Chapter 44

The evening drew late, I had seen nothing to convince myself of Mr Drake’s worthiness for my sister. Indeed he danced with her a further time, incensing the elderly watchers before switching to a late arrival. Miss Amelia Ginty, a new heiress with a fortune of ten thousand a year from trade had entered the room.

I watched, as like a whip crack he fired his charm and wit upon her. Kitty, a mere three thousand a year to her name was much less desirable now.

However Miss Ginty had strong relatives. The instant the dance was over, her aunt took her arm and led her away from the dancefloor without a chance of interruption. Mr Drake merely clicked his tongue in irritation, as though he had lost a bet before finding Kitty.

I had seen enough. Walking across the room I caught their eye. With a smile I offered my arm. “Mr Drake, would you please be so kind as to accompany me to my carriage. I am fearful of the ice.”

“I would be honoured Your Grace,” as Kitty looked on, clasping her hands excite