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Pushing aside my embarrassment, I approached, hoping to slide past him with my dignity intact.

When I was about to make my escape, he spoke. “Do you believe in fairy tales, Miss Sullivan?”

“That would depend on the fairy tale, would it not?” I reached for my composure as I faced him. “Is there something I can do for you, my lord?”

He nodded. “I need to speak to you.”

I folded my hands at my waist. The way he was watching me, his pale-blue eyes boring straight through me, had me on edge.

“There is no need to thank me. I was glad to learn my warning was of service. Although I must say that my stepmother was very disappointed when she came home yesterday.”

He shook his head. “This is about a different matter. We can go out into the gardens, which should be empty at this hour.”

I frowned. “I don’t think that would be appropriate.”

“Mrs. Atkinson is aware that I need to speak to you and has given me her permission.”

“Very well,” I said, surprised. But given the escape he’d experienced yesterday, I could understand why he’d sought the headmistress’s consent.

Silently, we walked side by side to the garden doors at the back of the large dwelling that housed the Honora Millworth School for Girls. The center of the green outer space was largely clear, a well-maintained lawn providing a safe space where the girls could play and work off some of their excess energy. Brick walls enclosed the space. The small garden was planted along the back wall of the large lawn.

As if by unspoken agreement on the need for privacy, we crossed the lawn to where two garden benches were angled near the shrubbery. Greyson waited for me to settle onto the edge of one bench before taking his seat at the other end.

A respectable distance separated us, and we were both still in view of the house. Anyone glancing out one of the windows would be able to see us. Still, I worried about how this meeting might cause tongues to wag.

I angled my body toward him. “This really isn’t necessary. Our conversation will cause others to gossip.”

He shrugged. “I doubt it. Mrs. Atkinson believes I am a family friend who is acquainted with your mother.”

“Did you actually speak to my stepmother yesterday?” I almost laughed at the grimace he made.

“No, I stayed well away from that nonsense. But my man caught your sister in a somewhat compromising position in my room. Needless to say, when Mrs. Sullivan sprang out, feigning outrage, they were less than enthusiastic when he offered to marry her after discovering he was merely a valet.”

I couldn’t hold back my amusement as I imagined how ridiculous that whole scene must have been. “What were they thinking? And you didn’t speak to them at all?”

“I was safely in the lobby, but I did see them storm out of the hotel. Obviously, my valet now has a new duty—preceding me into any room to check it for foolish young women who would only succeed in ruining their own reputations.”

“And let’s not forget ridiculous mothers,” I added, shaking my head. “I can’t believe she thought her plan was going to work and that you’d offer to marry Georgiana.” I met his gaze, my curiosity forcing me to ask, “Am I correct in assuming you wouldn’t have?”

He shook his head. “Of course not. But that doesn’t mean I would have relished the knowledge there was a young woman out there whose reputation had been ruined because of me. I may not be the self-sacrificing sort, and let’s face it, society would never expect a Legend to marry someone out of a sense of honor. My reputation would survive the censure, but I’m not completely heartless.”

I nodded. “Well, I’m glad that both your reputations remain intact. Georgiana may be young and easily swayed by her mother, but she is still my sister, and I care for her.”

I started to rise, but he reached for my elbow to stop me. I froze as a shock of awareness raced through me before dropping onto the bench again. “Was there something else?” I asked once I’d regained my ability to speak.

His gaze was steady on mine. “I’m not sure how to approach this, so I’ll come right out and say it.”

I searched his face, wondering what he could possibly need from me. Perhaps he wanted me to spy on my stepmother to discover what she planned to do next. It might be fun thwarting her. Heaven knew I’d suffered more than enough at her slights. I nodded and waited, interested to hear what he was thinking.

“Your actions yesterday and my discreet inquiries today as to your character have led me to believe that you are someone to be trusted. Within reason, of course.”

I was amused by his provision. “Of course.”

He shrugged. “You can’t blame me for being cautious of late.”

I sighed. “After learning that my own family members tried to entrap you, I can’t say I blame you.”

“Good,” he said with a nod. “I don’t wish to offend you, but I don’t know you very well, after all.”