Tobias patted Grace’s gloved hand that rested lightly upon his forearm. She should have never agreed to this charade. He’d found her hiding, seated next to her Aunt Emily in the parlor. After seeking permission from Aunt Emily to whisk her away for a dance, Tobias led her through the throng of guests toward the main ballroom. She hadn’t been this nervous at a ball in years. Then again, she had not attended one since Matthew’s disappearance. Guilt at having declined her dear friend the Duchess of Fairmont’s invitation two seasons in a row gnawed at Grace’s conscience.
“The duchess seemed genuinely pleased to see you,” Tobias said as they stalled behind an older couple.
Staring directly in front of her at the lady’s elaborately tied bow in the center of the woman’s back, Grace admitted, “I’ve been rather remiss as a friend.”
“The Duchess of Fairmont is lucky. I suspect you don’t refer to many as friends.”
Grace glanced up at her betrothed. Tobias continued to surprise her with his observations. She detested surprises. “What led you to that conclusion, my lord?”
“You have many supporters, but you consider very few more than an acquaintance. Those you call friends have known you for many years, with perhaps the exception of Lady Theo. But she is like you in temperament, so it stands to reason the pair of you would come to trust each other relatively fast. Am I wrong?”
The man everyone believed a dullard was absolutely on point. When she was younger, her mama called her shy and reserved. She worked hard to appear sociable, but it required a significant amount of effort, and Grace sorely lacked the necessary energy to continue the farce.
“I’ll take your silence as an admission I am correct and that I’m right in stating that you draw strength from those you trust.” Tobias glanced about the crowd. “I see Lady Mary and her husband by the terrace. Shall we join them?”
His altruistic behavior was unsettling. It was hard to believe that Tobias was sired by the detestable Lord Burke. While he was right that it would be comforting to have friends close by, she didn’t want to appear needy or burden them with her sour mood. “I thought you wanted to dance.”
“I do, and we shall.” He rubbed a thumb over the top of her hand and bent to whisper, “I apologize for the strain our engagement is causing you. Rest assured, my tender feelings will not be offended if you pretend I’m someone else tonight.”
His sincere apology prompted Grace to confess, “I’d prefer to dance rather than stand about tonight. And imagining you to be another will not ease my stress.”
“I gathered as much.” Tobias continued to edge his way toward the ballroom.
Their progress was slow. Grace continued to scan the crush of guests, eager to catch a glimpse of Theo. She could only hope Theo had a new message for her from Matthew. But with each step Grace took, doubts plagued her thoughts. Her last message to Matthew was to inform him that she still had no specifics as to how or when Tobias intended Burke to meet his maker. Her desperation to be useful and provide the information needed tore at her confidence to succeed. Grace wasn’t about to give up. The key was to gain Tobias’s trust, but the man was obstinately guarded with her. She flickered a glance up at him as his muscles flexed beneath her hand. She smiled at the gaggle of guests as they passed, none of whom she would believe would give him pause, but his features had taken on an edge that he usually hid with ease. As they continued on, he returned eager smiles. He acknowledged the congratulatory comments of guests with a nod or two, but the muscles beneath her fingers remained taut and strained.
Frustrated, she was unable to interrupt his features. Grace dug her fingers into his arm.
He bent his head toward her and asked, “Is anything the matter?”
“You tell me.”
He shrugged and pulled on the cuff of his exquisitely tailored jacket, repeating the agitated movement from the night of their engagement dinner. Tobias was hiding something that resided on the tender side of his wrist. If he was a PORF, as Matthew suspected, was it the mark of a PORF that had him tugging on his coat sleeve?
Grace lifted an eyebrow in question. When he didn’t answer, she followed Tobias’s lead and curled her lips into a smile and nodded to well-wishers as they entered through the wide double doors through to the grand ballroom. Except her smile faltered as all eyes in the room turned to fall upon them. She squared her shoulders and met the stares of the guests. Scanning the room, Grace searched for a pair of stunning emerald eyes that belonged to Theo. Instead of finding her friend, her gaze locked with the Prince Regent, who now stood glaring at her… Or was Prinny staring at her betrothed?
Grace turned to face Tobias. The constant befuddled frown that graced his brow should have made her cringe. But knowing the man was merely role-playing, Grace’s lips curved into a genuine smile.
Tobias looked down at her as if she were the most interesting woman in the crowd. “Prinny wants the jewels returned. Have you convinced Harrington?”
Grace, in turn, gave him the most ludicrous besotted smile. “I’ve not had an opportunity to speak with him about the matter. Not to worry. I’ll see to it.”
“Is that so?” Tobias cocked his head to one side.
Fluttering her eyes, Grace answered, “Perhaps I’ll find him in attendance tonight.”
“I’m saddened to inform you he is not coming.” Tobias shifted to shield her from the crowd as patrons jostled about in the cramped space.
It was a good thing she momentarily occupied the space in his shadow, for it took every ounce of self-control for Grace to mask her surprise. “Did Matthew inform you himself?”
“He did.”
