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LordDarius had yet to return as well.

Anothershudder rippled down her spine, leaving her chilled, and a knot formed in her lower belly. Even as she considered disobeying Fletcher’s directive to stay put, LadyHuxley reappeared at the entrance.

Soshe hadn’t sneaked off to meet Fletcher, after all.

Witha furtive glance, the viscountess angled her head toward the suspicious gentleman loitering near the doorway. After a disinterested glance around, he strolled nonchalantly after her.

Siobhanbit her lower lip as she flashed cold, then hot, then cold again.

“My dear? Are you quite well?” One of the matrons squinted at her. “You appear most pale. Perhaps you should lie down in the retiring room for a spell.”

Theother woman eyed the sliver of bench Siobhan sat upon with open envy. “We could save your seat.”

Take it, you mean.

Shewas as subtle as a highland cow mincing down BondStreet wearing the crown jewels.

Inthat instant, Siobhan made her decision.

“Yes. Perhaps you are right.” She stood, and after making certain Fletcher, LordDarius, or one of the many guards on duty wouldn’t come charging across the floor to scold her, she carefully picked her way toward the door LadyHuxley disappeared through with just enough of a limp to put off anyone asking her to dance but not so much that she drew others’ concern.

Onceoutside the ballroom, she drew a deep breath and tried to determine what to do next.

Movementand a flash of scarlet farther along the corridor decided for her.

Shewould follow her ladyship and see what the woman was up to.

Witha swift, stealthy glance around to ensure no one watched her, Siobhan lifted her skirts and hurried in the same direction sans her limp.

Noone intent on meeting her paramour for an assignation—in this case, Fletcher—did so accompanied by another man—a scoundrel from Siobhan’s amateur assessment who portended no good.

Aswift peek over her shoulder revealed none of Fletcher’s men followed her.

Sheskewed her mouth into a small grimace.

Somuch for not being left alone.

Herheart hammering so hard the organ threatened to escape the confines of her chest, she passed several closed doors, including the room reserved for ladies, before peeking around the corner.

Empty.

Foreheadpuzzled, she took several steps into the vacant passageway.

Wherehad the viscountess gone?

Hadshe slipped into the ladies’ retiring room after all?

Siobhanglanced behind her.

Threegiggling women exited the chamber reserved for women’s personal needs.

Justas she turned around to retrace her steps, LadyHuxley’s sultry voice rooted her in place. “Why are you following me?”

Dreaddrying her mouth, Siobhan slowly turned around, favoring her supposedly injured ankle.

Expressionhaughty but etched with satisfaction, LadyHuxley raised an overly plucked eyebrow as she brushed her gloved fingers over the marble-topped table to her left. “Well?”

Wherewas that man?