Page 24

Jason was one of those men. Charmers who effortlessly beguiled women. A rogue that attracted the opposite sex like molasses did ants or a candle did a hapless moth—the type of man who caused even sensible women such as Merilee and Diana to blush and become tongue-tied.

He probably had a beautiful woman waiting for him in every port.

Jason noticed the growing cluster of femininity as well, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his face, then it was gone in the next blink.

“Ladies, please forgive me for absconding with Miss Audsley, but my grandmother has specifically requested I locate her rescuer. She wishes to express her appreciation for Miss Audsley’s valor.”

Valor?

Not a bit of it.

Basic human decency.

Lenora perused the drawing room but saw no sign of the Dowager Countess of Darlington-Pope. Nor Landry or Celestia, for that matter. Perhaps they’d gone to the other salon. So many guests had called this afternoon that Celestia had ordered Teeven to prepare tea in both.

Without awaiting a response, Jason took Lenora by the elbow and neatly guided her toward the entrance. Several gazes followed their progress, and expressions ranged from piqued to inquisitive. She tried to ignore how his large hand engulfed her arm or the pleasurable heat that permeated his glove and warmed her flesh. She failed completely.

Once they were out the door, Jason looked both ways, a furrow creasing his forehead. Instead of leading her toward the salon as she expected, he pulled her into an alcove beneath the curving staircase.

“Whatever are you about, Captain Steele?” Lenora peered behind him, grateful no one had noticed his antics. They only had a minute or two before a servant or a guest passed by, however.

Jason smiled down at her, his expression enigmatic. He lifted her fingers to his mouth and brushed a kiss across her gloved knuckles.

A tingle began at her hand and traveled up her forearm, past her elbow and shoulder, before spreading across her back.

“I’m not supposed to be here today,” he murmured against her fingers.

Coming to her senses, Lenora withdrew her hand, albeit reluctantly.

“Why?” She stared up at him, puzzling her forehead.

“I’m not exactly welcome at Keyworth House, Lenora.”