Tricia looked at her sister and brother-in-law, blinking several times. They’d gone mad. “A ball?”

“Masquerade ball, actually,” Luke gave her that carefree grin he always seemed to have on hand as he sat across from her in their townhome’s front parlor. He’d come to her parent’s home to fetch her on the way back from some meeting to visit with her sister. At least that was what he had claimed. But clearly it had been a ruse to discuss this ball.

“Our father is dying. And you’re with child. Mother actually agreed to this?” Tricia’s voice was growing shrill, she could hear it. Now that Fenton had been found, there was nothing to distract her from the possibility that her father might perish. She didn’t want to go to balls and pretend like nothing was wrong. Taking a calming breath, she cleared her throat and folded her hands.

“She did agree despite the poor timing. She wants to see you settled. If father passes, you will have to go into mourning and miss the coming season…” Tabbie reached for her sister’s hands, placing one over hers. “And Luke needs to help a friend who is in trouble. I know you will understand that.”

She did. Completely. “But why must I go? I’ve already made up my mind, despite what mother thinks. I’ll dedicate myself to the orphans.”

Luke’s smile only grew wider. “His Grace will be accompanying us and he has a few details he wishes to discuss with you.”

Her insides fluttered again. The way they always seemed to at the mention of Ryker. Or the sight of him. She pictured him in her mind and she could almost smell the fresh scent of his cologne, feel his hard edges against her body. “What does he wish to discuss?”

“That is between you and him.” Luke gave her a wink. “But hear him out, Tricia.”

“I haven’t outfitted myself for the season.” She nibbled her lip, her resolve not to go was weakening. Thoughts of seeing Ryker overriding her desire to leave society.

“I’ve plenty of dresses for you to choose from. Many of which haven’t been altered to accommodate my current size. I’ll have to find one that hides this baby belly. But that’s beside the point. One should fit you perfectly.” Tabbie squeezed her hands tighter.

Finally, she gave a curt nod of consent.

Tabbie beamed. “Help me up so we can go to my room and find you a dress.”

Tricia tried not to sigh as she stood and helped her sister off the settee.

The next evening she sat across from Luke and Tabbie as they rumbled down the street to retrieve Ryker. They’d spent the day with their father and had been such a relief when they’d manage to get him to eat an entire bowl of soup. She was hopeful for the first time since he’d grown ill and able to concentrate on the ball this evening.

The carriage slowed in front of Ryker’s brick-front home and Tricia couldn’t help but peer out the curtain to catch sight of him. Tricia also took note of the address, thinking it might be information that would be useful later on. She had to grin. She thought more like Tabbie every day.

Though Ryker was clearly adept at espionage as well. He was using some false name to attend and riding in their carriage was a way to further conceal his identity.

Luke had been vague as to why he wasn’t attending as himself, saying that he normally didn’t participate in society, but she guessed that there was more to it. She knew Luke had gone to speak with him about the spy and the friend who Luke needed to help. But why Ryker now needed to hide his identity, Luke wouldn’t say.

The door snapped open and Ryker filled the entrance. Her breath caught at the sight of him in his domino. It lent his handsome features an air or mystery. “Your Grace,” she breathed as she adjusted her own mask.

“Tonight, it’s my lord. But otherwise, it’s Ryker.” He took the seat next to her and reached for her gloved hand, placing a kiss on it. An ache between her legs made her press her thighs together. He continued to hold her hand and she left it in his grasp. Neither Tabbie nor Luke seemed to raise an eyebrow over the gesture, which was almost as odd.

“Luke already informed me of the change of address. What I am puzzling over is the why. Why am I referring to you as my lord?”

He shook his head. “I don’t socialize as a general rule, and I would prefer to maintain my reputation as a recluse tonight.”

“Luke said that too. I don’t believe it.” She leaned toward him, pressing her chest against his arm so that her face was close to his.

He didn’t move away but she could swear that his chest rose faster. “What is not to believe?”

Her eyes narrowed and his seemed to detail every line of her face, lingering on her lips. “There is another reason and I am sure it’s connected to why you were in the docklands.”

It was subtle, but she heard his intake of breath and she knew she was correct. “Perhaps I simply don’t want other debutantes and their marriage-minded mamas trying to divert my attention away from you.”

“Hogwash.” She sniffed. “They will throw themselves at you anyway. An unknown, handsome lord.” And they would never consider her a threat.