A stab of jealousy that Matthew had not cared to share this information with her first left Grace standing mute. How could this be? She tried to picture the two of them relaxing and having a drink at one of the clubs. Impossible. None of her reports indicated Tobias ever ventured to Brooks’s or White’s. On the contrary, his favored haunt was purported to be questionable hells.
Grace stiffened as she recognized the male voice that had Tobias swiveling to his right.
Her betrothed let out a loud, obnoxious chuckle. “Lady Grace, it’s my honor to introduce to you my good friend, Wilbert Graystone.”
Tobias shifted slightly to his left, revealing the dashing Home Office messenger, Mr. Jones, her stepbrother, whom Grace’s parents called Alex.
“Lady Grace, might I say you look divine this evening.” Alex unfolded from a graceful bow.
It was a rare occasion that her brother emerged from the shadows. Grace weighed the advantages and disadvantages of confronting Alex in full sight of the ton and then said, “How rude of me to stare. But you share a remarkable resemblance to a man that I know, that goes by the name of Alex. You wouldn’t happen to have a brother by that name, would you?”
Both Tobias and Alex stiffened, and then both laughed with a little extra exuberance.
Alex said, “I’m sorry to inform you, Lady Grace, but I’m an only child.”
She sneaked a glance at Tobias. Her betrothed momentarily dropped his facade as a dullard. There were ladies of her acquaintance who would certainly consider him dashing when his true colors shone through. Grace smirked and turned her attention back to Alex. “I too was raised as an only child.”
Her brother slapped Tobias on the back. “It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who managed to ensnare this wily fellow.”
Oh, she wasn’t about to let the man off the hook that easy. “Mr. Graystone, do you dance?”
Grace waited for her brother to catch on.
Alex frowned but presented his hand at the ready to escort her to the dance floor. He maneuvered them through the crowd in a similar fashion as Matthew used to, anticipating the ebb and flow, ensuring her toes were safe from the masses.
Grace pulled back as she caught sight of Theo huddled with Mary and Waterford standing by the entrance. Where was Archbroke? Scanning the room, there was no sign of the Home Office secretary. Turning back to the spot where she had left Tobias, Grace inhaled a sharp breath.
Tobias was headed for the doors with Hadfield and Archbroke following close on his heels. It was apparent a meeting of PORFs was to occur. Grace would have to hunt Theo down as soon as she was done dealing with her sibling.
Alex squeezed her hand as he took his position opposite her.
The reel began, and as she circled Alex, she asked, “Why the frown, brother?”
“Who informed you?” Alex’s smile was in stark contrast to his sharp tone.
They parted, and Grace’s gaze was once more drawn to Mary and Waterford, who had moved to the refreshments table. Where was Theo? How irresponsible of Archbroke to leave his wife without protection. Grace twisted and turned, searching the room for a glimpse of emerald-green silk.
Alex came into focus and asked, “How did you discover my identity?”
“It was by pure happenstance.” Grace smiled as they came to stand face-to-face. “Did you not want a sister? Is that why you never…”
Alex stepped around Grace, executing the steps with a fluidity that again reminded Grace of Matthew. Except it wasn’t Matthew’s whispers of love she heard; it was Alex’s dire tone. “I know what I am and my place. I’ll forever be grateful for your mama’s generosity, but you are not my family.”
Grace answered, “We share Papa’s blood. How can you deny we are related? I don’t understand…”
“Everything is as it should be.” Before they parted once more, Alex said, “Thank goodness our papa has no concern for social conventions and has permitted you… to, well… you know.”
Grace quickly replied, “Yes, I too am grateful he sees no reason for me not to assist him. However, I’d have loved the opportunity to know my brother. We are family.”
Alex weaved his way back to her. “You are like your mama, not caring a wit about what others might think should you claim me as family. But I have not changed my stance. It would do more harm than good. Your mama has respected my choice for years. I hope you will do the same.”
Unwilling to accept his rejection, Grace managed to ask, “You have no room in your life, in your heart, for a sister?”
Alex adopted a grin that their papa donned whenever he was about to put Grace into checkmate. “While you may not have known about me, I’ve been fully aware of who you are in relation to me. I’ve always looked up to my big sister and will continue to do so from afar.”
Grace had longed for a sibling. Had begged her mama for years until she understood the toll all the miscarriages were taking on her poor mama’s body and soul.
The music ceased, and the reel came to an end. Grace dipped into a curtsy and asked, “Why?”
“Not for the reasons you might think. I choose this lifestyle. Changing identities. Helping others. Being close enough to keep an eye on those I do care for. But after my time on the Continent… I wish for more freedom.”
Grace’s hopes perked up as she rose and took Alex’s offered hand. “If you work alongside me and not for Archbroke, then…”
“No.” Alex looked her in the eyes. “That is not the plan.”
“Whose plan?”
Alex escorted her from the dance floor as the strains of a waltz began. “Ellingsworth’s, of course. I trust you have convinced Harrington to part with his bounty from the Continent.”
How is it her brother was privy to Tobias’s plan while she was not?
