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Claire’s astonished gaze swung between the two of us. “Caroline is supposed to be acting as my chaperone. A proper chaperone wouldn’t allow you to sit so close to me.”

I chuckled and tucked her arm into the crook of my elbow. “We are no closer than we would be if I was escorting you onto the dance floor.” I lowered my voice. “Besides, I am a Legend. We make our own rules.”

I watched Claire carefully, wondering how she was going to react. If she balked, then this outing would put an end to our charade. After a moment that seemed to stretch impossibly long, she laughed, her amusement genuine.

“Oh, this is going to be so much fun. I am so glad I am not a young miss who needs to worry about being ruined.” She leaned a little closer to me. “I’m not sure my reputation would have survived it. But since I am now firmly on the shelf and no longer worried about attracting a husband…” She shrugged. “By all means, let’s enjoy ourselves.”

Chapter 9

CLAIRE

The outing was more enjoyable than I’d expected. I hated being the center of attention, and I assumed that since I was with two very attractive individuals, I’d be virtually invisible. Greyson was one of the most handsome men I’d ever seen, and he had a commanding presence that drew all eyes to him. I could certainly understand why women had decided to pursue him so relentlessly, even if I couldn’t condone their methods.

Caroline, for her part, had been named the diamond of the season for good reason. But beyond her fair hair and blue-eyed beauty, she was warm and genuine. Given the way my own sister behaved as though she were the center of everyone’s world, something that was certainly true in our household, I’d expected similar behavior from Caroline. But instead, she went out of her way to ask me about my own interests. Greyson had already told her how we were acquainted, and it seemed word of my visit to King’s had spread amongst the Legends.

“How did you get started at the school?” she asked. “I know that it is fashionable for young ladies to have their favorite charities, but Greyson tells me that your interest seems sincere.”

I could hardly resist sharing about how delightful many of the children were, telling them about a few amusing anecdotes I’d witnessed. Finally, when I realized I was monopolizing the conversation, I sighed. “So many of them have tragic stories. If I can do even a little bit to improve their lot in life, how could I walk away?”

Greyson was watching me carefully. “The headmistress of the school mentioned that you’ve made it a point to spend time with some of the more difficult children.”

“I suppose I can understand them. I am used to being on the outside after my father married again and my sister was born.” I shrugged. “It’s understandable that my stepmother would devote most of her attention to her daughter by blood, which meant I was often overlooked.”

Caroline appeared horrified. “If a woman marries someone who already has offspring, she should treat them as her own.”

“I agree, but that is not often the case. But at least it meant that my stepmother left me to my own devices. I would have hated to be dressed up and paraded about for a season.”

Greyson seemed surprised by my statement. “You never had a season?”

I shook my head. “I’ll admit I was disappointed at first. But we spent a lot of time in London, which gave me the opportunity to explore charity work. When I first volunteered at Millworth this year, I felt as though I’d found my place.”

Caroline reached out to touch my arm. “You’re a caring individual. That speaks well of your character.”

I stole a sideways glance at Greyson. “Apparently, it also means I can be convinced to pretend I’m romantically attached to a rogue in order to save him from being relentlessly pursued.”

Caroline laughed as she leaned back again. “You’re going to fit right in.”

Greyson frowned. “She’s not going to be around that long.”

Caroline didn’t reply, but she did look past us. She waved at someone. “We’re attracting a bit of attention.”

“I’m not surprised. The diamond of the season is here as well as the man every single woman in London seems to be determined to marry.”

Greyson lowered his voice, his breath in my ear causing a shiver to go through me. “They’re more interested in you than either of us.”

I scanned a group of women standing nearby and watching the carriage, expecting them to be staring at him. Instead, I was shocked to find that he was correct. They were looking at me and not Greyson. One of them raised her brows and mouthed, “How?”

I tried not to take her incredulity as an insult, but she was clearly stunned to discover that Greyson thought I was worthy of his time. I told myself that soon enough they’d forget about me. My part in this ruse would be of limited duration. Before long, I would return to being overlooked.

But that was fine because every Friday when I stepped into the school, the children provided me with more than enough attention.

As the outing drew to a close some time later and the carriage exited the park, I turned to Greyson. “Thank you so much for this lovely outing. And you needn’t worry. I know I’ll see you again, my lord, but my expectations are grounded firmly in reality.”

Greyson shrugged. “We’ll have to see what happens next.”

Caroline was watching the two of us with avid interest. “I can be your go-between. She can’t send you a letter directly, but she can write to me, and I’ll deliver any messages you have for her.”

Greyson frowned. “I don’t need someone to deliver messages for me.”