“You think I am handsome?” He grinned then and she gasped, it was so devastating. He needed to smile more often.

“And overbearing.”

He chuckled and the sound danced along her skin. He was irresistible like this, Tricia decided.

“And you have no good sense. But try to exercise some tonight and leave my motives be.”

That was all the confirmation she needed to know he most definitely had other motives.

They rode the rest of the way chattering about nothing in particular but Tricia had the sense that Ryker fit with her sister and brother-in-law. He wasn’t the warmest man but somehow, with them, he relaxed. He still held her hand and she wished she could press against him, touch her lips to his.

All too soon, they arrived at the Marquess of Highwater’s London home and joined the line of carriages filled with attendees.

Tricia wanted to stay where she was. The four of them wrapped in a cocoon of darkness, talking softly and ignoring the rest of the world.

But all too soon, they were exiting the carriage, joining the throng of partygoers all in costume.

“You look beautiful this evening.” Ryker tucked her hand in his elbow as he leaned down to whisper in her ear.

“Thank you, my lord.” She tried to hide the fact that his compliment pleased her. The ivory dress she’d borrowed from Tabbie complimented her skin and hair nicely while accentuating her figure.

He chuckled. “You’re welcome, my lady.” His hip subtly brushed hers.

They entered the crowded ballroom and Tricia tightened her hand on his arm. The crush of people left her breathless. She thought she might actually prefer the quiet of the docklands in the middle of the night. “Oh my,” she breathed.

“Do you like it?” His voice was close to her ear.

She shook her head. “I’d rather face those ne’er do wells again, I think.”

His chuckle reverberated through her as they pressed together in the crowd. Tabbie and Luke were just ahead of them but she was so thankful to have Ryker at her side. “Perhaps you’ll feel differently when we dance.”

With a flick of his wrist, he wrote his name on the first spot on her dance card then whisked her off into the throng of dancers.

As the first strains of the music began, his hand came to her waist. “I’m not terribly fond of these social engagements either. But we’ll suffer through it together.”

Together. She liked the sound of that. She’d never really considered what it might be like to have a partner. Someone to depend upon. But it would have its advantages. Particularly if that someone went about visiting orphanages with her and helped her save her family members.

But Ryker wouldn’t marry her, of course. He’d want a more proper woman for his bride. Not some hooligan who snuck out at night and derailed his own plans.

And she couldn’t be a duchess. It was ridiculous to consider. She had a plan, a good one. A decent one that the duties of a duchess would never allow. “As a duke, mustn’t you attend any numbers of these events?”

His eyes twinkled with a merriment she hadn’t seen from him before but shown clearly through his mask. “No.” A grin spread across his face. “One of the advantages of being a duke is that you have to answer to almost no one.”

A giggle bubbled out of her mouth and her shoulders shook. “Only the Prince Regent.”

“And my wife.” He pulled her just a touch closer. “When I take one.”

Something in her chest caught then, tightening until she felt as though she couldn’t breathe. She attempted to keep the smile on her face that had been so easy just moments before. “Did you have someone in mind?”

“Indeed I do,” he whispered close to her ear. She was glad he couldn’t see her face, leaning as close as he was. If he’d looked into her eyes, she was sure she wouldn’t be able to hide her hurt.

No wonder he’d been so adamant that he keep his identity secret. He didn’t want to ruin his chances with a potential bride. “How fortunate for her,” she chirped trying to make her voice sunnier than she felt. When had she become so attached to Ryker? When had it started to matter that he’d marry?

He laughed again, his lips lightly touching the skin of her ear and it echoed through her body, making her hum with a need that left her breathless. Try as she might, she couldn’t calm her racing heart. Drat, didn’t it understand he’d just said he would marry someone else? “You seem overset, my lady. Perhaps you need a moment on the veranda?”

She nodded, thinking that a little air would help her to compose herself. What had gotten into her? She had a plan. It may not be what most ladies would choose but it suited her. It would never be enough for her to just be a man’s wife. She needed to help people. Besides, even if that wasn’t the case, Ryker could have the most beautiful woman in this room and it surely wasn’t her.

Ryker skillfully maneuvered them through the crowd toward the open doors. As the fresh air hit her face, she filled her lungs, feeling revived. “So much better,” she murmured. There were a great many people outside as well, but there was room to move and fresh air to breathe.

They walked through the throng, down a path where the garden got darker, and no one was around them. “Wait until you see my country estate. The woods are endless, and you can ride about the fields for miles.”