While Tobias hadn’t done anything to lose her trust, Grace had the feeling her betrothed wasn’t one hundred percent truthful with her.
Grace sidestepped past another guest and whispered, “Not yet.”
Alex paused to let a group of revelers past. “You must not dawdle. Time is of the essence.”
She bristled at Alex’s tone. “I’m fully aware.”
“Are you?” He glanced about. “I was going to inform Ellingsworth that Captain Bane has forecasted a change in the schedule. He now intends to set sail early, well before the date arranged for your ceremony. If you do not succeed soon, Ellingsworth will take matters into his own hands, taking whatever action necessary in order for him to board that ship.”
Her mind latched on to Alex’s last statement. If matters were not being dictated by Tobias, then who was really orchestrating the entire scheme?
Grace retrieved her fan from her reticle and, with one quick flick of the wrist, spread it open and raised it to partially hide her face. “What do you know about Lord Ellingsworth’s Miss Eliza?”
Rolling his eyes, Alex answered, “Not much. Although the man is obsessed with her and will do pretty much anything in order to get to her in time.” His words were uttered with a mixture of abhorrence and wonderment as if he didn’t believe love should drive a man to desperate measures. It was apparent her brother had yet to experience true love.
She snapped her fan closed. “Do you intend to accompany Lord Ellingsworth?”
“What gave you that idea?”
Grace could read Alex’s features as if he were an open book. Suspicion as to how she had guessed his intentions narrowed his gaze and caused a muscle in his jaw to twitch as he clenched it tight. It wasn’t clever deduction but common sense that he would seek out a new life after his harrowing experience on the Continent. New beginnings in a land where people are not bound by the same social strictures. A place Alex could reinvent himself and choose who and what he became.
Grace blinked, and Alex came back into focus. “It’s what I’d do if I wanted to be free.”
Alex’s features darkened. “In my experience, men are willing to go to extraordinary lengths for their freedom.”
“You are no longer referring to Lord Ellingsworth, are you?”
Shaking his head, Alex said, “You are the sole reason why he survived. Why we were rescued. But if it were not for his actions, I’d not have survived long enough to be rescued.”
The distant look in Alex’s eyes broke Grace’s heart. Blast Archbroke for sending an all-too-young Alex after Matthew.
Head bowed, Alex said, “Harrington claims it was entirely his fault that we all found ourselves at the mercy of Burke’s henchmen. Regardless of the events that led up to our captivity, it isn’t Harrington who should carry the burden. Harrington is better than a saint if there is such a thing. He launched himself at our captor’s time and time again when the brutes landed a hand on Hereford or me and even when they touched the weasel, Addington. He took the brunt of the beatings. Most days, he was half-unconscious, and all he spoke of was you. His guardian angel. His partner for life. His reason for breathing. He promised daily that he’d get us all freed, and once we returned, he’d destroy Burke.”
Tears welled in her eyes. Grace’s attempts to obtain the gruesome details of the men’s captivity had been futile. Hereford’s report consisted of a mere ten words. I pledged an oath not to speak of the events. She was aware it had not been pleasant and not at all surprised to discover Matthew believed it was all his doing. Burke didn’t deserve a trial. No, the devil should be drawn and quartered. Even that was too humane for the likes of him.
A younger version of Burke appeared behind Alex. Tobias announced, “I believe it’s time I danced with my delightful fiancé.”
Tobias’s likeness of his sire had Grace wanting to strangle the smug smile off her betrothed’s face. Calmly she placed a hand on Tobias’s arm. As she walked past her brother, she said, “You shall not leave without allowing Papa to say goodbye.”
Alex acknowledged her order with a curt nod.
“I believe the others are awaiting you by the terrace doors,” Tobias said to Alex. He then covered Grace’s hand with his own and swung her in the opposite direction, away from Alex and her friends. In an unusually harsh tone, Tobias said, “Balls are for dancing and frivolity, not discussions that cause grown men nightmares.”
A few feet away from the dance floor, Grace turned to look over her shoulder. Her nose twitched. Matthew was somewhere close by.
“I see I’ve lost your attention.” Tobias shortened his stride.
Grace whispered, “He’s here.”
“Who?”
She waggled her eyebrows at Tobias. A scandalous action if seen by others, but Grace dared not mention Matthew’s name.
They both scanned the room. From the corner of his mouth, Tobias asked, “Did you see him?”
“I didn’t. I just know.” Her pulse became erratic. She could feel Lord Burke’s eyes trailing them. “Burke is watching.”
“Seems the habit runs in the family.” With a smirk, he raised his voice slightly and said, “Well, my dear, you do look a tad overheated. Perhaps a stroll along the terrace.”
Grace tugged on his arm to change directions. “I believe I’m merely parched. Please escort me to the refreshments table.”
Assuming the befuddled look once more, Tobias outrageously said, “Yes, a drink is exactly what we all need.” The man added a wink and a blatant stare at her décolletage. Onlookers gasped at Tobias’s statement and actions. But they quickly returned to their own conversations as Grace and Tobias meandered their way through the crush of guests.