The lack of authenticity did not seem to bother the guests, many of whom wore elaborate costumes, embroidered chrysanthemums and cranes in abundance. The scents of sandalwood, jasmine, and amber came from the guests’ perfumes as well as the censers releasing fragrant smoke into the air.
Livy cast a look at Glory’s parents, who were standing a few feet away. Since they appeared engrossed in their conversation, she said in an undertone, “It is not just the case I’m thinking about; it’s Hadleigh.”
“I thought things were progressing well and he was to stop by tonight,” Fi said.
“Yes, but I feel terrible that I haven’t told him about the Angels.”
“We will not betray our Society’s aims,” Glory quoted.
“Even if it weren’t for the oath, I don’t know how to tell Hadleigh that I want to be an investigator. As you know, he is overprotective when it comes to my well-being.” Livy gnawed on her lip. “And he wants an obedient wife.”
Fi snorted. “Then why does he want to marry you?”
“I am not going to look a gift horse in the mouth,” Livy rejoined. “All that matters is that he does, and I am not going to give him reason to change his mind.”
“If you show Hadleigh how competent you are by helping him track down the villain, then perhaps he won’t be as overprotective,” Glory suggested.
Livy brightened. “Good point. He did seem impressed when I found Longmere’s journal.”
“Then keep badgering him to let you help. You didn’t win Most Determined Debutante for nothing,” Fi teased.
A gong interrupted their conversation. Lady Newberry announced that the magic show was about to begin in the drawing room. As they followed Glory’s parents and the wave of guests headed toward the performance, Livy saw a pair lingering behind some potted bamboo at the other end of the ballroom. Her pulse raced when she recognized the pale hair and angelic features of the Honorable Simon Thorne. Thorne was with a voluptuous brunette, whose full red lips and cat-like eyes jolted Livy with an unpleasant memory: it was Cherise Foxton, the lady who’d consorted with Hadleigh in the stables.
Lady Foxton and Thorne appeared to be deep in conversation. The former was tearful, wiping at her eyes with a handkerchief. Thorne bent toward her, murmuring something in her ear. As Livy watched, Lady Foxton nodded, then discreetly exited through the curtained doors at the back of the ballroom. Casting a look around, Thorne waited a minute then followed.
Livy’s intuition told her something was going on. Tapping on the shoulder of Glory, who was ahead of her, she leaned forward and whispered, “Thorne is here, and I want to see what he is up to. Will you cover for me?”
“Should I come too?” Glory whispered back.
“Just keep your parents occupied. I’ll be back soon.”
Livy subtly maneuvered herself out of the throng and headed in the direction where Lady Foxton and Thorne had gone. Exiting through the curtains, she found herself on a balcony overlooking the garden below. Planting her gloved hands on the balustrade, she scanned the darkness for signs of the pair but saw no one in the hedge-lined rectangle.
Drat. Where did they go?
A tingling sensation hit her nape the instant before a deep voice inquired, “Looking for someone?”
She spun around to see Ben enter the balcony. The light seeping through the curtains limned his long, lean frame. He’d eschewed exotic costuming, opting for timeless black and white. Her heart sighed; he cut such a dashing figure in evening dress.
She hurried over. “You came. I was waiting for you.”
“Were you?” He quirked a brow. “Out here alone and unchaperoned?”
She decided to test the waters by telling him the truth.
Lowering her voice, she said, “I saw Simon Thorne. He was having what appeared to be an intense conversation with, um, Lady Foxton. She was crying, and they left the ballroom. My intuition told me to follow them out here, but I don’t see anyone in the garden.”
She searched Ben’s features to see if the mention of his ex-lover had any impact. His expression was hard, and she saw no signs of interest, thank heavens. Cursing under his breath, he went to the balustrade, surveilling the darkness below. Obviously coming to the same conclusion that she had, he took her hand, pulling her into a secluded corner of the balcony, out of view of the garden. He pressed her against the windows, the curtains inside preventing them from being seen from the ballroom. She shivered as the exposed skin of her back touched the cool glass, but more because of the way he leaned into her, caging her with his delicious strength.
“What did I say about you endangering yourself?” he said in a stern tone.
“That I’m, um, not supposed to go looking for trouble?” For an instant, she dropped her gaze to his mouth, the strict line causing a flutter of her intimate muscles. “But this wasn’t dangerous. Nothing is going to happen to me at a ball—”
“Leave the business to me, Livy. I mean it.”
“But I want to help you. I was useful in Pippa’s study, wasn’t I?” she wheedled.
“You’ll help me by staying safe.” He cupped her cheek, and she was captivated by his touch. By the burning blue of his eyes. “I shouldn’t even be here tonight, shouldn’t be near you.”
“Why?” Anxiety flared. “You haven’t changed your mind about me—”
“You are mine.” His firm reply calmed her. “But there has been a new development, and I need privacy to tell you about it. Will you be able to get away tomorrow night?”
“Charlie will be out of town, visiting a sick friend,” she extemporized. “I could meet you whenever you want.”
“I will fetch you at seven,” he said. “Behind the house?”
She nodded.
“Until tomorrow,” he murmured.
He bent his head, and her entire being quivered at the hot demand of his kiss. His lips were hard and commanding, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. She sucked eagerly on his offering, and he
