Chapter 48

“I believe Charlotte mentioned at least four.” As he spoke, Nick wondered how difficult it would be to convince his sister to limit that number.

“So you wouldn’t return home until early morning.”

“As usual.”

“What a shame. I was thinking, perhaps, if you were free…”

Nick thought swiftly. He could insist they leave for the next ball as soon as possible—considering his encounter with Esmond, it might be best—and on the way to the next one, Nick could give Charlotte her options. He could escort them home after another hour, or they could attend all the balls without him and return home at whatever time they liked. She wouldn’t like it, but she couldn’t create a scene in the middle of the ballroom. “Charlotte will want us to visit Lady Arment’s rout, but after an hour or so there…”