It had been three days since he’d seen Alyssa and he told himself he’d recovered from the kiss they’d shared. That when he saw her again he wouldn’t have the same urges that had caused him to lose control the night of the ball.

For nearly two years…since the day he’d discovered what his second wife had done…he saw every woman with whom he came into contact through a different lens. He evaluated their honesty and sincerity, and found them lacking. He searched for other qualities, more important qualities. Goodness and trustworthiness became the most important attributes a female possessed.

He looked at them for signs of kindness and compassion, and found them—at least the ones who put themselves out for his perusal—lacking. To a one, they disappointed him.

Not that he’d been searching for someone to take Ernesta’s place. He’d married for love when he married Rebecca. Then, he’d married Ernesta out of necessity, because he considered it important that Gideon have a mother. And that he, as the Duke of Townsend, have a partner with whom he could fill the role in Society that he’d been destined to lead.

Instead, he’d married a cold-blooded murderer. A woman who’d killed his first wife and nearly succeeded in killing their son. Edward swore he would not trust his heart to another female. And he’d kept that promise…until he’d met Alyssa.

When his carriage pulled up in front of Lady Lindleigh’s town house, he told himself that when he saw Alyssa, he could push the kiss they’d shared out of his mind. But the second he laid eyes on her, his body reacted with an emotion he thought was long dead.

“My lady.”

“Your Grace.”

Edward watched her as she entered the room. She wore a pale peach gown that hinted at what she must have looked like in her youth. Her wheat-colored hair was pulled loosely back from her face and tied with a peach ribbon. The golden mass cascaded down her back in a riot of curls.

The moment their gazes locked, his blood heated in his body and his heart seemed to swell inside his chest. Edward watched her cheeks turn a rosy hue and her gaze lower. It was all he could do to remain where he was and not rush to her side. It took all his self-control to keep from gathering her in his arms and holding her.

“What a surprise, Your Grace. I wasn’t expecting you.”

“Please, forgive my intrusion, but I wondered if I might look through more of Lord Lindleigh’s papers?”

“Of course.” She led the way to Lord Lindleigh’s study, then ordered tea to be served. “Did you find anything useful in the papers you took the other day?”

“Yes, I believe I did. But I wondered if there might be anything I overlooked.”

“Please, help yourself to any papers that are there.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Edward sat at Lindleigh’s desk and opened first one drawer, then another. The first drawer yielded nothing significant. Neither did the second. But the third drawer Edward opened held several papers that referenced the property Lindleigh had mentioned his interest in purchasing for the orphanage.

“I took the liberty of driving past the building your husband indicated he wanted to purchase for a children’s home.”

“And?”

“I believe the building would have made an excellent orphanage. The location is quite satisfactory, and everyone knows there’s a great need in that section of London.”

“But how could Kendall’s interest in that particular building cause his death?”

“I don’t know.”

Edward gathered the papers, then rose from behind the desk to sit in a chair across from Lady Lindleigh. A maid had brought in a tea tray and she’d poured his tea. When he was seated, she handed him the cup.

“What are your plans, Your Grace?”

“I’m going to go through these papers,” he said, glancing at the stack of papers he’d taken from Lindleigh’s desk. “Then I’ll find out who the owner of the property is and pay him a visit.”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

Edward smiled. “I’ll be careful. My son-in-law, Nick Stillman, has experience in law enforcement. I plan to take him with me.”

The worry lines on her forehead seemed to ease a bit and for some reason he couldn’t explain that pleased him. He suddenly wanted to do everything in his power to watch over her. And that meant protecting her from Society’s cruel and barbarous tongues. And from worrying about him.

“Do you have plans for this evening?”

“Yes, I’m inclined to attend the Bingley ball.”

“Surely you remember what happened the last time you attended one of Society’s functions?”

