Since Dillon's return from America, he had been concerned about his nurse, Prudence Stanton. Her father, the Earl of Montfort, died, while he had been at sea with Lord Grey. Dillon had ridden by her house to give her his condolences, but she was not at home. The sight of the residence in such disarray warned him that all was not well. There were appalling rumors that her brother had gambled everything away.

Dillon visited the hospital in hopes of speaking with her there, but regrettably, she was with patients. Without her, he knew he would not have lived through the burns he had endured. Her extra attention and care saved him. He was determined to see to her well being.

At the return of his sister, his thoughts returned to the present. A frown of impatience wrinkled her brow. Dillon looked to Lawrence for an explanation. Instead, his brother-in-law shook his head as if being warned not to ask. So he waited.

Alison laid her gloved hand over his sleeve. "Since you are hesitant to ask one of the many ladies present to join you on the dance floor, perhaps you need practice. Would you care to dance with me?"

"I suspect you are correct. The disfigurement of my scars will likely have not to do with their cringe of fright."

"Brother, you have become utterly vain. You worry too much about your appearance when you are stylishly admired with your trimmed beard and daringly long hair. Come, you may demonstrate how light you have become on your feet while practicing the skill of swordsmanship with Lady Gabriella."

He led her onto the dance floor and joined in a Quadrille where others could stare but would only need to touch his gloved hand. To his surprise, he was greeted with smiles as everyone enjoyed the dance. With his sister's encouragement, he invited one of the ladies to join him for a dance, and she accepted. Because of her ease with him, his confidence improved. However, he did not fool himself that a debutante would encourage a courtship by a scarred man such as himself. Nor was he ready to face such a test. Only one lady had gained such trust with him.

* * *

Before dusk the following evening, as Dillon had been on his way home from Whites, he came across a shocking display of mistreatment to Lady Prudence. Her brother, the new Earl of Montfort, had a firm grip on her wrist as he forcefully dragged her out the door of their house and down the steps. The kicks and strikes to his person did little good to gain her freedom.

Determined to put a stop to such brutality, Dillon quickly reined in his horse near the iron fence by the street, but before he had a chance to dismount, Prudence knocked her brother to the walkway and began using both fists on him. Robert rolled to his feet, grabbed her wrists, and yanked her back up, and then he raised his fist. She instantly ducked her head and brought her arm up to protect her face from the blow she expected.

Dillon was off his horse and stomping towards them when he saw that arm rise. "Halt!" he commanded with a stern voice, men took heed of. They both turned his way. He saw the raw hope in her terrified eyes, and his fingers curled into a tight fist. "Release her."

She continued to try and free herself. "Let go of me," she yelled. When Robert refused, she turned pleading eyes to Dillon. "Please, help me."

"Shut your mouth," Robert said. He yanked her arm, causing her to stumble while he mercilessly pulled her towards his waiting carriage near Dillon's horse. "Mind your own bloody business, Lord Dewsbury," he said as he came near. "This is none of your concern."

Dillon determined at a glance what was going on. Prudence had been dragged from the house without a pelisse for warmth, while Robert wore an overcoat. Suddenly, she yanked her wrist free and ran to Dillon. He immediately moved her behind his back.

"Such treatment is not permissible of someone under your protection," Dillon informed him with a growl in his voice.

The hate directed at Dillon from Robert was enough to know she did indeed need his protection. Men fought duels over less reason than Dillon had been given. Her arms clung to his waist as she shook with terror.

Robert stomped closer as he demanded, "Release her, Lord Dewsbury! This is not your concern. She now belongs to another!"

Prudence stuck her head from behind Dillon's back to yell at her brother. "You sold me to cover a bet, which is despicable! You cannot do that!"

The statement sent a chill through Dillon causing his fists to tighten. He knew what some men would stoop to when gambling. It often turned into a vile sickness. His deep voice hardened into a threat as he warned, "She's your ward to protect, not to use for your gain. Because of this, I'll send my seconds by tonight. We will meet at dawn, your choice of weapons."

He reached behind him, pulled her to his side, and guided her to his horse. In one swift move, he took the reins and swung his body into his saddle while she stood waiting. The horse moved forward where he could reach her. Then he leaned down, wrapped his arm around her waist, and effortlessly lifted her onto his lap. She hugged his waist and clung to him.

