Once Dishonored (Rogues Redeemed #5) - Mary Jo Putney Page 0,1

kindness. She took his hand, desperately grateful that he was offering support in a whirlpool of condemnation. As they began to waltz, she felt the warmth of his grip through her kidskin gloves and realized that her hands were ice cold.

Whatever had possessed her to come to this ball? Because she wanted justice, but she would not find it here. She concentrated on the steps of the waltz, not needing the further humiliation of stumbling over her partner’s feet.

“I just realized that we have been formally introduced,” Foxton said. “Many years ago. I was Lucas Mandeville and unless my eyes deceive me, you were Kendra Douglas then.”

She raised her gaze and really looked at her partner. Blond hair, strong, regular features, and the expression of a haunted saint. It took time to recognize that this man had once been a lively young midshipman she’d flirted with in her first season.

He looked like a man who had traveled long, hard roads between then and now. Or rather sailed stormy seas since he’d been a Royal Navy officer. “The last time we danced together was the night before you left for Plymouth to join your ship.”

He nodded. “You wore a very pretty gown with a lot of blue embroidery that made your eyes look like sapphires.”

She’d forgotten that herself. Mr. Mandeville had been too young and too excited by his new career to be husband material, but she’d liked him and wished him well. “You have a good memory. You were dashing and charming and I was sorry when you departed to join your ship.”

“I liked to think of myself as dashing, but mostly I was just young. It was a very long time ago,” he said quietly.

“For both of us,” she said, her voice taut. “I gather you’ve inherited your grandfather’s title. Is being a lord enough to keep you from being tarnished by dancing with a scandalous woman like me?”

“I may be even more scandalous than you.” He gave her a slow, wry smile. “Shall we tarnish each other ?”

She’d liked the young midshipman then, and she liked the haunted lord now. Her tension ebbed, but she had to ask, “Do you know the crimes I have been accused of?”

He shrugged. “I heard some gossipy whispers when you entered the room, but that is rumor, not knowledge.”

She was glad he appreciated the difference. “Do you know what it’s like to stand accused and not be able to defend yourself?”

“Actually, I do,” he said thoughtfully. “My circumstances were not identical, but there are similarities.”

What could have made Lucas Mandeville a pariah? Cheating at cards? Never. Cowardice under fire? She supposed that any man in battle might succumb to terror, especially if young, but it was hard to imagine that of him.

Reminding herself that she had barely known him all those years ago and didn’t know him at all now, she decided it was pointless to speculate. Better to relax and enjoy this dance in the arms of a compassionate stranger.

The music ended and her partner stepped away from her. “Have you had enough of this ball?”

She sighed. Her anger and defiance had burned out, leaving emptiness. “I have. I’ll find no justice here.”

“Justice can be elusive,” he said dryly. “If you’re ready to leave, I’ll escort you to your home.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Are you interested in learning just how scandalous I am?”

“Not at all.” He smiled a little. “My cousin once told me that I’m an incurable knight errant. You are probably too angry now to want friendship, but you look like you could use an ally or at least a fair-minded listener.”

She turned his words over in her mind. An ally would be welcome, though she wasn’t sure she could trust that much. But a fair-minded listener would be welcome because she had a desperate need to tell her story to someone who might believe her. “You’re right about that, though whether you can be such a person remains to be seen. I’m staying nearby and I don’t need an escort, but you may accompany me if you wish.”

“I’m trying to prove that I’m still a gentleman, so I do wish it,” he explained. “Night streets can be dangerous for a woman alone.”

The music was starting for another waltz and couples moved onto the dance floor, leaving a wary space around Kendra and her partner. Foxton took her arm and escorted her to the sidelines where their hostess was saying good-bye to other departing guests.

Lady Clanton’s mouth tightened when Kendra