Harriet pulled her hands free, then, for good measure, tucked them behind her back. For a mad moment, she wondered what would be worse—having to pretend to be on an intimate footing with the peacock who stood before her, grinning as if delighted to have the opportunity to torment her, or listening to more of Mr. Gower’s asinine declarations.

“Oh dear!” Mother said. “I am so horrid at making introductions. Captain Frakenham, this is Mr. Gower, an officer from our bank. Mr. Gower, this is Captain Frakenham, Harriet’s betrothed.”

As Mr. Gower reluctantly took the captain’s hand and the two exchanged greetings, Mother gripped Harriet’s arm and whispered in her ear, “It was the only thing I could think of.”

“How did you convince him to help?”

“I didn’t. I just…told him he was Captain Frakenham.” At Harriet’s astonished look, Mother blushed. “He doesn’t remember who he is, so what difference will it make?”

Harriet blinked. “But…what if he remembers his real name?” If he doesn’t already know it. Blast it, what is Mother thinking?

Mr. Gower looked as if he wasn’t sure if he was upside right or upside down. He kept shaking the “captain’s” hand, over and over as if unable to stop.

Chase didn’t know what he was enjoying more, the obvious shock the banker seemed to be experiencing or the look of pure chagrin on Harriet’s face. It was amazing, but Chase was beginning to believe he might actually get a little enjoyment out of this charade.

Truly, there was much to be said for assisting the Wards. For one thing, he was no longer a sanctioned member of society. He was free for once of the onerous St. John name. For this instant, he was a sea captain come to visit his beloved. An earthy, common sea captain, full of tales of excitement and derring-do, as far away from the confining restraints of what Chase St. John really was.

Chase’s heart took flight. He was going to enjoy this very, very much. He grinned at the banker. “Mr. Gower, I’ve heard quite a bit about you. I’m delighted we finally meet.” Chase looked down at where the banker was still mindlessly shaking his hand. “Would you mind releasing my hand? I may need it sometime in the near future.”

Gower reddened and stepped away. “I’m sorry. It’s just that you—Captain—I cannot believe—that is to say, I didn’t think you—”

“Didn’t think I what? Would return for my Harriet?” Chase reached over and slid his arm about Harriet’s waist, grinning when he heard her sharp intake of breath. She was a tightly made little bundle, he realized with some pleasure as his hand grazed her hip. “How could I leave such a tasty morsel alone?”

Dead silence met his pronouncement.

Mrs. Ward laughed a little uncertainly. “Captain Frakenham, the things you say!” She fanned herself a little. “The captain has been at sea a very long time.”

“Indeed,” Gower said, his jaw set, his brows lowered. His gaze roamed over Chase a moment, then stopped on the bandage. “I see you are injured.”