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One corner of his mouth lifted in amusement, and I shrugged. We both knew that this charade wouldn’t be out of place in a comedy of manners. It seemed impossible that I was actually a participant instead of watching it play out on a stage.

“My lord,” my stepmother said when she burst into the room, a flushed Georgiana in tow. The pair dipped into deep curtsies. “It is a wonderful surprise to see you here today. Let me introduce you to my daughter, Miss Georgiana Sullivan.”

My sister smiled at him, dimpling shyly. Her hair was a much lighter shade of brown than mine. And no one would deny that she was the prettier sibling.

I waited, half expecting Greyson to change his mind and decide that perhaps he had brushed off my sister’s interest far too casually.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” he said with a bow. Georgiana’s smile widened.

“It is a pleasure to have you calling on me, my lord.”

My stepmother’s chest puffed out with pride, certain that she’d achieved her goal. Somehow, Georgiana had caught Greyson’s attention, and it was clear she expected him to become captivated by her daughter’s charms. I couldn’t blame her as I held my breath and waited for it to happen.

Greyson raised one brow. “It is a pleasure to make both of your acquaintances. But I was calling on your sister, Miss Claire Sullivan.”

My stepmother’s face froze and then she turned to frown at me. “Claire? You must be mistaken.”

He gave her a look that should have frozen her on the spot.

Georgiana looked like she wanted to cry. I should have felt guilty, but I told myself that experiencing disappointment now and again would be a character-building lesson for my sister. Heaven knew her mother spoiled her horribly.

“Miss Sullivan and I became acquainted through her work at the charity school. I do admire a woman who gives selflessly to others.”

“Well,” my stepmother said with a sniff, “that certainly describes my eldest daughter. She is always spending all her time with those who are beneath us.”

I didn’t think it was possible, but Greyson’s expression became even more frosty. I feared he was going to offer her a set down that I’d pay dearly for later.

“Shall I call for tea?” I said, hoping to ease the tension of the moment.

Greyson turned to smile at me. The warmth in his face was a stark contrast to how he’d regarded my stepmother. “Actually, I was hoping that I could take you for a ride in Hyde Park. My carriage is outside.”

“No, absolutely not,” my stepmother said a little too quickly. “You can’t take Claire out, alone, in a carriage.”

I wanted to protest. I was of age and could do whatever I wanted. Heaven knew she didn’t care where I spent my time. She only cared that I was spending it with the man she’d hoped would marry the daughter she’d carried and not the one she’d inherited through marriage.

“You are correct, of course,” Greyson said. “Which is why I thought to bring a chaperone. She is a matron and, I assure you, very respectable. If you’d care to look outside.”

The three of us walked over to the window and did just that. Perched inside an open-air carriage was Lady Caroline Kendrick. She’d been the Diamond this season and was, therefore, recognizable by sight. She’d also married one of the Legends a few months ago.

She waved at us from the carriage.

“So you see,” Lord Greyson said, “we will be suitably chaperoned. And the carriage is open, so you have no need to worry about anything unseemly taking place.” His eyes narrowed a fraction. “After all, I would never dream of ruining your daughter.”

He was looking at Georgiana then. And the way my sister’s cheeks heated, it was clear that she knew he was referring to their recent attempt to have him compromise her.

“This is most unusual,” my stepmother protested.

“On the contrary,” Lord Greyson said, holding out his arm. I placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. “This is a common occurrence that happens every day in London.” He glanced at Georgiana again before turning back to my stepmother. “Surely, your other daughter has had callers.”

“Of course she has,” my stepmother said, stiffening with outrage.

“I’m happy to hear that.” He turned to me. “We should leave now. It isn’t far, but I’m sure there will be a press of carriages waiting to enter the park.”

No one said another word as Greyson led me from the house. But when the door closed behind us, I heard Georgiana’s unmistakable shriek of anger.

Greyson grinned at me, and I couldn’t help but think that perhaps I would indulge this charade for a little while longer. It felt nice to be considered the sought-after sister, even if it was just pretend.

Chapter 8