She crinkled her brow, doubting she might ever travel there. Once he was married, his wife surely wouldn’t want her about. “It sounds lovely.”

“I’m glad you think so. There isn’t much of a need for an orphanage, but the county could likely stand to have one.”

She blinked several times. “Orphanage?”

He stopped walking then and, with sure hands, turned them both so their bodies came together. She forgot to think, forgot to breathe as his hands came around her back and his lips dropped to hers. It was like the carriage, only so much better. His lips were strong and sure as they teased and nibbled at hers and she found herself pressing closer, eager for more of their touch.

He obliged her by sliding her lips apart and gently touching his tongue to hers. Sparks lit behind her eyes as she gasped in a breath. Her belly filling with a need that begged to be filled.

When he finally lifted his head, his hand came to grasp her cheek, his thumb swiping across her tingling lips. “That was glorious.”

“Mmmmmh,” she managed to mumble, blinking again. Her thoughts were still muddled as she tried to remember what had been happening before he’d twisted her into knots with that kiss.

“I have to go back inside, Tricia. I’ll leave you with Tabbie. But we need to talk. If not tonight, then first thing tomorrow morning.” He kissed her again. It was a simple joining of the lips but it lingered, speaking of an intimacy she longed to explore.

“Talk?” she blinked up at him. “After that kiss, you want to talk?”

His shoulders silently shook in mirth before he whispered, “You’ve a point there, my sweet. We’ve only a few details that need attending before I’ll kiss you for as long as you desire.”

He couldn’t mean what she thought he did. It was absurd to think that he wanted her.

Then, slipping her arm back in his elbow, he reversed direction, and headed back toward the house. If he’d kiss her for as long she desired, she’d likely agree to anything he wished to discuss.

* * *

Ryker and Luke slipped down the darkened halls far away from the noise of the party. There were a few men in front of and behind them, but all were silent as they made their way to the auction.

Ryker had to admit, in terms of a cover for illicit activity, this was first rate.

Everyone here was known among the ton, which meant everyone and no one could be a suspect.

Of course, it also meant that the very people who had been stealing from him could attend.

“Do we need a password or something?” Ryker mumbled, keeping his voice low.

Luke gave a jerk of his head to affirm they did not. “If you know about it, that’s password enough.”

“How do we know about it again?” Ryker asked even more softly.

“Coventry knows all sorts of things that continually surprise me.” The corners of his mouth turned up in a hard smile. “He has ears everywhere.”

As if on cue, a man stepped from the shadows. Ryker tensed but Luke stopped, extending his hand. The two greeted each other with a quick handshake and then Coventry fell in step with them.

“Thank you for coming, Sussex. Wimbley,” Coventry gave him the tiniest wink as he used Ryker’s cover name.

Ryker gave a nod in return. “Appreciate your help,” he returned.

Luke looked to his old friend. “So what has Addington gotten himself into?”

Coventry’s mouth pinched. “A business deal he set up with our illustrious host turned sour. They were shipping tea or something to the Orient when the ship supposedly sank. As per the terms of the agreement, Addington must now work off the debt. The whole of it reeks like week-old fish,” Coventry murmured. “I could pay off Addington’s debts to free him, but I think the better plan is to expose the marquess. He’s taken advantage of enough of our peers, I think.”

Ryker’s eyebrows rose. He’d met Coventry on several occasions and he’d always gotten the sense that the man was as shrewd as they came, but to think that he used that sharpness to help his peers and right wrongs among the elite, well, it went beyond anything Ryker could have imagined. “Glad I can help.”

Coventry did not reply as a lit room at the end of the hall came into view. Ryker adjusted his mask to better hide his face and Coventry donned a mask and hat to hide his.

At least thirty men stood silently about the room, peering at tables with blankets spread atop them. All were clearly curious to know what delights lay underneath.

A few more men entered the room and then the door to the hall was closed. Uneasiness broiled in the pit of Ryker’s stomach.

Even more unsettling were the two men who came around, holding out a basket for any weapons. One collected them while the other eyed each man suspiciously. If he found a fellow lacking, he patted him down to check for additional knives or pistols.

Once done, a door in the back of the room opened and three men stepped in. Ryker recognized the marquess but not the other two. Both Luke and Coventry shifted as their eyes met the man to the marquess’s right. Ryker could only assume that was Addington.

What was more, Addington seemed to recognize them too. His step stuttered as he looked over to them and the piercing gaze of the marquess bore into Addington as he followed his gaze right to Ryker, Luke, and Coventry.