Before they rode away, he saw Robert run back to the house. Dillon knew that he would be fleeing. Cowards always did what they had to in order to protect themselves. When he said they would meet at dawn, Dillon knew Prudence would not want him to kill her brother. Though, by tonight, Robert would have already fled. Most journeyed to France to escape debtor's prison as Brummell had after his outrageous bets.

Because he knew her problem would not end by her brother's departure, Dillon had to return to Whites. Their betting books kept a record of unusual wagers. It was seen as entertainment for those gentlemen belonging to the club. Some bets describe details, and this is what he needed to know.

It was crucial to learn whether the bet had been for one night with Prudence... or for ownership. Robert was known for his high-risk games. The man involved with him in this wager would most certainly try and collect her. She was worth a great deal of money.

Brothel's offered virgins to the highest bidder. The innocence of a high born, much less a blonde with Pru's slender beauty, would have a high market value. Even after losing her virginity, she would continue to bring a rich price as a whore until such time as she escaped or slit her wrists.

But then Dillon considered a different scenario. What if the man knew of the goodness she did for so many? He may have made that wager to prevent Robert from taking her to a brothel. Until he knew who was involved, along with the motives, she would remain under his protection. Longer, if necessary.

Prudence cuddled closer against him, and he knew she sought his warmth. In response, Dillon drew his fur-lined cape around her and heard her mumble thank you. She smelled of spring flowers and warm honey.

For the duration of the ride, she remained silent with her face buried against his chest, trusting him with her life. Anger had his jaw clamping tight at what she had gone through. If any woman deserved respect, Prudence did.

A short time later, he reined the horse in before a brick house and carefully lowered her to the ground. He watched as she briskly rubbed her hands over her upper arms for warmth. Instead of waiting to dismount, he swirled his cape from his shoulders and pitched it to her. She had it wrapped around her by the time his foot touched the ground. The sight of her shrouded in the warmth of what was his, more than satisfied him. He not only owed her for all she had done for him; his emotions for her also ran deep. Caring for her needs would be a pleasure.

He took the reins and tied his mount to the gunmetal hitching post designed with a ring extending from the mouth of a lion. When he turned, he offered his gloved hand, and she didn't hesitate to accept it.

"Is this your home?" she asked as she looked up at the three-story structure.

"No. This is my sister's residence. You will stay here until I can make other arrangements." He tugged gently on her hand to encourage her. "You will be safe here for now. Come."

She followed him up the porch steps and watched as he used the brass doorknocker that had the face of a lion. Her voice was whisper soft as she asked, "Do you plan to kill Robert?"

The question gave him pause. "Cowards do not accept duels. Before nightfall, he will likely be gone. Reneging on a wager will bring his creditors looking for him. Do you have relatives you can stay with?" Before she could answer, the door swung open.

"Lord Dewsbury." The butler bowed and opened the door wide for them to enter. His gaze quickly roamed over the lovely miss with leaves in her untidy blonde hair. She was bundled in the huge cape that dragged the ground behind her. "I will inform the mistress you are here. She is with Master Thomas in the nursery."

He would have loved to go up to see his nephew, but under the circumstances, he would wait. "Do you have a fire built, Jeffry? The lady is chilled."

"Yes, Milord. The library."

Dillon nodded, and guided Lady Stanton in that direction with a hand to her back. Once inside, he led her to a chair near the fireplace. She sat and held her hands towards the heat while keeping her gaze on him as he stepped to the mantle.

"Milord, I want you to know how very grateful I am for your kindness. You obviously knew my brother, and yet you stood up to him for me."

Dillon simply stared at her. "I could see what he was doing. No man should treat a woman with such contempt, especially his sister. As to knowing your brother, I only know him by reputation. Because of my status with the House of Lords, he likely knows me.

"Your brother has gained a rather bad reputation for gambling, so this too I knew about. When you said he sold you, it was all I needed to hear to be your protector. You need not be concerned for your safety, for I will make sure you are guarded. If you can, please explain what you know of your brother's wager." He put his hands behind him and clasped his wrist as he continued to watch her.

"Robert came home and said that an acquaintance of his desired to meet me. When I asked why he did not invite him to the house, he avoided the question, and admitted a man named Maxwell offered for me. I asked where we had met the gentleman, since I have not been granted a season, and Robert became angry. The more he lied, the more frustrated he became, and I realized what he'd done.

"His gambling has been out of control since before my father's passing. Since then, he has gambled away everything. I was all that was left. I am the daughter of an Earl, and my brother sold me like a horse."

His sister stepped through the door in time to hear that last statement. Dillon ignored the shock on her face as he fished a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Prudence.