“There are so many unanswered questions, like where these men were when my father needed them and why the sentencing happened so fast. Learning who the judge was would help.”
“I don’t entirely disagree,” he hedged.
She tilted her head as if in thought. “We should attend a ball together, one where all three suspects are bound to be present, so we can question them directly.”
Simon’s mouth dropped open. He gasped for air. “Are you mad?”
A frown creased her brow. “No. Why?”
He shook his head, incredulous. “Because you can’t just walk up to a potential lunatic and begin interrogating him. You’d be putting your life in danger. Especially since we’ve already established that there is a chance you’ll be recognized.”
“I know. But there’s also a chance I won’t, and it is one I am willing to take for even the slimmest hope of finding the answers I seek. Besides, my life has been in danger since you made my presence in London known.”
“Which is why I am all the more determined to protect you. If it hadn’t been for me, you wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with.”
Her smile from earlier returned. “I appreciate that, but it’s not very helpful, and if we’re to solve this case, you’re going to have to forget about some of your scruples.”
He studied her for a moment before admitting, “I don’t like it. There’s too much risk involved – elements we won’t have any control over.”
“We’ll be in a public setting, surrounded by people. No one will dare try to harm me there even if they do figure out who I am.”
“Perhaps not, but they might try to do so here. Your connection to me will be noted and…”
“And what?” When he didn’t respond, she said, “From what I’ve gathered about you so far, you’re struggling with a need to thwart the rules of Society, you dislike the image you’ve created for yourself as something of a dandy, and you resent the Duke of Huntley for making a fool of you once. What better way for you to make a statement than to show up at the next function with a gorgeous woman on your arm?” She gave him a mischievous smile.
“Miss Strong, it’s not just the suspects we need to worry about. There will without doubt be men there who saw you at Amourette’s, and while I’m inclined to believe they’ll stay silent, there’s no guarantee. If just one of them happens to speak up, your true identity will be revealed right away.”
“As I’ve said, that’s a chance I’m prepared to take.”
“I’m not.”
“Why?” The sparkle of enthusiasm faded from her eyes. “It’s more than concern for my safety that has you worried, isn’t it? You don’t want people to figure out who I really am and to think you’ve taken up with a traitor’s daughter.”
He puffed out a breath. “I’d like to avoid a scandal, if at all possible.”
“I doubt there would be one. None of these men will want anyone to know they recognize me since doing so would remind everyone of their connection to my father. It would stir up the very same past one of them is trying so hard to bury. So you needn’t worry. Everything will be fine.”
“Miss Strong…I’m very concerned for your safety.”
She gave a derisive snort. “I’m not safe anywhere until we get to the bottom of this.”
“I know, but stepping out among the peerage like this seems reckless.”
She sighed. “There’s something else.”
“What?”
She shrugged one shoulder in a dismissive sort of way that only piqued his curiosity. “My father always said he would make arrangements for my coming out once I turned sixteen, but then… I never got to attend a ball, Fielding, and I would really like the experience of doing so, if you will allow it.”
He sympathized with her. All young ladies deserved a chance to feel like a princess and Miss Strong had been denied hers. His heart ached for what she’d lost – for what she’d had to give up. As much as he feared for her safety and the censure he would face from his peers if anyone learned who she really was, he hadn’t the strength to turn down her heartfelt request.
Bold, beautiful, and enticing, Ida Strong deserved the chance to live for a change – a chance to recapture some of what had been taken from her.
With this in mind, he reluctantly gave his agreement.
It was all he could do in the end.
Chapter Seven