Bloody bullocks. Ryker gritted his teeth, preparing for the fight, which was sure to be near impossible without his pistols, but it didn’t come.

Instead, the marquess gave a nod to the group, and without a word, pulled a blanket off one of the tables. Jewels even a duke would find lavish met his gaze.

Blanket after blanket was removed and Ryker sucked in his breath as his missing ruby collection, minus the necklace, of course, came into view. Worth an earldom, the jewels sparkled even in the low light and his fist clenched before he forced it to relax.

Imperial jade figurines, intricately carved wooden statues, and several other delights came into view.

On each table sat, in addition to the items, a nearly burned-out candle. As the blanket was removed, the candle was lit. Next to it was a quill, ink, and parchment.

As the last blanket was removed and the candle lit, the crowd began to move about the room, visiting various tables and writing on the paper.

“When the candle goes out, no more bids will be accepted.” Coventry muttered so low, it could barely be heard. Then he moved away to mingle with the crowd.

Ryker and Luke did the same, making sure to place bids on a few of the items. Not so high he might win, but just enough to not arouse suspicion.

Every time he passed by the rubies, he had to keep his eyes trained on the far wall. A part of him wanted to snatch it up and run for the door.

But finally, after what felt like hours, the candles began to extinguish. As the marquess looked at the sheets, he approached the winner and shook his hand. Silently they exchanged goods for coin.

Ryker watched his rubies being handed off and took a deep breath to steady himself. He’d get it back.

Weapons were redistributed and the doors opened. Ryker kept his eye on the winner of the rubies. A servant met him outside the auction room, where the man handed off his prize and then proceeded back to the party. For a wild second, Ryker thought to follow the precious stone but instead, he shadowed the man who purchased it. He need only discover his identity and then he’d get it back. Besides, Tricia was in that ballroom and he was desperate to see her again. This entire auction had filled him with an unease. He wanted to feel her pressed up against him to know that she was safe.

It occurred to him that he was once again giving up his pursuit of the crime in favor of her safety, but it only made him smile. She was far more precious to him than any stone. Even if those stones belonged to the Prince Regent.

Swallowing a lump in his throat, he tried to discern when this had happened. She was a bride that filled a list of requirements.

But even has he thought it, he realized it was so much more.

He loved her.

How it had happened, he couldn’t be certain, but after tonight he couldn’t deny it.

“I recognize the man who bought your stones.” Luke spoke from next to him and Ryker started. He’d forgotten the man was there.

“I’ll get them back.” Ryker rumbled low and deep as they entered the ballroom.

Luke gave a nod but his response was cut short by a group of women who tittered with laughter as they passed, their fans hiding their grins. “What the bloody hell was that?”

Ryker shook his head. “I was sure women always giggled so in your presence.” Even Ryker could tell that Luke must have been very popular among the ladies. While Ryker himself was considered handsome, Luke had an easy charm about him.

“Not like that,” Luke winked. “Well, sometimes, but…” His words tapered off as another group of ladies whispered furiously as they passed. He leaned over. “Do you think they’ve discovered who you really are?”

Ryker shrugged but an uneasiness filled his stomach. Something was wrong. “I don’t think so. Their glances are more smug and less coy.”

Luke glanced around. “Where are Tabbie and Tricia?”

Ryker didn’t see them.

* * *

Tricia sat next to Tabbie watching the next set. She liked the party far better from this view but she missed Ryker.

He had said he would return as soon as he was able, which was likely not soon enough. She was eager to leave this mayhem and return to her quiet home. “I can see why you hated these things,” Tricia murmured to her sister. Tabbie had made it her mission, despite her feisty nature, to be a wallflower. Come to think of it, Tricia was doing the same in her own way. She’d rather assumed that men would not find her attractive and had wished to skip of this entirely.

“I can show you some of the best hiding places at a ball if you’d like.” Tabbie gave her wink. “Potted ferns do wonderfully.”

Tricia giggled, relaxing a little. At least she was in good company while she waited. “I shall have to remember that if mother insists I participate in a season next year.”

“Oh, I doubt very much that will happen,” Tabbie returned reaching for her sister’s hand.

“Really,” Tricia blinked. “You think she’ll be amenable to me becoming a spinster? To dedicating myself to charity?”

Tabbie gave her a long look before she answered. “You don’t have to be a spinster to make a difference, Tricia.”

