Revised Edited Version

"Where do you think you are going?" Abagail asked and grabbed Jade's arm, swinging her in the opposite direction.

"To the drawing room to deal with that insipid fool, Alexander!" Jade answered with exasperation while crossing her arms.

"Have you no idea of your appearance? You look as if someone has thoroughly compromised you. Oh, wait... You have been compromised," Abagail whispered, frowning.

Jade's face flushed, and the stain on her cheeks matched her crimson lips. "Oh, dear, you are right! What was I thinking? Will you help me?" Jade asked in desperation.

"Let's go. We will have a lengthy discussion about your deplorable behavior soon. Right now, we must put you back together and deal with Mr. Winferd. You almost had your reputation ruined last night. Do you realize that? While I know, 'twas not your fault, you still had a man under your bed, and now this!" Abagail threw up her hands in annoyance. "Whatever were you thinking? Did Lord Anson take advantage of—"

"No!" Jade shook her head. "He may be a rakehell with a less than stellar reputation, but I was a willing participant. What happened to us discussing this at a later and more appropriate time, Abby?" Jade asked, looking left and right, afraid of being overheard.

"Appropriate... That seems to be the wrong word for you to use right now." Abagail lifted her brows and made her way to Jade's bedchamber.

Ashamed, Jade followed close on her heels. If Abagail is this upset, I dare not think how my mother or uncle would have reacted.

Upon entering her chamber, Jade sat in front of the mirror, running her fingers over swollen lips. Her reflection startled her. Despite trying, Jade couldn't hide her grin as she thought back on her thrilling unladylike behavior.

"This is in no way humorous!" Abagail growled. "Now wipe that silly grin off of your face, and look at the mess you've made. How will I ever fix your hair?" Without mercy, Abagail pulled the brush through Jade's rebellious locks.

Silence ensued as she braided Jade's hair. "Now, please splash your face, yet I doubt it will help your lips. We've spent too much time as it is." Abagail stood back as Jade sprung into action, without nary a complaint.

Tiny footfalls were the only sounds as they approached the drawing-room door. Jade grabbed her arm, forcing Abagail to look at her. "Abby, I detest when we are at odds. I am sorry I disappointed you, but I need your support right now. You know how I feel about that scoundrel, Mr. Winferd."

"Yes, and I am here for you. We shall find out what game Alexander is playing and outwit him." Abagail's soft yet stern words gave Jade the reassurance she needed to proceed.

∞∞∞

As they entered the room, Alexander stood and bowed. "Ladies, I trust you slept well."

"Slept well?" Jade asked, hostility lacing her words.

"Yes, I hope you are well-rested." Alexander smiled, unaffected by Jade's bitter tone.

"Mr. Winferd, your audacity astounds me," Jade said as she took a seat in the armchair farthest away from him.

"Oh, I see..." Alexander sat back down. "You are still perturbed. I hope we can put this contempt behind us and concentrate on business. I happened upon the fire and wished to see for myself that you were well." Alexander studied Jade as if she were prey.

"How exactly did you know I was at the theater?" Jade asked with a lift of one golden brow and accepted a cup of tea from Abagail.

"I did not know your whereabouts." He shrugged, the lie falling with ease from his mouth. "I heard rumors of the fire and I was close by, so I went to see for myself." He smirked. "It shocked me to see you outside the theater, but as I neared, I heard a cry for help and did what any gentleman would do. I followed the sound around the side of the burning building and rescued a woman buried under the debris." His gaze zeroed in on Jade like a challenge.

"So, you ran into a burning building to rescue a stranger? How very gallant, Mr. Winferd." Jade laughed. "Who, pray, was this fortunate girl you risked your life for?" Jade leaned back and crossed her arms, glaring at him.

"In all the excitement, I forgot to ask her name. I noticed a group of men approaching and left, knowing she was safe." Alexander met Jade's piercing scowl.

Jade probed further, sensing his uneasiness. "Why leave after risking your life to save her? Why not wait for the people approaching?" She narrowed her eyes and frowned.

"I did my duty, but did not want to intrude." Alexander smiled at Jade's interrogation.

"I see. Miriam, my cousin, survived the fire last night. Rescued by a nameless, faceless hero, and I have to wonder..." Jade tapped her chin, tilting her head.

The door to the drawing room opened, causing Jade to spin around at the sound. Relief, at the sight of her uncle, washed through her. Alexander always put her on edge, but she dared not show any weakness in front of the arrogant man. She prayed the duke would not fall for Alexander's smooth charm. Too many times, Jade bore witness to Alexander's uncanny ability to act like a perfect gentleman. She needed her uncle's support and could only hope the duke was wiser than most.

All three stood as the duke entered, and Alexander bowed while Jade made the introductions. "Uncle, would you care for tea?" Jade asked as she made her way to the tea trolley.

"Yes, poppet, thank you. Two sugars, please." The duke smiled as he took a seat across from Mr. Winferd.

"Before we begin, how does Miriam fare this morning?" Concern knitted Jade's brow.

"Miriam had a long night, but she is resting now. The doctor will examine her when she wakes," Lord Lennox answered, fatigue etched in his prominent face. Dark half-moon shadows harbored below his eyes, and stubble appeared on his jaw.

"I am glad she is relaxing, Uncle. Besides the burns on her face, did the fire do any more harm?" Jade asked.

