Fallen Angel. Sophia James

until they were outside, so little did he trust himself.

      Brenna frowned and did as she was bid. Suddenly he seemed angry and withdrawn. Would he let it be known that he had found her in such a compromising position, or worse, would he withdraw his money from the orphanage altogether?

      Concerned violet eyes raised up to his as they came outside into the drizzle of a late afternoon. Taking a deep breath, she began in earnest. ‘I realise my behaviour today was inexcusable, my Lord, and the dress—’

      He let her go no further.

      ‘You looked beautiful.’ The words came harsh and ragged and hardly like the Duke of Westbourne. In consternation she looked up to find darkened eyes boring down into her own. ‘Thompson will deliver you to Greerton, Miss Stanhope,’ he said unevenly, opening the door to his carriage to let her in and stepping firmly back as she seated herself. ‘And I will see you at my ball.’

      She could only nod, watching as he signalled to his driver to leave, watching as he turned back to Louisa’s house, a desperate dread beginning to form about her mind as she realised his intentions. Would Louisa be savvy enough to deflect his curiosity? She hoped so. How she hoped so.