Page 18 of Seeking Ruin

“If not me then you’ll just go to these entertainments alone, and I fear what sort of mischief you will get yourself into. People like Dalton are a dime a dozen in these sorts of places, I hope you understand.”

She was beginning to, at least. With a day’s hindsight, Kitty learned to appreciate just how dangerous her earlier outing had been besides the obvious risks to her reputation. She was glad to have someone trustworthy by her side. Why she knew she could trust him, Kitty had no idea, but it was something she inherently knew to be true. Ashford could be dangerous to some, but not to his friends and certainly not to her. “Thank you, truly.”

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to spread your wings a little, especially given your situation, but you must be careful.”

She perked. “You care about my safety?”

He scooted closer, enough to where she could smell his clean masculine scent. “For some reason I still cannot comprehend, you have become my friend, and I always take care of my friends.”

Kitty pouted. “I’d like to be a little more than just your friend.”

He chuckled and patted her head. “Alas, my dear, I cannot help you in that regard.

She crossed her arms and was pleased to see his eyes absently linger on her ample decolletage. “We’ll see about that.”

“Indeed, we shall.” His gaze grew hooded, and she almost vibrated with anticipation at him going back on his word already, but the moment was interrupted as Halston announced himself.

“Another note was delivered to you, Miss.” The butler eyed them curiously, a familiar folded note grasped between his fingers.

Kitty sensed Ashford subtly pulling away as she held her hand out. “I will take it, thank you.”

The butler handed her the note after only a slight pause. “Would His Grace like any refreshments, Miss?”

Ashford exhaled. “Oh, thank god someone thought to ask, man. I thought I would die of hunger.”

“You poor thing,” Kitty said absently as she folded open the note. “I suppose it is about time for tea. Do prepare a service, Halston.” She barely registered the servant’s reply as she read the contents with trepidation and more than a little confusion.

As I have stated in my last note, Miss Highbridge, I am aware of your secret. If you do not wish for the truth to be plastered on the front of every scandal sheet in London, then you must deliver five thousand pounds by the end of The Season.

“So, they didn’t have the wrong address.” Kitty worried her lip, wondering at what on earth the note was referring to.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Ashford drawled.

“It appears I am being blackmailed.”

“Let me see.” He snatched the note before she could reply, scanning the contents with a curious frown.

“Why yes, Your Grace, you are more than welcome to pry into my personal and potentially scandalous business without asking,” she replied sarcastically.

“You wouldn’t have said anything about the note at all if you cared about me knowing,” He turned the note to and fro. “Five thousand pounds is an absurd sum. I assume your secret is dire enough to warrant such an absurd request.”

“That’s just the thing. I have no idea what they are referring to. Everyone knows my dowry is gone, and my financial straits were the only thing my family was hiding. I’m at a loss.”

“Shall I make some inquiries?”

“You would do that?”

“It seems a simple matter,” he replied and stuffed the note into his pocket, “Especially for a friend. I’ll try to have something for you by the time we go to Vauxhall.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Ashford, please. I think we are beyond such formalities.”

Kitty’s chest warmed, both at the thought of their future outing and his request to drop the title. “Very well. Thank you, Ashford.”

“You are welcome, Kitty.”

Her neck prickled at his own use of her name. “I don’t think I gave you permission to call me such.”

He smiled, slow and languid, turning the prickle at her neck into a warm flutter. “I already have permission, I think.”

Yes, he very much did.

---