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I certainly couldn’t deny that. “He isn’t unpleasant to look upon.”
“Did he try anything?”
I shook my head. “Of course not. We were chaperoned the entire time and in an open-air carriage.”
“Will he call again?” someone else asked.
I could feel my stepmother vibrating with anger and was glad my sister was sitting between us.
“I don’t know, and I didn’t feel comfortable asking. We don’t know each other very well, after all. I’m sure he was bored and would be happy to entertain himself elsewhere.” There was a scandalized gasp, and I realized what I had just said. “I meant at his club. Don’t all the Legends spend their time at King’s?”
They moved on to speculation about King’s, and I was happy not to be at the center of their conversation.
Georgiana leaned close, her voice low. “I know you’re lying.”
I widened my eyes. “About what?”
She frowned. “I don’t know. But I find it hard to believe that a Legend would choose you over me.”
I shrugged. “It was one carriage drive, Georgiana. No one has chosen anyone.”
When the following questions failed to provide any interesting tidbits about Lord Greyson, the women slowly stood and began to depart. Finally, when they were all gone, my stepmother allowed her mask of indifference to fall.
“This is unacceptable. You cannot be cavorting about town with a Legend.”
I frowned. Her words were ridiculous when she’d tried to arrange to have Lord Greyson compromise Georgiana.
“I can assure you, ma’am, that he was nothing but polite. Our carriage was seen by many people, and nothing untoward happened.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “I think it is time for us to quit London. After all, we don’t need to remain in town just because Parliament is still in session. I have grown sick of London and long to return to the country.”
Georgiana frowned. “But, Mama—”
My stepmother shushed her. “I have made up my mind.”
I took a deep breath and tried to hold back my panic. “My volunteer work at the school—”
She shook her head. “I’m sure there are plenty of other people who are willing to step in and take care of a few motherless children. That is what they are paid to do, after all.”
My heart sank. “Yes, ma’am.”
“One week, Claire. We will be ready to leave then. Come, Georgiana.”
My pouting younger sister followed after her mother, and I dropped back onto the settee, my thoughts a jumbled mess of panic and determination.
I didn’t need to go with them. I’d reached my age of majority four years ago, but I had no idea how to go about gaining my independence. Did father leave me an income? And would it be enough for me to rent a house on my own in London? Where would I even start finding out how to do that?
The image of a face with pale-blue eyes and a devilish smile when he cared to unleash it swam into my vision. Yes, Lord Greyson. He could help me. I’d already done him two favors, after all. Surely he wouldn’t mind doing me a kindness in return.
Chapter 11
GREYSON
I wasn’t surprised when Kendrick handed me Claire’s note, which had been addressed to his wife as we’d planned. I’d always known it was only a matter of time before Claire would begin making demands. At least she’d held out longer than most.
“Do you know what she’s asking for?” It was Sunday, and I’d been summoned to Kendrick’s townhouse.
Kendrick shrugged. “As you can see for yourself, she didn’t give any particulars. Just that she was hoping to speak with you at your earliest convenience.”
