Lavinia had spent most of the morning pacing in the confines of Lady Portia's drawing room, the thin carpet worn further by her anxious steps. The weight of impending financial ruin clung to her like a shroud, and no matter how fiercely she tried to rally her wits, the numbers refused to bend in her favor.

It was as though the walls themselves conspired to mock her pride. And now, to her utter mortification, she had to swallow it entirely and seek out the very man she had sworn to keep at arm's length.

---

A Familiar Smirk

Percy Aldridge was, predictably, at White's. The air was thick with smoke and the clink of glasses, the atmosphere more boisterous than usual as gentlemen laughed raucously over some absurd jest. Lavinia could feel their stares prickling at her as she entered the club, unaccompanied and dreadfully aware of how improper it was.

Percy sat in the far corner, engrossed in conversation with Lord Clayton and Sir Reginald, a glass of brandy in his hand. When he noticed her, his smirk spread slowly, a clear sign he was already delighting in whatever drama had brought her here.

"Miss Somers," he drawled, rising from his seat. "To what do we owe this most unexpected pleasure?"

"I require a word," Lavinia said, her voice steady despite the heat crawling up her neck.

His companions exchanged amused glances, but Percy raised a hand to silence them. "Gentlemen, if you'll excuse me."

---

Terms of Assistance

Once they were alone in one of the club's private parlors, Percy crossed his arms and regarded her with open curiosity.

"This is unexpected," he said. "I thought you'd sooner sell your soul than come to me for help."

"Do not think this is easy for me," Lavinia snapped, her temper rising to match the deep humiliation clawing at her insides. "But circumstances being what they are..."

"You mean the creditors pounding at your door?"

Her jaw clenched. "Yes."

Percy nodded, his expression turning serious. "Then I take it you're ready to let me intervene?"

"For a price," she countered, straightening her spine.

His brow lifted. "Oh? And what terms have you concocted, my dear Miss Somers?"

"That you keep this arrangement private," she said, her voice low and firm. "And that you offer no lectures, no gloating, and no attempts to control how I resolve this."

Percy leaned back in his chair, studying her with maddening calm. "And what do I gain from this? Surely my beneficence warrants some form of repayment."

Lavinia hesitated, hating the next words that came out of her mouth. "Your bride," she said finally.

Percy froze, his smirk faltering for the first time.

"I will fulfill my side of the wager," she continued. "I'll find you a match, Percy. One who meets your impossible standards. But in return, you help me with my debt, and you do it quietly."

For a long moment, silence reigned between them, broken only by the faint murmurs from the club outside. Finally, Percy gave a low chuckle.

"You never cease to amaze me," he said, rising from his chair. "Very well, Lavinia. You have yourself a deal."

He extended his hand, and with great reluctance, she took it. His fingers closed around hers, firm and warm.

"Prepare yourself," he added, his voice dropping into a teasing lilt. "I have no intention of making this easy for you."

---

Unspoken Jealousy

The arrangement should have provided some relief, but as the days went on, Lavinia found herself more vexed than ever. Percy had taken to lingering in her presence, offering maddening quips as she scoured society for potential brides.

"Lady Winifred seems promising," she remarked one evening at a ball, pointing out a quiet, unassuming debutante.

Percy barely glanced at the lady in question. "If I wanted someone who would bore me to tears, I'd marry a book," he quipped.

Lavinia rolled her eyes. "Your standards are absurd."

His gaze turned toward her, sharp and unsettling. "And yet you seem determined to meet them."

Before she could respond, a young lord approached, bowing deeply to her. "Miss Somers, might I have the honor of this dance?"

Percy's expression darkened, though he said nothing as Lavinia allowed herself to be led away. Still, she couldn't ignore the heat of his gaze following her every step.