet again.”
“Yes, please do. I am eager to hear all about it.”
As the musicians returned to the dais, Charlotte rose. “A waltz is about to be called. I won’t dance, but I must return to Mrs. Lincoln. It was so sweet of her to come tonight when I am sure she would prefer her bed.”
Charlotte hurried away as couples gathered on the dance floor. Reade appeared, outpacing another gentleman with the same intention. He offered her his hand and smiled down at her. Jo felt a sense of warm recognition. As if he was an old friend. How silly of her when he had been so maddening when they last met. Why did he wish to see her? To grill her further about Virden?
His hand settled low on her back, and she struggled to remember what it was she wished to tell him. Just being near him made her brain turn to mush. “Mr. Virden was here tonight,” she said as he swept her into the dance.
He cast her an ironic look. “I didn’t think you knew the fellow.”
“I don’t.” His hard stare ruffled her. “But my friend, Charlotte, does. She saw him earlier this evening.”
“Here, was he? And you didn’t see him?”
“No, I wasn’t with her. You aren’t about to interrogate me again, are you? I thought we’d finished with that.”
A smile teased his lips. “No, I will notinterrogateyou. And no, we are not finished.”
“Well.” Jo huffed. “How annoying you are.”
He laughed.
“Is there a purpose to this dance?”
“A purpose? You are refreshingly different, Miss Dalrymple. Ladies usually flirt with gentlemen when they dance.”
Ladies would flirt with him, she thought, catching her bottom lip in her teeth. But she was just as hopeless. She loved being in his arms, even though what passed between them was too serious for frivolity. She suspected there was always a purpose behind Reade’s actions. And she intended to find out what it was.
The glorious music swelled as they glided over the floor. Jo closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them, Reade’s dark brown eyes had softened. “You enjoy this piece?”
“Yes, very much.” It wasn’t the music, it was being close to him. It emboldened her to flirt a little. “I know if I close my eyes, you will keep me safe.”
Her attempt at flirtation failed, for his gaze sharpened. “On a dance floor. But keeping you safe outside of a ballroom might be harder.”
She almost gasped at the change in him. “Am I at risk of harm?”
“You, and every young woman in London.”
This was more than an idle warning. What did he refer to? She must tell him about Sally. Impossible while waltzing with him. Jo fell silent as the dance continued. Reade didn’t question her lack of conversation. He seemed absorbed in his own thoughts.
The dance ended.
They crossed the floor toward where Aunt Mary sat with her friend, Mrs. Butterworth. Jo’s father was talking to some people farther down the room. Who knew when she would see Reade again. She steeled herself. “My maid, Sally, was abducted from Piccadilly while we were shopping,” she said. “And before you scold me for venturing out without a proper escort, I must explain that Sally arrived home unscathed the following day.”
His hand tightened over hers, halting her. “They snatched her from the street? Was she molested?”
“No, not that. The most extraordinary thing. A man put a hood over her head and took her to a house and then…”
“Not here.” Reade took her by the elbow and led her out through the French doors. On the terrace, a cool breeze swept across her hot face. Jo noted his grim expression in consternation. Why had she told him? He was angry with her, although what right he had to be so was beyond her. It had been so frightening to lose Sally that she did feel guilty, and waited, tensing for the rebuke.
“Tell me the whole.” The concern in his dark eyes made Jo’s chest tighten and fight tears. It was not what she’d expected. She related the incident while he prodded her for more information. “I don’t know where he took Sally, but the hackney bringing her home passed a sign to Soho Square.” She glanced anxiously up into his face. Reade’s heavy eyebrows lowered, his expression dark and angry. She quaked, for his reaction frightened her. “Sallyhasfully recovered.”
“I am sorry your maid has suffered such an ordeal.” His quiet voice surprised her. “Sally is a fortunate young woman.”