"Well, she suffered a lot of smoke inhalation as well. She has burns on her arms, hands, and one of her thighs. Perhaps after we discuss business and break our fast, you could check in on her." Lord Lennox glanced at Jade with a weary smile.

Jade watched Alexander's perfect expression of empathy and prepared for his extreme charm. A single glance at her uncle confirmed he'd taken Alexander's bait.

Something tells me he is one step ahead of me. How will I ever outwit him with his depraved and perverse mind? I could never think as he does, nor expect what he may do next. His moral ground seems shaky at best, and I know he is a fortune hunter. What more do I know? He is not above using lies and bribery to attain what he wants, but would he go beyond that? And what of rescuing this woman from the fire? Could it be a falsehood or worse... Could he have saved Miriam? He will forever be a saint in my uncle's eyes if he risked his life for her!

Jade ceased her musings and jerked her head up, hearing the word 'Lady Miriam' pass Alexander's unscrupulous lips and scolded herself for woolgathering.

"Yes, Lady Miriam is my daughter, and no need to apologize, my boy. It is I who begs your pardon. You have traveled a great length for my sister and niece, and my manners have been remiss." He frowned. "I ask you to forgive the intrusion, and under normal circumstances, we would not burden you with personal and private matters. I assume Miss Fulton has explained the situation?" Lord Lennox asked, lifting his brows.

"Well, we have spoken of it, but I had prior knowledge of the fire, Your Grace. I caught wind of the matter and rushed from my hotel. And I must admit, the gossip I heard caused me a great deal of distress. Someone mentioned that you and your family were attending the opera, and I made haste. By the time I reached The King's Theater, the fire had almost consumed the building. Words escape me for the terror I felt!" Alexander took a shaky breath and raked his hand through his hair for emphasis.

He squared his shoulders, exhaling a long breath before continuing, "There were so many people, and I was unsure of what to do, so I ran toward the crowd, and that's when I saw Miss Jade and Miss Abagail. I can't construe or resolve the mollification, but it was short-lived once I realized Mrs. Fulton must still be inside. I forged through throngs of people and saw Mrs. Bella, along with your group, yet did not want to intrude on your privacy, so I made my way around the theater. As I headed back toward Brown's Hotel..." Alexander ceased speaking and stood from the armchair, appearing to choke back emotion.

"Mr. Winferd, are you quite all right?" Lord Lennox also stood, not knowing what else to do.

Jade sat open-mouthed at Alexander's spectacle, wanting nothing more than to clap at the performance. Just when she thought it had ended, Alexander persisted with his charade.

"Forgive me, Your Grace. I am overcome by it all." Alexander's voice broke, and he moved toward the fireplace, making a show of collecting himself. Lord Lennox turned to Jade, pleading with his eyes. She realized her uncle was at a loss for what to do. He wanted her help.

This show monkey's performance is absurd, and my uncle is falling for it! If I question his ridiculous emotion, I shall look like an ungrateful wench. Yet, I cannot make myself condolatory to his theatrics. Therefore, Uncle must think me rude and barbarous! Still, I shan't give the imbecile satisfaction.

Looking uncomfortable, the duke cleared his throat. "Yes, Mr. Winferd. It is natural to feel overwhelmed." He glanced over his shoulder again, seeming to beg for Jade's help.

"As I made my way through the crowd, I heard a cry for help." Alexander turned from the mantle, veering toward Lord Lennox. "At first, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. Then the cries became louder, almost feral. I knew someone was trapped in the blaze, and running out of time. There was so much debris, smoke, and scorching wood, but I couldn't think about that." Alexander held out both hands, palms facing the duke—blisters and angry red burns covered the insides of his hands.

"Good God, man! Have you seen a doctor?" Lord Lennox asked, eyes wide as saucers.

"No, just treated with ointment and bandaged it last night. 'Tis nothing compared to what others suffered. I wasn't thinking and grabbed a charred beam, but it was a dire circumstance and my biggest obstacle. Once removed, I discarded the rest of the debris and carried the girl to safety." Alexander exhaled a long, ragged breath.

"You said you were walking past the theater when you heard a cry for help..." His Grace raked both hands through his hair. "Someone risked their life for my daughter, and I saw a man walking away toward Brown's Hotel," Lord Lennox said, searching Alexander's eyes.

"Yes, I made sure she was safe, and that's when I heard men approaching. I felt I should leave, but perhaps I should have stayed." Alexander hung his head as if shamed.

"Mr. Winferd, I believe you saved Miriam's life! It all makes perfect sense now. She mentioned an accent and said you spoke like Jade. You saved my little girl, and I will forever be indebted to you." Lord Lennox smiled as a single tear escaped down his cheek.

Jade and Abagail sat stunned, looking at each other. Neither knew what to say or do, but they knew this was indeed disastrous. Jade felt hot, and nausea coiled in the pit of her stomach.

"Mr. Winferd, allow me to prepare one of our finest rooms for you and send a servant to collect your things. I insist you move in here for the duration of your stay. Please allow me to take care of the expenses of the hotel as well. I wish to reward you for your bravery!" Lord Lennox spoke in a rush, holding his hand out for Alexander to shake.

"Your Grace, no!" she shrieked, jumping from the armchair. Vertigo overtook Jade, and her world went black.

∞∞∞

 So, the insufferable cad, Alexander, will be staying under the same roof as Jade!!!! This cannot be good!!! Please remember to vote and comment! 

Always, Lady Lisa 💜 💜 💜 💜 💜