“True,” Tricia replied slowly. “But not every lady meets a man as openminded as Luke. I fully expect I won’t.”

Tabbie pressed her lips together, looking as though she were hiding a grin. “And what kind of husband do you expect Ryker to be?”

Tricia let out a huff of breath. “What does that matter?” While a little piece of her heart had latched onto that dream, she knew he would never want her. Hadn’t he said that very thing the first night he’d met her?

Tabbie’s eyebrows rose. “He escorted you to a public event.”

“In disguise,” she returned.

“He’s been alone with you—”

Tricia cut her off. “When he made me swear to keep his identity secret.”

“Hasn’t he said anything that made you think he might be considering you?” Tabbie’s eyebrows were raised near to her hairline and she looked as though Tricia were being silly.

“Of course not.” But then their earlier conversation began playing back in her mind. Details she skipped over because he’d been wreaking havoc on her senses. “Except that he wanted me to see his country estate and…” She gasped. “You don’t think he’ll propose?”

“Don’t be thick. Of course he will.” Tabbie leaned over, her eyes sparkling. “But darling, make him work for it.”

Happiness filled her, making her feel warm and light. A future she’d never let herself want played out in her mind. Ryker holding her close, a baby in her arms. Her baby. She still wanted to help people, of course. But Ryker might understand that. Hadn’t he mentioned her starting an orphanage?

Tricia was about to respond when a shadow cast over her. She looked up suddenly expecting to see Ryker, but it was Lord Longly who gazed down at her.

Drat. She hadn’t spoken to him since that night outside of Almacks. She’d led him to believe she’d consider his suit, which was not the truth. She swallowed a lump as she stood to greet him.

“Lord Longly.” A forced smile pried her lips open as he bowed to her.

“Lady Tricia.” His eyes were intent upon her, as they normally were, but there was something different about him tonight. It was the hint of disapproval in his tone, the downturned lips, the tension in his stance. “I’d hoped to ask for the next set.”

Tricia took a breath. “I must confess to being a bit overset this evening.”

“You did not look overset when you were dancing earlier. Nor did you look overset when you allowed whomever that man was to lead you outside.” Herman’s voice rose with each word.

Tricia blinked several times, recognizing that he was jealous. Several sets of eyes had turned toward them. “I didn’t feel well, which is why we stepped onto the veranda for air. I had a bout of dizziness.” She stepped closer hoping to draw him into a more private conversation then the one they were currently having.

“Is that why he escorted you here?” Herman’s arm reached out then, grasping hers just above the elbow.

“Herman,” she hissed. “He is the guest of my brother-in-law.”

He gave a rough tug to her arm, oblivious to the crowd of onlookers he was attracting. “Was he who were you meeting when you were outside Almacks unattended?” Everyone around them had ceased talking, but all at once whispers began swirling around them. Her heart stopped beating for a moment. She’d known she faced being ruined but somehow she hadn’t pictured it exactly like this. Turning to the side, she saw the stares of twenty people. Some were filled with disgust, others a sick delight, still others just curiosity.

A hand at her back made her jerk away from Herman, but it was only Tabbie.

“I don’t know what you are referring to, Lord Longly,” Tricia said as loudly as she could muster while still sounding natural.

He snorted but his gaze never left hers, and his eyes were filled with hurt. “I wanted to marry you.”

A stab of guilt rent her chest. She blinked several times, pushing that feeling away. Was this how a man who wanted her to be his wife should act? Calling her out in front of a crowd of people? No matter what Ryker thought of her actions he would never treat her this way. “Lord Longly,” she stood straighter. “I would never marry a man who would sully my reputation in such a way as you have done tonight.”

He leaned down until his nose was nearly touching hers but Tabbie stepped next to her pushing her own face into his. “I think you’ve said enough,” Tabbie wrapped an arm around Tricia.

“She made promises to me,” Herman spit as he spoke. “Now you’re making me out as though I’ve done something wrong. She’s the one who went out unattended—”

Tabbie stepped so close to him she bumped into him, pushing him back. “My sister would never marry a man like you. Goodnight, Lord Longly.”

Then she grabbed Tricia’s arm and began making her way to the door. They couldn’t stay now it would be too painful. The crowd parted for them as they went but all eyes were on them and the whispers followed close behind. Tricia knew that it had finally happened.

Just when she’d met a man she wanted to marry—who unbelievably, wanted her in return—she was well and thoroughly ruined.