“I mustn’t let you think that I can court you,” Barrett said. “It’s not possible.”

“I don’t care about your affliction.” Annie shrugged, the gentleness in her gaze almost taking him out at the knees. “I really don’t.”

He took in a breath. “I can’t court you. I can take you out of your prison today, but you must find a different jailer, and a different path. I have my work. My father. The things that have kept my attention my whole life. You have been a bit of a respite, but we live in two different worlds.”

“Only because I haven’t been allowed out in society. I’ve always been a wallflower, even in my own home. But I’m willing to learn to be a part of your world. I would like to. I have already told my parents that I want to go to soirees.”

Soirees. This was not about a simple dance or two. No, she would never wish to be a part of his world. It would destroy her, and the only thing that could destroy him would be to see such a thing happen to her.