Chapter 43

I had no opportunity to see my mother before the Horseguards Ball. I sent her a quick note back confirming my attendance and assuring her I had nothing but Kitty’s best intentions at heart. I could not confess the horror at seeing such a name. The man paired with Kitty, surely, he could not be who I thought.

For her to have fallen in with his deviant, criminal brother with a penchant for gambling would be appalling. Not only for her but it linked Fitz and I together in a way neither of us would want. Edmund would be livid and in his current state there was no way to comprehend what he was capable of.

The Ball was set to be a lively affair, military ones always contained more dancing and merriment. “I shall not be dancing,” he muttered grumpily as we climbed into the carriage, clutching his cane tightly. “Of course Your Grace,” I answered timidly, fussing with my fur cape.

The fear of him pulling out of this event caused me to be meek and submissive. Looking at me he scowled. “Why are