"Did I just hear correctly? Her brother tried to sell her?" Alison moved directly to the young lady and placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her from standing. "I presume you rescued her from that dragon?"

"She saved herself. I became her method of escape." His tone was sober, but his brown eyes twinkled with humor from her comment. "This damsel in distress is Lady Prudence Stanton, the Earl of Montfort's daughter. May I present, my sister, Lady Alison Hilcroft, wife of Lawrence Hilcroft, Marquess of Cumberland."

Prudence pressed up against the hand on her shoulder to stand. She bent a knee while bowing her head before Lady Hilcroft, who returned the greeting of respect.

"My brother has often resembled a knight in his gallantry. 'Tis sad he is but a weary Viscount." She smiled at his deep laughter. "Have you decided what is to be done?" Her gaze traversed between them but settled on Lady Stanton, who kept her eyes focused on the floor.

Her face revealed her embarrassment. "My situation leaves me in dire need, I'm afraid. I have an aunt in Scotland, but she's incapable of taking me in. Her husband died, and she relies on the clan for survival. Nor would my father's relatives help me. I am the daughter of his second wife, born a commoner, which makes me tainted. Robert is my half-brother. His mother was the daughter of an English Baron, thus acceptable, even though he has gambled away Father's entire fortune." Her head remained bowed in shame. "He also stole my dowry. No man would want me now."

"That's not true. I'm sure Dillon can find you a husband." Alison glanced up at her brother and met the surprise in his eyes. Yet, she had cocked her brow waiting for his agreement.

His sister's suggestion was outlandish. She knew that he hoped to court Pru. "We will discuss the particulars later. For now, I will leave you to take care of her needs. I have further business concerning this."

"You're leaving?" Prudence asked with distress in her voice.

"I will return shortly, Lady Stanton. You are in capable hands." He bowed and headed for the door.

"Wait!" Prudence called out. "Your cape." She hurried towards him while removing the heavy warmth and handed it to him. "I must speak with you... alone."

He waited to hear what she had to say and watched as she looked over her shoulder at his sister, who moved to ring for a maid. His voice was more command than inquiry. "What is it you desire to say?"

She looked at him with patience. "My brother said if I didn't go with him, he'd be killed. Because you saved me, what is to stop my brother from going to that man and telling him that you took me? I've put you and your sister in danger. I should leave. Then you can make it known that you took me to another location."

He studied her and knew she didn't realize the insult she had given him by thinking he could not protect his family or her. "I understand what is involved. Did he say who this man was?"

"No, just the name Maxwell. Nor did he say, Lord Maxwell. He could be a commoner or own a brothel or gambling den for all I know. Do not think that I am not aware of the hell you saved me from?"

"You should never have been treated thusly. I will learn who's involved. Can you trust me enough to do as I say?" She nodded. "I must leave for now. Stay with my sister until I am able to find a safe place for you. Since I am a bachelor, I cannot take you to my residence."

"I do not want to endanger your sister and her family. Perhaps she knows someone I could stay with."

He nodded. "Then speak with her. I will return for you." With that, he continued through the library door into the foyer. The moment he threw the cape over his shoulder he smelled her perfume, and the scent lingered as he stepped outside.

Because of the reputation he had gained among his peers, most would know he wouldn't hand over an innocent woman to be used as a courtesan because of a gambling debt. That meant only one thing. Whoever agreed to the wager would need to kill him and then take the woman—once they found her. Until then, he would be relatively safe from being shot in the back.

* * *

Dillon stepped inside Whites and handed his cape to the doorman. The familiar sound of his friends' laughter came from the adjoining room. They stood side-by-side pointing at what was written in the betting book while reading aloud.

These men had proved their loyalty to him many times over and he had reciprocated time and again whenever they faced trials.

Daniel Long came into his title, Earl of Westonshire, by default. A carriage accident killed his brother, the heir, and their father. Daniel was the spare. He had graciously maintained their mother's place at the estate and tolerated her visits during the season in London. Like most mothers with sons, they harped on finding a wife and begetting heirs. It had become an uncomfortable situation for him.

When Dillon met Jasper Mills, a big burly man, it was hard to get to know him since he kept to himself. The exception was the game of Cricket. They were on the same team at Cambridge. Dillon quickly saw he was extremely intelligent, with a short temper for stubborn stupidity. He often used his brawling techniques to get a point across. Thankfully, he also had a sense of humor.

Because of Dillon's experience in business, Jasper began asking questions he wasn't receiving answers for in school. His quick ability to apply what he learned increased what money he won as a champion pugilist.

It wasn't until Jasper came into his title that Dillon learned he was bastard-born. Yet he was recognized as the heir apparent, because he was the only son out of two legitimate sisters. Jasper never wanted the title or the responsibility because of the resentment surrounding him. His half-sisters hated him but, yet, at the time, needed his help to survive. After they wed, all communication stopped between them, which had afforded Jasper the space he needed to gain peace.

Ever since that time, they had become more like brothers than just friends. Regardless of the trouble that came their way, they had each other to rely on and this was such an occasion.

Dillon stepped beside them to see what they were looking at. But he knew it was an entry too new to be associated with Robert's bet. Nor would such be considered funny.

Jasper turned his head and asked with surprise, "What brings you back? I thought you had a meeting."

"I recognize that expression," Daniel stated. "There's trouble."

"I need to speak with both of you. I'll buy you a drink." Dillon glanced at the book and then turned to lead them into a more private room.

Once the drinks were served, he explained what happened and the aspects of danger. They agreed to go and discuss terms for the duel, though they both knew it was a waste of time, other than collecting the lady's belongings. Dillon regretted not asking her about any household staff. He assumed help had been dismissed, but if no one responded to their knock, they would have their answer.

A little snooping was something sailors thought to be important. When they had sailed with Lord Grey on his ship, Aurora, they were taught such stealth. Of course, part of it had been because Lord Grey's family had been aboard and the games had kept his children and his wife entertained.

Daniel set his glass down to make a suggestion. "A few months ago I bought a small house outside of the city, given that I had a mistress. As you know, we parted ways leaving the house empty. Since Lady Stanton needs a place to stay, she may stay there. No one knows of it as it would have defeated the purpose. I have a maid that sees to it."

Dillon frowned not really liking the idea of her being out of his sight. "A good idea if you two escort her to the house and make sure she stays safe. Because Robert did not deliver her to cover his bet, someone may watch her house. In the morning, I've decided to take her to Edward and Gabby's estate. As you know, those retired sailors Lord Grey has running Greystone keep it pirate-free, regardless of those pirates being landlocked. Prudence will be safe there and have the freedom for walks, not to mention entertainment."

Laughter spread around the table. "She'll have plenty to learn, that's for sure," Daniel said with a chuckle. "I'll assure her safety by staying the night at the house with her. After all she did for you, she deserves it. Do you want Jasper and me to accompany you to Greystone? I would rest easier knowing you weren't alone. We can use my carriage for the trip. If you take yours, it would defeat the purpose with your crest on the side. I'll use my town coach to pick her up."

"I have an idea of how to keep her whereabouts a secret..." Dillon explained a plan, and they agreed. "When we return, we will need to send some of Lord Grey's men to a few of the brothels and gaming dens. I doubt their questions will seem suspicious."

Jasper nodded. "Let's check the betting books before we leave, even though such a wager would cause tongues to wag."

They read the wagers and started from the month before. Nothing whatsoever was mentioned concerning the bet. They determined the game had been private or at one of the despicable gaming houses on the skirts of the slums.