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“I feared you weren’t returning and confess, felt great regret that it might be so.” Rather than respond to her criticism, Fletcher side-stepped a couple, displaying more exuberance than dancing skill. “Are you well?”

LadyHuxley gave a wary glance around, then nodded.

“Fletcher, Huxley is suspicious. We must tread carefully.”

Thatcomplicated things to no end.

“You know I want to help you, Samantha,” Fletcher murmured for her ears alone. “I cannot unless you trust me.”

“He beat me. I am covered in bruises, though he makes sure they are where no one can see them. That’s why we haven’t been in attendance.” She raised misty eyes to him as they turned upon the floor. “He’s not sane. He’s sworn to destroy you.”

AndFletcher still didn’t know why.

Hemust get her away from her husband, but not until he had concrete proof. Somehow, he must persuade her tonight to tell all.

Fletcherglanced over her head, then around the ballroom with the guests swathed in their evening finery. “After the dance ends, pretend to go to the ladies’ retiring room. I’ll meet you. There’s a back way to my office from there. We can form a plan to secure your safety.”

Afterhesitating, she dipped her chin in a shallow nod.

Whenthe dance ended, she slipped away without a word.

Afterensuring Huxley wasn’t in the ballroom and hadn’t observed his wife’s departure, Fletcher exited through another doorway.

IfHuxley had grown suspicious this quickly, there was no time to waste.