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She sighed. “I thought as much. Let me explain to you how a woman can lie with a man and prevent pregnancy. I also have a little something I can give you that you can carry in your reticule.”

Twenty minutes later, I was bundled into the carriage with Kendrick and Caroline.

Kendrick was sitting opposite us. “You look beautiful tonight, Miss Sullivan. But I must ask you why you appear to be in a daze.” He aimed a fond look at Caroline. “What has my wife been telling you?”

I looked away. “Nothing that I’m about to repeat.”

Caroline laughed. “I’ll tell you later,” she said, leaning forward to squeeze her husband’s knee. “Do you think Greyson will be there?”

Kendrick shrugged. “We’ll find out soon enough.”

I spent the ten-minute carriage ride staring out the window while the others talked about who they expected to see tonight. I couldn’t decide whether I wished Greyson to be one of those people.

Part of me wanted him to see me looking my best. It certainly was a far cry from my normal appearance, and I doubted I’d ever have occasion to wear this dress again. But a larger part of me feared that if he even suspected I wouldn’t be averse to receiving his romantic overtures, he’d run away from me as he had all those other women.

Chapter 18

GREYSON

My steps faltered when I spotted Fairfax standing just inside the entrance to the large assembly hall. He was leaning against the wall, his gaze casually taking in the guests present tonight. He raised a brow when he spotted me, his amusement clear.

I couldn’t help frowning. “I’m surprised to see you here. I thought only the married Legends would be present.”

Fairfax grinned. “Why are you here, then? Have you recently wed?”

I blew out a breath, ignoring my frustration. “Claire’s here tonight because I brought her into our world. She’s not equipped to deal with the types of entertainments she’ll be exposed to.”

Fairfax’s gaze bored into me. “So you’re here to act as her protector?”

I shrugged. “I’m sure the others wish to enjoy themselves with their wives. I owe it to Claire to make sure she doesn’t get seduced by a rogue.”

“You mean a rogue who isn’t you, correct?”

He shifted his head to one side, and I followed his gaze. I spotted Kendrick, Moreland, and Clifton standing together with their wives.

I felt a measure of relief that they hadn’t yet wandered off to entertain themselves privately. But then I realized there were only three women in the group.

“Did Claire decide not to come?” I felt equal parts relief and disappointment but ignored the latter.

“Oh, she’s here. Look to the left.”

I saw three men, and in their midst stood a beautiful woman in a sapphire gown. Her dark hair tumbled down around her bare shoulders, framing delicate features behind a mask made from the same fabric. It took me a moment to realize that woman was Claire.

I swore and started across the room, Fairfax’s chuckle echoing behind me. Logic told me that if he was here and aware of what Claire was doing, he wouldn’t have allowed her to be forced into one of the private alcoves that were tucked away along the edges of the large ballroom.

But what if he thought she was going willingly? I couldn’t ignore my duty. And yes, it was my responsibility to keep her safe. She wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t convinced her to embark on this ruse with me. Her family wouldn’t have left London, and she’d be safely going about her life.

I frowned at that, hating the idea of her being locked away at her family’s townhome, her inheritance kept a secret and at the whims of her stepmother, who’d never allow her to blossom into an independent woman with a mind of her own.

As I approached the group, the sound of Claire’s laughter angered me. One of the men, a blackguard who I knew would have no qualms about forcing himself on her the moment he had her in private, held out his arm.

She smiled demurely before covering the lower half of her face with her fan. But the look she aimed at him above that fan had my blood boiling.

When I forced my way between Claire and the others, her eyes widened in alarm. She lowered the fan. “What are you…” She took a deep breath and started again. “I’m surprised to see you, my lord. What could have brought you here tonight? If you’re looking for female companionship, please don’t let me stop you.”

I scowled and held out my hand. She stared at it for a moment before turning to the others with a shrug. “Excuse me, gentlemen. It appears I have a prior engagement.”

She slipped her hand into mine, and I tightened my grip just enough to ensure she wouldn’t escape.