“I can hardly forget the reception I received. And that will no doubt happen again. And again.” The lady’s dainty shoulders lifted and she released a heavy sigh. “But I have no choice. I must endure Society’s scorn until they tire of giving me the rebuff. I must do it for my daughter.”

“Then you will allow me to escort you.”

She shook her head. “No, Your Grace. I cannot allow that. You’ve done enough for me. I can’t allow you to do more. You have your reputation to consider.”

“My reputation is my concern, my lady.” He gave her a sharp nod, then rose. “I shall call for you this evening.”

“No, please. If you feel you must protect me, I cannot do anything to stop you. But I will not allow you to escort me. I will go to the ball by myself. Perhaps I will see you there.”

Edward didn’t want to argue. He understood the point she was trying to make. “Very well,” he said gathering the papers he’d collected. “Until tonight.”

Lady Lindleigh saw him to the front door. He took his hat and gloves from her butler, then bade her good day and stepped into the sunshine.

He tried to evaluate how he felt about his continued involvement with Lady Lindleigh. It surprised him to realize he didn’t regret it as much as he knew he should.

Edward returned from the refreshment table with the punch he’d promised to get for Alyssa. He didn’t want to leave her for too long. He didn’t trust the fine people of the ton not to swoop in for the kill when she was alone and unprotected.

He didn’t know how she endured their rudeness. He didn’t know how many more nights she’d insist they attend a Social event before she admitted defeat. He knew their intentional, loud-enough-to-be-heard insults were taking a toll. He knew their whispered comments cut her to the quick, yet she endured each night as if the dark looks she received didn’t affect her. Still, he knew they did.

He paused to allow a young couple deep in conversation to pass. Before he could continue on his way, a hand rested on his shoulder. He turned. One of his closest friends and business associates, the Marquess of Wyndham, stood next to him.

“Townsend,” he greeted. “I’ve looked for a chance to speak with you all evening. Do you have a moment?”

Edward glanced at the two glasses in his hands. “Not at the moment, Wyn. I must—”

“This is important.”

Edward saw the serious expression on Wyn’s face and nodded his understanding. He followed his friend to a vacant corner of the ballroom where they could converse without being overheard.

Edward knew the likely reason Wyn wanted to speak with him. Knew what he was about to say. Edward hoped that he’d be able to listen to his friend’s warning without planting his fist into Wyn’s jaw.

“I’m sure you know why I asked to speak to you, Townsend. We’ve been friends so long we can almost read each other’s thoughts.”

“Yes, Wyn. So why don’t you keep your thoughts to yourself so we can remain friends a while longer.”

The Marquess of Wyndham looked out onto the dance floor. Then to the spot where Lady Lindleigh stood. “I can’t, Your Grace. Your involvement with the lady is causing talk. You know what Society believes she did.”

Edward attempted to take hold of his rising temper. “Yes, I know what Society thinks. But I never thought you bought into every rumor Society started.”

“I don’t, Edward. I just don’t want to see you affected by the scandal she’s involved in. I don’t want you to do something you will regret.”

“And you think I will regret a connection with Lady Lindleigh?”

“Society can be cruel and unforgiving, Your Grace. You know that. Your reputation is well earned. I’d hate to see you do anything to tarnish your standing in Society.”

Edward was grateful for the glass he held in each hand. It kept his hands from fisting, and plowing into Wyndham’s jaw. “Then I suggest you keep your distance, Lord Wyndham. If you know how cruel and unforgiving Society can be, then you know how easily you can suffer a similar fate by association. Although I’m surprised to find you’ve stooped so low, Wyndham. I thought you were above that.”

Edward didn’t give his friend a chance to make excuses for his comments, or seek an apology. It was too late for that. He’d forged his path and Edward would have to make his way alone.

He turned his back on his friend and walked toward the lady he’d just been warned to avoid.

He focused his gaze on Alyssa and was relieved to find her by herself. At least she wasn’t forced to endure another scene with the harpies who’d insulted her at the last function.